Kim:
Everyone's body is different. I eat low-carb (Atkins) also. My total loss for the first 2 1/2 weeks was 9 lbs. I've lost 27 lbs in 7 mounths, 18 lbs with WISH.
In 1999, I was able to drop 30 lbs in less than 3 months on Atkins. What a difference 5 years can make in your metabolism (I'm now 40 1/2).
My observation from reading other WISH posts and journals that it doesn't matter what your eating plan is - the first couple of weeks shows the most loss, the next weeks average about a 2 lbs loss/week and the closer you get to goal weight, the loss slows to about 1/2 lbs per week. Prepare for weight plateaus along the way by taking your measurements or grabbing a favorite but too tight pair of jeans to try on every few weeks. I find that I lose inches but not necessarily pounds during those plateau periods.
As far as eating low-carb, I think it is great for an emotional eater for 2 reasons: If you prepare by having "safe" snacks around - when you feel the need to eat, go ahead and eat something. Your appetite will marketly decrease on a low-carb diet, less cravings for sugar-laden foods, you might have to remind yourself to actually get something after a week on the program.
I like to eat smaller, more frequent meals. If you are having an emotional day - grab a glass of water first, then go ahead and eat something "safe". Don't forget to use exercise to your advantage, I now find that I calm down much faster if I just get out and walk! than if I grab for something to eat.
We're all here for you.
-Laurie
