After 3 months, losing motivation on Atkins

[FanofG00fy]

Howdy,

I have a question for all of you. I have been doing the Atkins diet for 3 months. I have lost a total of 60lbs. I feel great, but I need to loose 98lbs. For the first time on this diet, I'm constantly hungry. I'm trying my hardest not to cheat, but I've been eating way to much low carb candy. But when I'm at work, it's so hard not to grab a munchy. I weighed over 300lbs and I'm finally 20lbs under 300. I was so excited. But now, the slow weight loss has begun. How did you all keep your motivation going? My Boyfriend, parents, co-workers, bosses are behind me 100%. But at night, all alone, I want to gorge. One night I did, just to get it out of my system. Wrong move! Now I want to do it every night. I've seriously thought about putting a lock on my fridge and pantry, give it to my boyfriend and tell him to not unlock it until the next day.

My clothes have become baggy, but I cannot seem to get in a smaller size. I knew that I would slow down on the weight loss, but wow I haven't lost or gained anything in 2 weeks. Maybe picking up my exercising and cutting down more? I have stayed on the induction period this entire time, and now that I have slowed down I'm afraid to increase my carbs.

Anyone else gone or going through this also. By the way, I have not bought any low carb candy so I don't have the munchies to munch on. This has helped me a little, being able to vent.

Thanks

Chris

 

[jmkst58]

Unfortunately..I don't have any advice as I have just started my weight loss program...I just wanted to congratulate you on losing 60 lbs. That is phenomenal. CONGRATULATION. Quite an accomplishment & you should be very proud of yourself. Best wishes for the future.

 

[addicted_to_WDW]

You have to first focus on the positives. I've been on Atkins roughly the same amount of time - I started June 5 - and I've lost less than half of what you have. You are doing great!!!

This past week I've been hungrier than I've been since I started, but I've also noticed body changes this week that I hadn't before...my bone structure in my face is coming back and my clothes are looser (I'm not measuring, but I can still tell). I've had 3 or 4 weeks of maintenance while I've been on Atkins. It's not fun, but it's to be expected every once in a while. If you keep doing what you should, the loss will start back up.

I think that with Atkins going completely off program is not something you should do, well, ever. It's different with the low fat approach...low fatters eat a little bit of everything, so going off program doesn't throw their systems completely off. For us, the addition of sugars will take days if not a week to overcome. It's so much better to remain steady than to have to start over with induction.

What can I say? You have to find the motivation within yourself to keep chugging along. Look in the mirror and see how far you've come and I think you'll find the strength to move forward. Good luck!!!

 

[MelanieC]

Oh Chris, 60lbs is such an awesome amount of weight to loose! Way to go! Keep up your chin, maybe it's just a phase your going through. Keep with it though. If the feelings last too long, or you really feel like you can't keep it up for life, maybe you need to find another program that doesn't leave you feeling this way. It could be temporary though! Please stick it out and dont give up. You know, maybe Dr. Phil's new book is what you need to get yourself out of this rut. Try watching his special on TV tonight on NBC Dateline at 8pm. It might be just the thing.

Do you exercise?? Maybe you should try exercising at night when you feel like eating. I have started exercising at night, and it really makes me feel good and I sleep like a baby. It also keeps you from overeating at night. Try reading, brushing your teeth early, using those mint's on your tongue (like paper strips). Try crossword puzzles.

Good luck, and please keep posting when you feel like this. This is your best defense against throwing in the towel. How can you give up with all these people supporting you. Keep up the great work.

Melanie

 

[Kitster]

After a 2 week stall during which time I was enjoying EAS low carb bars and Russell Stover low carb candy (it's low carb, so it has to be good, right?) I was ready to quit too. Instead I STOPPED eating the low cab munchies, including my beloved pork rinds, and voila......2 # gone in 2 days!!!!

I did increase my carb intake during a day though...up to about 25-30g total. This may also have helped me to start losing weight again. I guess the 20g induction point was just too low for my body to stay out of starvation mode. Funny how adding more will cause you to lose more sometimes.

If you need to munch on things at night (I can definitely relate to nighttime binging), try keeping a ziploc of celery sticks ready to eat. It has helped me to cut way back on snacking, just having something handy that I know is legal. I also keep a pitcher of cinnamon or mint iced tea in the fridge at all times. A glass at night sweetened with Sweet & Low helps if I have a craving for candy.

Just some thoughts and ideas that have helped me. I just wish I had your wrill-power to stay on induction for 3 months........2 weeks was bad enough.

 

[nativetxn]

<b>FanofG00fy</b> I've been following the Atkins way of eating since January and I haven't lost 60 pounds. Way to go, I think you're doing great!

Are you checking to see if you are in ketosis? If your body assimilates the sugar alcohols in sugar free candy then you are most likely <i>not</i> in ketosis and that might explain your hunger.

You haven't lost anything for two weeks? Dr. Atkins says that you can be considered in a stall if you go an entire four weeks without losing pounds <i>or</i> inches.

Which brings me to something I sometimes harp on, here on WISH. Have you measured yourself? Measuring yourself is an even better indicator of success with Atkins than the scale. I went 6 weeks without losing one ounce but I lost 16 inches. Seeing that you are getting smaller can make the difference between staying motivated and giving up. You have done so well, so far, I would sure hate to see you give up.

Another thing to consider...do you believe that Atkins is the right plan for <i>you</i>? It might not be, you know. Atkins isn't right for everyone. You might want to consider trying Weight Watchers or South Beach Diet instead. Only <i>you</i> know which plan is best for you.

My husband and I have taken the Atkins plan for life, it has improved my husband's diabetes and lipids so much we can't imagine adding refined carbohydrates back into our diets. This plan is the best one for <i>us</i> but that doesn't make it the best plan for everyone else.

Will you be taking the WISH challenge? I sure hope so. I would love to have you join my support group. The WISH support group has been very helpful and motivating for me. I'll bet you would find it helpful too. Please say that you will join us, here.

Katholyn

 

[pixiechick]

I've been doing Atkins since the end of June and have only lost 10 pounds, so 60 is amazing to me! I understand your frustration. Sometimes, no many times actually, I wish I could just eat whatever I wanted or wish that I didn't have to think/worry about what I'm eating. Unfortunately, the reality is that I do have to think about it.

If you want to add some more carbs in (in the form of more veg. and berries) try to balance it with exercise. That way you won't have to worry about an extra 5 grams or so. The Walk Away The Pounds videos are easy and go by quickly (I even get my 7 yr old doing it with me!)

Don't give up though. Look at how much you've achieved!! Maybe you should reward yourself with a new shirt or something similar. Show off your efforts!

 

[nancyj_pa]

Sounds like you need some new evening munchies. Why not make up some tupperware containers of chicken salad, tuna salad, egg salad, or leftover meat/chicken that you can nibble on when you get hungry. I keep a jar of macadamia nuts on hand too. Sugar-free jello cups (from the dairy dept) topped with a little whipped cream can satisfy your sweet tooth.

Since you lost 60 pounds (what a great accomplishment) you probably already have tried this in the evening but are sick of it. I've been on low carbs almost 7 weeks now and am never hungry. I've lost 11 pounds and am a very slow loser. I thank God for every pound I lose.

Keep it up. Don't quit now. You'll get there no matter how long it takes. Try adding some extra carbs in the way of veggies and increase your exercise a little every day. Just a small change can sometimes do the trick!

 

[mowsie dreamer]

Hi Chris,
I don't have any words of wisdom on Atkins, since I do WW. But no matter what program you are on, you can experience that constantly hungry feeling. Last week was it for me. I just wanted to eat anything and everything I could see. Reese's cups were calling my name, big time!! But the good news is that it does eventually pass! Drinking lots of water helps some and having legal snack handy also helps a lot.

You should be sooo proud of yourself!! You have successfully lost 60 pounds!! That took a lot of committment and determination so, I know that you have it in you to get past this!! You CAN do this!!

I, too, hope that you are going to stick around and join WISH!! This is such a great group of people!!! There is always some support and some good advice when you need it!! And we love to celebrate successes, too!! I hope to see you around WISH, soon!

 

[FanofG00fy]

Thanks evereyone for your posts! I have starting tomorrow I will definately start exercising at night instead of snacking. That will most definately help. Thanks for the suggestions on new snack foods.

Well, Saturday mornings are my "offical" weigh in date...and guess what...I have lost three more pounds! But, I have been snacking on celery and cucumbers instead of low carb chocolate. I think I was letting my self over indulge. And I was letting my stomach decide when I should eat. Not no more.

Thank you for all the encouraging words! I'm so looking forward to going to WDW and not having to worry about walking through the turnstyles or getting into a seat on an attraction.

Good thoughts are with you all in everyone's weight loss. I'm so glad I found this message board!!!

Thanks again everyone!!!!

Chris

 

[Kabuli1]

Chris,

I have one more thing to add. And since you are living alone you can do this. Get rid of ALL off-plan foods from your kitchen. Throw them away! Don't wait to give them to somebody who might need them (but if you have a food pantry nearby you might consider that!) Get rid of them TODAY! Make sure you have plenty of ok snacks there. Stock up on cheese and macadamia nuts. If you need a snack - choose something that will satisfy, you're on Atkins, not a low fat diet, you can do better than celery sticks! On Atkins you should always choose a fat satisfying snack! (Low salt though helps w/ keeping the bloat fairy away - but won't affect true weight loss.) One of may favorite snacks right now is a fresh vine ripe tomato sliced w/ rich fruity olive oil drizzled over it and a sprinkle of salt! MMMMM Another is red sweet pepper dippers w/ a variety of pestos - I like sun-dried tomato best, just check the carb counts.

Those sugar free candies are wonderful, aren't they? Well, don't buy anymore! Change your walk through the grocery store to NOT go past the candy! Only shop when you are "strong", never shop hungry!

You can do this! Look how far you've come! In 4 months I've lost about 18 lbs - but this is how I eat and that's all there is to it!

Blessings!

Karyn

 

[Lanshark]

I just got back from the store and probably looked at every sugar free candy they had. They are all full of carbs. I was kind of shocked. Even chewing a stick of sugar free gum has 2 carbs in it. I know I posted in another thread that I've been doing this a few weeks now and haven't lost an ounce. I've been eating an Advantage bar every morning for breakfast. Guess what. I stopped the Advantage bars on Saturday and just weighed myself. Down 2 lbs. YEA! It may be a coincidence or maybe not. I'll stay off them just in case.

60lbs is a great feat! Try lifting that much. It's a lot. Although it's natural to get discouraged, I know I have, keep focused on the positive accomplishment you've achieved.