1 month Anniversary

[miller98b]

Well, its been a month and I am down 10 pounds. I wouldn't have put this in the celebration forum, but I am forcing myself to do so because I am disappointed with my weight loss and I know that is irrational. As I type, I'm hoping I realize my lack of faith is unnecessary. Not looking for a pity party, just trying to convince myself to be realistic. I know 10 pounds is a great accomplishment, but at 290 pounds I was expecting more. I have been super strict and exercising 5 times a week. I take a multivitamin without iron. My FitDay calculations are right on target for fat, carbs and protein. I drink 80-100 oz. of water per day and I am right on target for the number and type of carbs ingested.

At this point, I am going to remain in induction for 2 more weeks and see what happens. Many of you are very right about the measurements. My clothes are fitting much better and will soon require replacement.

Question, what supplements helped your weight loss, if any? Thank you to ADBB members for your help in the tricky induction phase.

[Sarina D]

Re: 1 month Anniversary

Well, its been a month and I am down 10 pounds. I wouldn't have put this in the celebration forum, but I am forcing myself to do so because I am disappointed with my weight loss and I know that is irrational. As I type, I'm hoping I realize my lack of faith is unnecessary. Not looking for a pity party, just trying to convince myself to be realistic. I know 10 pounds is a great accomplishment, but at 290 pounds I was expecting more. I have been super strict and exercising 5 times a week. I take a multivitamin without iron. My FitDay calculations are right on target for fat, carbs and protein. I drink 80-100 oz. of water per day and I am right on target for the number and type of carbs ingested.

At this point, I am going to remain in induction for 2 more weeks and see what happens. Many of you are very right about the measurements. My clothes are fitting much better and will soon require replacement.

Question, what supplements helped your weight loss, if any? Thank you to ADBB members for your help in the tricky induction phase.

Happy Anniversary!!!!!!

Congratulations on what you have accomplished, that is TERRIFIC!!!!!!

I'm really glad that you decided to post this because it is VERY important to celebrate every accomplishment...remember, each pound lost moves you that much closer to achieving the "final result". One, builds upon the other...heck, if I lose a few ounces I'm happy...and trust me, I'm not kidding you on that...I do get excited and relieved that I'm continuing to move forward and closer to my goal! I'll TAKE whatever I can get and run with it!!! I came from being well over 400 lbs and with each and every loss I knew it was moving me along to where I eventually wanted to be....coming from carrying around that amount of weight and trying to stay focussed at times was very daunting...but I kept going and I made sure I recognized whatever little loss I achieved was exactly what was going to get me to where I wanted to be. I understand the frustration all to well BELIEVE me...but I also realized how important it was to reel myself in so to speak, stop being frustrated and focus that energy on moving forward.

So, step back my friend....savour what you have accomplished in the one month's time, congratulate yourself for eating properly, exercising, taking your vitamins, sticking with everything AND for losing 10 lbs!!!!!! You've done awesome and you'll continue too.

Thank you for sharing your exciting news with all of us...it's wonderful to be able to celebrate it together!

Keep it up!
Sarina
----------------------
Heaviest weight - 403 lbs. (2007)
April 1, 2008 - 387 lbs. (This is when I initially started to lose weight…but was not on Atkins at this point)
Atkins start weight – 347 lbs. (July 19, 2008 – began Atkins)
1st major goal met -----100 lbs. lost as of Oct 2, 2008 - Hit 300 lbs. on this day – From April 1-08 when I initially begin to lose weight.
2nd major goal met - 151 lbs. lost as of Jan 13, 2009 - Hit 249 lbs. on this day.
3rd major goal met - Wed, May 13-09 - Reached losing 200 lbs. in just over a year and a couple of months.
4th major goal met – Reached “Onederland” June 6-09 – 198 lbs.
5th major goal met - My 1 yr. Atkins anniversary - Weighing 184 lbs. this day
Current weight – 166.6 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

My personal Journey -
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...-done-yet.html (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!)

My Journal -
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...s-valleys.html (My journey through peaks and valleys) (My journey through peaks and valleys) (My journey through peaks and valleys) (My journey through peaks and valleys) (My journey through peaks and valleys)

[Desertthorn]

Re: 1 month Anniversary

Ah, it's time for the person who has been keeping the Whoosie Fairy locked up in their cellar, to LET HER OUT and SHARE!!!!

Miller, I lose in spurts, that might also be your way. Stick with it and stay off the scales for awhile, they are only frustrating you.

[miller98b]

Re: 1 month Anniversary

Sarina, thank you for your kinds words and encouragment, but more importantly, thank you for your example. That is incredible and I look forward to any hints that you can provide.

DesertHorn, I know the scale can be daunting, but it helps me to know if I am on or off track. I only weigh in once a week.

[Sarina D]

Re: 1 month Anniversary

[QUOTE=miller98b;1176206]Sarina, thank you for your kinds words and encouragment, but more importantly, thank you for your example. That is incredible and I look forward to any hints that you can provide.
QUOTE]

Hi!

Well thank you so much for your kind feedback and support, that means a great deal to me!

I will for sure answer the questions you vm'd me (btw thanks for the compliment...that didn't creep me out at all..now worries.....you're too sweet!)....you can for sure find examples of my exercise routines and food choices (I am not a great example though in the food choices due to the limited amount of food I can eat because of severve food allergies) in my Before and During picture section as well as my personal journal (both links are below in my signature) it'll just take some reading.

As far as exercise, I exercise twice a day, six days a week. Exercise has played a VITAL role in my weight loss journey...without it, I know I would not have had the results I have experiencs thus far...no way. Eating right, drinking lots of water and exercising all go hand in hand....it's a non-negtiable combo in my books. I know this to be a fact (in my case) because when I do ease up or take a break from exercise...my weight loss slows and even comes to a hault....so it plays a very important part in my life. My exercise consists of both cardio and weights....it's powerhouse combo but also, that is my opion only.

For me, another thing that has worked VERY well is eating 6 meals a day instead of the 3 meals a day....I think this is a very individual thing....whatever works for one person may not work for another so I don't believe there is a right or wrong way...I support both camps and whatever works for each person I say go for it!


Keep in touch and if there are any more questions you have feel free to ask!

All the best!
Sarina
-----------------
Heaviest weight - 403 lbs. (2007)
April 1, 2008 - 387 lbs. (This is when I initially started to lose weight…but was not on Atkins at this point)
Atkins start weight – 347 lbs. (July 19, 2008 – began Atkins)
1st major goal met -----100 lbs. lost as of Oct 2, 2008 - Hit 300 lbs. on this day – From April 1-08 when I initially begin to lose weight.
2nd major goal met - 151 lbs. lost as of Jan 13, 2009 - Hit 249 lbs. on this day.
3rd major goal met - Wed, May 13-09 - Reached losing 200 lbs. in just over a year and a couple of months.
4th major goal met – Reached “Onederland” June 6-09 – 198 lbs.
5th major goal met - My 1 yr. Atkins anniversary - Weighing 184 lbs. this day
Current weight – 166.6 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

My personal Journey -
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...-done-yet.html (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!)

My Journal -
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...s-valleys.html (My journey through peaks and valleys) (My journey through peaks and valleys) (My journey through peaks and valleys) (My journey through peaks and valleys) (My journey through peaks and valleys)

[Kntrylady]

Re: 1 month Anniversary

10 Pounds is wonderful If it helps, think of it as OVER 2 pounds a week !!!! In addition, you say you are about ready for smaller clothing, which is fantastic too! Everybody has a different rate of loosing. Sometimes it's the food, sometimes it's the water, sometimes it's the exercise, and sometimes it just IS. Whenever I want to beat myself up for Not loosing enough or at all, I look back at when I was gaining, and that awful feeling of dread when I got on the scale and had gained a pound. Now that One Pound Loss is a celebration

Make sure you are eating enough and not starving yourself, drink enough (at 222 I drink at least 120 oz most days), exercise and stay on plan. Don't allow yourself to get bored with your food choices which cause some folks to go off plan, and the pounds will continue to drop.

[Shrew2u]

Re: 1 month Anniversary

Miller, considering the possibility that you were *under*eating fat and probably calories for three solid weeks (touched upon in a prior thread)...I'd say losing 10 pounds is fantastic. I sure hope you're keeping an eye on your fat intake and packing as much nutrition - and at least half your daily net carbs - into your three cups of veg as possible, because those two things work wonders for fueling our fat-burning engines.

[miller98b]

Re: 1 month Anniversary

Shrew2u and everyone else who has been so helpful,

After reading many of these blogs and starting to use Fitday, I realized that my calcium, potassium and magnesium levels were VERY low as well, even with a daily mutivitamin. I have purchased supplements and I believe that may help. To raise my caloric intake and my fat ratio, I have added five pieces of whole foods bacon as a snack between lunch and dinner and that has made a huge difference on my afternoon energy level. The bacon is far less fatty, but still has a high fat content. Whole Foods website stated that it is free from unnatural sodium nitrates. It does have naturally occuring nitrates, but far less than traditional bacons. I have never gotten the energy surge from this diet that so many people have mentioned, but it is getting better with extra fat in the diet.

I am always concerned about too few or too many calories even though DANDR told us not to worry about calories. This is a hard game to master! Tweak this and you lose one pound, but tweak a little more and you gain five pounds. Exercise is usually pretty regular at 4-6 times a week, but with four children under 3, a full-time job and working on my Masters, an exercise day has been missed. SarinaD mentioned that she worksout twice a day and that has made a huge difference in her weight loss. How often do most of you workout? Do you get your non-negotiable exercise in everyday? I think I should really make sure that I get my 7 days of exercise completed. That will probably make a hug difference.

The final piece is that I am having trouble getting my fat ratio up to 65%. The richnes of some of the food is starting to wear on me and I start to lean to ground turkeys or lunch meats and that is not getting me to 65%. Any thoughts?

Thank you so much and have a great week!

[atkinsgal08]

Re: 1 month Anniversary

An avocado is a good source of fat.

Salad dressing, mayonnaise can help, too.

Also, moving to OWL can help with continued weight loss ... after all, that's where you're supposed to lose the weight!

And more importantly, congratulations on the loss so far!

[BekkiH]

Re: 1 month Anniversary

GREAT JOB on 10 lbs lost!!! That's an amazing accomplishment!!! Try not to compare your weight loss to others - everyone is very different!

Just look at it this way: You're 10 lbs better off than you were before you started this WOE!

Personally, I would definitely recommend moving onto OWL. I lost a bunch of weight my first week, and nothing. nada. zilch week 2! I toyed with the thought of staying on induction, but the lovely people here encouraged me to move up the rungs - and guess what? I lost 2 lbs the first week, and 2 lbs SO FAR this week!

You don't have to go up one rung every single week. Try going onto rung 1 and see how comfortable you are. All you do is add some more low carb veggies - which is NEVER a bad thing! Your body will thank you!

[miller98b]

Re: 1 month Anniversary

BekkiH,

I'm not sure what I should Do.... I seem to be very sensitive to Carbs and adding more carbs tends to stop my weight loss. The only carbs I get at this point are from the salad veggies. Adding more veggies may help, but I don't want to take a week to find out.......and gain a few pounds back. I have added Chromium, L-carnitine, calcium, magnesium and Alpha Lipoic Acid to my regimen and I may wait a week to see what happens before changing my routine.

I wanted to start treating myself to some little dessert treats like 2 oz of cream cheese with a little splenda, but I am too scared that I will taste the sweets and fall off the wagon. I have wanted more cauliflower and asparagus over the past few weeks and I could have one extra serving per week and see what happens. Bottom Line: you are probably right, I just may be a little too scared to take the chance.........

[BekkiH]

Re: 1 month Anniversary

Miller98b,

I promise you won't gain a few lbs in one week by adding 5 net carbs of veggies every day!!! Absolute worst case scenario, you will simply stop losing weight.

You say that you're working out almost every day - your body probably really *needs* those extra carbs right now!

The thing is that the human body is *not* designed to gain weight. Excess fat is literally a survival mechanism. Many years ago, when people only lived off of the land, there would be times of famine, or at least very little food. The body's way of surviving such times was ketosis - burning all that fat that was stored during times of feast and plenty!

These days, many people live every single day in feast and plenty - which is why we all got to where we are!

Induction basically shocks the body into ketosis, but pretty soon, your body will get smart to your game and slow down! That's why adding more veggies is a really good idea.

Right now, your body is saying, "WTH?! 20g of carbs a day?! No way, Jose! Look at all the weight we've lost! Oh no! Batton down the hatches, we're shutting this metabolism down!!!"

By eating more veggies, your will help rev that metabolism up again. This is especially important if you're working out.

Just remember: Your body does not want to lose weight! The knowledge of grocery stores and plentiful food have not been hardwired into our DNA. You have to give it a little reassurance that starvation is nowhere in sight! There's plenty of healthy food to eat!

This is the point of OWL. You slowly move up the rungs until you stop losing, then you know to take it back a notch to keep losing.

Don't worry. I was scared to death of moving onto OWL. I was really very opposed to it, but I'm so glad that I did now! I am 12 days into OWL and have already lost 4 lbs!

You can do it! Don't deny your body those veggies!!!

[bizzlekitty]

Re: 1 month Anniversary

Keep following the advice here. Get your menu reviewed often. Track what you eat in Fitday religiously and look for trends over time. Are you eating enough calories/fat/veggies? Watch for hidden carbs too (read those labels). Look for staller foods (for me its too much cheese). I can't tell you how many times I've tweaked what I'm eating trying to avoid the slow weight loss and I think I'm doing the best I can at about 1 lb a week.

I think 10 lbs is pretty good actually, including Induction. That's a little more than I typically lose on Induction + 2 weeks the times I've restarted.

[miller98b]

Re: 1 month Anniversary

BekkiH,

So, moving into OWL sped up your weight loss?

[adreliluc]

Re: 1 month Anniversary

Hey there,
You've already gotten lots of advise and stuff, but I just wanted to give you a little *hip bump* and tell ya that you're doing great..
Really!
Sometimes the scale doesn't move as fast as we'd like but hang in there - it will happen!

Sounds like you're ready to add in more foods, don't be afraid to eat!!

Move to rung 1 and stay there for a week or so. Up your induction veggies... Move on up from there and listen to your body. If your weight loss slows down too much back down the ladder and re-adjust things. It's not that hard, promise!

I was scared when I started and stayed on extended induction for WAY too long. Sure I lost a lot of weight but I now know that I could have lost eating more foods.

So my advise - move OWL. Exercise. Drink your water. Take your vitamins (try adding more B-12 for fatigue) and stay positive.

We're all here for you!