question

[wbg]

I lost about 20 pounds reducing carbs and had kept it off for over 2 years. I stopped watching carbs about 8 months ago and while I was still mindful of what I ate, I gained about 10 pounds.

Three weeks ago I decided it was time to get back to where I was and I strictly followed the induction period of Adkins for the recommended 2 weeks. I began testing for Ketones and closely watching my weight. after 2 weeks my weight was unchanged and I was not showing any signs of Ketones.

Understanding that ketones not showing are ok, if the weight was coming off, but that wasn't happening either.

I have tried everything. The third week, I cut out all carbs, I have tried drinking more water, less water, eating more fat and protein, eating more protein, less fat. I bought new ketone sticks, I have tried testing early morning, mid day and in the evenings.

My weight remains completely unchanged and there is no sign of Ketones.

Any suggestions!

Sincerely,

WBG :q:

[justlease]

Are you getting enough calories? If you're not giving your body enough calories, you could send your metabolism skyrocketing right down. When your body thinks it's in starvation mode it's very reluctant to give up any weight. You might want to put your menus into fitday.com (an account is free) so you can what your calories and fat/carb/protein ratios are.

[wbg]

I can't imagine that I am not getting enough calories.

I am eating three eggs and bacon for breakfast. Usually a steak or hamburger patty for lunch and either pork chops, steak or Chicken for dinner. I have only been drinking unseetened green tea or water. Originally I was eating lettuce and tomatoes with bacon and cheese and ranch dressing, Broccoli or asparagus. I have since cut back on everything except the fat and protein.

Actually when I realized I was completely stalled, I immediately began eating significantly more. I went from 2 eggs to three and from 2 pieces of bacon to 4.

WBG

[Voo36]

There is one rule of thought that says we have " One Golden Window" to really succeed at Low Carb. I dont know a lot about it, just remember it essentially says " You have one shot at low carb'ing to really maximize it's effectiveness. Dont blow it. "

Im on my second (and life time long) attempt at low carbing after originally starting in 2003. It's working, but its much more a struggle this time.

I'd suggest using fitday www.fitday.com to run your food thru and really see how many calories you're getting in a day? I know it's not supposed to matter with Atkins but a lot of us are finding out it does.

Enter every morsel, especially any additives to drinks.

Are you getting any exercise at all? Sometimes even a short walk can really motivate your body to start losing.

I wish you much luck.

[ElleH]

I don't believe in the "golden shot," since this is my 5th (or maybe more, I've lost count) time I've lost weight on LC. YMMV, I'm sure.

3 things:

-Have you lost inches? If so, then disregard the rest of this post. The diet is working.

-Has anything changed with your health or habits since the last time?

-Are you using Bayer Ketostix? Those are the best ones I've ever used. Any other brand I tried would not turn.

-I may get shot at for saying this (and I don't really care if I do, I'm not removing the post this time!), but I believe you may be a candidate for the Atkins Fat Fast. It's in the book. It's designed to make those sticks turn if you're capable of it, and to try to stimulate weight loss if you're not having success by removing all carbs from the diet after an induction period. It only lasts 3-5 days, I believe.

If I were in your shoes, I'd have no hesitation in trying it. My interpretation of the chapter on that this is the situation for which it was intended: proper induction, no purple, no weight or inches lost, then remove all carbs, no purple, no weight lost, no inches lost.

Good luck!

[Elizellen]

It might be that at 138 pounds and being a male of 5 foot 5" tall you havent got a lot of fat to lose so you will probably lose slowly.

Also I noticed you say you are on Atkins but are not eating vegetables - maybe that is affecting your body?