L-Carnitine/stall

[LowCarbFG]

I have been pretty much stalled for just over 3 weeks now and I am getting frustrated. I am hanging on rung 2 of OWL and otherwise have not changed anything else. I even went back to 10 days strict induction and it didn't do anything. I lost weight quickly on my first 2 weeks (about 12 pounds) but then I slowed to 1-2 pounds per week and then hit a dead stop.

I got some Ketostix yesterday and they are showing that I am still in ketosis so should I just keep waiting or maybe try cutting back on fats? I eat a pretty clean menu -- no bars or shakes or other LC 'junk food'. I get my veggies everyday and drink at least 100 ounces of water a day. I also walk a moderate paced, uphill 40 minute walk 4 or 5x a week.

I bought some L-Carnitine and CO-Q10 to try to help as well (already taking chromium). I have read that L-Carnitine is only useful if you take it before you exercise. Is this true? It was so expensive, I don't want to waste it but I also want to get all the benefits I can from it

Thanks for any advice!

[Atkins_Nutritionist]

The supplements you mention may help, essential oils should also help. I do not believe it is true about the use of carnitine.

Are there any underlying causes to your weight stall, ie yeast, hormones...? Are you losing inches?

Why not post a typical day of what you are eating?

Sometimes, it is necessary to have patience! If you are doing everything by the book, you may just need to let your body adjust to the weight you have lost thus far. I know 3 weeks feels like an eternity but it is not.

[LowCarbFG]

OK, here is a typical menu with some of the choices I might eat each day:

BREAKFAST:
2 or 3 eggs cooked in butter, maybe with a little grated cheese and/or onion sometimes with 2 bacon
OR
2 flax muffins w/ butter
OR
"mock danish"

LUNCH:
chicken or tuna salad w/ lettuce wraps
OR
deli meats/cheeses, salad
OR
leftovers from previous dinner

DINNER:
usually a meat (mostly chicken and beef) with salad (2 cup) or more veggies.

SNACKS (x2 a day, sometimes 3):
celery w/ cream cheese
OR
piece of cheese (1-2 oz.)
OR
macadamias or pecans (one carefully weighed ounce )
OR
a few strawberries and cream
OR
deviled eggs

Like I said before, I drink a ton of water (and nothing else). I am also taking essential oils. I alternate fish oil and flax oil capsules, try to do 3 a day but usually I only remember to take 2 of them.

I took my measurements when I first started and then again just last week, so yes, I have lost since the beginning. Not sure since I took them last. If 3 weeks is within normal stall limits then I will just keep pressing on.

I have been reading and wondering about yeast. Sometimes I definitely have many of the symptoms. I bought some acidophilus (SP?) tablets today so maybe they will help.

I also posted this in another thread, but I think it might get buried...I have also been having muscle weakness lately. Sometimes just walking up a flight of stairs makes my legs feel very sore. I noticed in that other thread you mentioned it was burning of glycogen stores (I think that was it). Can you tell me more about that as well?

Thank you very much. Sorry I was so long winded!

[inatic]

If you have an underlying thyoid condition the L carnitine might affect your weight loss.

I am sorry I dont have time right now to bring up the latests posts on this but if you do a search at LCF there are a few posts about it. Also at www.about.com see thyoid.. there is a article written about it possibly being helpful for HYPERthyoid disease..

I am current experimenting with it per my dr suggestion. I am hypothyoid(hashi's) and medicated.. but having but having muscle aches/pains and fatigue.. I have been advised it "could" interfer with my meds by Pam (our resident thyoid patient advocate and I am keeping a close watch on it and my thyoid levels.

[Atkins_Nutritionist]

A plateau is defined as no weight or inches lost for 4 weeks. So, I think you should continue with what you are doing.

I realize you are not on Induction, how many carbs are you consumming?

I have comments/questions about your menu:

bacon how often are you using it or processed meats (sausage deli meats)?


What type of flour is in the muffins?

What type of wraps? Have you read the label/ingredients?

Acidophilus will help yeast but avoiding the foods that yeast thrives on is also very important (vinegar, wine, cheese, mushrooms...)

Burning glycogen stores only takes 2-3 days before you start burning fat instead of carbs for energy. Since you are on the plan for over a week, it is unlikely your muscle weakness is caused by this. It might be yeast. Have you spoken to a doctor? Might you be fighting the flu?

[LowCarbFG]

Thanks for the tips again (and also inatic for the thyroid info. I don't think I have any thyroid problems, though). I am consumming about 30-35 carbs a day now.

I eat bacon and some salami maybe 2 or 3 times a week. Only a couple pieces, though. There is no flour in the flax muffins, just the ground flax seed, eggs, some Splenda, etc. And for the wraps I just used lettuce leaves to wrap the chicken salad (which I made at home).

I'll lay off the cheese, vinegar, soy, etc. (don't do wine or mushrooms ) and keep taking the acidophilus and see if that helps. Hopefully I'll bust through soon!

Thanks again!

[Atkins_Nutritionist]

I agree, you are doing just fine.

Don't be surprised if one day the weight melts away. Just give it a little time.