I'm back - hopefully for good

[WyndWoman]

I'm back after a 6 month hiatus from Atkins (or any other kind of diet, other than "see food and eat it.")

I started on Atkins a year and a half ago and stuck with the diet pretty well for a year. However, I only lost about 20 pounds and couldn't seem to get past that spot. When I went for my annual physical last September, because I was still over 200 pounds, I was sure my cholesterol and everything would still be sky-high (I had triglycerides at 450 and total cholesterol at about 300 the year before) . In the past my cholesterol only came down when I lost significant weight. (yes, I'm a yo-yo). I was thrilled when my readings came out with tri-gly's of 160 and a total cholesteol of 180. I coudn't believe it.

I'm not really sure what happened - I'd begun to fall off the wagon a few weeks before my annual exam, and it just got worse, even though my lipids were so much improved. Apparently that wasn't enough motivation to get back on the wagon...

Anyway, 6 months later, I'd gained back the 20, plus 2, so I was back to my highest weight ever.

So, Tuesday I decided enough was enough when someone brought mini peanut butter cups to a meeting and I mindlessly ate about a dozen of them. I went back on Atkins at noon and have been "proper" for 5 days now.

I was amazed at how quickly I got into "controlled appetite" mode. The "watershed" period came on day three - I spent the entire day peeing like crazy. Fortunately I haven't had any induction flu issues.

I'm going to make some changes this time around, because I know why I didn't lose more weight:

1. Lack of exercise (I've signed up for Curves this time, to at least get me back into the exercise routine that I completly lost when I broke my foot 3 years ago.)

2. Over-reliance on commercial low-carb products, especially the "bars" of various sorts. (This time I'm going to concentrate on whole, unprocessed foods and save the commercial products for absolute emergencies and the very occasional treat. The Russell Stover orange-chocolate thingies are fabulous)

My exception to rule #2 is 1 Slim Fast LC shake for breakfast most days per week. They are very low in SA's, extremely convenient for my lifestyle and last me through the whole morning until noon. If I find that I'm not losing satisfactorily after a few weeks, I'll cut them out and see if that makes a difference.

So, here I am - down three pounds already (mostly water, I know, but that's ok with me.) I'm glad to be back!

...gotta go find that psyllium pancake recipe....

[2big4mysize]

welcome back
Just one caustion if you have already made up your mind to havw that shake examine the label because not all low carb itens are set up for Atkins low carbing. Make sure you are geting enough fat in that shake most are high protein low carb andthat will mess your Atkins weight loss up cause proteins for fuel need insulin and insulin is a fat storing hormone. if your shake it too high protein divid the protein grams times 4 by the total cals and that number should be close to .3 if it is higher add some healthy fat about a table sppoon should be plenty to your shake and you should be back in Atkins ratios and in the fst burning protein sparing Atkins mode.

HAppy low carbing.

there is a new to you TDL exercise challenge in the Century club you can join and there is also a brand new 6WEC starting tomorrow you can sign up for.

Happy low carbing.

[Nutri_Nut]

I, too, took a leave of absence from Atkins for almost a year. I gained back most of the weight I lost, but my cholesterol profile has greatly IMPROVED since I stopped eating low-carb! It was NOT bad while I was low-carbing and improved from where it was before I started this WOE, but the doctor was even amazed at how low my "bad" cholesterol and total cholesterol levels were.

Anyway, I would like to get back on track; however, I do not believe I could take another induction period.

Like you, I stopped losing weight after awhile. No matter what I did, I could not lose. So the motivation to keep going was gone. I've heard that when you go off Atkins and start again, the weight loss is slower and more difficult. That alone makes me hesitate. If it doesn't appear to be working, I will have very little patience to continue.

I look forward to reading about your progress. Hopefully you will have no problem losing this time.

[michigangirly]

welcome back! :wave

[fawn]

Welcome back to Atkins! I would agree with the shakes. They may hinder your loss. It's probably a time issue I would imagine.

Can you throw together an egg casserole and divide it into portions separately bagged for a grab and go? It will be worth your effort I promise! You can get your protein and veggies all in one bite!