Need a Jump Start

[BKM]

Hi Everyone,

I've been browsing the last couple of days, lots of good information in this forum! And I'm particularly interested in those who are trying to lose 20-25 pounds....

I've been low-carbing since 1994 (went from 200# to 130#). Stayed at 130-135# for the next several years, but have been putting on weight in the last couple of years (I'm currently 152#). At 5'7" this is too much, and I really want to get my weight back down -- but it doesn't seem to be working. I am 58, not on any medication, reasonably active but no actual workout-type exercise (I walk, play golf, ride a bike, etc.).

A typical menu for me is:

Breakfast
2 egg omelet with 1 ounce pepper jack cheese and 1 tbsp salsa, coffee, 4 ounces strawberries/blackberries with a dab of whipped cream

Lunch:
3 ounce packet of tuna, 1 hard-boiled egg, 1 ounce string cheese

Dinner
salad (lettuce, cucumber, asparagus, hard-boiled egg) with Ranch dressing, salmon

When I run a day's menu through FitDay, I typically come up with 20-25 ECC. And most of my daily carbs come from the fruit in the morning, which is supposed to be the best time to eat it....

A few weeks ago, I followed the induction diet strictly, took off 5 pounds (I think it was nothing but bloat), but since then all I've done is bounce around. At the very first, I noticed shorts/pants fitting better through the belly, but no change since. Apparently, my ability at masurements is zero -- I can vary a simple waist reading each time I try it....

I think it's been close to 10 years since I've knowingly eaten any sugar, flour is saved for the (very rare) pizza -- my husband and I simply don't even consider high-carb foods any more (well, not entirely true, sometimes we'll have bread at a restaurant, or some sugar-free Blue Bunny ice cream, or some rice with gumbo...). However, my husband NEVER puts on any weight, and his cholesterol etc. has been perfect since he initially went on this diet -- and my weight has managed to creep upward!

Any hints, tips, etc. I will really appreciate!!! Thanks -- BKM

[RCFletcher]

I see you're mixing protein power and atkins. These are two good plans but I think you should choose one and stick to it like glue. You said you lost weight on induction. I presume this was Atkins? OK go back to Aktins induction, cut out the fruit in the morning, make sure you're getting enough fats and away you go!

Good Luck
Robert

[BKM]

I followed Atkins' induction plan for the two weeks (PP wasn't doing it for me, thought I needed something a bit more restrictive).

However, I was NEVER not hungry, though I went into ketosis for the entire time. I really missed my fruit and was always craving something to take its place.

How do you "up your fats" when you've nothing to put them on? I absolutely despise meat fats and will cut off every visible bit, nor do I like anything with a greasy feel. Although I use whipped cream with my fruit, how would you eat this without fruit?

I avoid sweets (other than Splenda in our whipped cream) because, once started, I simply want to continue -- and this goes for Atkins' cheesecake, bars, Splenda candies, etc. I will add these back to my diet after I get my weight back under control, but not before. I also tend to eat too many nuts (pecans! mmmm). I am trying to stay away from Brie and other soft cheeses right now....

And the 5 pounds I lost -- I'm not sure if it was anything more than readjusting my water weight.

Thanks!

[RCFletcher]

How do you "up your fats" when you've nothing to put them on?

Put them on something! A classic French salad dressing contains lots of olive oil. The Spanish just pour olive oil over their salads. Fry in butter - add it to your scrambled eggs. Put lashings of mayo on salad - it is mostly oil.

When you are off induction you can make little pancakes with soy flour or protein powder and spread them with butter or pate.

Add cream to your coffee (ops - should I say decaff!) :rolleyes:

As for whipped cream, I eat (sweetened) sour cream with a spoon - no problems. How about topping some sugar free jello with the whipped cream?

What's wrong with brie? it's only 0.45 g of carbs per 100g - almost the lowest of any cheese - and again it's full of fat. I wish I could afford to buy it here.

Good luck,
Robert