S-L-O-W weight loss on Atkins-Discouraged!

[Simba's Mom]

I've been on Atkins 4 weeks and lost 10 lbs. That's not at all slow, but what is is that I lost 5 of it the first week, and then slowed right down to 1-2 lbs a week. I'm still limiting myself to 20 carbs a day, but I'm starting to get very discouraged. Fortunately, I only have 10 more pounds to lose, but after the first week, losing 5 pounds, I thought it would go a lot faster. But at 1-2 pounds a week! Is this normal? It's getting harder and harder to pass by Dairy Queen, and the bakery section of the grocery store. I thought (hoped) my cravings would get less noticeable instead of more.

 

[luvindisneyworld]

I feel like when you get within 10 pounds of your ideal weight,that those pounds are the hardest to lose.I have about 10 to go and am at a stand still.Dont give up.Good Luck.
Misty

 

[DoeWDW]

Most people who start Atkins are bloated with extra water weight. This water weight is what comes off in the first week.

After that, you're losing fat, and 1-2 pounds per week is a safe level for losing weight long-term.

I should warn you that it is common on low-carb to see the scale move in a less consistent manner. You may lose a few pounds and then the scale will stay the same for a few weeks. If you take your measurements, you'll usually lose inches while the scale stays the same. Then when the scale starts to move again, your measurements will stay the same. This is a very common pattern - I wanted to warn you about it so you don't get discouraged if it happens to you.

You're doing just fine! Hang in there!

 

[Beastlover]

It sounds like you were shooting for 30 pounds? Somewhere I read you could expect to lose a certain percent of your goal weight during induction. I don't remember what it was. I agree with DoeWDW--be sure to check your measurements--I get discouraged when the scales don't move, but then I see I am losing in inches.
And, the last ten are always the hardest. I am there now, and it is hard to stay focused, and not give up. THAT is why I don't stop, because I don't want to just stop because I am discouraged.
Atkins for me is a healthy lifestyle...I won't be able to maintain my goal weight if I look at this as simply "weight loss". I will stay on the plan anyway, losing or not. It just might take longer. Like my buddy mowsie dreamer says--it is like climbing Mt. Everest. THey don't do it at once. THey stop and take breaks from time to time-that is what we are doing...resting...
Hope it helps, keep up the great work!!

 

[AKASnowWhite]

I understand your frustration...BUT....with not all that much to lose in the first place (relatively speaking ) I think that reaching 1/2 your goal in 4 weeks is awesome! 1 -2 pounds per week is a safe way to lose weight - it insures you really are losing that dreaded FAT, not just water, or worse, muscle mass.

Hang in there.....just keep doing all the right things and your body will finally give in and *let go* of that extra weight it's trying to hold on to!

 

[RUDisney]

Sometimes, I've found that when you plateau for a while, you have to increase your carbs for a day to jump start your metabolism. I'm not talking a major cheat, but if you increase from 20 to 30g of carbs on a given day, you'll see a jumpstart.

I can also tell that my body shape right now is different when it was during the climb. That is supposed to be the beauty of Atkins.

 

[nativetxn]

Have you measured yourself, <b>Simba's Mom</b>? You could be losing inches instead of pounds.

I'm sure this won't make you feel any better but the closer you get to goal the more slowly you are going to lose, no matter which eating plan you follow.

Stick with it and you will reach goal. Just don't get too impatient. This should be a lifestyle change, remember, not a short term solution.

Katholyn

 

[Cinderelli]

Simba's Mom,

I'm there with you. I'll have my 4 week weigh-in on Monday and it looks like I'll probably have a 10 lb loss by then. I, too, lost 5 pounds the first week. The second week started good, but then TOM hit. Just when I noticed the scale starting to move again (about a week ago), my daughter's BD hit and the same day my other two children came down with a nasty virus (we are still battling this thing). I had two days of a mini binge (cake/ice cream, etc.) and didn't have any time to cook or prepare food for myself.

Long story short. I've been back on track since Sunday and it looks like I'll make 10 by Monday. It is tough when the first week we lost so much. I think the other posters are correct. Measure yourself, keep going. It seems like my scale will not move for several days, then it'll go down 2-3 pounds the next few days.

You'll see the results soon. Keep on plugging along! GoodLuck!

Lissa

 

[Simba's Mom]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone! When I got on the scale for weigh-in today, it showed another 1 lb. loss this week. But I'm not panicking. I kind of took your advice, nativetxn. Although I can't find my tape measure, I put on an off-white pair of pants yesterday that I haven't been able to wear in years. Not only did I get them on, I wore them comfortably till I put on my PJ's last night. So I'll just keep plugging away-it's coming off, I know it now!

 

[Brier Rose]

I SO feel your pain!
I'm coming to the end of my 4 weeks also, and aside from the first 2 weeks, I have not lost ANYTHING!! I lost 1 pound last week, but have somehow managed to gain it back!
I HAVE NOT cheated...not even once! I even made brownies for DS the other night, and as I was mixing them up, got some on my finger. I wouldn't even lick it of...wiped it of on a paper towel!
It is so VERY frustrating to be SOOO strict with this diet, and not see the scale move. I do feel like I have lost some inches, but not from where I want to..stomach,butt,and hips!
I still have 90 lbs. to lose, so I don't know what the problem is.
I've been so depressed, and wanting to cheat for the past two days, but I'm trying to hang in there, just praying for a change.
I really don't know how much longer I can hold out though if this keeps up.

 

[AKASnowWhite]

Hang in ther brier Rose! If you are doing all the *right* things, you'll be SURE to see results soon! And 'till then, take comfort in knowing that you MUST be all the healthier for it.