New and already have problems...

[conqueso]

Hello all!

I have been on induction for 5 days now and have encountered some problems with my weight loss! After three days on induction, I went from 148 to 142. Woohoo!! But I weighted myself on the fifth day and I am at 144. What just happened? Is it water weight? Or am I eating too much? Here is a menu for you to disect:

B - 2 scrambled eggs (or small portion of meat leftover from the night before)
1 tbsp. olive oil to fry the eggs
8oz. decaf coffee
1 packet of splenda
1 tbsp. of heavy cream

Snack - 1 boiled egg

L - 1 small porkchop (or two hamburger patties)
2 tbsp. mayonnaise
2 cups of salad
1 tbsp. olive oil (for the salad)

Snack - 1 boiled egg

D - Steak (or two chicken thighs) (grilled) (salt and pepper seasoning)
2 tbsp. mayonnaise
1 cup of steamed veggies

Snack - SF Jello with 2 teaspoons of heavy cream (or a can of Diet Rite)
(I drink at least 100 ozs. of water a day).


I exercise 5-6 days a week for 60 to 75 minutes....eliptical machine/weight lifting/swimming. I try to mix it up from day to day. But I sit for most of the day because of the type of work I do....(I'm a therapist!!) I don't let the stress get to me, and I try not to eat more than I should. But some days I get so hungry that I eat two steaks in one day! Should I cut out the cream? I rarely eat cheese for a snack unless I'm absolutely starving for something between meals. Any advice on how to alter my menu? Or should I just stay away from the scale?

Thanks!!!

[*Alexa*]

Hello Conqueso,

I would not worry at all about the slight gain again - when you are changing your diet as much as Atkins entails, there are bound to be fluctuations. Just try to weigh once a week if you can.

Your menu looks pretty good to me - though some might say stay away from anything not listed for induction - if you cut out the SF jelly and diet rite, that would be a stricter induction.

The exercise sounds good. Well done on starting, it really works and this is a great place for support.

Also - I like your flags

[Brook]

Hey there, conqueso

What happened? Well, lots of things could have happened - but none of them are likely to be anything you should worry about.

1. STAY OFF THE SCALE. If seeing normal fluctuations send you into a tizzy (and it does for lots of people) - then weigh in once a week.

Your body will fluctuate in weight from day to day. This is a result of anything and everything from how much water you're drinking, how much sodium you're taking in, how much exercise you're doing (it can and does cause initial weight gain - all water- at first), your bathroom habits, when you're eating and how much you ate, meds, your period..........this is why it's important to pick a day of the week and count only that day. It'll give you a better idea of where you're truly at.

2. Your goal is to lose 18lbs. You've reliably lost 3 lbs of that already. That means in 5 lousy days you've already accomplished 16% of your goal. That's AMAZING by any standard. Someone starting out with 100lbs to lose would have to have lost 16lbs in 5 days to be at your same rate of loss!! Pat yourself on the back, don't kick yourself in the butt. That's AWESOME!

3. The exercise: Is the exercise new for you? Have you increased it or changed your routine recently? Your muscles will view new demands on them as an emergency and will hyperhydrate until they figure out that the new demands are the new norm. If you are experiencing some retention, know that it's transient and it'll go in short order. It means you're doing it right!!!

4. If you're hungry - EAT. Don't eat until you're full, just eat until you're not hungry anymore.

5. Your menu looks pretty darn solid. Well done.


Take a deep breath. You're doing just fine. And if you haven't already - take your measurements!

~Brook

[sallyseachange]

Fluctuations of the scales are normal. I go up and down like crazy, and just keep an eye on the general trend over say a month or so. If you eat right and don't cheat the weight will come off, you can be sure of that!
Happy low carbing!

[conqueso]

Thank you so much for the support!! I think I needed to hear that just to keep myself in check! you guys are awesome!

P.S. Baarb, I love the UK! Plus it helps that my husband is an englishman and is from Grimsby! (Although I'd have to say there are a lot prettier places to visit in England!)

Thanks again to everyone!!!

[dreamof145]

The advice you've been given is great. Looks like you are doing good with your WOE and exercising routine. Don't focus on the scales. Take your measurements so you can see your body changing and losing inches. As Brook said, your progress so far is very good!!

[sillygirl]

Hi conqueso! We love things with cheese around here! Isn't that what your name means? It looks to me like you've gotten some sound advice from the others. Your menu looks great to me, I hope you're eating that way every day!

[msfran]

u lost six pounds in three day thats fab ,i think its just the water weight not to worry,i started indution monday i won't weight myself until sunday it really can get hard but i hav'ent cheated yet ,i could reall use some support

[Adena]

Conqueso, you are doing great! This way of eating, in particular, makes the scale fluctuate more than typical diets. I have a "daily weigh" habit that I am trying to break b/c it drives me crazy!

MsFran, how has your food and exercise been going? You're at a tough point right now. Just focus on pushing through, and your the appetite surpression will kick in (and induction flu symptoms will fade). Hang in there Fran -- you can do it!

[13_jane]

Hi

Yes you are doing great so far - my weight moves from day to day - thats why they advice you to wait until day 14 to weigh yourself!!! I'm terrible I get on the scales every morning, thats how I know weight moves soo much!!

Just keep on what you are doing, and you'll be very proud of yourself at the end of your induction

Have you thought about joining one of the exercise challenges?? they're really good to keep you motivated and also make new friends on here

good luck

jane x