Announcement

**SunnySmile501** · March 9, 2009, 02:55 PM

Re: Hi

Let's take this in stages:

Disclaimer: Tough love and straight shooting ahead.

My question to anybody out there that might know...why am I not losing this time around? Have I lost the ability to lose this way because of my crazy skipping from diet to diet? Should I just stick it out and see if I can beat this...

I am sure that this is at least a big part of the problem. You've confused your body and abused diets until it probably is going to take some doing to heal your metabolism. Your body's job is to protect you from starving, and quite frankly, from doing yourself harm by constantly yo-yoing and and other disastrous dieting practices like diet pills.

What are your other options besides sticking it out until your body can trust you to be making some healthy decisions this time? Jump to yet another "diet" or pill?

You are too impatient for immediate results, given your dieting history. You've been back on low carb since the middle of February--this is the 9th day of March. Barely three weeks. And not doing Atkins correctly (I'll get to that in a second), what can you expect? You've been flopping back and forth with Atkins for nine years, by your own admission, and you expect the magic to happen in three weeks?

The seven or eight pounds in three weeks are not "real" losses? What are they? You're expecting magic, again?

I started out doing strict Induction (keeping my carbs around 10-15 daily and only using low fat meats) so I'm doing everything right.

This is not strict Atkins Induction. Atkins is high fat, so you are doing this WOE wrong by eating only low fat meats. You should be eating high fat, moderate protein and low carb to get into ketosis and to start losing fat. High protein will cause you to store excess as fat. Your numbers on induction should be 65% fat, 35% protein and 5% healthy carbs (mostly from veggies).

You have no need to eat less than 1,200 calories on induction. You don't even need to count calories if you follow the rule of only eating until your hunger is satisfied and not stuffed. You should not go over six waking hours without eating.

From the sounds of it, you have not even been consistent for the short three weeks you have been back on low carb.

I was at 270 yesterday (Sunday) and 273 this morning, I went to the gym (for the first time this time around) today and got on the scale after the workout and weighed in at 270...I can't wait to see where I am in the AM.

This is not Atkins, either. Exercise is not an option on Atkins. So you wanted to lose how many more pounds than seven or eight in three weeks when you are not eating fat in the right proportion and you just started the required exercise yesterday?

After abusing your body for over nine years, it is time for you to take responsibility for your attempts at losing the weight and becoming fit and healthy. You need to read the book and do it right from the first day. It would be better if you weigh and measure on your first day doing Atkins correctly (high fat, exercise, drink lots of water) and then hide both scale and measuring tape for at least a month. With your history, you need to lose the "instant gratification" expectations from the weight loss program.

I believe you can do it, but it is going to take some long-term effort and commitment on your part. Three weeks can not ever wipe out over nine years of bad eating habits and unhealthy diets.

Sunny!

**Ryan.Stoeppel** · March 9, 2009, 04:16 PM

Re: Hi

Listen to Sunny...she's knows her shiz

Everything she said is absolutely right on. If you don't have DANDR (2002 edition) I suggest you pick it up. If you do have it I highly suggest re-reading because there is low carb, and then there is Atkins. Atkins absolutely works if you do it correctly. I've been on it for only 2 weeks and I've already lost 10 lbs (granted that is WITH exercise...so you best get to stepping as well).

My personal suggestion is stop weighing yourself so much! Seeing those numbers not change after a couple hours is no big deal, but you make it into a big deal. When you do that your body becomes stressed, and one of the defense mechanisms your body has for coping with stress is storing fat. If you absolutely HAVE to weigh yourself every day, at least do it at the same time every day (a little hint is that number will usually be the lowest in the morning after your first urination/excretion). Also, get a tape measure and take your measurements at least twice a month. Sometimes if you aren't losing the lbs you are losing the inches (as I personally found out this past week).

Stick this out, it works. You've already seen that yo-yoing between diets does not work. Learn patience, learn what Atkins really is and you will see the results you hope for. Good luck.

**basketballbelly** · March 10, 2009, 06:09 AM

Re: Hi

1st of all Sunny, I never said I was low fat...I said I was eating lean meats, chicken, fish, (which are on the induction list) I also eat my share of cheeses, and dishes made with heavy cream, I'm getting enough fat. I will start using fitday to make sure but I have no doubts there.

I am all for tough love and being honest, but really...did I state I wanted to jump to another pill or another diet? I dont' think so...I simply asked a question that could have been answered nicely, yes, stay the course, you can ride this out. This is the first time I've experienced this with Atkins, I've never gone this long without a loss, and as far as the 7-8lbs are concerned I do not consider a loss something that keeps coming back...I am eating strict Induction foods yet I am 278 this AM...I just can't figure it out.

As far as exercise is concrened, I was not doing so under a doctors orders, my joints have been torn up under all this weight, I was told to lose about 15lbs before I started an exercise routine, I think my doctor knows what he is talking about, he did not say no exercise, he simply told me to wait. I added exercise back in yesterday because I don't know what else to do (against his orders) and I'm up another 7lbs this morning!

I have a small meal (snack sized) every two hours, I 've been doing that from the beginning, I'm not sure why you think I'm starving myself? As far as eating less than 1200 calories, I think I stated quite clearly that I refuse to starve myself, I put that part in to keep away the people who are going to tell me to eat less calories...I will not starve myself to lose weight, this woe allows us to eat until full and lose...that is why I'm back, WW did not allow that.

Maybe you did not understand what I wrote, or maybe I was not clear. I have been going up and down since about the 15th of Feb. I started at 265 I am now 278...I've been down as far as 260 but it seems every day I am gaining not losing...it is not because of exercise because I am just beginning that now (up 7lbs in one day

)

I'm not sure where you are getting instant gratification? I have given myself until October of '10 to get this weight off...nothing at all instant about that. I'm really at a loss, I have no idea what you are talking about. I understand three weeks can not erase my eating history, I never stated I wanted that to happen, I'm simply asking if this can be overcome, if I should be looking somewhere else because I've ruined my chances of making Atkins work...I believe I took responsibility for my actions in that statment...

Maybe I was not clear with my original post, going from this one, can someone please give me advice that actually pertains to my situation. Sunny, thank you for your input.

I have the book and have read and re-read it. I'm not doing anything wrong in my woe, I'm right on track according to the good doc himself.

I weigh daily, not hourly...who would weigh themselves hourly...I work, where in the world would I find a scale? I weighed twice yesterday because I wanted to see if there was any difference between the scale at home and the one in the gym...studies have shown that people who weigh daily lose more and maintain their weight longer, I'm not one of those people who sees a number and decides I have to quit...I'm only asking a question...no desire to quit or give up weightloss.

I've changed so many times because my doc instructed me to. First it was WW (even after I told her it would not work for me) then it was phen, which was prescribed by her...not because I'm flakey or because I am impatient...I'm back to Atkins because I know it works, I've just never seen anything like this before. Usually in the first two weeks I lose between 8-12lbs (always have) and then it is a slow steady shift downward, I'm not seeing that this time.

Sorry I confused so many...anybody out there with advice?

basketballbelly

**Ryan.Stoeppel** · March 10, 2009, 08:33 AM

Re: Hi

Basketballbelly, there are two things I am noticing.

First, your story from your first post to your second one has changed. In your first post you specifically said that "I started out doing strict Induction (keeping my carbs around 10-15 daily and only using low fat meats) so I'm doing everything right." You are fooling yourself if you think that is doing Atkins right. Sunny gave you the numbers for Induction so I won't repeat them, but LEAN, LOW FAT meats are not what you want. Lean and low fat are for all intents and purposes the exact same thing, just with different wording. This diet is based on high fat, moderate protein and low, controlled carb intake. Also, where are your 10-15 carbs coming from? Most of that should be coming from salad veggies.

Second, Atkins is not about calorie counting. The book specifically states that we are to eat until our appetite is sated, and calories don't play a part in that at all; and to make sure we are eating at the least every 6 waking hours. It sounds like you are getting that in based on what you said in your most recent post about snacks.

What are your snacks? It would be incredibly helpful if you could post a typical menu for your day so we can see if there is anything that might be holding you up. Are you drinking lots of caffeine? What about artificial sweetener? Cheese? A great tool for you to use is the website FitDay - Free Weight Loss and Diet Journal It is a free service which helps you keep track of your food, exercise, weight, etc.

I still don't think you should be weighing yourself on a daily basis because our bodies go through many changes just in a 24 hour period, especially when adjusting to a new style of eating and/or exercise. If you have to weigh yourself every day fine, but don't go by those numbers. Add up the numbers for the week and average them, and that will give you a much clearer picture of what is really going on with your body. Gaining 3 pounds in 24 hours might be nothing more than the fact that you had too much salt in your diet the previous day so you are retaining more water than normal.

If you think any of what anyone is saying to you is harsh it is only because we are all familiar with Atkins and we know it works. We want to see you succeed, so please don't misconstrue tough love as hostility.

**basketballbelly** · March 10, 2009, 09:09 AM

Re: Hi

Wow, what an interesting board. I don't equate tough love with hostility, I would just like advice that actually fits. I did not list all the foods I was eating in the first post, my mistake, I think I've clarified that now.

I don't count calories...why are you looking for something to put down? I said my calories are between 1200 - 1800 daily, how do I know that? Because I have learned over the last 9 or so years how to gage my intake...nothing more nothing less...

I weigh daily because I enjoy doing so. The number on the scale is my gage of how I am doing, some people like the tape measure, some people like the way they look in clothing, I enjoy the scale...seeing the numbers go down is ideal...I am doing this to lose weight.

Daily menu

7:30AM Breakfast: 1 Atkins Advantage Vanilla drink cup of herbal tea

9:30AMSnack: Celery or one or two of my chicken breast nuggets (from Linda's Low Carb site) chicken breast rolled in pork rinds fried in canola oil

11:00AM Snack: usually celery sometimes it will be another Atkins Shake if I'm more than just wanting a little bite or it can be celery, never a mixture of them

12:30PMLunch: Seafood bisque (everyday...love the stuff) from Luxury Low Carb Living: Fresh Cod, Fresh Salmon, fresh, clam strips, fresh shrimp, heavy cream, butter, celery, challots and a splash of brandy that is all that is in this bisque.

2:00PMSnack: Celery

3:00PM Snack: I always have a salad at 3PM (the bewitching hour for me) it usually is comprised of iceberg lettuce, cucumbers, oil and vinegar

5:00PM Dinner: Usually something either with chicken or fish but I will sometimes fit in a prime rib (my favorite but for some reason red meats trigger my sweet tooth) by this time I'm usually so full that I simply can not even think of eating anything else.

Relaxing for the evening.

Today I have had

Breakfast: 4 chicken nuggets (mentioned above)
2 cups of Snapple Black Tea (lemon flavored)

Snack: 2 chicken nuggets

Lunch: salad made of salmon mixed with shaved cabbage, mayo, splenda and vinegar

I have consumed 2 bottles of water so far today

I will go to the gym today (in about an hour)

How does this look?

Again, thanks for your help.

basketballbelly

**Georgiana** · March 10, 2009, 10:33 AM

Re: Hi

Should I try? Just kidding. Hi, everybody!

basketballbelly, the reason why Sunny advised you to opt for fatty meats instead of lean meats is for you to meet that 65% fat, 5% carbs, 30% protein percentages required for induction. It is a little more difficult to do this if you are eating lean meats, yet not impossible. Track your foods in Fitday and that will tell you whether adjustments are necessary or not.

The shakes contain ingredients illegal for induction (milk). I know what the Atkins company says (shakes are suitable for all phases, blah, blah), but this is not what Dr. Atkins said. He wrote that, during induction, we should not eat anything that is not on the list of acceptable foods. Since shakes contain milk, they should not be drank during the first two weeks. You can try adding them in OWL. You might have had shakes before on Atkins without them negatively affecting your weight loss, but the sad truth is that our bodies change a lot as we age, especially when we switch back and forth between different diets.

Same holds for your weight loss. Don't compare it with what you lost years ago. It can be frustrating not losing as fast as before, but if you lose, that's all that matters.

You cannot gain 7 lbs in 1 day, so don't worry about them. If you are not used to exercising, your muscles will retain water. This water will make the scale show a higher number. Increase your water intake and it will go away in a few days. When I started lifting weights, I gained 5 lbs overnight (and I'm about 160 lbs, so my weight is in the normal range). It happens, but is not "true" weight.

You seem to be eating a lot of vegetables, which is a good thing. But for induction, make sure you stick to three cups.

Whether Atkins will start working (better) for you if you stick to it... I don't think anyone on this board can give you a definitive answer. The best you can do is try.

**ep611** · March 10, 2009, 10:42 AM

Re: Hi

It's so tough writing sometimes because we all interpret 'tone' differently! And we are here talking about something that is very emotional to all of us, so I think we can be overly sensitive on both sides...

My advice would be to 'simplify' your meals a bit, rather than eating prepackaged low carb products, use fresh, whole foods from the induction acceptable food list to create your menu, up your veggies to make up more of your daily carbs.

I too, am a total scale person. However, I am someone who averages about 1 lb/week weight loss but it comes off at 2lbs every other week which would make daily weigh ins frustrating. I would try and weigh no more than weekly, and measuring monthly. And above all else, be patient and keep with this WOE and please keep posting about your experiences or questions. I've found so far that most questions I run into, I can find the answers and more from another post, and there are a lot of supportive people on here.

Good Luck!

**melimeli** · March 10, 2009, 10:54 AM

Re: Hi

yea the shakes are bad news... hey stall me big time.. I find the EAS 1 carb shakes don't stall me but they aren't nearly as tasty.

For exercise... don't try a gym but just do some walking (I am sure your dr. hasn't prohibited that) As slow a pace as necessary but for at least an hour. Break it up if you need to. 15 minute walks 4 times a day?

As for your menu.. really have to add the fat. I know it is so weird. I have a hard time with it as I eat a lot of lean meat. but I find it works better if you eat more fat. You also may be insulin resistant. If so induction weight loss could take longer to see as your body adjusts. Do you have PCOS? By any chance? If so weight loss could be slower also. Just give it some time it will come along. You have to commit to make it work. So give yourself a month and then you should start seeing some weight loss. I know it sucks to wait but heck what other choice do you have? Sounds like you have tried everything else. I know I have gotten to a weight and stayed there so long I felt like I would never loose. That my body just wouldn't do it again. But look at the biggest looser. Those guys are way bigger and they loose. So really any body can loose it is just finding the right balance of everything. So stick to it. You body needs to adjust. Also try taking measurements because many times when the scale shows nothing your measurements will.

As for hostile messages. I have gotten a ton in the past. I don't feel anyone was really hostile towards you but I realize that we are all sensitive and emotional about our weight and weight loss. Some on this board can be downright rude. You have to take the good with the bad. It is a public forum with all kinds of people. The people who have posted so far to you.. really are good people that want to help. They are trying to point out errors that maybe can help you correct some things. Each person has their own style of delivery. So try to just pick out the good points in what you read and filter out what you don't like

good luck

**liv** · March 10, 2009, 10:55 AM

Re: Hi

I am just adding to what already have been said.
I think there are things you can do about your menu - some of the things you eat may work for some but obviously since you are not losing you really have to go super basic and clean here.
I suggest using fitday to get those numbers right. If you do not like to eat fatty proteins you may not be getting enough fats. Don't compensate with fat from dairy. Use butter, oils, mayo, avocado, olives to get your fat percentage up if you need to.

Cut out frankenfood. Those may look good on the advertising but not everybody can deal with it.
The Atkins shakes I would shelf for sure.
And how much carbs is there in that bisque you eat? How much cream? Brandy is not legal on induction

Also don't eat celery as a snack without adding something with fat. Celery with cream cheese maybe. Do you like eggs? Devilled eggs make good snacks. Always get some fat with your carbs.
The same is true for your fish and chicken - make sure you get some fat in with it.

Hope you start losing soon.
Great that you are visiting that gym. I am too.

Adding: But follow your doctor's advice and only do what seems right for your body.
Drink plenty of water

**Kathi22** · March 10, 2009, 11:14 AM

Re: Hi

When I first read Sunny's response I thought - WOAH, she blasted her! But Sunny is also right in what she is saying. Although you didn't say you would yo-yo or go to a pill, she and we see a pattern here. A pattern we all may have been guilty of ourselves.

Your menu seems like you are having more low carb processed foods then whole fatty foods. I am not an Atkins superstar, but I have weight loss success by eating meats, eggs, some cheese, veggies, and water. I would suggest cutting the shakes, soups, and tea. Stick to plain old water (no caffeine!!). Definitely stick this out. I have been stuck for 3 weeks and as I get feedback to my stall or problem I see where I can make adjustments. It's exciting to look forward to the scale going down, and even more excited to have clothes falling off of your not so big body as well as a healthier heart and body as a whole. Stay with us, follow the 2002 DANDR book and you will be thankful for it!!

**basketballbelly** · March 10, 2009, 12:43 PM

Re: Hi

Hello again all! I'm back from the gym, 20 floors on the stepper (almost killed me...lol) and one mile on the treadmill...I so love the gym.

Ok, I got on the scale again in the gym and it stated I am 269...I think I need to go and purchase another battery for my scale (the scale itself is ok, I just purchased it just over a year ago). I'm going with the 269, that makes sense...down 4lbs (mostly water...but at least the scale is looking better).

I want to thank all of you for your kind posts, I needed that. I received a PM that was equally supportive that really got me motivated and determined to stick with it. You guys are great.

Oooooh that smell...can't you smell that smell...after leaving the gym I could certainly tell I am in ketosis!

I am very inspired by the posts here today, thank you so much!

Georgiana - I agree, I have to realize that I'm older and heavier than I was years ago, I can not look at this and compare it with how my body preformed in the past. Forward thinking!

ep611 - The shakes are history I only have a few left, I will save them for OWL, do you consider the pork rinds I use to cook the chicken frankenfood? I've always eaten them in the past...again I have to stop thinking about how good things used to be....

melimeli - thank you all for the input on the shakes...they say Atkins, I've always consumed them so I just naturally thought they were ok...no more. I do love them though, I was also equating liquid with weightloss...I'm not really sure why...I did 1 mile on the treadmill today (I kept the speed between 3.0 - 3.5) but I walked, and will continue doing so daily, I also have a treadmill, a bike and other equipment at home (a little gym actually) I will attempt to get up in the AM and work out as well. I will start using Fitday again, I has been a while, is there a way to put in an entire recipe (I've cooked so many foods that I just can't throw out - wasteful, all Induction stuff but I guess I should be concerned about the fat, all of it is with either chicken and/or seafood). My mom always told me if you can't say something nicely, keep your trap shut!

Oh, by the way I do have PCOS, I'm on Metformin for it...(actually I just started taking it again on Monday)

liv - I have been relying on dairy for fats, actually that is the only place I get my fats, I figured it would kill two birds...fat and vit. D. So I will change that around, I'm not sure what to do about red meats, they really do trigger my sweet tooth...I'll have to figure that one out...maybe I can find fats somewhere else other than red meats. The only carbs in the bisque come from the cream, butter and a splash of brandy (for approximately 12 cups of soup, I put in about 1/8 c of brandy) so the brandy should not be running those numbers up...however, I will cut out my bisque, I only have two bowls left from this last pot (which will not go to waste...but after that I will not make it again for a while....

I don't remember reading that each snack had to have fat, but I'm not going to fight it...I've always used snacks as a way to get in my veggies, not sure what I can use as fat with my celery...I don't like cheese sticks they always taste salty to me...what do you eat for a snack? Are eggs a good source of fat?

Kathi22 - when you state it looks as if I am eating more low carb processed foods than whole fatty foods are you referring to the shakes and pork rinds? They really make up very little of my diet...I thought pork rinds were ok...

Back to the book...

Thank you all

basketballbelly

**Ryan.Stoeppel** · March 10, 2009, 12:48 PM

Re: Hi

"I don't count calories...why are you looking for something to put down? I said my calories are between 1200 - 1800 daily, how do I know that? Because I have learned over the last 9 or so years how to gage my intake...nothing more nothing less...

I weigh daily because I enjoy doing so. The number on the scale is my gage of how I am doing, some people like the tape measure, some people like the way they look in clothing, I enjoy the scale...seeing the numbers go down is ideal...I am doing this to lose weight."

This is the last time I will be addressing this posting; from now on I will just be an observer.

First off I am NOT looking for something to put you down about. I'm not saying you WERE concentrating on caloric intake, but Atkins doesn't really have you concerning yourself with it at all so there is little true reason for it to ever even be brought up. Atkins is not a portion-control diet, therefore caloric intake doesn't play the same role as it does with some other weight loss plans.This was the main point that I was trying to get across.

Second, I never said there was a problem with weighing yourself daily. There is, however, a problem when you use your daily weight as a gauge as to how you, personally, are doing, no matter what diet plan or pill you are on. It took years to pack on the pounds and they aren't gonna fly off overnight unless you get liposuction. What I said to do was to take each weigh-in for the week and AVERAGE it so that you get a better idea of what exactly you are looking at. As I indicated, a simple thing as too much sodium in your diet the previous day could be causing you to retain water weight.

Ryan

**Georgiana** · March 10, 2009, 12:49 PM

Re: Hi

Eggs are a good source of fat. You can also add olive oil to your salads, fry the meats, eat butter on your veggies (e.g. cauliflower or broccoli are great with butter). Celery goes well with cream cheese.

**Kathi22** · March 10, 2009, 12:57 PM

Re: Hi

Yes, basketballbelly (your name makes me laugh) I meant the shakes. Pork rinds are Ok but I am not sure if they are induction friendly. You are right that certain things inspire certain people and I admire you sticking up for yourself. Many posters here frown upon the scale and I am one of them - but I still weigh in weekly to see how I am doing - and sometimes I weigh in more if I feel I may have caused a problem. It's natural but be careful it doesn't control you.

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