Not losing

[ccook002]

I started low carbing last year and finally, after a month of not losing, lost about 20 lbs. I had a bad car accident in September and was out of work, then the holidays came, and I gained back 12 lbs. Now, I can't exercise cause I hurt my back (at least for the time being i can't). I started Atkins again and have been faithful for three week and have actually gained a couple of pounds. This is what I ate yesterday, as an example.

Two hardboiled eggs
two ounces of cheese

ten chicken wings, blue cheese & celery

some leftover roast pork (snack, about 6 ounces probably)

eight ounces sauteed shrimp in butter with two cups of salad greens (sauteed with the shrimp), one ounce of cheddar melted over the top, put under the broiler.

four cups of regular coffee with heavy cream and splenda
way over 64 ounces of water

I am back up to 184, was down to 168 at one point last summer. When I was on last year, I tried eliminating caffeine, cheese and the heavy cream one at a time, could not find any correlation between then and my lack of weight loss, then all of a sudden, i started losing. Any help you can give me would be appreciated, even if it is just encouragement to stay on track. Thanks. Cheryl

[chiqui]

Dear Cheryl: I too lost a daily part time job last July and began putting on the pounds. I still freelance but not going to work every day sure puts a dent in the routine and leaves plenty of time to rummage thru the fridge.

Your menu sounds like mine - just eat it! I've always had a big appetite and it's very difficult to cut back. Luckily, I like my main meal at lunch. I eat a dinner-type of meal at that time, and then not too big a meal later in the day. Night eating is a big problem and I've had to say NO to myself after 10 pm.

I was glad to see that somebody cut out the caffeine and cheese and heavy cream. I suspected that they were hampering my weight loss and you've confirmed that.

I've started LC'ing again after many stops and starts. It's not easy. I put up an announcement on my board: You can buget your money, now budget your food. I have to give encouragement to myself, and I'll give some to other LC'ers as well.

Keep it up and don't lose faith.

Cheers from Chiqui

[beabeau]

I've been on Atkins for 3 months and haven't really lost any weight at all. I have been totally 100% faithful. I even went to the point of going to the doctor and having my thyroid checked--it was fine. I am beginning to believe that Atkins is not for everyone. It is very discouraging because I really believed in the beginning that it was the answer to my prayers. I'm more than discouraged I'm angry and a little concerned that maybe something is wrong with me if I'm the only person whe can't lose on Atkins.

[LittleAnne]

Hi Cheryl

Congratulations on your weight loss first time round. I can understand why you are puzzled now that you are back on Atkins and not loosing. I assume that you are eating the same as last time?

Whilst low carbing is not about counting calories, they do play a part. How many calories do you think you eat on average a day. You should try to keep them to around 10 times your body weight. Too much more and you will not loose, perhaps gain, and much less and your body will go into starvation mode and again you will not lose. There is a sweet spot in the middle. I would encourage you to explore Fitday (http://www.fitday.com) if you have not already. Many of us use it to keep track of their carbs, calories, protein and fat. I find it a godsend. It would be worth eating around 30 g carbs a day. Eating less does not mean faster weight loss. I now eat around 50 carbs a day.

You do not say how old you are. I had problems last year when approaching the menopause my estrogen levels were very low. If your hormones are not in balance you will also not loose weight. I had a bad patch of around 3 months where I stayed the same, gaining and loosing the same 2 pounds, however now I'm on HRT my hormones are balanced and I am loosing weight regularly again. Throughout this time I kept LCing as I feel good doing it.

So explore these 2 issues and look at the other factors in your life to see if there are any logical things that are stopping the weight loss. Keep the faith. The fat will come off in its own good time.

Have a read of the Sticky: post at the top of this forum - So you think you are a turtle.

Every success.

[chiqui]

I received a notice to respond but I am sure the message was for BeaBeau, who you responded to. But I'm writing anyway. I read you message and as soon as I saw the word "whilst", I knew you were British. Our folks say "eh?" at the end of everything, which proves they're Canadians.

I went thru menopause and was cranky for 2 years and ate everything. I too went on the patch, which was a godsend. Pls check out risks for the patch. Very important. I also had my thyroid checked and will take medicine the rest of my life.

I am paying attention to your advice on calorie count. I didn't think it meant very much on low card but looks like I'm wrong.

Cheers from Chiqui

[quikdeb]

Have you thought of switching plans? I could not lose on Atkins no matter how much I tweaked it. Finally got tired of it altogether. Recently, I started on CAD. So much more liveable for me and I am losing at a steady rate. Everybody is different. Maybe you need to check out some other plans

Deb

[orchidday]

Hi Ccook!

Just looking at your menu, I don't see ANY veggies???? You do need the 20 carbs to be able to go to the potty. QUICK add some! I sure hope you can keep losing weight. How horrible to be in an accident like that. Hang in there!! Cindi

[beabeau]

Hi Deb

I hope you come back to this thread because I don't know how to send this to you. Normally, I would send it to your journal. I'm not even sure if that is the correct route, but it gets it there. However, I couldn't find your journal.

CAD huh My extint of knowledge of CAD is what the initials stand for. What is the best book explaining it? And what if I am insulin resistant? can I still be on this plan. I was probably a diabitic, just not diagnosed. While I've been on the Atkins, I've noticed my enery levelto be more balanced. But, geez, I miss my barley.

Hope you read this!

[chiqui]

Is CAD the Carb Addict's Diet? I thumbed thru their book in the library and think that's the one where you eat a baked potato at night. A lady passed by and said she tried it and it was great.

Are you on this 'baked potato at night" diet? How's it going?

Cheers from Chiqui

[Hellwoman]

Hi Beabeau
I am like you. I started Atkins beginning of January 2003 and lost 1 pound. I admit my clothes feel slightly looser, but I have not moved on the scales at all. I work to the plan at 100% and have stayed on Induction to help.
I truly do not know why I have not lost more weight?
I am not as hungry and am starting to get sick of Induction food, but will keep it up. I might look at that CAD that others have talked about.
I even looked at the Zone diet, but with all the food blocks, it looks too hard and a pain to work out.
Hellwoman :daze:

[quikdeb]

chiqui and beabeau,

The best place to get info is in the books - Carbohydrate Addicts Diet ( the first) or Carbohydrate Addicts Life Plan (the latest.)
I've only been doing this for 4 weeks and have lost 7 pounds, but I am no expert.

I don't know about insulin resistance so I can't help on that score, but if you post in the CAD/ CALP forum I sure someone there can help you. There are people who have been doing this much longer than I.

It's much more than a baked potato diet! I have not had a baked potato yet. I eat whatever I make for my family preceded with a salad, and I eat a great dessert every night! Not all CAD people eat or desire to eat a dessert every night, but I don't see any point as long as I'm losing to give it up.

As a lifetime dieter, this is the easiest, most enjoyable diet I've ever been on and I can truely see myself living like this indefinately. Check it out, if you are not satisfied with the results you are having now. I think you might really like it.

I don't have a journal, and I was out of town or I would have answered you days ago. Sorry for the delay.

DEb

[chiqui]

DEAr Quickdeb: I was off this website for awhile, had some heavy days at work. I haven't been able to diet, just been out of control. I need a vacation fast.

It's wonderful you've found a diet that you can live with. That hasnt happened to me yet.


Cheers from Chiqui

[Linda Love]

Hope you don't mind my dropping in, but I am having one heck of a problem losing. I bought CoQ-10, L-Carnitine, Flaxseed Oil Evening Primrose Oil, CLA and I don't feel any smaller and my clothes are still snug. Geez, I'm really getting frustrated.

Three years ago when I started Atkins, the weight just melted off. Now, I'm 47 and started back July '03, I've only lost 6lbs, but I got on the scale at the clinic and it read 177lbs. I don't cheat. I take the Flaxseed and Primrose Oils for hotflashes and night sweats and they help. I just started taking the other 3 supps last week according to Dr. A's book DANDR.

Am I being too impatient? To make matters worse, I didn't even exercise three years ago. My nutritionist thinks that Atkins WOE has disturbed my thyroid. Could this be true? How long should I wait to see at least some results?

HELLLLLP!!!!! Getting scared!

[chiqui]

Dear Linda: When youre getting hot flashes, your hormones are going crazy. Gewt your thyroid checked immed. as its a common condition of middle age and menopausal women. I have to take those little pills for the rest of my life. Sincerely, Chiqui

[Linda Love]

Thanx, Chiqui, but I am now wearing size 12 jeans to my surprise. I experimented and it was too many veggies in my diet. Although they are the recommended 3 cups, plus one cooked, that's too many for me. I eat them in a salad or cooked once a day. It must be working finally, because men are giving me double-takes. They didn't do that last month. I don't know what I weigh, but I don't really care either. I don't usually weigh myself and to the end, I don't own a scale anymore. I'm fine. I've had my thyroid checked (blood test, which Dr. A is totally against) and it came back normal. I'm will, however, inquire about a the more thorough exam. I really appreciate your post and suggestion. I'm fine now. I was redecorating my apartment and painting 8-10 hours a day and became frustrated and I put the blame on something. Last month, I couldn't even get a size 12 over my upper thighs, now they are getting loose.

The bottom line is patience. From now on, that will be my savior. I'm not quitting this WOE because I know it will save my life. By the way, I notice you don't eat after 9p, well I don't eat 3 hours before bedtime either. I think that's your purpose, too. Take care and thanx again.

[chiqui]

Dear Linda: Many congrats on your accomplishments. I am not doing that well.

First of all, work. As you know, SARS hit Toronto twice. No I didnt get sick, nor do I know anyone who was because it was confined to the hospitals and certain ethnic groups. You'd never know that if you watched the news on TV. They made it sound as if we were dropping dead in the streets. The scenes with people wearing masks were all filmed at hospitals.

Naturally, people didnt come to Toronto. As a tour guide, this is devastating to my income during our short tour season.

So I hustled my butt and got a job taking seniors across Canada in the trains. It's a two week trip with stops and almost ALL MEALS are included! Need I say more?

I'm reserving my locarbing for the interim and when the season is over. I have 2 more trips before the season ends. The last group literally ate their way between Vancouver and Montreal! Me, I cannot overdo it because I get gas. And what am I gonna do with gas on the train filled with my clients?

Lo carb on these trips? Good luck. I shift the food around the plate on the fixed menu. It's easier with buffets as I can choose. Even then, it's not easy.

Cheers from Chiqui

[Linda Love]

Hey, Chiqui. What kind of food are they serving on the train. It must be good if you're eating it. Are you some kind of train conductor? I thought they had that SARS thing under control now, especially in China. That's a shame. I hope you don't contract it. I'll look for ya on the tube when the news is on. Don't forget to wave.

Well, I didn't do so well today. I was shopping in SF with my friend Victoria (the queen of prada and tiffany's) and thought we wouldn't eat until later, so I bought a Dr. A bar and a bottle of water and as soon as we got to the city, she wanted to eat. OMG! I thought, well I'll just consider that a snack. So for lunch I had some chinese noodles, orange chicken (sweet) and eggplant w/tofu and the rest of my water. I don't think I did too much damage as I haven't been eating that many carbs during the month and have been on my feet moving furniture, painting, walking through malls and shopping centers and the sweat was pouring. That, my friend was a workout in a half and I guess that's how I started losing inches or something. I don't know my weight and at this time, don't care. I gave the scale away last year. Tootles.

[chiqui]

DEar Linda Love: Tootles? Cool!

I am a tour guide in Toronto & Niagara Falls. Because of bad publicity of SARS, we had no tourists here. So I got a job taking seniors across Canada on the train. We sleep on board 2 nights. The compartments are so SMALL that anybody would have to lose weight!

Linda, watch out for the Chinese stuff. It's loaded with sugar in thoses sauces. I tried a Dr A bar in Seattle last month. Not bad. They're not common in Canada, sold only is special places and very expensive.

I had a tough weekend as I was 41 hours with no lights thanks to the Blackout!

Tootles, Chiqui

[Linda Love]

I felt so sorry for you guys during that blackout. Actually, I was scared there was going to rampant lootings and people getting hurt by others, but I was so glad that didn't happen. People stood together. For a less expensive bar, you can go to Netrition.com or Vitacost.com and some others. They have lc bars for $10.00 a box. You can even order Dr. A's catalog on-line. There cheaper from him than in the stores.

I hope I didn't blow it my diet today--that was stupid. I usually stick to my diet and this won't happen anytime soon. You're right, that stuff is NOT good for this WOE unless you specify NO CORN STARCH, SUGAR, or FLOUR and that was a mall restaurant and it was pre-cooked. We CAN have chinese food (check out Dr. A's old book w/a list of cool choices). I drive the waiters nuts with my order. The see me coming. I hope I don't find myself sipping "special wonton soup" one day.

But no worries, I'm back to my schedule. I blew it 2 years ago when I listened to naysayers and my nutritionist and gained the weight back. Can you believe it, I was wearing a 7-8 and blew it. That, my dear Chiqui was my lesson and I might add, well learned, so I won't be cheating again anytime soon. I don't like feeling bad about myself and when I'm in good shape, I feel totally confident. I guess we all do.

[chiqui]

Linda, right on!

I was annoyed about the blackout but our record's pretty good. The last big one was 40 years ago. Our neighboring province of Quebec had an ice storm about 5 yrs ago where most of their power lines were covered by heavy ice and fell down. They renovated their system,speding a billion dollars. They had no blackout.

Altho Toronto is a big city, we Canucks are pretty conservative and well behaved. We rallied to help each other. Very little crime was reported.

I sympathize with you about listening to others about what to eat when your body reacts to what you know. There are some clinical diet sessions in the hospital but they follow the caloric system. I know from experience that it won't work for me. Love that chicken grease!

Cheers from Chiqui

[Lyda Rose]

Hi! It's 1:46 a.m here and I just turned 53. My husband is asleep and has been under so much pressure at work lately I am sure he will forget my birthday, too! LoL - I am having a private Pity Party and you are all invited. Please bring a group hug, too!

I started Atkins on 3/24/03. I lost about 20 pds in the first 3 months, but the scales varied widely from day to day and I have settled in at only a 10 pound weight loss in all these 5 months of induction!

I have had no cravings, but am tired of induction food, too. Still, I have been perfect with my diet, eating only 20 carbs and most of them fresh raw veggies. I eat mushrooms in place of salad often, because I am sick of salad! Used to be my favorite food!

I eat only 1 ounce of cheese a day, my calories are not high. I eat lots of fish, broiled meat and green veggies, steamed with butter. No cream, no lemon juice, no hidden carbs anywhere. I drink 5 quarts of water every day, too.

So, I guess I am just here looking for someone to tell me I am not the only one who isn't a fast loser. My 2 friends who went on this diet a month after me have lost 25 and 30 pounds respectively.

Do any of you use Ketosis strips? I only got some last month as a last resort because I was so depressed the diet didn't work. I had just talked to Atkins and gone on the Fat Fast for a week. Didn't even budge the scales!

I have never been a big eater. I have been a lousy eater - skipping breakfast and lunch for years. Having a nice low calorie dinner and gaining weight because I was screwing up my metabolism.

I broke my ankle a year ago and the hassle of walking around in a compression cast for months caused compensation problems with my back. I walk like Ozzie Osbourne now, but my doctor is treating me with muscle relaxants and I am getting better slowly.

I just want to lose some weight! I am so faithful and true to this diet. I just want a little bit more results that show on the scale. PLEASE encourage me!

Fat in Birmingham,
Lyda Rose

[Linda Love]

One question: Are you exercising? I, too, am losing at a slower pace than I did 3 years ago. I turned 47 in March and returned to lc last month. I gave the scale away--too much pressure. Honestly, I did weigh myself at my check-up and the scale read 179lbs. This was disheartening, since I cheated once, but the odd thing is last month I was wearing a size 14 and I couldn't get my size 12's over my thighs or had to squeeze into them they were sooo tight and uncomfortable. But I went shopping a couple of weeks ago and bought a size 12 and they fit! As a matter of fact, they are getting loose. I don't understand the scale, so I'm not going to obsess anymore about scale weight.

I don't drink nearly as much water as you do, I take CLA-1,000mg., CoQ-10-100mg., L-Carnitine-1000mg., Flaxseed Oil-2600mg., Evening Primrose Oil-2600mg, Women's Formula Multivitamin (2) all of these are taken daily. You can read more about them at www.vitacost.com.

Friday's dinner out with my friends ticked me off because I specifically told the waiter, "no flour, sugar, etc. on my seafood mix and low and behold, when I went for the shrimp on my plate, they were coated with some sort of flour or cornstarch. I was pissed to say the least, but since I had eaten 80% of the meal, I just finished it. I call that a cool sabbatage. It's fine because the next time, I'm writing it down so there are NO misunderstandings.

Most evenings, I find my lunch as filled me up and I'm not hungry, but must eat at least a rolled up piece of ham w/cheese and black vanilla tea sweetened with splenda, so my body won't think I'm starving it.

In short, you are not the only one with a slow lose. Some people lose quickly, some of us don't. The first time I lc'd, I lost rather too quickly. Went from a 12/14 to a 7/8, but didn't really grasp the concept of this a permanent WOE. I totally get it now. Please don't beat yourself up. Sometimes the weight will come off in stages. You did loose 20lbs, you will lose another and more. Patience is one of the elements with this. Take care and Happy B-Day!

[Lyda Rose]

Hi Linda! You did cheer me up immensely! I know that part of my problem is the lack of exercise. I am still sort of lurching about in my new found Ozzie Osbourne gait. I am hoping that my back will improve and I will be able to stay on my feet longer. I miss walking and we have a great walking path in the woods at the end of my street.

Eating out can be a pain, I can just see you looking at those shrimp on your plate! I travel a great deal as part of my job and often find myself in Edinburgh, London, Amsterdam and Brussells. I have found that no matter where I go, I can have chicken, fish or steak pretty easily, salad with vinegar and oil and a steamed veggie.

Like you, I am so full from lunch, I don't even want dinner, but cook for my husband when I am home because he misses home cooked food when I travel. He is only on the Low Carb Plan for one meal a day and has lost 25 pounds in 5 months. He still eats whatever he likes for lunch and ice cream every night. Good thing I am not tempted by sweets!

Since I live part time in Birmingham, AL and part time in London/Edinburgh I have turned lots of people on to Atkins. It is just now sweeping the UK in a big way. Lots of dining establishments are starting to offer several low carb meals and Delta Airlines is doing the same. I usually fly Continental because it is cheaper and I just take a few snacks to eat and skip those horrid airplane meals.

I think you are absolutely right about exercise. I really need to get more and find that until my backs gets better, the most excercise I seem to be able to tolerate is walking (like Ozzie) about with a shopping cart. So, I go to the grocery, TJ Maxx and places that have shopping carts! HAHAHA. I am not shopping, I am exercising!

Thanks for your reply. I am dedicated to this WOE because I have a mother and a grandmother who both have diabetes. I don't want to get diabetes, so I will continue this diet before something does go wrong and I am put on the diet by a doctor for diabetes.

Is that your photo? You are lovely. Hang in there and thanks for your kind words!

[Linda Love]

You are very welcome. How exciting is must be to travel to Europe on a constant basis. I think I would definitely like that! I, too, walk like Ozzie in the mornings. I am getting alcohol injections in both feet for neromas (enlarged nerves from wearing tight high heels) it hurts like hell in the mornings or when I sit too long.

I am finishing up a strenous redecorating scheme in my apartment. Painted 4 large rooms and moved heavy furniture and today must steam clean my carpets, hang curtains, and prepare for delivery of two beautiful rattan chairs from Pier 1 Imports this week. THAT has been my exercise for the past 2 months and I won't be painting again anytime soon.

I'm glad I could help you feel more like the REAL people. You WILL reach goal--just hang in there with us. And, yes, that is me playing with my new digial camera. Thanx for the compliment.

[Meghan]

I started out great I lost 12 pounds right away, now nothing! I am doing what I am supposed to and still nothing! I really dont want to be a turtle, this kinda bites! I wanted to be down enough to look okay when we go to Hawii on Thanksgiving UGHH! I just wanted one vaction not all covered up! I know I am whinning but this just blows! :cry:

[Linda Love]

Meghan, what's your problem? I could see if you were like me and losing extremely slow but, my dear, you are losing very rapidly.

You said you started in August 2003 which, BTW, is only a few weeks ago and now you are 167lbs.? Yes...in a word you ARE whinning. If I could lose as fast as you are, I'd be having some cheese with that "whine."

PS
The body slows or even stops shedding pounds when it reaches set point. Sometimes the weight comes off in cycles and sometimes daily, etc. Patience, patience, and more patience. Celebrate your success. It looks like you're on your way.

[Meghan]

I know I am being whinney, but it seems that when I started I set my hopes up too high, and if I had lost even one pound that would have been okay, I just see all these other people oh I lost 5 pounds this week! I can see my goal and seems so far away! I will give it some more time and if then in a few weeks I still am not loosing then maybe I will have something to complain about! It is just one of those days! I m sorry!

[Linda Love]

It's ok, no need to be sorry for anything. I get frustrated totally, especially when I see other people's progress and I find I'm comparing myself to them also. I don't know what the deal is. I lost weight 3 years ago very rapidly, and I mean I lost 30lbs in about a 2 months. Too fast. I didn't take it seriously and I regret it with all of my heart.

But that was then and now I have had some lab work done last week and am waiting for the results which may or may not tell me something.

Hang in there. I think you are doing great. I'll jump for joy when I reach 167lbs. Take care and you're frustration IS legitimate. Did you sign up for fitday.com and input what you're (honestly) eating? Maybe some hidden carbs somewhere. I hope you start losing again, but I'm not so sure you're a turtle, hon, you've lost a lot of weight in a short time.