I am 18 days into Atkins--Hello All!!

[vikkiswish]

Hello, my name is Vikki, and I am on the Atkins diet for the second time in my life. The first time I was about 22-23 and I lost 20 pounds. Now, I am 34 almost 35, fatter than ever, and back on the Atkins diet. I did quit smoking one year and three days ago, and I gained a lot of my weight because of that, and I have struggled to lose even one pound in all of that time. On October 1, 2007, I weight 250. Today, I weight 240-238. I lost 10 pounds in 6 days and then I didn't lose anymore until the 13th day. That morning, I weighed 238. Ever since, I have been up and down 2 pounds. So far, I can't seem to lose anymore weight, and I swear that I am not cheating. I am just assuming that my body is going through some kind of change and that I shall be smaller by the end of the month. Do you all think that is a safe assumption?

[sallyseachange]

Hiya Vikkiswish... welcome! Congratulations on your first losses and on having given up smoking! Awesome.

In your poll, I answered that you need to exercise for this diet to work because exercise is a fundamental part of the programme. Most of us will lose weight by doing the diet alone in the beginning; but for long term success, exercise is really necessary.

Re your pause in weight loss, this happens to many after the first period of losing. It's normal... and is the body just taking stock and coming to terms with the fact that you mean business. Usually losses start up again soon if you're eating right and generally following the plan to a "T".

Be careful not to eat too little. If you do, your body will go into starvation mode and hang onto weight. Also, be careful not to eat too much. Gorging will put lbs on everyone. The trick is to feed your hunger only, and with the right foods.

Have you taken your measurements? Inches lost are a far better guage than the scales, which can be evil at times. You might be dropping sizes while maintaining the same scale weight. This happens.

If you're still not losing in a while, post a couple of menus in the Review my Menu forum. You'll get lots of feedback there and people will tell you if you need to tweak anything.

Hang in there! We're behind you 100%!

[vikkiswish]

Thank you!! I really appreciate your quick and complete advice. I have struggled all my life, and it really does help me to know that there are others out there who know what they are doing who also share some of my difficulties. Also, a friend of mine tried to tell me that you don't need to work out, so I am glad that you corrected that assumption for me.