Help please

[finnlinn]

Hey everyone
I am on the brink of total discouragement. This is my second week on OWL and things are not going well. First of all, I only lost about 6 pounds on Induction, and since I started OWL, I've actually gained 2 pounds. I use fitday, and my carbs are hovering around 24/day. Can anyone offer me any help as to what can be going on? I'd be happy to post my menu. Thanks for the help.

[Brook]

Your menus, your current stats, any meds you're on, exercise routines, supplements you're taking - all of this will be helpful.

[Promise]

im sorry to hear your getting discouraged... dont beat yourself up! i only lost 2.5 lbs during my 2 weeks of Induction! PLEASE DO POST YOUR MENU'S SO WE CAN TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT YOU'VE BEEN EATING... everyone will be glad to help you along... probably just something Minor... Dont worry...!

[finnlinn]

Thanks to both of you. I'm not on any meds, take Green Tea and multi everyday. I drink about 100 oz of water every day.

Breakfast: Sliced turkey breast with 1 TBS cream cheese
Lunch: Tossed salad with grilled chicken breast, some mozz cheese, cucumbers, 1/2 tomato and ranch dressing
Dinner: 6 oz pork chop sauteed in olive oil, 1/2 cup spinach with garlic and olive oil
Snack: 1/2 avocado
I do have one Diet Rite ocassionally and I did have one yesterday.
This was yesterday's menu...other days are pretty similar. Last week I only bumped up my veggies 3 days and this week I'm doing the same.

[Brook]

And exercise?
Current stats?
Male/Female?
Have you taken your measurements or are you only going by the scale?

You said you're tracking in fitday, correct?

Please post fat/protein/carb percentages as well as calorie intake.

[finnlinn]

I am walking about 40 minutes 3 times a week. Starting weight was 185, current weight is 181, Female. I have not taken measurements. According to Fitday, yesterday my cals were 1057 with 51% fat, 2% carbs, 46% protein. Usually they are more like 60/5/35.

[Brook]

Overall, I have to say that your menu choices look great.

Looking at your Fitday percentages/totals, however, there's definite room for some tweaking.

Your calories are low - but if you're satisfied and your energy levels are good, I wouldn't sweat it. I'm not a huge believer in BMR, myself - but plenty will disagree with me. However, as 2big4mysize would have said, "Your Atkins is upside down."

This is something I really have to watch or I do it too. Your percentages should be closer to 70/5/25 right now. Even 65/5/30 is just fine, but I would definitely advise you to up the fat.

The other thing is - you have *got* to take your measurements. The scale is the *least accurate* way to guage your progress or lack thereof.

The scale will fluctuate - day to day, week to week. If you're not consuming more than you're saying you're eating here, the 2lbs you're carrying isn't fat - it's water. Is TOM coming up soon? How's the sodium intake? Bathroom habits regular? - All of these things will affect the stupid scale. Take your measurements, up your fat, give it another week, track everything *very* closely -including amounts of what you're eating - and then see where it leaves you.

Honestly though, your menu choices look great.

[finnlinn]

Thanks Brook. I have practiced this WOE before and been very successful. I guess I'm stumped as to why this is happening this time. I'm going to buy a measuring tape today...I promise...and use it!
As for the water weight, it's always been an issue for me. I'm not sure why I retain so much but it drives me crazy!
Thanks again for your help...all I can do is keep on keepin' on and see what happens. Giving up is not an option. Thanks!!

[Brook]

Finn- you're absolutely correct! Giving up is not an option!

Also, remember, too much protein can covert to glucose - so keep those protein percentages in check. I usually stay between 30-40% and I have to work at it, even after all this time. It can be frustrating!

Keep the sodium intake in check as well, especially if you're a water retaining monster like me. Blahhh, eh?

The measuring tape will tell you a story the scale can't. Keep track and it'll keep you more in the know!

Continued success!
~Brook

[jimmyolsenblues]

i am sure if you keep your carbs to 24/ day, and continue to walk.
Maybe even incorporate new exercises, like walking longer in the mall/food store/work.
Lifting silly things when no one is looking. ( i do that at work cause I am bored).
I am absolutely certain you weight loss will speed up.