Question about restarting Atkins

[momtoimp]

I started Atkins 5 or 6 years ago and easily lost 30 pounds. I stopped following the plan and in the last couple of years have gained back 20 of those pounds. I've tried restarting Atkins a few times and usually lose a few pounds (you know those pounds you fluctuate up and down depending on what you've been doing) and then nothing more. I get frustrated at that point and quit. I'm really tired of where I'm at weight wise and would like get back on a low carb plan. My question is, either during or after induction I expect that I'll hit a stall as I have before. I know after induction you are supposed to increase your carbs by 5 g a week until you stop losing weight. Since I expect I will stall pretty quickly do I continue to add 5 g of carbs or stay at induction levels until I start to lose again?

Oh, wanted to add that I'm 40 (soon to be 41), 5'3" and weight 180.

[Atkins_Nutritionist]

I do understand your frustration. So, I'm glad you are contacting me.

Have you at any time, stayed on plan long enough to measure inches lost.
Is it possible that you have an underlying condition that would interefere with weight loss? (yeast, hormones, thyroid...)

Why not post a menu of what you are eating/activity levels/medications...

I will say that what happens quite frequently is that the scale stops showing a weight loss for a week or 2, then it resumes again, no matter how closely you are following the plan. Is it possible you are using the scale as an excuse to go off plan? If so, maybe you should start again and use cloths or other peoples comments about how you look (in your face/arms) as a better gauge to your success.

I think we can work through this, you will have to be more committed than ever.

[momtoimp]

Yes, I have stayed on plan long enough to measure inches lost. When I lost the 30 pounds a few years back I went down two pant sizes.

And your comment about using the scale as an excuse to go off plan really hit home. I think that's exactly what I'm doing. I don't see the scale moving so I say what the heck, I'm done. I started induction Monday. My clothes are starting to not feel comfortable and I'm not going to buy bigger ones so I'm determined this time.

A typical day of eating for me would be:

Breakfast: a latte either made with Hoods low carb milk or half and half mixed with water, string cheese and some deli lunch meat, ham, turkey or whatever.

Lunch: Leftovers such as chicken, or steak, (today it's ham and I watch the sugar content on these kinds of meats) with either a cooked vegetable, (today it's twice baked cauliflower) or a salad and a tablespoon of ranch dressing.

Snack: string cheese and deli lunch meat

Dinner: Steak, pork, fish or chicken with either a cooked vegetable or a salad.

Snack: something like a small handful of cashews or a SF jello with whipped cream.

I haven't been as active as I should and am working on changing that. Trying to do some cardio/aerobic activity and some weights.

Don't take any medications except birth control.

Thanks for any advice/suggestions you can give me.

[OxygenPrincess]

I can understand your frustration. I quit smoking 5 weeks ago, started jogging 3 days a week and boxing 2-3 times a week and started induction. I lost 3 pounds with induction and then nothing until this week which is the begining of week 6 for me. I felt like the weight was never going to budge and almost gave up a few times. I'm so glad I hung in there though. Since this past sunday I have lost 6 pounds and havent really changed anything I was doing. Just took some time for my body to realize I am serious this time around. This is also my millionth time restarting the diet since I had mono last year and fell off the wagon. Hang in their. The pounds WILL come off.

[momtoimp]

That's what I need to hear. I too have restarted the diet a million times and I just don't think I have hung in there long enough for my body to realize I'm serious. Did you stay at induction levels or have you increased your carbs from induction?

[OxygenPrincess]

I am eating about 40 carbs per day. I am also exercsing a lot. I joined one of the challenges also. I find that having to report to a group everyday keeps me on track because I want to be the one saying how great I'm doing. It also gives me the support I need to get through those periods of no weight loss(like the past 5 weeks). Just keep telling yourself that if your carbs are in check, calories arent out of control and your being active in some way that eventually your body WILL give up the fat.


Oh I almost forgot. I read something a while back that said when you first start to diet your fat cells are actually so stuborn that they will lose the fat in the cell but replace it with water before it finally decides to shrink. That info may not be true but it kept me going. Good luck to ya.

[Atkins_Nutritionist]

Glad you agree, the scale can be your best friend or worst enemy!

In my experience, people who exercise lose inches first. So maybe focus on inches lost and weigh in once/month.

It sounds like you are making healthy long-term lifestyle changes. I wish you much success!

[Atkins_Nutritionist]

As far as your meals, my only question is about your veggies. I cannot tell if you are getting 3-4 cups of vegetables.

Aside from that, I noticed it seems you are consuming foods with high salt content (maybe you are retaining fluid), milk/dairy, luncheon meats, cheese... and you are on the pill (can cause weight gain).

You may want to alter your menu with less salty foods. If you are retaining fluid, it will mask your success.

[momtoimp]

I eat a couple of cups of salad usually at lunch and then at least a cup of some vegetable for dinner. I'll watch the salty foods, though, and see if that makes a difference.

[Atkins_Nutritionist]

I also suggest you focusing on inches and not only using the scale as a measure of success!