[Houston]

I'm not losing weight. How can that be? I've been working so hard, following the rules, not one cheat, not one mess up, and nothing. My clothes actually feel tighter with all of the water I've been consuming. Atkins is working nicely for my good friend "V". She and I started on the same day, have prepared our menus together, and exercise daily together. In fact, if anything, I've been stricter than V has. We're on Day 12 of Induction. As of this morning, she has lost 7 lbs and I've lost only half a pound. We've been staying off the scales, but broke down the last two days and decided to check our progress. Of course V is thrilled. I'm shocked and sad.

I'm not keeping a FitDay journal, but instead have opted to write it all down in the Atkins Journal so I can carry it around with me. Below are some details of my menu so that you can get an idea of what I'm eating. I've had a minimum of 64 oz. of water each day, 3 cups of veggies only (from the right lists), daily exercise, no aspartame, no alcohol, dark pink Ketostix ...everything. I've been so disciplined. I've searched to make sure there were no hidden sugars in my food. I was SO hopeful this would work. If I can't lose weight during the strict Induction phase, then I'm at a loss as to what to do now. I'm so upset. Any advice you have would be very appreciated and welcome. I'm willing to do anything, including chunking my menu entirely and trying a menu that has worked for any of you. Please help me!

MENU #1
BREAKFAST
3 eggs scrambled (no butter or cream)
iced tea w/ one Splenda

LUNCH
5 oz. hamburger patty
1 oz. cheddar cheese
tomato and onion (very thin slice)
2 tbls. mayo

DINNER
4 oz. turkey breast
2 oz. Muenster cheese
1.5 c. iceberg lettuce
1/2 of a small tomato

SNACK
5 short celery sticks

MENU #2
BREAKFAST
same as above

LUNCH
5 oz. hamburger patty
1 oz. cheddar cheese
tomato and onion (very thin slice)
2 c. lettuce
1 tbl. mayo

DINNER
5 oz. hamburger patty
1 oz. cheddar cheese
2 tbls. mayo

SNACK
3 slices bacon
1/2 of a small avocado

MENU #3
BREAKFAST
same as above

LUNCH
1.5 c. iceberg lettuce
3 oz. ham
2 oz. Muenster cheese

DINNER
3 oz. beef fajita meat
1 tbl. guacamole (all approved contents)
2 large slices onions

SNACK
6 slices bacon
1 c. celery sticks
1 oz. cream cheese

Thank you so much.
Kristen