Need help from fellow Atkins buddies...

[Mlissa88]

Hello fellow Atkins buddies....

I've been on Atkins since April 28, 2003. I didn't weigh myself until 2 weeks ago because I just couldn't bring myself to face the music until then. So...I'm not really sure how much I lost until then...but I can tell you that the darn scale hasn't moved in 2 weeks since I weighed myself.

I'm keeping myself on induction. I'm probably taking in about 1200 to 1500 calories a day and staying under 20 grams of carbs. I'm drinking my water...staying away from nutrasweet...I'm even showing ketosis on my "potty strips".

Anyone have any advice?

Help! I'm ready to cry I'm so frustrated.......

 

[bsnyder]

Mlissa,

Do you have the Dr. Atkins book? If not, I'd suggest you get it. I remember there was a lot of information about what to do when your metabolism appears resistant to the induction phase.

I wish I still had my book, and I'd just tell you what it says, but I gave it to a friend a long time ago.

Good luck, and I hope you see some results soon!

 

[Mlissa88]

Hi,

Yes... I have the book and it mentions a "fat fast". But I don't think I'm resistant because I am showing that I'm losing weight on my ketone strips and in the way my clothes fit....

It's just not showing on the scale....

Not sure what to do....

 

[bsnyder]

I'd pay more attention to how the clothes fit!!!

After all, no one else knows what you weigh.....they only see how you look, and if your clothes fit better, you're going to look better.

You may be getting ready for a big "woosh" of weight loss (at least I think that's what Atkins calls it. I do remember that happening to me a few times, where I "felt" like I had lost weight, but the scale didn't budge, and then all of a sudden, I'd see a big loss on the scale!

I hope that's what's happening to you now. Just keep up the good eating habits and it'll pay off!

 

[disneychrista]

Are you exercising in addition to the change in diet? It could very well be that you ARE losing fat but at the same time gaining muscle. Since fat pound for pound takes up 5 times the space as muscle, you get smaller, even though you weigh the same.

 

[Mlissa88]

Thanks "B" and Disneychrista...

I'm not officially "exercising" but I sure am moving around alot more than I used to! I've started painting in the house and doing all of my spring cleaning that I've been putting off.... While it's not a treadmill...it's a good amount of bending, reaching, and moving around more than I was used to.

I guess I just need a bit of a fire under my hiney to start my offical exercise program. A bit of sunshine in my town might not hurt as a motivator either! It's been so doggone rainy here that I'm ready to build an ark.

I was hoping that the scale and seeing the number decrease would motivate me into exercising more. But it looks like I'm just going to need to do it on my own without the help of the scale.

Thanks for your replies....it really helps to vent. And I love to get feedback from nice people like you guys!

 

[bsnyder]

For motivation, find a pair of pants or a skirt, or shorts that are just a little bit snug on you. Either something you already own, or go out and buy something you'd love to wear.

Then you can try them on every so often, and you'll be able to see results that way, as they start to fit better and better.

When I first started really losing the weight with Atkins, I used to love to try on my old things and find that they suddenly fit better! It was as good, if not better, motivation than seeing the scale drop!

 

[Jomrog]

Hi Milssa,

I am experiencing a similar problem only I have been on Atkins for 4 weeks (tomorrow). I have lost 4lbs so far. Did you take measurements? You might be losing inches, especially if your clothes are fitting better

There were a few suggestions that I was given from the Atkins experts here on the DIS/WISH board:

1. Increase your fat. You need to burn it. I should be about 60% of your daily intake.

2. Vary your carbs: 20, then 12, then 22, then 12,etc.

3. Try the original Alex Atkins Challenge (I'm trying this right now), basically, eat as few carbs as possible with liberal intake of meat, eggs & cheese. Eat until satisfied & eat when you are hungry. If you desire veggies, just a small amount is okay with 0 carb salad dressing. No cream cheese, convenience foods (Atkins bars, shakes,etc). Drink a lot of water (although he drank a lot of diet soda & was successful).

Don't give up!!!! I know it's frustrating. I am not much of an exerciser either so don't beat yourself up about it. If you can exercise, then do so.

I hope this helps. {{{{{hugs}}}}}

 

[Mlissa88]

Hello again...still no loss this morning....

Bet...

I took your advise and I got out one of my old pair of jeans and find that they are close to fitting. Certainly fitting better than a few weeks ago when I couldn't even get them over my hips.


Jomrog...

I never measured myself but I wish I had. Maybe it's the inches that is changing. Thanks for the tips and I think I might try to steer clear of the Atkins bars and shakes that I've been relying on.

That will be tough because they are great for "on the go" meals and snacks.

Thank you both for your advice and support. I'm cheering for you too!

 

[999thghost]

this might be the reason .if im not mistaken the induction part is supposed to be carb free.but the truth is you shouldnt be discouraged. everybody is different.personally i never looked at the scale.i would just wait till my pants started to fit better.and eventually they did.so chin up and stay with it

 

[bsnyder]

Mlissa, that's great about those jeans!! Any time you feel the urge to cheat, just go try them on!

 

[Mlissa88]

Thanks to the fine folks on here I'm sticking with it...regardless what what that rotten scale says.

I'm staying away from the convienience stuff today....no bars or shakes....just good ol' meat, fats and a few low carb veggies.

I'll get through this....

Thanks again for everyone's help! It's so nice to find the support we all need can be found on these boards.

 

[nativetxn]

Mlissa, I'm the resident WISH nag about measuring yourself. Our goal is to get smaller and if it doesn't show up as being a lighter weight it often will show up in smaller measurements.

Measure yourself and start keeping a record. I spent the entire month of February in a stall, if I hadn't been able to see the proof that I was getting smaller according to my measurements, I would likely have given up

Well, maybe not have given up, I sure wouldn't want a WISH posse showing up at my door to drag me back here, but I would have been very upset, that's for sure.

I'm proud of you for not giving up. Add some walking or a few extra times up the stairs at home or the office and that will help.

Try not to obsess about what the scale says, concentrate on being healthier. Hang in there and never give up, okay?

 

[Mlissa88]

Hi NativeTxn,

Gulp....do I have to? It took me 3 weeks before I could even step near the scale.

I guess you are right...I'll do it first thing tomorrow morning when I wake up.

Not to be a dolt...but what should I measure? I mean...obviously hips, waist and chest.....but should I do arms and legs too?

 

[Pooh Girl 71]

I'd definatley measure upper arms and upper thighs at the very least. Good luck!!!!