Guys -
I posted this on the advanced/intense workout forum and no one responded. I've read good stuff on this forum, so I thought I'd move it over here. I hope I'm not breaking any rules!
Short history: I am 44, 5'8", weight 168 now and lost 50 lbs. on Atkins two years ago and kept most of it off until going on a cruise last March. Still battling the last 13 lbs, which won't seem to budge. I lift with my Bowflex alternating u.b. and l.b. every other day with a 1/2 hour on my treadmill at up to 7.5 mph (don't do cardio and lifting on the same days). I am following the Body for Life plan, without the carbs. I am getting weak-feeling in my workouts and the scale's not budging. Yes - I do look a lot better than two weeks ago, but I was looking forward to a dramatic loss like I got last time. Last time, I was also working out, but maybe not as hard.
Yesterday, with the help of DietPower.com, I logged all my food and my workout. The program said losing 13 lbs. by Christmas was "absurd". I might be pushing it, but I've easily lost ten lbs. in two weeks on Atkins before. Anyway, I want to see how far toward that goal I can get, and if the scale won't budge, at least I'd like to see the lower abdomen fat pad leave or at least get a LOT smaller.
Anyway, to my horror, the two lc EAS shakes I drank yesterday to give myself five meals added up to 10 grms. of net carbs and that, with the rest of what I ate, added up to 56 carbs! OMG! I had no idea how quickly things added up. Ordinarily, I would have also added a big bowl of lc icecream for dessert, adding at least another 6 grams to my day. I'd already decided to cut that out. Do you think I should also cut out the shakes? Sometimes when I'm busy, I don't have time to eat. I thought they were a way to keep my body fueled up for my active lifestyle (horse trainer) and my workouts. Could they be sabotaging me? But I also ate a large handful of cashews, out of desperation. It seems there's nothing left to satisfy my need for a "treat"! I gave up my beloved beer, then wine, then diet coke (with aspartame). I'm running out of things to make myself feel happy about!
Should I stay below 20 grams of carbs/day for a couple weeks even though I'm in training and don't have much energy in my lifting? Help! I don't know whether to eat more carbs or cut back!
Any help would be grately appreciated,
Diana

I need to build and strengthen the muscles in my legs and hips, is there any special exercises I need to be doing?
Due to in-activity for about a year now my legs and hips just have no strength in them anymore and I get worn out just trying to walk.

Yep. Head on over to the Slow Burn Accountability thread in the Buddies, Friends and Challenges section after you read the Slow Burn for Ladies thread under Advanced/High Intensity exercise section. You'll find exactly what you're looking for.

Lisa

Wanda...

There's a book from 2006, called, The Fat Resistance Diet, by Leo Galland, M.D.

He claims that lots of his patients have lost weight on his diet which is based on correcting the operation of the hormone leptin.

I've not yet read it, but I think it might interest you.

You might check to see if your local library has a copy.

I wouldn't order it, sight unseen -- seriously, it may be way beneath your level of knowledge. One thing is that it's almost half meal plans and recipes, whereas I'd prefer he'd written LOTS more on the science behind his plan.

Will check out the Slow Burn thread. Thanks