What to think?

[Maude4Disney]

I'm not sure if I should be getting discouraged or encouraged or what???

I started Atkins on 1/7 and w/in 2 wks lost 10 lbs. Yay!! and over the next week and a half lost another 3 lbs. And since then I have not lost anything. TOM hit so I wasn't too worried, but that has come and gone and I'm still not able to get the scale to move. (ok... discouraged)

On the other hand...DH helps me do measurements once a week and I am still losing inches... almost 24 inches total. (encouraged)

I bought new shirts(smaller) thinking they would hang in the closet as incentive and they actually fit. So the other day I went and bought new jeans (was pushing a size 22 and now can wear a misses 18) (very encouraged)

So I know I'm doing ok, but I really would like to see the scale budge just a little bit. Just to know that I'm headed in the right direction still. I've never had any success at losing weight, and after being able to buy new, smaller clothes, I'm more detemined than ever to stick with this, but HOW ON EARTH do I keep from getting discouraged?? Is it possible to have hit a plateau already?

 

[DoeWDW]

When you're eating low-carb, it is very common to lose inches OR weight but NOT at the same time. Does this sound strange??

If the inches are melting away, then it's only a matter of time until the scale will also move. Your body is changing it's composition of muscle, fat, and water and sometimes it takes a little time for everything to balance out.

When you stop losing inches, the scale will move for a few weeks. Then the scale will stay the same and the inches will melt off for a few weeks. Please try not to get discouraged. This is a common pattern with people who eat low-carb. You're not doing anything wrong and I promise the scale will move soon.

Congrats on those smaller clothes!!

Hang in there!!

 

[AKASnowWhite]

The scale, while a valuable tool, is but only ONE way to measure your success. To me personally, "inches lost" is more important. Have you started exercising in addition to Atkins? One of the hardest things for me to *adjust* to was the fact that inch for inch, muscle weighs more than fat - so a leaner, more compact body can weigh more than a body with excess fat. To me, your "inches" lost might indicate that it is your FAT that's leaving and muscle that is remaining - that would be a GOOD thing!

I'm sure there must be Atkins experienced folks out here who've had the same thing happen??

 

[teachingmykids]

Thanks Doe for your answer. I haven't lost ANY inches. I'm on my second week of Induction and only down 5 pounds.
I've been losing slowing for the past 2 years and have always worked out. I've got good muscle tone in my legs, but I'm still fat around the middle. My waist is 37.5 inches.

Stick with it Maude, as you can see we all have our challenges.

~~g.

 

[Maude4Disney]

Yes, I have been exercising...although not yet today I guess I kind of figured it was all ok, but wasn't sure how long this inches vs. scale thing should go on. I know it will take awhile for my body to adjust to finally getting some exercise. I guess I'm just impatient to see that next pound gone. Even if it's only 1. I was really hoping to keep up 1-2 lbs a week or at least every couple of weeks. LOL Not only do I need to work on my motivation, but patience as well.

Thanks everyone! You guys are the greatest! Always know what to say to make it all ok!!

 

[teachingmykids]

One problem I have is the unfairness of weight loss. I can gain 2 pounds in a day.
But it may take 2 weeks to get it off. It goes on SO much easier.....

 

[summersfam4]

I think everyone has covered that with low carb it seems to be inches part of the time and then weight the other part, but I just wanted to say you are doing GREAT! Keep up the good work! Congratulations on the new clothes that is always a GREAT motivator!

doing the new clothes dance for you!

Kelly

 

[Beanie]

I also want to offer congrats as well!! You are doing wonderful, keep up the great work!!

 

[thotfulspot]

I hear you, MaudeforDisney! I started Atkins just over 5 weeks ago. I lost 9 pounds in the first two weeks (woo-hoo!), then 4 pounds in the next two, which included a week at Disney, so I'm pretty sure I should be awarding myself bonus pounds off, then practically nuthin since. I am perfectly aware that I just need to hang in there and stay with it, and I am, but at the same time I want to see the pounds melting off the way they did at first. Where can I buy some nice, fresh patience?

Good for you on your weight loss!! It must feel great to be fitting into smaller clothes!

-- Kristin

 

[nativetxn]

As long as you are getting smaller you are succeeding. Do you really care if you get <i>lighter</i> as long as you are getting <i>smaller</i>? Think about it. Our true goal is to get smaller, isn't it?

Don't let a number on a scale discourage you. You're doing great and you are on your way to goal. I'm proud of you