OWL or Extended Induction?

[sukie7]

I am wanting to loose around 25 pounds all together. I have lost almost 10 in the first two weeks of induction. My plan was to stay on induction 2 more weeks before moving on to OWL, but some are saying since my weight loss goal is small compared to some that I should move on to OWL now. I am not sure what to do. Any advice?

[liv]

It is up to you. I have been on extended a few times coming out of induction because sometimes 14 days are not enough for me to get into the programme. But I am one of those people who can lose on induction for a bit but then it stops and I really need to work in carbs and nutrition to be good. Did I see that you said you were hypo? Many of us hypo people really need our carbs (this is anecdotal but seems to the case for a lot of people) So do not be afraid of carbs. Just learn to use them. So my advice is that if you are not quite ready for OWL do induction a little bit longer but do not be surprised if your losses actually slow down even if you are doing everything like before.

[sukie7]

Yes, I am hypo which has always made losing even 1 pound hard. That is really why I am thinking of a couple more weeks on induction. I am afraid that if going to OWL slows down weight loss for most people, I might stop losing all together and I don't want to lose the momentum I have now.

[liv]

That is what most people think but it has flaws
Flaw one: you lose water weight on induction so it seems like it is a miracle but that loss is not sustained by some of us. And as I said some of us need more nutrients to lose. You could be one of them
Flaw two: most people who stay on induction, die on induction. Probably because they deny their body nutrients and foods; they reach the wall, give up and then start carb loading and balloon up again faster than ever
Flaw three: Most people who say they are long time extenders actually cheat a lot and I think probably develop a bad habit thinking they can get away with stuff.

BUT it looks to me like you are not quite ready for OWL you need to explore this diet a bit. Sure stay in induction a little bit longer if you like. I don't think there is a problem with it. I would probably do the same thing in your shoes. But start reading and thinking about OWL.

[sukie7]

I have been really good about making sure my carbs are from veggies such as red peppers, tomatoes and avocados. I also take a mutli vitamin everyday just as I have for the last 3 years. I feel really good on induction and have not cheated even one bit. I don't feel I am being denied anything and by day 2 I stopped hunger pangs and cravings all together. That is why I think staying on induction at least more weeks will be good for me. I started at 146 and today was 137. My true goal weight is 118 (I am only 5'2") and I was thinking of going to OWL around 125. Is that appropriate?

[atkinsgal08]

OWL.

You should be at premaintenance with 5-10 pounds (5 in your case I would think) to go, so you really need the time on OWL.

You'll feel "really good" on OWL, too.

>>I was thinking of going to OWL around 125. Is that appropriate?>>

No. For the reason listed above.

MOST of your weight should be lost on OWL.

>>my carbs are from veggies such as red peppers, tomatoes and avocados>>

Avocado is not a vegetable carb. It's a special category food.

[sukie7]

Yes... I know an avocado is not really a veggie, but in my mind, it sure seems like one.

[atkinsgal08]

I agree it seems like one!

You just can't count it as a vegetable carb.

[liv]

You can when you OWL
Anyways update us. Let us know how everything goes. It seems like you are doing fine. I am your height. Started Atkins probably around 170 lbs and started OWL when I was around 150 about a month into induction. I am still on OWL sort of but I have reached 125 which is the weight I would like to stay at.