Please Help - Am I doing something wrong?

[MrsMinnie]

I have been on the Atkins before so my 14 Days should be fine, BUT I quit in the past because I didn't lose anything. Admittedly I only weighed myself, I didn't measure, however my clothes don't feel any different.

The 1st time I tried this diet I was on induction for 4 weeks with no weight loss. Then the second time I introduced exercise, I lost about 2 to 4 pounds, but it kept fluctuating so I wonder if it was just water.

Now I want to give it another go, especially since I have a lot of time in my hands, to concentrate on my weight loss program.

I'm 5'5, and currently weigh 160lbs, might not seem like a lot but because of my height everything is everywhere. My tummy has about 4 folds, huge thighs, cheeks, neck etc. I feel so low that I avoid seeing people I grew up with or even family members because all they say is "wow you are so fat" as soon as they see me.
I used to comfort eat, but I want to fix everything now. My husband reckons it is difficult to lose the weight because I am not exactly very big, so it might take time, but I'm one of those people who want results ASAP, so its tough. Anyway I just want to make sure I'm eating the right food. I have the Atkins diet book with the recipes and dos and don'ts.
I haven't really followed each recipe meal by meal, but I have been eating eggs, beef (fried sometimes with mushrooms), lettuce, cucumbers, lamb (love that luscious lamb recipe), avocado, tomato, onions, mayo, water, cheese, although I haven't had much cheese because I don't want any. I tend do different things with the above. I have had herbal tea but I stopped now because I don't know if I should, the book says it's ok - it was mainly to make me go, I also take vit c tablets, eye vitamins, iron tablets and cod liver oil capsules.
So right now I'm stuck. I am still on the diet, today is my 4th day. I have been running, but I have also actually joined the gym yesterday and I'm on a 80 minute exercise program.
Should I follow the recipes as per book or is what I am eating (above) ok?
Please advise.

[SandyL2002]

Hi again.. First make sure you measure.. at 5'5 you don't have alot to lose..and it may take a while... and that is where you need to focus on how you feel

[MrsMinnie]

I have started to measure my waist, hips and bust (only yesterday). I can't wait to see even 1 pound loss. I usually weigh less in the morning and more when I go to bed so I take it, it's probably water.

Does anyone have those body fat monitors (scales), are they any good?

[SandyL2002]

MrsMinnie.. I think another thing you should do is NOT weigh everyday... I understand the wanting to lose the lbs quickly...I get so mad at the scales..but they are going down...slowlyyyyyyyy but down...and my inches have gone too.. Hang in there

[MrsMinnie]

I guess I am stressing myself just a bit, maybe i'll weigh weekly instead.

[SandyL2002]

lol... maybe just a little..

[ValidRouge]

It sounds to me that the foods you are eating are right on target. Make sure that you eat 3 cups of veggies per day...that's very important. You can have more after the first two weeks.

I'm glad you are exercising too. That's awesome.

Just do the plan, make sure you drink at minimum 64 ounces of water (pure water only) every day plus another 8 ounces for each 25 lbs you want to lose. Get that water in...it's soooo important.

Stay off the scales for the first two weeks. Measure yourself and write it all down. In two weeks, do it again and compare. I'm sure you'll see some differences.

We're all rooting for you.

[MrsMinnie]

Thanks so much. Actually, I haven't been having 3 cups of veg a day. I have some but not all the time. I think I need to stock up on some "good" veg.

[Grant]

Hi Minnie,

Overall sounds like you are doing great. Couple of things I thought I'd mention.

To really make Atkins work you have to make sure you are going by the book. The devil is in the details as they say.

This means counting carbs. You might want to try the program you can find at www.fitday.com it's useful as you can enter in your foods and easily keep track of how you are doing.

You also need to measure your vegetables to make sure you are only have 3 cups salad veggies or two cups salad veggies and one cup "other" veggies.

Keep in mind avacado is one of the special foods like olives. You are allowed about 1/2 half a small avocado per day.

You didn't mention what kind of cheese you eat. We are allowed 3 to 4 oz of many types of full-fat, firm, soft and semisoft aged cheeses but cottage cheese, farmer’s cheese and other fresh cheeses are not permitted during Induction. Also, no "diet" cheese, cheese spreads or whey cheeses are permitted.

Check the ingredients on everything. Lots of things have hidden carbs not listed in the ntritional panel. Especially look for anything ending with -ose such as dextrose and sucrose. For example check that mayo, if it has sugar I'd toss is and look around for one that doesn't (or make your own).

Drink lots of water, at least 64oz a day preferabley more. You can drink other things but avoid caffeine and things with sweeteners other then splenda or stevia (of which you can have three servings per day). If you do though, be sure you DON'T include those sweetened drinks as part of your water intake.

You are already exercising which is great. I highly recommend you take part in one of the many exercise challenges you will find on this board. They really help make you stick to it as you know you will be held accountable by people doing the challenge with you.

As I said, the devil is in the details but once you get used to doing things the right way it really gets easier as you ahve to think about it much less. You're off to a great start, keep up the good work and know that we are here to help if you have any problems.

[MrsMinnie]

Thanks Grant, I eat mature cheddar is that bad? Just to be sure, what is a cup? I think I should get those measuring things out of my cupboard (If they are still there). Otherwise I may end up having more than a cup. I think I will cut the avocado out. I should be able to find other interesting "non special foods".
I think I may also have been overdosing on worcestershire sauce, the bottle doesn't say how much carbs are in it, but the book says to use 2 tablespoons.
Thanks again guys, I have joined fitday today and already enjoying seeing what I'm taking in and being able to be in control, it's great. I feel like I'm going to be on day 1 again, but who cares. As long as I get it right. I also drink a lot of water anyway, because I don't drink tea or coffee or even fizzy drinks, so laying off them has been ok.
I've decided to eat the meals in the book as they are, then see how I get on. Fingers crossed . . . .