I'm new and need some guidance (please!)

[paulame]

Hi there,
I have done Atkins before and know that it can be successful. I started last Monday, so today is day 8. I have been using the little strips religiously, and I noticed that by day 3, my strips have been consistently dark pink-deep purple.

HOWEVER, after losing about 2lbs initially, I am now back to flat, and even concerned that I've put ON weight (I refuse to weigh myself because I'm very discouraged, but judging how my clothes are fitting I seem back to start weight or more).

I'm very confused and am wondering if anyone knows of cases in which a person can be in ketosis, but does not lose any weight/even gains weight? I don't have a ton of weight to lose (ideally 15 lbs), but I would still think that given how strict I've been, and the facts speaking for themselves (the purple strips), that I would be losing, and at least feel noticeably lighter by now.

I'm close to giving up...please help! thanks

[eclectikat]

DON"T GIVE UP.... its tough... if your body says your in ketosis you are... hang in... you can do this... you may see some dramatic results on day 10 or day 14... you may not... they say the less weight you have to loose the slower... and if you want to keep it off... the slower the better... so you may be loosing like 1/2 lb per week... but strategically of you want to be at your ideal weight for the rest of your life... this is not a bad way to get there. Be strong. Atkins does work.
I am condfident I will see results soon too... one of the most important things to me is that I am NOT craving sugar at all. my skin is clearing up... and I am not feeling deprived.
Another tip is to get active as soon as you can in the day... start the burning process early... being active any time of the day really is critical.
GOOD LUCK!!!
YOU CAN DO IT!

[paulame]

This is very helpful, thank you. What's frustrating for me is that I've seen this work before, so I was just curious if anyone knew as to whether one could be in Ketosis but still not lose weight (was wondering if there was some type of medical/chemical explanation). Someone once told me that one's ability to enter into Ketosis/lose weight rapidly from the process erodes over time, the more one cycles on/off this program. I'm not sure if that holds any merit and I haven't been able to find anything online attesting to this theory, so thought I'd ask you guys.

On the bright side, I do feel good, and I don't really miss carbs, though sometimes I think of brownies/chocolate mousse

I'm just trying to convince myself that this is something I have to do, and that like you said, over time I WILL see results, I just have to stick with it.

Thanks again - if anyone else has has a similar experience not being able to shed the weight despite doing all the right things, I'd love to hear about it! P

[SweetCher]

Hello P

and welcome to the

The good news is your sticks are turning purple. Atkins suggests weighing the first day and then waiting 14 days to weigh again. I think his reasoning was that some people can actually have a slight weight gain or slower loss initially and he didn't want them to become discouraged. The weight gain isn't a "real" weight gain it can be temporary water weight which leaves very fast. Some people have a fast water weight loss and others might gain a little water weight initially. Usually by the 10th day that turns around and you'll see a drop, but, it's best not to weigh for 14 days. Just trust the process - believe me- I've been through it all! The best way to overcome that syndrome is... yes, I know you are aware of this from the last time. Drink lots of water to flush that water weight out of your body.

The great news is you're turning purple. But, the fact that it's a deep purple suggests that you might be slightly dehydrated. So, try to get that water in your system.

Also, make sure your meats are not loaded with nitrates because that can make you retain a lot of water weight.

If you would like to...you can always leave us a sample of what your daily foods have been like. That way, we can take a look at it to see if anything might be a food that typically causes problems during induction.

Hope that helps!

[jende]

Welcome. I have few answers as I'm pretty new to this too, but I know there are factors involved that might cause you not to lose - but they can be discovered and remedied.

[paulame]

Cher, first I want to say that I read your results, and I am so impressed. With all of you, actually. I admire the dedication it takes to lose so much, and now the willingness to help others. I'm very touched by your comments, so thank you.

The bad news is that yesterday my strips stopped turning purple (it was back to "trace" or "small amount" - I think because there was a strike in our cafeteria yesterday and I was forced to eat less-than-optimal foods due to lack of supply. I got back on the wagon last night, though, and even though I feel bloated and pretty discouraged, I'm convinced I have to press on.

I will take all of your words and keep going and refrain from weighing myself until a Sunday or Monday (that'll be day 14 or 15). Maybe this week things will try to change.

Seriously, though, if anyone has ideas of what could be inhibiting my loss, I'd love to know...I read something about a yeast infection, too, but I'm not sure i"ve ever had one, or have one now, or how that would inhibit weight loss (just heard dr. atkins mention it in one of his books). I also take progesterone-only birth control (the "mini pill") but I've never heard of that inhibiting anyone.

Cher - I have been eating a lot of bacon, though (almost every day). You're right, the nitrates could bloat me. It's worth a shot to cut them out and see what happens. No bacon for me this morning!

Thanks again, and to Kathy, too! P

[SweetCher]

P,

I just wanted to check in and see how you're doing today. I'm sorry to hear you had a less than optimal food day the other day. Were you able to get back on track?

Also, Dr. Atkins is referring to candida which is a type of yeast infection that runs throughout the body. It can make it harder to lose weight. But, you will still lose
so don't worry. I have candida diagnosed by a medical doctor and I still lost weight.
So, you can accomplish your goals via Atkins.

[joee5]

Hello. My advice would be to stay off that scale. So long as your clothing is loosening up on you, that means your still losing. My clothes feel alot looser than the weight I lost, and as long as that remains the case I dont care what the numbers on the scale say, Good Luck. God Bless, Joe

[paulame]

Hi guys. Thanks again for the advice and support! I've gotten back on track, but still don't feel as if I've lost much (and my clothes are not looser, so I can't tell that way). I finally gave in yesterday and weighed myself. I've lost 2.5lbs and that's 11 days in. I'm disappointed but I realize that the weight I'm at right now is a previous "plateau" for me, and several times it's been really hard for me to lose beyond this point. Also, I always get nervous heading into the weekend because since I have more free time I have more opportunity to snack. I guess I just have to plan my meals and have the right foods around me. Sunday will be my 14th day, so maybe I'll weigh myself then. If I could lose just 1.5 more lbs I'd be down 4lbs in two weeks, and 2lbs a week wouldn't feel too bad for me given I only have 15lbs to lose (i'm only 5' tall).

I will keep you guys posted - hopefully next time I write I'll be much happier (I don't always want to write with complaints!). If I don't write before then, have a great weekend all! P

[SweetCher]

P,

Good morning.

If you would like you can post a sample of what your menu was like yesterday or
even today just so we can check it.

Otherwise, I'm glad that you're back on track. You'll do fine throughout the weekend. Just try to post this weekend to help you. Make sure you eat enough so you don't feel hungry. You don't need to starve yourself on Atkins - that's the beauty of the program. Just eat induction friendly foods!