Somebody please help me figure this out!!!

[almondina]

I have done Atkins before with a lot of success, but put weight back on due to two pregnancies. In total I have about 38 lbs to lose. I started induction about two weeks ago. I lost 4.5 lbs, and since then, nothing! If anything, I seem to be going up a little and then getting back to 168 lbs. This is so frustrating. I'm being very strict (way more than my previous times), but nothing! This is so frustrating. I want to keep going, but if this is what's going to happen, then I have to think of a different strategy. I'm thinking about doing the Kekwick fat fast to see what happens.

Atkins has worked for me in the past. I know it's a powerful tool. I really want to make it work again.

The weird thing in all of this is that my ketosticks are turning dark pink (the darkest they've gotten in my past attempts), so I know something is happening. I also know that my scale isn't broken. But why is my weight the same day after day after day?

I'd appreciate some advice and encouragement from all you fabulous people out there who may have experienced the same thing. Someone please tell me this will pass, or give me some advice as to how to proceed!!


Thanks!

[Bluebelt2007]

I know a lot of people always ask did you read the book. More importantly did you read it recently. I did Atkins about 8 years ago and lost about 80 pounds. Like many others I got off this WOE and over the next 8 years gained it all back and them some. I found myself trying Atkins a few times here and there, but it wasn't really working. What I found this time, while I thought I was being strict etc.., I was actually doing it wrong (just a little bit, which threw the hole thing off). This may not be your issue, but I just wanted to throw it out there. Also, you might consider posting your daily menu, so people can take a look for you.

Hang in there, this will work for you.

[sadie147]

It would probably be a good idea to post a few days menus, your stats (height, weight), any meds you are on etc?

It's hard to say what it is without alot of detail.

[julirama723]

Don't do the fat fast. If you've lost weight (which you have, 4.5 pounds, congraulations!) you're NOT metabolically resistant, and the fat fast can actually be dangerous. Stay off the scale for a while, as our weight fluctuates daily and hourly. Have you moved to OWL? There's no reason to stay on induction longer than 2 weeks--it will NOT help you lose more weight!

[Dropzofjupiter29]

Post your menus and what your eating, maybe their is something in your menu that is causing you to stall. Also measure measure measure!! Alot of times people see inches before the weight starts to go. Hang in there and keep at it!!

[EmDee]

Originally Posted by Bluebelt2007

I I found myself trying Atkins a few times here and there, but it wasn't really working. What I found this time, while I thought I was being strict etc.., I was actually doing it wrong (just a little bit, which threw the hole thing off). This may not be your issue, but I just wanted to throw it out there.

would you mind telling us what it was that was a little bit off?

[almondina]

My usual breakfast is some variation of 1-2 eggs (depending on how hungry and how busy my morning will be), cooked in butter. Sometimes I'll have some grape tomatoes, but I don't like "cold" food in the morning. Sometimes I'll have a slice of ham with it.

Lunch is usually about a cup of chicken or tuna salad, sometimes on a bed of lettuce or arugula or mixed greens.

For dinner, I usually have some protein (chicken, fish, steak, etc...) with a small salad with a home-made vinaigrette (made with no sugar or honey or dairy), or a side of steamed broccoli, or asparagus, or cauliflower.

I usually have one cup of coffee in the morning with a little half and half, and sometimes a cup of black decaf tea in the afternoon, unsweetened and without cream.

I usually take a little psylium fiber each day, as the book recommends.

I do take a low dose of antidepressant for seasonal affective disorder. I also take a multivitamin each day.

As I said, I've done exactly this regimen before and the weight has melted off. I don't know what the heck is going on right now.

I also drink plenty of water. I don't exercise in any formal way, but I have two small kids I run around with and after all day long.

I appreciate all the responses and would love some feedback on what I'm doing right now.

Thanks

[almondina]

Oh, and yes... I have read the book. I can practically recite the book at this point.

[sadie147]

Actually, if you only have 38 lbs to lose, then a loss of 4.5 pounds is right in line for the first 2 weeks, the average is approx 10% of what you are trying to lose.

You said you started induction 2 weeks ago and lost 4.5 pounds. average safe rate of weightloss is 1-2 pounds a week as well...so personally i think you are doing fine.

[snap]

I was thinking the same thing Sadie. The closer you get to goal the slower you lose. The only thing that I would do different is I would add exercise to the mix. Granted running after kids is hard work. But, it isn't the same as doing something like an intensive cardio workout. I would definately find a way to fit that into the day. If they take a nap during the day... jump rope or do a cool exercise video while they are sleeping.
Hang in there. You are doing a great job!