Former Carb Queen Humbly Joins the Group

[FormerCarbQueen]

Hello All..

My name is Carmen and am happy to find this site. I am 60 years old and need to lose easily 35 pounds. I have been on Induction faithfully for nearly five weeks--it has been a huge disappointment so far. At four weeks I had only lost four pounds and I got on the scale and had gain 3/4 pound of that today at nearly week five. I have begun to take L-Cartine and CoQ to see if that helps me get some results. As I recall, I got farther on WeightWatchers but the aspect of losing fat as opposed to losing muscle made Atkins what I thought was a very good choice for me. Right now, I am really demoralized. The ketostix say I have been in the midrange these LONG weeks but it sure doesn't seem to be working.

I am grateful to find a group to talk to about this--I live in a rural small town and to connect with others who might provide some support, advice and insight if badly needed. Sort of feel at the end of my rope.

My best to all the group,

Car

[LaceyLooWho]

Oh gosh... you sound really frustrated so let me see if I can help ya out. First of all have you been measuring? I initially lost weight during my 2 week induction and then yo-yo'd a little for the next 3-4 weeks. However, what I didnt see on the scale, I saw in the tape measure and in just one of those weeks I lost 11 inches off my bod. It is so important to measure... I really cant stress that enough. I did start to see those big losses after week 5 again so I know that just sticking with it definitely works.

You have been on induction for 5 weeks but you only have 35 pounds to lose and therefore I would suggest moving up a rung into owl by simply adding 5 more carbs of veggies to your diet. That could actually be what you need for your body to start letting go of some weight. Are you drinking lots and lots of water? Exercising? Those are all important too... if you post a sample menu we can try to give you some tips on what you are eating. That might be helpful to you, especially if there is something in there that could be slowing you down. Please hang in there, this does work... you are doing great and we are here for you

[FormerCarbQueen]

Dear Lacy Loo..

Thanks a million for responding--you read me so well cause I am really frustrated and I confess discouraged. Reading about how it went for you informs me about how bumpy it can get.

I did measure when I began and did see some drop in my waist, abdomen and stomach and slight bit on my hips. I have been measuring every week but it is weird to have lost only three pounds in five weeks with this level of discipline.

I started my food journal today to see what I am actually doing and will post it in a couple of days for a looksee for all. For example, just had lunch and it was a couple of boiled egges chopped with a tablespoon of mayo and four pork rinds and a glass of water. If I had eaten like that at age 30 I would have lost 15 lbs in 5 weeks but that's the price of aging I guess!!!!

Again, I appreciate so much your help at keeping my flagging commitment going. What Atkins says about emotional eaters is me all the way, when things get out of control, I head for the Ben and Jerry's!

Take care,

Car

[LaceyLooWho]

Hello again...
Good for you for starting a food journal, that will really help you and will help the board help you as well. I notice from your lunch that you posted that there is no veggies? You need to get some veggie carbs in too. Ideally you should try to spread your 3 cups of veggies out through the day so that you keep your blood sugar stable. It also helps with the emotional eating because if you arent hungry, you wont be as tempted to snack on off plan food. I am an emotional eater too but control is fairly easy on Atkins because of the apetite reducing effects. I also agree that being older is going to affect your ability to lose weight. You might just have to resign yourself to losing at a slow but steady pace. It will come off. And you are already 3 pounds ligter than you were 2 months ago. Celebrate the small victories and hang in there!

[HavinAButterfly]

Hi, Carmen!
I know as we age, our metabolism changes, I don't lose like I did in high school! Also, if you post your menus, I am sure people (more experienced than I) could offer ideas or suggestions.

However, I wanted to suggest a trip to your dr's office - just to rule out anything that might be a problem- diabetes, thyroid, cushing's disease, etc. My dr recommended me to see an endocrinologist and I am glad I got to see what my body is doing inside, too. It turns out I am 100% healthy- just have a slow metabolism. It was the endocrinologist that recommended low-carbing to me! It's just nice to rule out a medical problem.

When all is said and done, you've lost some weight and you don't have too much further to go!! As others have said: measure, try on clothes, and just keep going!

[FormerCarbQueen]

Hi Butterfly1

Thanks so much for writing. Got on the scale this morning after 5 weeks and 5 days and my total weight lost is 2.8 pounds!! I wanted to drop to my knees in disappointment. Kept a food journal and was not over the 20 carbs--does anyone know of anyone who had this experience. My fat pants are getting a little more loose and I have lost some inches but the scale just sits there.

Let me know if you have ever heard of this. I keep looking at pictures of before and after and others are making progress but not me----grrrrr.

Thanks so much for listening.

Carmen

[liv]

The scale have been sitting there for me as well lately but I am thinner. That is what I wanted anyways. Are you exercising Carmen? Drinking your water? Taking supplements?

[FormerCarbQueen]

Hello..

Yes--have been drinking water and taking my vitamins--even taking L-Caritine and CoQ that the Atkins book says helps to mobilize fat burning. AND, the ketosix says I am in ketosis and that is suppose to mean I am burning fat. I "appear" thinner--my husband says so and my fat pants are fitting a little better. However, the scale says "Sorry". It is the darnest thing I have ever seen. I am walking on the weekends with my husband also.I started at 150 lbs five and a half weeks ago and got as low as 146 and now I am back up to 147.8. I cannot believe after all this discipline that nothing is working.

Thanks for writing--am just in a funk!

Carmen

[liv]

It is working. Sounds like you are having some muscle matter developing. It is heavier than fat but takes less space - so fat is going, muscle is coming.
Losing weight is not just about the scale. We put far too much trust in the scale.

How many calories do you eat per day? Make sure you are not starving.

[FormerCarbQueen]

Hello Again..

Actually, this is the first diet I have ever been on that I am not ravenous--I am eating good portions of proteins and what is permitted. Thanks so very much for the encouragement. I keep trying to keep the faith and I appreciate so much hearing from you--this scale stuff is getting demoralizing.

Best,

Carmen