Another Newbie ~ Hello!

[3angels]

I have become frustrated with weight gain over the past couple years. I lost my grandmother (she raised me) and then this April, my 7 year old was diagnosed with Leukemia. My 5 year old has down syndrome so we have tonz of therapies for him. All has been life changing in so many ways. My 17 year old, well, she's your typical 17 year old GIRL that thinks she knows it all! I have been binging or stress eating as I would interpret it. I have started the Atkins Diet in hopes to regain my self esteem back.... My avatar photo is my personal inspiration to get back to where I was 2 years ago and felt good. I was 120 in the photo.

I began the Induction period on August 29th weighing in at 143. My 2 wk induction was over September 12th ~ weighing in at 134. I have lost 2 inches in my waist (currently at 29) however only an inch in my hips and thighs. And, I'm sure like many, these are the crucial areas I am trying to loose the most. Not to mention LIFT MY BUTT!

I workout Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays (45 min. of cardio) and (25 min of machines). The other 3 days I walk 2 miles and I take 1 full day off.

My appetite has decreased immensely and I find myself having to force myself to eat. I'm starting to not enjoy the meats as much as the veggies. On my 15th day, I implemented 1 tbsp of natural peanut butter w/only 2 net carbs and my 17th day added sunflower kernels. Here is an issue I seemed to of had this a.m.

My 14th day as stated I had 1 tbsp of skippy natural peanut butter and again on my 15th day. I also had steak (lots of calories I know ~ I have avoided steak, mostly eaten chicken, fish and bacon) 1/2 on my 15th day and the other on my 16th day. I weighed myself this a.m. and had gained 2 pounds within 1 day???? Ketosis puts me at "SMALL". I drink tonz of water per day, more than 64 ounces. I also implemented GREEN TEA (no sugar, honey or substitute) today for all the antoxidants. Any advice on my weight gain?

Another question that I am confused with: the rule of 2 cups salad then 1 cup veggies. If we're supposed to get the majority of our carbs from the veggies can we not eat MORE of the veggies to get around our 13 - 15 net carbs? If I eat 2 cups of salad greens w/white vinegar & EVOO (no salt) and 1 cup broccoli, that is no where near the recommended carb intake. Same follows should I eat 1 cup salad greens and 2 cups of 2 different veggies. Actually, there are many days I don't reach my 20 net carbs at all.

Will include a ticker at a later time... sorry so lengthy!

[Rockergirl]

Re: Another Newbie ~ Hello!

I think you are fine with the veggies as long as you stay below the 20 carb limit.Broccoli is higher in carbs than a lot of others. Try squash or zucchini instead. I like to grill my on the Foreman grill. You may also want to add some more fats into your diet-like avocado and steak! The weight gain is normal as your body adjust-it is a water adjustment. Fats are essential to losing weight on this diet. I would give up the peanut butter for the moment and stick with high fat meats-as Dr. Atkins suggest in his book.
This is my 24th day on the diet.I have been on Atkins before. I have lost 23lbs as of today. I did gain about 7lbs back and also went through a 12 day plateau. I woke up on Saturday and 8lbs were gone. All of us loss in different ways. You may be like me. Loss a lot,then gain a few back,then lose some more. I lose in spurts as where some people lose say 2-3lbs per week steady. Hormones play a role as well.
You are doing GREAT! Thats a lot of weight lost for someone your size.
I hope this helps!

[Rockergirl]

Re: Another Newbie ~ Hello!

You should also try a high fat salad dressing such as ranch or ceaser. Skip the nuts! It sounds like you may be stuck in the low fat low calorie thinking which is hard to break!
You and your children are just beautiful!!!! I wish you all the luck. I know your stress level must be off the hook!