Are you Really a Turtle?

[Karen]

For some people, LC weight loss is smooth and steady. For others, it can be a bit more difficult. At any stage, our plans can be “tweaked”. We eliminate or cut down on certain foods, discover that the sugar alcohols in those two low-carb bars a day are the culprit or realize that dairy products slow us down. We may be intolerant to certain foods or are not aware that our carbohydrate intake is creeping up.

It may seem that people that don’t have a lot of fat to lose – generally in the 5-30 pound range – lose slower than those with a lot of weight to lose. But, that’s not true. Percentage-wise, it works out to be the same. If you’re aiming to lose 100 pounds, ten percent would be 10 pounds. If you’re aiming for 10, ten percent would be one pound. Remember that this is not a quick weight loss diet, it’s an eating strategy for life. On this site, the percentage feature is in every member’s post.

1. Have you read the book for, and followed your chosen plan to the letter for at least a month? No digression in the food front at all? No skipping meals?

2. Do you figure out your carbs/calories each day? Do you use a carb counter or a program like fitday.com? Or if you can’t be bothered with micro-managing, do you know what your critical carbohydrate level is and eat accordingly?

3. Do you regularly drink alcohol?

4. Are you scale or Ketostix obsessed? Compulsively weighing or using Ketostix will make the process seem slower and more erratic than it actually is. If you must weigh yourself everyday, chart your daily weight and figure out a weekly average. Don’t take it personally. It’s only a hunk of metal and a piece of plastic.

5. Are you trying to do a low fat version of your chosen plan?

6. Have you been a yo-yo dieter? People who have severely restricted their calories in the past due to low-fat or calorie restricted dieting may find it difficult to lose weight initially. In this case, using low-carb as part of the process of metabolic healing will help. You will lose fat once your body learns to trust what you’re doing. Persistence will pay off.

7. Are you consuming any or all of these items on a regular basis? If you are, stop consuming them one at a time, for at least two weeks to see if it initiates weight loss.

• Processed meats, including bacon
• Caffeine
• Cheese and dairy products
• Alcohol
• Nuts and Nut Butters
• Peanuts and Peanut Butter
• Artificial Sweeteners
• Diet Drinks
• Protein Bars
• Low carb food products that imitate high carb food
• Eating a wide combination of food in one day
• Overly salty foods? For example pork rinds? Processed meats?
• Sugar Alcohols

8. Are you drinking at least 64 oz. of water a day, plus 8 more ounces for every 25 pounds you want to lose?

9.. Prescription drugs or hormones (http://atkinscenter.com/Archive/2001/12/21-259254.html)which impede weight loss:
• estrogens (http://atkinscenter.com/Archive/2001/12/21-394348.html) and most synthetic HRT's including birth control pills
• Anti-depressant drugs (http://atkinscenter.com/Archive/2001/12/21-364901.html) - Insulin and insulin stimulating drugs
• Anti-arthritis medications (http://atkinscenter.com/Archive/2001/12/21-184759.html) including steroids
• Diuretics (http://atkinscenter.com/Archive/2001/12/21-140295.html) and beta blockers

10. Underactive thyroid (http://atkinscenter.com/Archive/2001/12/21-425982.html) (hypothyroid) function which can be present when blood tests indicate no abnormalities

11. Ovewrgrowth of the yeast organism (http://atkinscenter.com/Archive/2001/11/28-199113.html)Candida albicans.

For more details on overcoming metabolic resistance, read Metabolic Resistance: Causes and Solutions, Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution, 2002 edition.

12. Often overlooked but are you getting enough sleep? Or, are you going through an unusually stressful period? Stressing over what is perceived as lack of progress, being to hard on yourself and obsessing on scales or Ketostix is stressful.

After going through this list, contemplate your answers and work out a strategy for yourself. Learning to low-carb is a steep learning curve and will reward you richly by becoming educated and more aware of your body and how it will function optimally.

Don’t be discouraged! Look at overall health and well-being instead of using your plan as a diet just to lose weight. Keep learning about what works for you. You’ll be better able to deal with all the “forks in the road” and “speed bumps” along your low-carb journey.

[jen&ben]

Hi Karen,

Thanks for these notes. I have only been LCing for about 4 weeks and fell of the wagon at the end of the 2nd week.

I was poking around the forums tonight trying to get some ideas about how to restart the weight loss.

Quite a bit of what you write hit home for me. I have printed out this message and will cut out the carb bars first thing tomorrow morning. I had been using them as a sub. for the eggs I was getting tired of for breakfast.

Thanks again!
Regards, Judy

[starlite]

Well, that was super interesting - I mean that sincerely - because I wasn't sure just what would qualify but now I know I truly do!! You see, I have only lost 9 pounds since November of 2000!!!!!!
Now that is slow! But it's still a loss, right????

Please say right..hehe. :roll:

[Debbielee]

Wow! I have just realised that I am doing so much wrong. I do drink alcohol (probably 1-2 nights/week), I drink too much coffee...nuts are a fave of mine, cheese, milk - I often have a protien shake with it instead of a meal....fills you quickly.

It is really a learning game this LCWOL. I am amazed at how my attitudes toward food have evolved since learning about Low Carb. You can never think the same way about food again. I must say that I am craving sugar RIGHT NOW! AAAaarrrrgh...what has caused that? Maybe boredom...I think I will do something else now.

Thanks again for your insightful wisdom...truly the mother on this site.... :p

Deb

[Karen]

truly the mother on this site....

Thanks so much for the compliment, but that would actually be Doreen! :D

I'm your auntie. ;)

Karen

[SidPAC]

Karen,

Great info. Really! Thank you. I'm new to this site but not to lc'ing. I've been following Atkins since April 2000. I lost 20+ lbs in a matter of weeks but have been stalled since that time. I have tried cutting out cheese, nuts, all AS (including Splenda). I don't drink caffeine. I don't drink alcohol. I get about 100 oz of water a day and I eat about 100 cals over my basal of 1350 because I exercise a lot. I run 4 times a week and weight train 4 times as well. I'm actually training for my second marathon. I haven't lost lbs or inches.

I've been thinking about changing programs. I just don't know how I'll do on Sugarbusters though. I don't want to gain. I don't think I have the patience for the Zone either. Do you have any other ideas or things I should be thinking about?

I admit I cheat on occassion. But, when you go months without cheating and and there is no movement on the scale...sometimes you eat a little apple pie to keep sane. You know? If I do cheat, it is truely once in a blue moon.

Thanks!
Sid

[mommi2be]

Karen,

Your advice really helped. I was feeling a little discouraged because I am just completing one month on Atkins and I have only lost 7 lbs. The ironic part of this however is that is exactly 10% of my goal. So, surprise, surprise I am right on track.

Thanks again. You just made me feel "normal" instead of slow.

[Katydidit]

I read an article in another site, saying that if you have been on a low carb diet previously, that it is more difficult to lose. They say you might have missed your "golden moment".

That the first time you ate LC and dumped a lot of weight quickly was your "golden moment". Does this ring true? My friend has lost twenty five pounds since June 13, 2002. This is the first time she has eaten low carb.

This is my second attempt, I've lost fifteen since the same time frame, and we are basically the same weight.

Not discouraged, just curious.

Katy :)

[chrisews]

Am I really a turtle, Well, let's see, I haven't lost any weight since March (actually 4 punds) The firs 40 lbs came off quickly and easily, I guess I got used to that. Not having changed my habits, but I do have cheese, processed meats (pepperoni) and coffee. Wine maybe once a month or twice the most, one glass. and caffeine I have cut way back, using a blend, 50 % of caffeine only in the am, I've already cut out those lo carb bars, I do have sugar free jello with cool wip almost every night, I just need to have something when dh is having icecream I was having walnuts but I thought that they might be the culprit so they are gone. so I guess I've got some things to work on. thanks for the input, I'm going over to your journal to get some ideas on what else to eat. chris

[garrison]

chrisews, I used to have jello and cool whip almost every night for a little snack after dinner. I found out that it stalled me! (Not exactly sure why.) I stopped eating it and dropped a couple of pounds right away!

It might be worth it to cut it out for a few days to see if a change in your weight occurs?

[chrisews]

Thanks garrison, i have stopped it for the time being, we'll see if, while we are on vacation, that helps. chris :thup:

[EileenBet]

Hello All,
I guess this makes me officially a turtle!

I am 50 lbs overweight and have lost 4lbs and 1 inch since June 1st.
I work out about 3 -4 times a week and follow the WOE, including the tweaking all that was in the post to see what was slowing me down to no avail.
,
It also appears that when I have a good loss, it goes back up within a few days.

Add to that that I am losing my hair since LC, the only reason I am staying on it is because I am free of my food cravings and severe hypogycemia for the first time in my life.

So welcome this turtle, Eileen. LOL

[Kemss]

When I first read Karen's suggestions on the water (64oz plus 8oz for EVERY POUND YOU WANT TO TAKE OFF) I thought NO WAY... that's 200 ozs a day... then I read it again... PLUS 8pz of water for every 25pounds you want to take off... thankgoodness... I thought I was going to float away :p I can barely get the 64oz down! But since I was thinking that I was a turtle... I am going to up the water intake to 72! thanks again Karen

[Cheryl R]

10-12 times the amount of my weight
That would be 2750 to 3300 calories????
I couldn't possible eat that much??????
I'm eating under 2000 for sure... probably in the 1500-1800 range?

Can some one explain why I'm supposed to eat that many calories?

[ngarbade]

I have the same question that katydidit has.......is there a "golden moment" I have been back on dr atkins seriously for the second time and the weight is not budging........I know i do everything correctly.....i know im in ketosis........its been 3 weeks and no weight loss on induction. Whats up with that??? When will it change
Not giving up in SC :thup:

[yvonne326]

I definitely am a turtle and I read the list of questions you posted. Does one actually have to consume 10-15 X their weight in calories? (169 X 10 = 1690; 169 X 12 = 2028). I am only consuming between 1400-1600 calories...could this be why I am not losing?

I never kept that caloric amount...even during induction.

1. I have cut out nuts/seeds from my diet
2. I drink alcohol 1-2x a month
3. I drink 1/2 decaf/1/2 regular coffee - 1 cup a day usually.
4. I consume no more than 2oz of cheese a day (mostly less)
5. I eat bacon 1-2x every 2 weeks at most
6. I do eat pepperoni almost daily? Is that considered processsed? If so I will have to stop that too.
7. I don't eat bars and or shakes.
8. I don't drink diet sodas or use more than a teaspoon of splenda a day

So what's my problem :( HELP!

[Karen]

What about the other things? Meds, yo-yo dieting, post menopausal? Second time around on low-carbing?

I also have to say that 5 lbs. a month is nothing to snerk at!

Karen

[yvonne326]

Im actually losing 2 lbs a month now. Lost 20 at the first 3 months of induction and now that I am starting my 8th month it has slowed down considerably.

Am I pre-menapausal - - probably (I am 39).
Yo Yo dieting = = I started lots of diets but lost max 5 lbs so I don't know if that qualifies.
This is my first time Low Carbing...

So do you think I need to eat around 1690 calories a day to lose? What about carbs...I am eating 20-25 now with no loss.

Any advice would be helpful.

[Karen]

Well, there's no harm in starting at the max calories and then fine tuning it down if you need to. But, don't eat more food, eat more fat. Some bodies like consistency, and some like it shaken up a bit. The thing is to experiment without fear.

That said, weight loss is not a consistent downward trend. Your body has to regroup from the changes it has been experiencing. Any long term LC'er will tell you this and this is the point where - I believe anyway - LC'ing starts to turn into a WOL.

Karen

[Rodney]

Dear Cheryl R.

The conventional wisdom on stable bodyweight is that you must be eating exactly the right amount of calories to maintain your current weight. If you weight 269.5 and are fairly inactive, you are SOMEHOW consuming about 3,775 calories per day.

If you need 3,775 to maintain your weight and are really eating just 1,800 calories per day, that creates a deficit of almost 2,000 calories per day or 14,000 per week. You should be loosing 4 pounds per week (probably too much to be healthy). So either you are eating a LOT more calories than you think you are, or you are eating SO FEW calories that your body has switched to starvation mode and regular caloric requirements don't apply.

So, should you eat less, or more? You need to know. Get a food log then enter your paper data at fitday.com and get the facts. Or buy a Nutricounter and watch your carbs and calories in real time, as you enter them. You may be suprised at what you learn.

Try setting your calorires NOT LESS THAN 3,275 per day and alternating slow walks and easy weight lifting every other day. This should give you a healthy 1# per week fat loss, plenty of rich, satisfying food and better health.

[Cheryl R]

Rodney...
thanks for the feedback.
I have written in my journal now that I am going to post my food everyday...
I am meeting with a personal trainer that one of the docs I work with uses. I will be starting an easy exercise program on Monday. This has been in the works for a few weeks, but I am post op from gall bladder removal (3 weeks). I had to cancel my first appt. with her due to being ill, and then having the surgery. I can't lift any weights for 3 more weeks, so the trainer is going to start me off at my house with my tread mill that I just had my husband set up in the middle of my living room in front of the tv.

I know it will be hard in the beginning, but I hear from a lot of people once you get going on an exercise routine it starts feeling good. I know my threshold is 200 pounds... as soon as I hit that number, I will have more energy and be able to exercise even more... I just want to feel good.....physically...

[willeke]

Hallo all,
I saw that this thread was last active early December, but I'd like to join me and get some help for losing weight. I know it's important for everybody, but my husband is so anti Atkins that it is very hard to keep doing it when I don;t lsoe anything <g>!
I'll answer the questions from the first message of this thread first, and hope for some more golden tips!

1. Have you read the book for, and followed your chosen plan to the letter for at least a month? No digression in the food front at all? No skipping meals?
Yes I have read the book, this is the 3rd time I do Atkins and I started on 6 November, and have only taken some extra nuts when we were on holiday in the Netherlands and some extra sweetener and cream stuff at Christmas.

2. Do you figure out your carbs/calories each day? Do you use a carb counter or a program like fitday.com?
I use so few carbs, ever since 1 jan only some lettuce and a little bit of cream every day. I haven't calculated my calories, but I make sure I have enough - I love meat and add olive oil when I think it's not been enough calories.

3. Do you regularly drink alcohol? Your body will burn alcohol before it burns fat.
I never drink alcohol, never done.

4. Are you scale or Ketostix obsessed? Compulsively weighing or using Ketostix will make the process seem slower and more erratic than it actually is. If you must weight yourself everyday, chart your daily weight and figure out a weekly average.
I check with Keotstic two or three times a week and just hop on the scale every morning before my bath. I am not obsessed with the scales, just like the habit to see every morning if anything is happening.

5. Are you trying to do a low fat version of your chosen plan?
No.

6. Have you been a yo-yo dieter?
Yes, absolutely, abd I read about the fat, so I've been doing that - upping th fat I mean

7. Are you consuming any or all of these items on a regular basis? If you are, stop consuming them one at a time, for at least a week to see if it initiates weight loss.

Processed meats, including bacon- only bacon without any dextrose
Caffeine - no, I quit coffee a bit more than a year ago, only have decaf; don't drinbk normal tea either, only herb tea now and then

Cheese and dairy products - no cheese, only eggs and a little bit of cream in my decaf

Alcohol - alcohol will be burned for fuel before fat - no alcohol
Nuts & Nut Butters - no nuts after my holidays
Artificial Sweeteners - one saccharine sweetener in my decaf 2 or 3 times a day, and one teaspoon of liquid sacch sweetener in my protein drink

Diet Drinks - none, I always drink plain water when I'm out and about

Protein Bars - no
Low carb food products that imitate high carb food - no

Eating a wide combination of food in one day - I don;t know what this means, I eat simple meals

Overly salty foods? For example pork rinds? - no, I use herbal salt (approx 33% of normal salt) in my cooking, that's all. Bacon is not very salty here


8. Are your calories at least 10 – 12 times your current weight?
- Yes they are

9. Are you drinking at least 64 oz. of water a day, plus 8 more ounces for every 25 pounds you want to lose?
- I try for 96 oz every day and most days I manage that

10. Have you eaten any high-carb foods? - none


I hope this gives somebody an idea of what I can still change to finally start losing weight again!

thanks in advance
Vilica

[chrisews]

Vilica, I've had that same experience, In fact for much longer, I lost 40 lbs in 5 months, and nothing since March 02. Now, I'm kind of hanging out, and not as strict as I once was, some people suggest moving on to CAD at this point and I guess, I'm kind of doing that. but, note, I haven't gained anything, and to me that's like almost as good as losing. Dont get discouraged. Vilica, because it's discouragement that will cause you to gain everything back, but you might take a look at CAD. There are a number of people who swear by the change, and it might be just what you need. Chris

[ngarbade]

I could be willeke............she answered all the questions just like I would have.......thisis my third time to atkins.....all I can say or do is hang in there.I feel better and that counts for something. I have been in ketosis for a month with no loss but Im hanging in there :confused:

[willeke]

Hi Chris,
thanks for your response! I understand what you'rer saying about changing to CAD, but I don;t think it'll help me. I did Radiant Recovery for 18 months and when I came in the weightloss phase in January I still lost only 6 kilo in ten months, and was often hungry and out of sorts. You eat plenty of carbs there, but only "bronw" ones, like brown rice, wholemeal bread and pasta and potatoes oinly in the skin.
In November, after those 10 months I decided to go back to Atkins again. I am apparently too sensitive to carbs and when I have them, I will get all my addiction back and probably feel rotten - I've been thinking I'm allergic to wheat since it made such a difference when I stopped eating that.

No, I will continue on Atkins, will just try and tweak until there's nothing left to tweak! I know I will be able to lose, just wished it started!

BTW my weightloss of 15 pounds is for the whole year, I should probably change that. When I started Atkins I was 287 pounds, so I've not really lost much, really. I lost 10 lbs in the first 6 weeks, and at Christmas I gained it all back, with nothing but LC treats and not even all that many!

I'm absolutely determined not to give up and to keep searching till I know how to do it right!

cheers
Viilica

[Kemss]

Does being in Ketosis automatically mean that you will lose weight?

My sticks are pink to dark purple.... but only four pounds since January 2nd.


I have been a yo yo dieter all my life... my sister just tells me to keep it up and the "fairy" will visit soon....


I am on the pill and can't help but wonder if that's the problem. (I drink plenty of water, eat my veggies and have cut caffine - although I have eatten sf jello with cream cheese)

[willeke]

Hi Ngarbade.. interesting name btw!
I wanted to peep in your journal, to compare notes, but you haven't started one yet, I see! It's a good idea, it took me a few months before I made one, also, but now I like it!
I am indeed like you, I will NOT give up, I will lose weight, be it ever so slowly!

I will chnage my starting weight in my profile now, that's more realistic (see my previous post)!

let's just keep lc-ing till we shrink!!
Vilica

[ngarbade]

I seem to be on the right track now also........brain power has so much to do with it. I am back for the third time. I lost 35 pounds very quickly the first time. And for some DUMB reason quit the diet when I tried to go back on it just didnt seem to work and I just quit....but I am back again....have lost 6 pounds my first week and feel like this time I might make it.
BTW....why did you say interesting name :confused:

[willeke]

Hi! I'm glad you're doing so well, 6 pounds in a week, that's super!
Interesting name, well I never heard of anybody who's called ngarbade, so I was wondering how to pronounce it and where it comes from!

cheers
Vilica

[Rodney]

Dear Vilicia and Yvonne326,

Glad to hear you are both staying with it so well. You both sound very determined. If you don't mind, and can sit through a little more, I'd like to play fun with math again.

Vilicia: At 285# and maybe 50% bodyfat, you probably need at least 150 grams of protein per day (or 1 gram per pound of lean body mass). That would be 2 scoops of whey protein for breakfast, 7 grams of chicken for lunch and 7 grams of beef for supper. Them thar's big ole chuncks ah meat! Are you really getting that much protein? If not, you could be slowing your metabolism and delaying your weight loss.

Also, you should be able to eat 3400 calories per day and maintain your weight. At 2900 calories, you should loose about 1 pound per week or more. I say more, because at your bodyweight, you have a lot of muscle and a fast metabolism (I'm sure it doesn't seem that way right now). If you cut your calories to 1900 per day, I'll bet your body will panic and go into starvation mode, so make sure you get somewhere between 1900 and 2900 calories per day and at least 150 grams of protein.

Yvonne326

You are so careful with your diet. Well done. My question for you is, with no nuts, no seeds, no cheese, no bacon, no bars, no shakes and no carbs, how the heck are you getting anywhere close to 1400-1600 calories per day? On Atkins, fats are your friends! To get 1600 calories on low carbs and low fat means you would have to eat, maybe, 250 grams of protein per day (250x4=1,000 calories). This is really, really hard to do without protein shakes (I like Myoplex or make my own using Nitrowhey). Even with shakes at 50 grams per shake, that would be 5 per day or 35 onces of meat! If you really are eating this much, please write back soon, but I'm thinking you are not getting nearly enough calories to create a fast, fat burning metabolism. If you've done the math, please correct me on this.

At 166# and what, 25% bodyfat? you might need 125 grams of protein per day. That's not too tough and could come from, say, one 50 gram shake and two meals with 5 onces of meat (minimum). Your calories to maintain might only need to be 1800 (166x11) so, for you, a pound a week would come at 1300 calories. Please make sure you get at least that much. Because don't have that far to go, you need to be more careful about going too low than Vilicia.

For both, even a LITTLE bit of exercise goes a long way toward improving insulin sensitivity and the bodies ability to handle carbs. Even 5 minutes a day with some exercise tubes or fairly low weights will really, really help you. And I do mean 5 minutes per day. I brought my morning glucose down from 115 to 95 with a total of 18 repetitions (3 exercises, 6 reps each).

Keep trying. I think you are both doing great. And if you think I'm full of cabbage, feel free to ignore everything I've said.

Very best wishes,

[willeke]

Vilicia: At 285# and maybe 50% bodyfat, you probably need at least 150 grams of protein per day (or 1 gram per pound of lean body mass). That would be 2 scoops of whey protein for breakfast, 7 grams of chicken for lunch and 7 grams of beef for supper.

Also, you should be able to eat 3400 calories per day and maintain your weight. At 2900 calories, you should loose about 1 pound per week or more. I say more, because at your bodyweight, you have a lot of muscle and a fast metabolism (I'm sure it doesn't seem that way right now). If you cut your calories to 1900 per day, I'll bet your body will panic and go into starvation mode, so make sure you get somewhere between 1900 and 2900 calories per day and at least 150 grams of protein

Hi Rodney,
thank you for your interest, I haver a question though.. I think you can't mean 7 grams of chicken... is that 7 ounces? I didn;t now about the amount of 150 grams of protein, but I will make sure I get that. I get approx 2500 cals a day, would that be enough to lose weight?

Thanks a lot, I really appreciate this! will keep you all informed about my progress (or lack of it <g>)
Vilica

[willeke]

another question, Rodney.
How can I calculate my percentage of bodyfat? I don;t really think it's 50%, I have always been much heavier than I looked, and have always been pretty active, so I think my muscles are well developed under all that fat <g>.
Seriously, I'd like to know how to calculate the amount of protein that I really need.
thanks again!
Vilica

[Rodney]

Dear Vilicia,

Oops! Yes, you are correct: I meant 7 onces of meat, not seven grams. Good catch.

There are a couple of ways to measure body fat.

My wife and I just bought a digital scale with built in body fat measuring system. It uses electrical impedence to give a pretty good estimate of body fat.
You can also buy calipers at GNC and "pinch an inch" at your waist then use the table to read your percentages.
Or, you can buy the Weider ABS magazine that's out on the news stands right now. I uses your weight and waiste and a chart to give you your bodyfat. All these measure come out at about 23% for me, so I have to think they all work pretty well. I like the scale the best though--big, plain numbers, no guessing.

Since you actually know how many calories you are eating (and 2,500 sounds good for an active woman like you), you can look at your actual lean/fat% and tell in a week or so if your diet is working. Then you can adjust up or down on calories or carbs or protein or whatever and you'll be basing your choices on solid information. You'll do great!!

Best wishes,

[Kemss]

I too just got the scale that reads body fat.... yuck. Not sure I like this information :daze:

I have to wonder about these scales though...
My percentage was 35% (which I can believe)
but other members of my family who are VERY lean (surfers, very active and thin) were at 27% and 30%.

(FYI got mine at Sears on sale for $40)

[musicmama]

Hello everyone, just found this thread as I was lurking to find some encouragement. I have been stalled for about a month now..started Atkins on June 20, 2002, and so far have lost 40 pounds. But in the last month, nothing. Still committed to this WOL though. After reading the posts, I see many things I can "tweak", too much caffeine, too much sweetener,,too much diet pop...and I intend to do all that. I have already increased my water intake, that was a hard thing for me.

Rodney,,I have a few questions for you.....
How do I figure how much protein to eat a day?? I go to fitday but it doesnt tell me how much i need, just how much I have had that day. I can figure my calories, but how about the protein.? I would appreciate any input!! And as for exercise....I am 55 years old, and work a full time moderately active job,,tell me some easy things to do to break myself into exercising. You know,,,a beginner workout or something, what is the best thing to start with??
Glad I found you all,,,your determination has "tweaked" mine!! :D

CYA lighter :wave:

[Rodney]

Dear MusicMama,

40 pounds? Wow! Great job. It sounds like you are doing lots of things right already.

For protein, I like to get 1 gram per pound of lean mass per day. Active bodybuilder types take in 1 gram per pound of total mass per day. In active folks might only need .8 or .9 grams per pound of lean mass. For example. If I weight 140 pounds with 100 pounds of Lean Mass (muscle and bone) and a moderate activity level, I should do fine with 100 grams of protein per day. For more information, get the "Protein Power" book.

For exercise, you might just start walking 3-5 minutes per day. After a week of that, add 1 minute per week. It might be more fun to make these additional minutes half walk and half a fast walk or jog. Work up to 15-20 minutes, then take a week off and start over.

For weight lifting, get the book "Power to the People." My body loves deadlifts and heavy weight and short sets. My workout is done in my living room and only takes 10 minutes but really really helps me.

Good luck.

[tanzia77]

Finally! I have found someone experiencing the same problem I am having. I did Atkins in 2001. I lost 60 pounds in 4-5 months. Looked and felt great. Then, I got sick (meningitis) and decided I need to quit smoking.(1 year ago this month). Guess what? I gained every ounce I lost back!!

So here I go again. I have been LCing since Jan. 6, 2003 and have lost a total of 5 lbs. I can't believe its not working! Am I destined to carry around this weight forever? Augh!! I try not to get discouraged but the weight is going nowhere!

The turtle club, can I join too?

[willeke]

Hi Rodney,
I've been keeping an eye on my calories, around 2500 all the time, and my protein, at least 150 grams a day, and of course my water intake of at least 96 oz, and guess what... my weight was suddenly down to 125 kilo's (275 pounds) this morning! Last week I went up and down between 129 and 126 kilo's, and the last 2 days it was 127, and now suddenly 125! I am so pleased, and will definitely continue this way!
thaks a lot, I am sure you helped me get a break!!
Willeke

[tanzia77]

Good Job Willeke!

I wish I were having that kind of sucess. I think I am destined to be stuck in my rut!

Tanz

[willeke]

it took a lot of work to get here, I have been studying and reading and tweaking from 6th November, so who knows where you will be after more than two months?? You've just started!!! You're only finding your way in the diet again now!
The first 2 times I did Atkins, things went a lot faster with me, too, this time it is much harder, but I WILL get there!!
and so will you, just keep smiling and tweaking <g>!
cheers
Willeke

[musicmama]

Thanks Rodney, I will try that little workout,,,,sounds like a great way to break in to exercising. :)
today I went to Barnes and Noble and bought the new Atkins book,,,as well as a new carb counter and diary. I am writing everything down,,,,getting back on track. I have been sloppy with the carb creep I think.
Thanks for the input ...I will let ya know how it goes!!


Cya Lighter :wave:

[TBABY]

Hello Karen, I was told to come to this forum, that it might help. I read all the questions and I can answer no to most if not all. I don't eat hardly any dairy. Maybe a 1/2 c. cottage cheese every now and again. Less than 1oz of cheddar cheese with 2eggs. I do eat 2slices of bacon for breakfast. Salad and meat are my main menus. Not much on veggies,but I do like them. Stayed away from sugars/potatoes/starchy foods all together. I have no problem doing that. I lost 30lb on a 1500 diabetes diet I got from work(a doctor's office). Every since that loss I haven't been able to lose any more. At least not the way I want. I've been on the Aktins diet for 9 days and lost only 2lbs. I'm still not in ketosis and don't know why. Well, I'm going to stop for 1 day and restart again. Maybe I can do it right. Any help would be greatly appreciated.


Not giving up. maxine

[inspire]

Why no cheese.. I thought atkins allows cheese. I have feta and gouda with my salads..is thats whats stalling????HELP! :p

[TBABY]

He allows cheeses but you have to watch the carbs. No diet cheeses.

[TAWNYA]

Hey guys, I need help. I am starting back on Atkins today for the 2nd time. I had been on it since right before Christmas and had only lost 5 pounds. I didn't measure until just lately but I knew my clothes fit better and I felt better but I got discouraged and fell off of the wagon for a week. I wonder if I am not eating enough but I am hardly ever hungry, try to keep my carbs below 20 grams daily, try not to eat cheese if I can help it, I drink at least 64 ounces of water /day. I still use caffeine because I work nights and have to stay awake. I drink 2-3 diet sodas/day. I try to walk a mile 2 times/week at least. I take blood pressure med every day and 1 week of hormones every three monthes which really messed me up. I barely show ketosis but I was showing some. Help. :(

[jers52]

I was encouraged to check this board out on the general site and glad to read all the posts here. ( a question though, why do these run consectutively from 'old to new' when the board opens?) At any rate, I began 1-5-03- 239# - dropped 8# and 8" "YEAH!"
I never seemed to get into ketosis - with only one stick turning the next color from beige. I do have thyroid nodules - only 'watching them ' according to my doctor. Bottom line is, I am remaining under 23 grams of carbs daily and I am stuck there.

My 'baby' daughter is being married 6-14-03 and I my goal is get down to a solid size 14 by then (16-18 now) and sure would love to be in the under 200 range. My true goal is 160 but I want to be realistic. Slow and steady wins the 'race' - as turtles this must be our way. :p

Looking forward to hearing more from you other terrapins!

Jan

[willeke]

Hey Tawnya,
if I were you, I'd really try to slowly get off the coffee (it can be done, I used to drink at least 10 cups a day and am now down to 1 or 2 decaf a day - took me 6 months); then add fat to your meals if you feel you don't eat enough - can be olive oil, too, if you don't feel like having butter; and I would not drink the diet soda's, because I am sensitive to artificial sweeteners and maybe you are, too!
well, hope this helps you some, good luck
Willeke

[willeke]

Hi Jan,
did you read the very first message of this thread? If you go through all the items, you may already be able to pinpoint where you may have gone "astray".
I see it as a challenge and an interesting puzzle, to find out what I need to do to lose weight, and I do, now. Very slowly, but that's OK, it does go down, so I will get there!
good luck to you, too!
Willeke

[videofx101]

Hi...

I was stalled too, until I cut out the artificial sweeteners in things. That was last week, I decided to try it, and now I'm down another 2 lbs. I'll take them!!! I was eating a diet jell-o dessert I found in Atkins' book. Guess it's a no-no for me. Also may have been eating too many nuts. Too easy to just pop another one in and not really count it. One leads to another and another and pretty soon I had 9 more carb grams in my count. I have now been experimenting with Splenda and don't seem to be affected by it like I may have been on the aspartame.

Main thing I've decided is to keep up with this woe even if I stall. I figure it this way: Need to firm up as I go along and the stalls give me time to do that. Then lose more, then firm it all up. Do you exercise? Anyways, hang in there, if nothing else, don't you just feel better all day long? :hyper:

Videochick

[jsandrock]

Hi -- I'm a new member of the Forum, been reading the posts for awhile and finally decided to jump in and join. I think I'm a turtle -- started LC in Sept 02, and decided I would NEVER get on a scale but just go by my clothes, because from past experience I know I lose extremely slowly. I'm only five feet tall and have (alas) really small bone structure so I figure it will just take a long time. I drink coffee, eat things with aspartame, and probably could "tighten up" and lose faster but somehow I feel I would rather lose slowly than feel so deprived that I drop out. I am hardly ever tempted to cheat! But I also am not setting myself any unrealistic (I think) goals. I figure if I can fit back into some of my size 8's after a year of this and I can live LC for the rest of my life who cares if I lose it slowly? So does that make me a turtle or just not very strict with myself?

LOVE the forum!

thanks, jsandrock

[Karen]

So does that make me a turtle or just not very strict with myself?
You answered your own question:
and probably could "tighten up" and lose faster
The impoortant thing is that you are doing what you are comfortable with and that's all that matters! :D

Karen

[Amber]

Count that "golden moment" question from me too ... This is my second serious attempt at the protein power thing (I lost about 50 lbs in 3 months the first time ... have already gained back 30 of it !!!) and now, sadly, I'm trying again. Anyway, it seems a LOT slower this time. OK, maybe even backwards. I've been on it a week and gained 2 pounds. I swear I've been doing everything the same though! That, and on my first try I lost about 7 pounds in the first week. Any suggestions? (uh, aside from "you shouldn't have gained back 30 lbs")

Thanks!

[Pat S.]

Hi Karen,
I just stopped by glad I did. I wanted to compliment you every thing I have read that you have written has so much insight I always learn something. Pat S

[jeanyyy]

I have a question - when you cut out Artificial Sweeteners.. does that include Stevia and Opti-Sweet (made from kiwi?). They are supposed to be "natural sweeteners"... I don't think I could manage to cut out ALL sweeteners.

[Karen]

when you cut out Artificial Sweeteners.. does that include Stevia and Opti-Sweet (made from kiwi?). They are supposed to be "natural sweeteners"... I don't think I could manage to cut out ALL sweeteners.
Well, a sweetener is a sweetener, no matter where it comes from. If you crave and are continually drawn to sweeteners, it could be a trouble area.

Usually sweeteners come in a vehicle - a dessert, a cake, a cookie, a bar - so it's not the sweeteners per se, but the over indugence in low-carb goodies that mimic high carb foods.

The insidious thing is you get lulled into thinking that it's OK because everything you're eating is low carb. True, but eating this stuff on a daily basis keeps you stuck in the "sweet trap". Then you have a sweetener addiction to deal with.

If you can have a sweet, say once a week, I don't see a problem. On a daily basis, yes, it could be a problem.

I think that very few people will have artificial sweeteners alone when they crave sweets. I've never heard of anyone eating a packege of Equal by itself. :)

Karen

[chrisews]

Karen, that was the funniest thing, I could just see all us locarbers sitting around the table having envelopes of equal. Will you have another, no thanks, I'm full, only one envelope of equal per evening. I'm dieting. Ha Ha Ha. chris :hyper:

[abouttime]

I don't kow if I am a Turtle but thanks for the info. I can see where I am making some big mistakes. I love cheese and it ha been a staple. I also have not given up my diet coke but i have cut down tremedously.
thanks for the pointers. I will make the necessary changes and see what happens.
I just love these forums. i have learned sooooo much.

[willeke]

I wanted to send you a PM, Karen, but your postbox was full, so I thought I'd just send it here, hoping that you visit here regularly!

Hi Karen,
I'd like to ask your permission to quote your message Are You Really A Turtle on the Dutch Atkins list that I'm a member of, and also if I can translate it for them.
I am a qualified professional sworn in translator, so your text will be treated with respect - and expertise, language wise and diet wise ;) .

I appreciate all the support you give on the forum, in this section and others! Just wish I had more time to visit more!
Willeke

[musicmama]

Hi everyone,,,I have been reading butnor posting on this thread...but now I have a couple of questions.
I have been on a roller coaster since Janueary, with the same 6 pounds. On and off , on and off....so........
I cut out caffeine,,,gave up my diet soda....drinking more water,,cutting back on the sweetener,,,,,,and the 6 pounds was back this morning!!! My carb levels have been around 25 per day...i am tryin got cut out the cheese,,,but about allthats left to eat is meat! So, for breakfast I had three small cheeseburgers with Mayo...for lunch I am having 2 pork chops. All with water, water,,water. What else can I do?? I have been eating some salad also,,,,with blue cheese dressing. To be very honest...I am discouraged and puzzled as to why the WOE has stopped working. No,,,I havent lost any inches that I can tell....and I am not aboutto pick up the tape measure cause if it said no change I would be in the pits.
Any suggestions anyone?? I am a 56 year old grandmother who works full time in retail..so am on my feet a lot, so I am not sedentary. HELP!!! :(

[willeke]

Hi MusicMama!
I'd really say, give it a try and forget about cheese for a week or two and see what happens! I can't afford eating cheese - weightwise - and maybe you're sensitive to it, too!

Willeke

[musicmama]

Thanks for the input..I will give that a try and see what happens.
Also,,I checked the thread on supplements,,cause I am very erratic,,cause I dont know whats absolutley essential,,,,and they mentioned L'Carnitine 3 times a day for the Metabolic Resistant,,,so I am gonna try that too,,,,in fact, I just started.
I will let ya know what happens!!! Thanks again!!! :D

[willeke]

L-carnitine is a good idea, I've been using that for a while too, and it's given me a lot of energy!

Let us know how you go!

Willeke

[musicmama]

Energy I can handle!!!! Been feeling kinda tired too,,,think it was cause i stopped taking the potassium andmagnesium. Started the up today too.
In another thread I posted what I ate,,and another member said it looked like I was in starvation mode cause I had no veggies. I had been out for a few days , but tonight I had a salad,,so far today 14 carbs , but 2880 calories, I hope that doesnt work adversely that the calorie count was too hiigh. Got my fingers crossed,,it is a year today that I have been LC.
Hope a year from now I have lost another 42 pounds!!

[abouttime]

Hey musicmama,
First of all, don't give up. i had a stall and found that I was eating too much cheese and not enough fat. The fat thing has been difficult for me because it goes against everything that I have ever been told about dieting. I also eat my vegies (usally a salad with chicken) at lunch.
Don't give up, hang in there and you will do fine.

[musicmama]

Thanks for the words of encouragement!! :D
I am encouraged today,,,,I have been doing without all the caffeine,,sweetener,,(except a little spenda in my coffee), cut way back on the cheese, stopped the diet pop.. drinking water,,taking the Lcarnitine,,,and today I can see some changes, :thup:
I had more energy, and my skirt was looser!! I didnt weigh,,,gonna wait awhile on that,,,but I even was thirsty, and that is a good sign. been drinkinga lot more water too. So,,,,I feel like I have made some progress!! I will keep ya posted! :wave:

[musicmama]

Just got a minute,,gotta go towork,,,but hadda share. I got on the scales and was 9 pounds down!!! Thats the 6 I had gained plus three. A brand new number on the scale this morning! I screeched,,,,I"ll take that!!! Woo Hooo, No more aspertame or caffeine for me,,and less cheese. Thanks everyone for the support. And I will always take my Lcarnitine!!! :D
Catch ya later!!!

[abouttime]

I have been read about Lcarnitine in this forum. Can some one tell me what it does?

[musicmama]

It helps break down body fat .......I read up on it in some of the posts on supplements...they said to take 500mg before every meal (3 times a day) , it is great for the metabolic resistant slow loser, so Ibought some, it gives you energy too. It is in the vitamin department at Wal Mart or any drug store.

[abouttime]

thanks
i think I will try it

[black57]

I lost twenty lbs. with some ease. As of late March or early April, however, my weight loss came to a halt. I had spent a couple of days walking and I managed to lose a lb. :yay: I also noticed that I am not drinking nearly enough water. So I will also change that and report back to ya.

Black57

[Terri_K]

Hi everyone. I am a newbee turtle!
I am so glad I found this forum. I have been following Atkins since May and couldn't understand why everyone was loosing all this weight and I have only lost 5 pounds-no inches. The only way I lost the 5 lbs was on that Fat Fast and that was after 3 weeks of induction with no results. I remain on induction proably forever! I read the above article and thought is was great. I drink 9-24 oz of water a day- drink nothing else and go to the gym 5 days a week. Fromt he article above I noticed bacon was on the list- This is something I might consider not eating anymore? . :wiggle:
Terri

[Nicol]

Im a TURTLE too & today Im O-KAY with it.. :daizy: I lost weight real fast the first time I low carb'ed and tomorrow will be my 2nd full month since i totally committed to LC as a lifestyle. I have only lost 6-7 #, but I know I am eating right and the weight will eventually come off. It's all good. I just wish everyone love and peace with themselves and others. If we were as hard on our friends sometimes are with ourselves.. we would not have any friends.. That is just my two cents.
Peace, Nicol :p

[trw1966]

I just came across this thread and read the article---but when I click on the link to where it reads Prescription Drugs and Hormones that impede weight loss it says page cannot be displayed.

Can anybody direct me to a page that lists the drugs?

Thanks,
"T"

[Karen]

I just checked the link and it worked but the site seems to be really slow. It's from http://atkins.com (http://atkins.com/), the Atkins official website.

Karen

[chrisews]

Terri K. Did you say you're only drinking 9 to 24 oz of water, and nothing else, You've got to drink water, I drink 64 oz a day, plus de caf coffee, and I know, I'm not drinking enough. If you are even slightly dehydrated, you won't lose. chris

[abouttime]

I have a question, I have read in this forum that people have done "fat fast". Can someone explain to me what that is or where I can read about it. I seem to need boosts periodically. I started to work-out again hoping that it gives me the boost I need.

[Jeepgirl]

sorry started a new thread instead.

[DerBlumers]

Well, I suppose I fit into this Turtle Club category...:(
Four weeks on induction....the first three weeks absolutely NO weight loss....the fourth week a three pound loss only because I eliminated processed/cured meats and added two glasses extra water. I've recently started substituting my prescription diuretic with 1500 mg Taurine plus several herbs...it's an experiment, but my doc said previously that since I was taking the diuretic for a tendency to retain fluid (not a heart or blood pressure problem) that if I could wean myself off, he'd be curious as to the outcome...he's skeptical, but if it works...go for it.
It's too early to tell how the absence of the diuretic will affect the diet.

So....I guess the important thing here is...don't give up hope...right? :D

[Nille]

Dear DerBlumers !
Another person with by problem - at last !
I'm on Moduretic Duiretic due to water retention problem...went off 4 days ago, - gained 4 lbs. Taurine is not for sale in Norway, and I have no substitute. How did it work for you ??
I lost 6 lbs the first 3 weeks and have stalled for 3 weeks now, - maybe due to the diuretic ? I'm bloated, head hands and feet hurts ! Have to give it another week I think

Regards Nille :wiggle:

[DerBlumers]

Oh, Nille! I hope it gets better soon!

There should be other natural diuretic substitutes you could take....Some of the herbs I also take with the taurine are juniper berry, uva ursi, dandelion leaf....see if you can find dandelion leaf in capsule form. However, until you do....you might have to go back on your diuretic. What does your doctor say about this? He/She might have another idea...

My weigh-in day is Monday....I should know by then if the taurine is going to help me. Good luck to you...if I have any other ideas, I'll reply again.

We can't give up hope...

[DerBlumers]

Oh yes....I forgot the simplest thing....drink a LOT more water...and put your feet up whenever you can. It does help ..............

[Nille]

On Tuesday I had to give in.....I started taking my pills again.
Here is what I wrote in my jorunal yesterday morning:

"Thursday is not my "weight day", but after this hell.....I just had to check ! I'm back to 164,7 lbs and my feet are still a bit swollen. Could mean I've started losing again (as my plateu was 165). I will NOT update my profile yet. I will only do that Mondays, but I'm soooooooo happy today ! The best thing is that I've sticked to the diet, no more no less and drinking ALOT of water !

Breakfast, Lunch, dinner and snacks (snack=the rest of the dinner the day before - 4 pieces of the little piece thats loose on the chicken breasts when you buy only the breasts) as in my first entry yesterday. Even had a hamburger at work. (just with a cup of salad, low carb dressing)Found the package and it contained 7 cardbs pr 100 gr. No weight at work though, so I just had to presume I was under 20 carbs yesterday..... (I'm pretty sure I was, it was small and could not have been over 100 gr). "

Yesterday I also got hold of potassium (which is called kalium in Norway - I thought kaluom and kalsium was the same, but its not !) and chromium in add to my other vitamins and minerals. I think I've started loosing again, - but I'll have to wait until Monday to be sure.

Thanks again DerBlumers, for all your support, it really helped alot when I was own and out ! :wiggle:

[jsandrock]

Dear Nille - I think the "fat fast" is described in one of the chapters in Dr. Atkins NEW Diet Revolution book -- and it is supposed to be used for just what you are describing, if I recall correctly, a jump start when you are stalled. Hope that helps!
Good luck, jsandrock

[DerBlumers]

I mentioned I'd let you know if the Taurine works for me....well, I haven't gone back on my diuretic....haven't gained any weight...but, alas, I haven't lost any weight either. The Taurine makes a good natural substitute for my diuretic, but my diuretic might not have been the source of my inability to shed any more weight.

It sounds like you indeed need your diuretic, because you can't find anything natural to substitute...at least, not yet. Let's keep looking for our solutions....;)

[Nille]

Hi again Der Blumers !

Thanks for getting back to me..... I started taking my diuretics last Tuesday, I just HAD to ! I have started losing again :yay: and I hope the loss goes on (check out my journal) I've checked and L-Taurine are not available in Norway. I need a special import license to import it :mad:.

I will try some herbs, - but I've think I've tried everything available !

I wish you luck and hope you start losing again.....my weight stood still for close to 4 weeks !!! Even if I followed the diet, no cheating and drinking a lot of water !! Maybe it's an adjustment thing ????

Anyways, keep up the good work, - if you can manage without diuretics I guess that's the best anyway......

[DerBlumers]

Hello, Nille...

Apparently the L-Taurine doesn't seem to make much difference...I'm still not losing weight. I might have to start my diuretic again...but I hope not. It's possible that I might have a chronic yeast infection....something that I hadn't known about for years. I'm considering trying the anti-candida diet for a month, along with natural supplements to see if it makes a difference.

[Nille]

Oh so nice to be hearing from you again, - strange..I was thinking about you this morning....Monday=Weigh in day......and I'm 74,5 kg/164,2 lbs. Back to where I was before I stopped the diuretics. Or maybe I just misread the weight to 1 kilo less last week.....I don't know....Fast fast has been suggested, but as I am in ketosis (not the darkest purple, but almost the darkest) I don't know if that's the sollution. (according to Atkins Support the fast fast is mainly for those who are NOT in ketosis and a toole used to get there) I received a looooong e-mail from the Atkins people, as I wrote them for advice. I've gone through it pont for point and I cannot see that I'm doing anything wrong. I've checked that I'm in Ketosis, I've checked the protein amount, hidden carbs, I don't use any sweetner, I do excercise regularly, I take all my vitamines etc, I don't drink tea or coffee - only water, and enough of it ! I'm not drinking alcohol (I miss my glass of wine). I have a doctors appointment tomorrow, will have the tests done, like thyroid T4 and T3.

I cannot follow the recommendations taking L-tautine and L-carnitine, as these are products not sold in Norway. WE don't have any Atkins or Low carb products, and as I've mentioned earlier, there are strickt import restrictions for the products as well. There's only an hour and a half flight to London, maybe I'll go there for a few days and stack up ! Will be a bit expensive....but.....

I so hoped you would have started losing again....it would have been a BIG inspiration to me. I hope you fine out what's wrong. Maybe I'll get the yeast infection test as well, - not anything much left, is there....?????

If you want a copy of the e-mail from Atkins Support, send me a PM with your email and I'll forward it to you ....

Will keep you updated, and thanks again for remembering me !

[Nille]

..just a short note to tell I bought Dandelion Root Pills today. I will try to switch one of the diuretics with one of those. If there's no change I'll try that for a couple of weeks and then switch one more. They must be more healthy than the drugs, right ?

I also checked my T3 and T4 the other day. Will get the result tomorrow I think....I hope I don't have to start that again.....All my tests have been perfect for the last year. Would hate to start with more drugs.....

I'll keep you posted......take care and hope everything is OK at your end !

:bhug:

[DerBlumers]

Nille...

In my research...(and personal experience) ... the dandelion ROOT doesn't work quite as well as the dandelion LEAF. Here in the US, the LEAF is difficult to get in capsule form (the ROOT is easy). :(

I hope it works well enough for you....I have to special order the leaf...I only found one brand that carries it. Good luck! :)

[Nille]

......you really need to start a journal, then we can follow each others progress !

Just wanted to let you know I've successfully exchanged one of my diuretic pills with dandelion root. I tried first with two diuretics + dandelion root. I was running back and forth to the toilet all day ..... did that for three days and now I have been taking one duiretic and two dandelion root pills. Works like a charm.....In a week or two I'll try to change the second duiretic pill with two more dandelions ! Cannot get hold of the leaf thing here in Norway, but I have few more places to check out. Have the week of nex week I will roam the health food stores to see if i can find that and some other ingredients I need for my recipes try out !

I'm still waiting for my T3 and T4 result. I will call them again today to check it out.

Will let you know how it goes !
Take care and hang in there !

[DerBlumers]

Nille...I'm so glad that the root is working for you!! :D I've read that the dandelion leaf works better, but if the root works....that makes it so much easier!!!

BTW I did start a journal....I'm not great at journals, but I just put it up about two days ago...have one response, and I just now added something else!

Again...I'm so happy for you! :) :)

[soslosue]

Hello "Fellow Turtles"! I'm happy to see this group...I've been following Atkins now for about 3 months and while my DH has lost nearly 20 lbs. to date (and his cholesterol is lower than either of us have ever seen it - he typically runs in the 225-250 range - last checked was 186!!!) I can report that I've lost maybe 6-8 lbs. I weigh once a week and sometimes it's up and sometimes it's down but the average in 3 months of only 8 lbs. (at best) is disappointing. I've cut back on caffeine (50% caffeinated/50% decafe for my ONE morning cup of coffee); I do eat nuts - but try not to eat the salted ones; I do eat bacon and hot dogs, but not every day. I don't eat sugar free jello at all; but I do enjoy a piece of chocolate - I try to find the ones with very high cocoa content and low carbs/sugars- those are the expensive ones in the gourmet food sections - Valhrona and some other fancy names. Sometimes I make my own chocolate topping by melting some of that chocolate and adding some heavy cream and then pouring that over Suzanne Somers chocolate nut cake (I make mine without the sugar she calls for in her recipe - I use Splenda & Sweet n low) and I use Crystal Light and artificial sweetners in my ONE cup of coffee and in any other sweetened foods I eat. I didn't lose any weight on induction so I moved on to having a few more veggies (salads, cauliflower, brocolli). This week I'm adding 2-15 minute sessions on the treadmill (can't actually do more than that at a time) and trying to increase my water intake to see if I get any response by the end of the week. I am also taking HRT's and have to think that's contributing to my slow weight loss. I have tried very hard not to cheat - I've actually cheated 3 times in three months at an Italian restaurant by eating bread and spagetthi...but no dessert! HA! So I've really avoided sugar the whole time but not some of those evil carbs.

Does anyone know of a way to contact anyone at the Atkin's Institute to see if they can help those of us who are have metabolic resistance? I tried Atkin's suggestion of the all fats diet and I lasted exactly 1/2 day! I was starving and felt that if I didnt' eat some meat I would have eaten ANYTHING - bread, crackers, fruit...so it wasn't working out for me.

Loved reading your "Turtle Club" stories. Nice to know I'm not alone in my efforts.

[judyr]

Well, I am a turtle. I lost really well at first - 25 pounds. Then nothing for 5 months. Last week I lost 5 pounds. I don't know why. I do several things that are on the list. I have a drink several times a week. I eat pork rinds 2 or 3 times a week. I eat some nuts each week and a lot of cheese. I also hate exercise and admit it it gets pushed when push comes to shove. I note in my food diary that I ate no cheese last week when I lost. I guess that is the first thing to give up.

[black57]

Hi all,

I lost 20 lbs very easily for the first 4-5 months then I stopped. My weight volleyed up and down until we moved to our new home. I have since lost 5 lbs. That is how I did it. I bought a new house :yay: Hey you guys, all you have to do is buy a new house (LOL). Actually, I think that the fact that we went from a single story apartment to a 2 story home. Having to climb stairs is hard work.

I have slowed again but hopefully, after joining Curves, it will drop a little more. I try to keep my diet consistant and remember that I have never lost this much weight...ever. I guess I can just alow my body to decide when each pound will come off.

Black57

[redhead00]

Hello-

I'm in week 9 and I've been at the same weight for 6 weeks. I lost roughly 11-12 lbs in the first 2 weeks. I'm considering going off plan to fool my body then jumping back on to spark some movement.

I exercise at least 3 days a week- I walk around 30mins.
I eat between 20-25 carbs a day. I drink boat loads of water.
My doc says my thyroid is fine.

After reviewing the checklist:
http://www.lowcarbretreat.com/plateaus.html

These are the issues I think ring the closest with me.

12. YOU MAY BE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE OR TEA
I have roughly 1-2 cups of coffee a day. Can this small amount hold me back even with exercise?


19. WHAT ABOUT QUANTITIES?
and
20. YOU MAY HAVE TO COUNT CALORIES IN ADDITION TO CARBOHYDRATES

I eat 3 main meals a day and at least 2 snacks. celery with peanut butter or a lc chocolate. I know I'm within the 20-25 carb intake range. My meat source is varied between turkey, beef, and chicken.

If I have eggs I usually eat 2, sausage 2-3 (once a day). Cheese varies from none to 3oz.

Veggies are broccoli, peppers, zuccini.

Indulgences I almost always have a cocoa: unsweetened cocoa, splenda and whipping cream.... in fact whipping cream is my big suspect. I bet I have 1/2 of one of those mini containers of it a day.

ideas? suggestions to finding the reason behind my hold on fat.?.

[redhead00]

Glad I finally broke through my stall with my own new rules!! No-one ever visits this section... I can hear an echo right now ;-)

[chrisews]

Hey Redhead, what are you're new rules? how did you break your stall. and don't look at me, I've been on mtce for one year, (not intentionally, but that's about how long I've been this weight). what did you do? chris

[soslosue]

FINALLY...I've figured out what will work for me. Turns out I had to give up the cheese, most of the butter, whipping cream and the high fat meats (bacon, sausages, beef)...I eat a LOT of fish...almost every day; chicken thighs, vegeatable (brocolli, cabbage, cauliflower, asparagus). A salad for lunch and lamb (usually in a gyro sandwich of which I only eat half the pita) and I've lost (drum roll)...ALMOST 20 POUNDS!! For me this is a big breakthrough. I was on Atkin's from July to Jan. 1 and only lost 5 lbs. On Jan 1 I started by visiting a commercial weight loss clinic but found out after a while that their diet is mostly low carb (or minimal carbs) fish, chicken and veggies. I still go and weigh in 3 times a week (helps to keep me on track to know I will have to go and "face the girls")...and I drink at least 64 oz of water a day...some days more. I eliminated the cream from my coffee and the sweet n low and just drink it black...it's not too bad. I think my problem was all the high fats. I also walk for 45 minutes a day, 6 days a week on my treadmill. So this combination is what's working for me. I'm still a turtle...but at least now I think I've found what works for me...

[teawife]

Hi all! New to the group . . . this is my second time for low-carbing. Did so successfully nearly 10 years ago when I took off 65 pounds. Strayed off the program, gained weight back . . . In January, I went onto low-carb Atkins, and I have lost 8 to 10 pounds total, depending on what day it is. My weight floats back and forth a lot. I stay way-low on carbs, count them religiously, and I'm trying to come to terms with the fact that I lose weight differently than others. I'm trying to stay positive, but I thought this forum might surround me with other turtles who aren't losing quite so quickly. Kathryn the teawife

[Debbielee]

Hi teawife

I'm with you...just starting back. I did really well (lost around 20 pounds) on a home tailored Atkins/Zone version. I've since decided to do it MY WAY! I was concerned about the overall healthiness of Atkins and found the Zone a bit hard to work out...(those %'s). Anyway, I sit right in the middle and it really works for me.

Since then I've had a bub, and well, all concern for weight went out the window..with the scales. I gained 25kilos (55 pounds). Bubby is 7 1/2 weeks and I can proudly say I've already lost 16of them (35 pounds). Leaves me with around 9/10 to lose. I realise the easy part is over and now it's down to business.

I'm glad to be back on the site..for all the encouragement I'm going to need.

We can do it!

[y2valerie]

im a turtle im doing lc right but i have low thyroid and im peri menopause what chance do i have HELP HELP

[Cheryl R]

I'm a turtle too... lose very slow even when I do Akins right... even on induction.

This year I finally decided to go with it....

Here's how I see it. When I eat low carb I feel so much better, especially IBS issues.

The main thing is that even if I lose a pound a week, it's better than nothing which is what I get on the "so called standard diet". So I'm taking my pound a week to the bank, and so far this year in 22 weeks, I down 23 pounds. The consistency is what I really need the most. I'm happy with my results.

Cheryl

[salbo25]

great advice this thread has answered all the questions I had.


Thanks!

[twin2]

when I first started atkins induction I did eat low carb snacks and bars for a between meal snack and still lost 13 lbs in 2 wks and then I read that lc snacks and bars are a no- no so I quit eating them, but then my weight stalled , and is still stalled, yes I do eat a bar every once in while for a snack between meals, but I want to know what is stalling me, could it be the eggs and bacon I eat every morning, what else could I eat? would a small bowl of oatmeal with heavy cream be ok?? please let me know cause I really want to get the pounds off. I also exercise at a gym 4-5 days a week cardio and weight machines( no free weights tho, dont want to bulk up just tone up get a lean toned body)

[soslosue]

Hi twin2...try watching your calorie intake for a couple of weeks and see if that gets you going again. I had to drop the bacon and eggs routine...went to a plain 1/2 c. serving of oatmeal - definitely no heavy cream at all in my program now! Couldn't take the added calories and get anywhere at all.

[Cheryl R]

WHy is oatmeal ok??? I don't have an answer for that one.

I'm curious though

[arctic_gal]

I have been looking around the forum to find out about being stuck or stalled. Wow, there are lots of possibilities. I just started my 23 week of LC and feel very frustrated that I've been sitting at a 31 pound loss for weeks. I do know in the past 8 weeks, I've made protein bars and protein shakes a daily staple, with treats of Enduldge Ice-cream or Endulge candy. Being single sometimes it's just such a bother to cook something for myself. For the entire time I've had not one bite of rice, pasta, sugar, breads or anything else not on my WOE. And, here I thought I was being so good.... Sounds like maybe I need to go back to the basics and see if I start losing again. Thanks for this topic and all the great posts!

[Cheryl R]

Back to basics always seems to be the answer. I had set a goal for losing 50 pounds this year and was doing so well, now I'
I've really slowed down. I"m thinking along the same lines. I don't do the protien shakes but I do have a lot of the sugar free type of stuff lately. Atkins candy bars, Low Carb ice cream and sugar free jelly bellies. I too need to be back to the basics. I'm down just over 25 for my first half of the year... but it was going so much quicker. I"ve decided too that I should get off the other stuff... and now my house is pretty much empty of the stuff, I should be able to do it easier. I also have been trying to down as much water as possible and remember to take my vitamins every day. I do well during the week... but not the weekends.

[sadiemae]

:wave: Question, Does Anyone Seem To Have Hi's And Low's When They Begin Low Carbing With There Energy Level?

[dekdahl]

1. Have you read the book for, several and followed your chosen plan to the letter for at least a month? Yes. No digression in the food front at all? Nope. No skipping meals? He~= no.


2. Do you figure out your carbs/calories each day? Yup. Do you use a carb counter or a program like fitday.com? Or if you can’t be bothered with micro-managing, do you know what your critical carbohydrate level is and eat accordingly? Yes also.

3. Do you regularly drink alcohol? What is regularly? On the weekend only(now). Not in induction.

4. Are you scale or Ketostix obsessed? I like to use both. Compulsively weighing or using Ketostix will make the process seem slower and more erratic than it actually is. If you must weigh yourself everyday, chart your daily weight and figure out a weekly average. Don’t take it personally. It’s only a hunk of metal and a piece of plastic.

5. Are you trying to do a low fat version of your chosen plan? NO!

6. Have you been a yo-yo dieter? Yes! People who have severely restricted their calories in the past due to low-fat or calorie restricted dieting may find it difficult to lose weight initially. In this case, using low-carb as part of the process of metabolic healing will help. You will lose fat once your body learns to trust what you’re doing. Persistence will pay off.

7. Are you consuming any or all of these items on a regular basis? If you are, stop consuming them one at a time, for at least two weeks to see if it initiates weight loss.

• Processed meats, including bacon Once a week maybe.
• Caffeine Usually 2-3 times a week but not always.
• Cheese and dairy products An oz. of cheese every other day for a snack. An oz. every eve. in my salad. Cream (2 T.) in my 2 coffees on Sat. and Sun.
• Alcohol 5-6 on a weekend, Vodka or Rum w/ Diet Rite Cola
• Nuts and Nut Butters Quit these for the most part
• Peanuts and Peanut Butter Same.
• Artificial Sweeteners 1/2 a tsp. in my coffee
• Diet Drinks When I drink liquor, and 1-2 a day of Hansen's

• Protein Bars Atkins

• Low carb food products that imitate high carb food Atkins

• Eating a wide combination of food in one day As much as I can wth the limited number of carbs I can get away with

• Overly salty foods? Gave em' up. For example pork rinds? Processed meats? Hot links once in awhile.

• Sugar Alcohols Very little - go thru too fast.

8. Are you drinking at least 64 oz. of water a day, plus 8 more ounces for every 25 pounds you want to lose? Atleast 132 oz.

9.. Prescription drugs or hormones (http://atkinscenter.com/Archive/2001/12/21-259254.html)which impede weight loss:
• estrogens (http://atkinscenter.com/Archive/2001/12/21-394348.html) and most synthetic HRT's including birth control pills
• Anti-depressant drugs (http://atkinscenter.com/Archive/2001/12/21-364901.html) - Insulin and insulin stimulating drugs
• Anti-arthritis medications (http://atkinscenter.com/Archive/2001/12/21-184759.html) including steroids
• Diuretics (http://atkinscenter.com/Archive/2001/12/21-140295.html) and beta blockers

10. Underactive thyroid (http://atkinscenter.com/Archive/2001/12/21-425982.html) (hypothyroid) function which can be present when blood tests indicate no abnormalities Been tested

11. Ovewrgrowth of the yeast organism (http://atkinscenter.com/Archive/2001/11/28-199113.html)Candida albicans. Been tested

For more details on overcoming metabolic resistance, read Metabolic Resistance: Causes and Solutions, Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution, 2002 edition. Have

12. Often overlooked but are you getting enough sleep? Yes. Or, are you going through an unusually stressful period? Stressing over what is perceived as lack of progress, being to hard on yourself and obsessing on scales or Ketostix is stressful. ?

After going through this list, contemplate your answers and work out a strategy for yourself. Learning to low-carb is a steep learning curve and will reward you richly by becoming educated and more aware of your body and how it will function optimally.

Don’t be discouraged! Look at overall health and well-being instead of using your plan as a diet just to lose weight. Keep learning about what works for you. You’ll be better able to deal with all the “forks in the road” and “speed bumps” along your low-carb journey.[/QUOTE]

[Shirle2005]

I know I need to go back to the basics, so I can start losing. I miss bread, that is my downfall.

[KT2BOYS]

Well, thanks for the info..it does help alot. I do drink alcohol and have shakes. I am going to cut out both and see if the weight loss increases.

Thanks!

[Isabella2]

Hi Karen,
I feel like one of your 'followers' -hahaha-but I want to jump in and say Thank you for your wonderful post...
I NEVER thought of Bacon as a culprit-but I DID NOTICE I cant lose weight when I eat it everyday (but I THOUGHT it was just to much sodium) ! & I defiently dont drink enough water!
I have been trying since December to lose 60 pounds & constantly keep stalling !
~I will definetly use some of your wonderful advice!

[Guitarzan]

I agree with you ladies on L-Carnitine and Water. I was not aware of the Caffeine thing though, but it makes sense. I have drinking the heck out of tea and cannot seem to lose more than a pound or two. Bye-bye Lipton teabags. It is too bad though, H2O can get BORING real fast. If I remember right Atkins states to take 500 mg of L-Carnitine before each meal. I just picked some up today at GNC because I am getting back on the program again.

I went from 292 down to 223 in about 4 months a few years ago. Oh my goodness. I felt like a new man. I WAS a new man. The wife couldn’t keep hers hands off me. But then routine crept up on me. I subconsciously started thinking "oh I think I am thin again" and I starting eating things that were bad for my Gila-monster like sloooooow metabolism. Well here I am again at almost 260 and more devoted than ever.

I did the basal test and sometimes my body temp will be 94 or 95 degrees in the morning. Seems kind of low to me but my doctors have sworn that there is nothing wrong with my T3 or T4 thyroid hormone counts. I just need to watch what I eat like a prison warden and not cheat myself. Discipline Grasshopper! Snatch the asparagus spear from my hand and advance to the 37th level.

I am glad I found this forum. Very inspiring. Thanks. LK

[sharon8]

Hey Karen...if you spot this....

I saw some interesting questions about losing weight with l/c being harder the second time around. Couldn't find where that was answered anywhere here. Can you help me understand that?

I'm here again after nearly getting to goal...and gaining it all back again. I've been back on the wagon for 7 weeks with no loss. I can see that I may have to consider some of the issues you list in your sticky but would love to hear if there's an answer to that question.

Thanks a bunch!

[Kisal]

Does this board still exist? :confused: I'm definitely a turtle searching desperately for help! :help:

[NanAng]

Me too. I've seen your posts too, Kisal. I was hoping that you were doing better, but I guess not.

I'm feeling rather discouraged at this point. In the past month I've lost less than half a pound. It's like my body has decided to weight what I do no matter what I eat. Seriously, I could eat carbs and weigh what I do. I'm actually thinking about going back to that as it makes no difference.

[anewlcme]

i was thinking i could be a turtle too but since i read the post most likely not. i drink diet soda everyday and i am hypothyroid so i must try to change my ways and see thanks.

[drmom]

I think I have to declare myself as a turtle, and as a 2nd or 3rd or 4th timer as well. I keep looking for inspiration from the many people who are maintaining this woe and really knowing how much better it feels to have some level of control over your diet even tho not nessesarily over the weight loss. Faith is a big issue and commitment, I will survive. :agree:

[just lili]

i just found out about this Thread... but it looks like No One has entered anything since May 15th 2007! Wow! does anyone even look in here anymore? i just finished reading all 8 pages and i LOVE the information i found here... I TOO AM A TURTLE!!! i would love to talk with other Turtles... :help: Please Reply If Your Still Here....... Thanks!

[Kisal]

I'm here! :wave: :wave: :wave:

[just lili]

I'm here! :wave: :wave: :wave:
Hi Kisal...! :wave: im so glad there is still someone in here... Whew!!! i can see from all your weight loss that YOU havnt been going on like a Turtle... :lol: but i guess you have been doing this for a while huh? any good advice for a Newbie? im 47... 5'5"... Perimenopausal :help: ... and currently 258... i havnt Cheated or had Sugar since my start date 9/11/07 ;) and i eat totally legal everyday... i just dont get alot of time to work out... i have a sit down job... and raising 3 grandbabies "right now"... so hopefully when they go back home i will get back to working out more... and its only been a little over 6 weeks for me, but i havnt lost ANY weight since my 2 weeks in Induction was over... that makes me SAD ... what i need is a good kick in the butt and some good advice... got some for me? :)

[Kisal]

Hi Kisal...! :wave: im so glad there is still someone in here... Whew!!! i can see from all your weight loss that YOU havnt been going on like a Turtle... :lol: but i guess you have been doing this for a while huh? any good advice for a Newbie? im 47... 5'5"... Perimenopausal :help: ... and currently 258... i havnt Cheated or had Sugar since my start date 9/11/07 ;) and i eat totally legal everyday... i just dont get alot of time to work out... i have a sit down job... and raising 3 grandbabies "right now"... so hopefully when they go back home i will get back to working out more... and its only been a little over 6 weeks for me, but i havnt lost ANY weight since my 2 weeks in Induction was over... that makes me SAD ... what i need is a good kick in the butt and some good advice... got some for me? :)I've been in a stall for the better part of 18 months. I have to watch my calories pretty closely. But I'm 62, disabled, and take a lot of meds, at least 2 of which are known to cause weight gain. It's definitely a struggle, but I won't go back to lc, even if I never see 'onederland' again. :)

[Yocheerioh]

Hey Karen, is it true Atkins is harder the second time around? Also, what if you're taking estrogen? Can you still be successful on the diet with these two things against you?

[skeeweeaka]

Hey Karen, is it true Atkins is harder the second time around? Also, what if you're taking estrogen? Can you still be successful on the diet with these two things against you?

I think estrogen will definitely hender your weight loss efforts... It's difficult but not impossible... It also depends on the second time around...

Hormones and meds are making it difficult for me to lose right now...that said I am going to try to make some of the changes she suggested in the initial article...sweeteners, dairy, and bacon....going to start using egg creams for breakfast... Also going to purchase the L-Guaratine...(sp)...hopefully that will help me metabolize fat better... :thup:

TJ :rheart:

[Yocheerioh]

Skeeeweeaka,
Yesterday was my first day on induction and already in deep purple by 6pm. Do you think that's a sign my metablolism is high for this diet, or I'll only loose inches and on weight? I bought coconut oil yesterday and fried my chicken in it. It was so good. I heard I should also put it in my coffee. I'll try that this morning.

[skeeweeaka]

Skeeeweeaka,
Yesterday was my first day on induction and already in deep purple by 6pm. Do you think that's a sign my metablolism is high for this diet, or I'll only loose inches and on weight? I bought coconut oil yesterday and fried my chicken in it. It was so good. I heard I should also put it in my coffee. I'll try that this morning.

Hey Cheer...Congrats on getting into the purple zone...that's terrific... I think it is a good sign that your body is burning fat... Only time will tell whether you will see weight loss on the scales or just inches, everyone is different...

Coconut is great for you....and that chicken sounds delicious! It is good in my coffee and gives me a temporary lift...

Hope you have having a great day! :wave:

TJ:rheart: