Newbie

[westphalia]

Hello, all. My name is Joe, and I'm 36 and 6'3". I weighed 428 on April 1st, started Atkins, and now weigh 340; my goal is to weigh 300 by Halloween and 250 by Valentine's Day, 2008. I walk 4.3 miles each morning in under an hour, do an hour's weightlifting in the afternoon, then an hour's isometrics before bed.

A week ago, I weighed 334.5. All of the sudden, the weight started to go up - 337, then 339, now 340. My ankles and calves are swollen - sufficiently so that my father noticed them today - but not at all painful or uncomfortable.

I admit that I've pretty much stayed on induction for the last three months, because I enjoyed it and loved the rapid weight loss. In fact, I've probably eaten just about the same things for the last three months, and my caloric intake is right between 1500-2000 calories. I'm not trying to keep the calories low - I'm just not hungry like I used to be, so I eat five or six small meals a day, and that's it. I drink two gallons of water a day, and drink nothing else. Could it be that my body is rebelling against too low an amount of carbs, and retaining water?

A week ago, the "300-by-Halloween" goal looked easy, and now the scale is going backward.

My compliments on a great forum.

[NoThanksI'mSweetEnough]

Hello and Welcome!

I won't waste your time trying to figure out the source of your gains, but I'm sure some of the "veterans" will be by shortly to ask some pointed questions and give some sound council. Being a "newbie" myself, I just wanted to be the first to introduce myself and offer some encouragement.

I'm anticipating you will also hear recommmendations for beginning your climb up the OWL ladder. For me, during past attempts, this has been a way to boost my weight loss, espeically during the veggie rung. Just something for you to consider.

Anyhow, whatever your decision, take good care, and keep up the great work. On Atkins, as long as you are on plan, all gains are temporary and part of the learning process.

[sillygirl]

Hey Joe! My neighbors had a Westphalia, and I haven't heard that word in years! Welcome to the board. Sounds like you're on track.

My opinion, yes, at your weight and height you should be eating lots more, and still losing weight. Go check out this site: http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/

you have to read around the site some to get the full understanding, but it will tell you exactly how many calories your individual body needs in order to stay the same, if you did absolutely nothing all day. In turn, by deducting 500 calories from that figure, that's your magic number. I think you will be surprised. I know hunger is minimal, but it's true that if you eat too little for your body, it will hold on to the weight!

Lastly, if you read around the board, you will see that those who moved on to the food rungs actually lose even more weight. It seems to kick starts it again when you stall.

C'mon 300 by Halloween!

[loo-see]

Hi westphalia,
congratulations on 88 pounds loss. I'm impressed.
Send your menu in Review my menu forum,you'll get the answers and suggestions to your question. Are you following Induction rules,taking supplements,eating up to 20g carbs daily?
Once more,congratulations!

[westphalia]

Originally Posted by loo-see

Hi westphalia,
congratulations on 88 pounds loss. I'm impressed.
Send your menu in Review my menu forum,you'll get the answers and suggestions to your question. Are you following Induction rules,taking supplements,eating up to 20g carbs daily?
Once more,congratulations!

I'm right at 20 per day, but I'm probably long overdue for OWL. I just got addicted to the feeling of dropping the weight as quickly as I did. Dumb, dumb, dumb. I'll take your advice on the menu forum.

Maybe moving up the OWL will get me kick-started again. Very discouraging, though, to come home drenched with sweat and weigh two pounds more than the day before.

[sillygirl]

Don't worry! Go read the OWL Forum. Also, in the Work It Labor Day Challenge (in Challenges Forum) many pages back we had a big discussion about this topic! Give it a try, you can always go back if you feel you need to!

[loo-see]

Originally Posted by westphalia

I just got addicted to the feeling of dropping the weight as quickly as I did. Dumb, dumb, dumb.

Maybe moving up the OWL will get me kick-started again. Very discouraging, though, to come home drenched with sweat and weigh two pounds more than the day before.

Choise is yours.
Move to OWL!!!

[sallyseachange]

Hi Westphalia and welcome!
Ditto everything Silly said... I think you maybe need to eat more.
Remember that OWL doesn't mean you don't lose anymore... on the contrary, many people lose more on OWL... particularly rung 1 which is more veggies.

Hearty congrats on your success so far!

[Scooterjam]

Good job man!! I think that Halloween goal is very obtainable. I see you've gotten some great advice to your questions, make sure you're getting enough to eat! Keep up the great great work!!

Here are some other threads and links you may find help to get the wheel in motion. The intial step of moving that wheel is all you need, these links will keep to keep building up the momentum!

Rules of induction:
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard....read.php?t=6782 (What are the Rules of Induction?)

Acceptable foods:
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard....read.php?t=6781 (What foods can be eaten on Induction?)

Awesome Recipes:
http://www.genaw.com/lowcarb/index.html

Caloric Counter/Carbs/Protein/Etc/Reports:
www.fitday.com (Free on-line, this is awesome!!) or some members use this one http://www.thedailyplate.com

Anyway, congrats on going low carb, make sure you jump around the forums and make your presence known, we are very happy to have you with us!!

Best of wishes! Life is good!

[Sherri]

Hello there! Post often and let us know how you're doing. Lots of support here!