Only 10 pound GW loss success?

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Hello! I recently lost quite a bit of weight, going from 192 to 135 on a combination of low-cal/exercise diet. It took about a year, and recently I've gone back up to 140 (at 5'4''), and have pretty much plateaued there. A friend recommended using Atkins for the last 10-20 pound weight loss, and as I had gotten the book three years ago, I thought it wouldn't be a bad idea.

I'm traveling with some friends in 5 weeks, and am hoping to lose 10-15 by then. Being this close to goal is fantastic, but a little intimidating as well, since I've mentally trained myself to focus on low calories! I'll still be exercising every day, but eliminating carbs.

My question is this: has anyone ever approached Atkins to help with a small weight loss? (10-20 pounds?) Has it worked? I realize my Induction will not likely wooooosh several pounds in one go, since I drink water heavily, and am hoping not to lose faith with slow results and higher calorie foods!

Also, low-carb foods do not seem to be as plentiful to find as they were a few years ago. If <2% sugar is listed, is it still a no-no? I'm having trouble finding lunch meats and salad dressings with no sugar. I even bought mayo, only to find that it lists sugar! I'd really hate to toss it!

So yeah...any tips or suggestions would be fantastic. I'm hoping to shed these last few pounds and say good riddance to them, once and for all!

[julirama723]

Atkins is a lifestyle change, not a quick-fix diet. You may very well lose those 10-20 pounds (though not likely in 5 weeks, as weight comes off much slower the closer you are to goal), but you must maintain the healthy eating habits to keep them off. It's true that if you "go off" of Atkins you're likely to gain the weight back. That's because Atkins IS NOT a diet. It's simply a healthy eating plan. That means say goodbye to white flour, white sugar, white rice.

The good news is that Atkins is NOT just induction--that's only 2 weeks of the plan, and the remaining phases are not as restrictive, and you'll be adding back healthy carbs such as fresh cheeses, nuts and seeds, fruits, starchy veggies, and whole grains.

Atkins takes 100% commitment and dedication. If you are in for it, kudos to you!

I know there are members here who have used Atkins for a "smaller" weight loss. The plan works, no matter what size you are, as long as you work the plan. That means reading the book, following the plan to a "T", no cheats, and exercise is non-negotiable. Remember, atkins is a HIGH-FAT diet, not high-protein, so make sure you read the pertinent chapters of DANDR to check out acceptable foods, as well as detailed explanations about why/how the plan works.

Best of luck in whatever you decide to do.