Somebody please help me figure this out!!!

[almondina]

I have done Atkins before with a lot of success, but put weight back on due to two pregnancies. In total I have about 38 lbs to lose. I started induction about two weeks ago. I lost 4.5 lbs, and since then, nothing! If anything, I seem to be going up a little and then getting back to 168 lbs. This is so frustrating. I'm being very strict (way more than my previous times), but nothing! This is so frustrating. I want to keep going, but if this is what's going to happen, then I have to think of a different strategy. I'm thinking about doing the Kekwick fat fast to see what happens.

Atkins has worked for me in the past. I know it's a powerful tool. I really want to make it work again.

The weird thing in all of this is that my ketosticks are turning dark pink (the darkest they've gotten in my past attempts), so I know something is happening. I also know that my scale isn't broken. But why is my weight the same day after day after day?

I'd appreciate some advice and encouragement from all you fabulous people out there who may have experienced the same thing. Someone please tell me this will pass, or give me some advice as to how to proceed!!


Thanks!

[Bluebelt2007]

Re: Somebody please help me figure this out!!!

I know a lot of people always ask did you read the book. More importantly did you read it recently. I did Atkins about 8 years ago and lost about 80 pounds. Like many others I got off this WOE and over the next 8 years gained it all back and them some. I found myself trying Atkins a few times here and there, but it wasn't really working. What I found this time, while I thought I was being strict etc.., I was actually doing it wrong (just a little bit, which threw the hole thing off). This may not be your issue, but I just wanted to throw it out there. Also, you might consider posting your daily menu, so people can take a look for you.

Hang in there, this will work for you.

[sadie147]

Re: Somebody please help me figure this out!!!

It would probably be a good idea to post a few days menus, your stats (height, weight), any meds you are on etc?

It's hard to say what it is without alot of detail.

[julirama723]

Re: Somebody please help me figure this out!!!

Don't do the fat fast. If you've lost weight (which you have, 4.5 pounds, congraulations!) you're NOT metabolically resistant, and the fat fast can actually be dangerous. Stay off the scale for a while, as our weight fluctuates daily and hourly. Have you moved to OWL? There's no reason to stay on induction longer than 2 weeks--it will NOT help you lose more weight!

[Dropzofjupiter29]

Re: Somebody please help me figure this out!!!

Post your menus and what your eating, maybe their is something in your menu that is causing you to stall. Also measure measure measure!! Alot of times people see inches before the weight starts to go. Hang in there and keep at it!!

[EmDee]

Re: Somebody please help me figure this out!!!

I I found myself trying Atkins a few times here and there, but it wasn't really working. What I found this time, while I thought I was being strict etc.., I was actually doing it wrong (just a little bit, which threw the hole thing off). This may not be your issue, but I just wanted to throw it out there.

would you mind telling us what it was that was a little bit off?

[almondina]

Re: Somebody please help me figure this out!!!

My usual breakfast is some variation of 1-2 eggs (depending on how hungry and how busy my morning will be), cooked in butter. Sometimes I'll have some grape tomatoes, but I don't like "cold" food in the morning. Sometimes I'll have a slice of ham with it.

Lunch is usually about a cup of chicken or tuna salad, sometimes on a bed of lettuce or arugula or mixed greens.

For dinner, I usually have some protein (chicken, fish, steak, etc...) with a small salad with a home-made vinaigrette (made with no sugar or honey or dairy), or a side of steamed broccoli, or asparagus, or cauliflower.

I usually have one cup of coffee in the morning with a little half and half, and sometimes a cup of black decaf tea in the afternoon, unsweetened and without cream.

I usually take a little psylium fiber each day, as the book recommends.

I do take a low dose of antidepressant for seasonal affective disorder. I also take a multivitamin each day.

As I said, I've done exactly this regimen before and the weight has melted off. I don't know what the heck is going on right now.

I also drink plenty of water. I don't exercise in any formal way, but I have two small kids I run around with and after all day long.

I appreciate all the responses and would love some feedback on what I'm doing right now.

Thanks

[almondina]

Re: Somebody please help me figure this out!!!

Oh, and yes... I have read the book. I can practically recite the book at this point.

[sadie147]

Re: Somebody please help me figure this out!!!

Actually, if you only have 38 lbs to lose, then a loss of 4.5 pounds is right in line for the first 2 weeks, the average is approx 10% of what you are trying to lose.

You said you started induction 2 weeks ago and lost 4.5 pounds. average safe rate of weightloss is 1-2 pounds a week as well...so personally i think you are doing fine.

[snap]

Re: Somebody please help me figure this out!!!

I was thinking the same thing Sadie. The closer you get to goal the slower you lose. The only thing that I would do different is I would add exercise to the mix. Granted running after kids is hard work. But, it isn't the same as doing something like an intensive cardio workout. I would definately find a way to fit that into the day. If they take a nap during the day... jump rope or do a cool exercise video while they are sleeping.
Hang in there. You are doing a great job!

[almondina]

Re: Somebody please help me figure this out!!!

Sadie, It's funny to read "if you have 'only' 38 lbs to lose...". To me it feels like a huge amount of weight. I'm only 5'4". I guess my concern is that in the past I've lost like 10-12 lbs during induction, and this time it's really no comparison. I'm truly doing nothing different than what I did the summer before last.

Anyhow, thanks for all your advice and encouragement. I guess slow and steady is a good thing.

[almondina]

Re: Somebody please help me figure this out!!!

Oh, and another question... Should I actually ditch the idea of extended induction and go forth to OWL?

I agree about exercise. I have a beautiful brand new treadmill downstairs. I was waiting to be done with induction to start my exercise routine. During induction I find I need to be really gentle in the way I go about my days.

Thanks again...

[Adena]

Re: Somebody please help me figure this out!!!

Almondina, I had a similar experience as you have my first couple of weeks. I lost about 7 pounds (keep in mind, I had 100+ to lose) my first week to 10 days, and then nothing for weeks after that on extended induction. Once I moved to OWL, I started losing again, so YES, I'd suggest you don't stay on extended induction and move to OWL.

I know it's frustrating that it's not working as quickly for you this time, but it's likely your body changed alot having kids, metobolically and otherwise. I know mine did! But as others have said, having lost more than 10% of your goal is really right where you should be...

Hang in there!

[almondina]

Re: Somebody please help me figure this out!!!

Thanks Adena! I really appreciate the advice. In terms of OWL, I guess the first thing I should be adding on is more green or starch-free veggies. I will keep you posted on how it goes...

[almondina]

Re: Somebody please help me figure this out!!!

Ugh!!! I got so exasperated from the scale not budging that I just went and ate some chocolate! It's actually 70% cacao (which is supposed to be real healthy) and has only 2 % sugar, the rest of which are "polyols". My parents brought it for me from France and I've had it in my face for 4 weeks now without touching any of it, but I just caved in.

Maybe I just need a break from all of this. It's really distressing to make such a valiant effort and see little to no results.

I just went on fitday and am still within reasonable levels, but I feel like tomorrow I will get on the scale and have gained a little rather than losing. Also, I realize that I'm really in no rush to lose this weight. According to fitday, if I stretch it out to the end of August, I only need to lose .5 kg per week, which is totally do-able, I think. I've been in the habit of weighing myself daily because I've felt that keeps me on track. But I'm realizing that maybe that's not the best way to go at this point in life.

IDK...Maybe I need to take a break and eat mostly veggies or something for a day to get the taste of meat out of my system. One thing's for sure: if this system isn't going to help at this point in my life, there's no point in restricting myself to eating meat-based meals.

Hopefully my kiddos will sleep early and I can get on the treadmill for a little while.

Sigh....