I started Atkins in December, 2001. Lost 30 pounds by March. Then by April the stall hit. After that, I'm not sure why, but I think b/c i wasn't losing any more weight, (at least 6 weeks with out losing anything) i lost my will power and started gaining weight. I think I was angry that i wasnt losing and figured, what the heck, I'll eat whatever I want now! (which deep down inside, i knew was wrong, but i was so discouraged and I went back to horrible eating habits). What i could really use is some encouragement, maybe some of you who have gone through this,(or am i the only one?, it FEELS that way) I gained back 11 pounds, which, OK, i know isnt all that bad, I just cant figure out what the heck is holding me back from making the right decisions about what i put in my body. Low carb is def. the way for me, If i keep going the way i am, i will most likely become diabetic. IF any of you have any tips and encouragement for me, i would greatly appreciate it.

I've also had stalls and ups and downs. i started Atkins about 2 years ago and lost 13 pounds right away, then I stalled. Holidays came up and I quit when the sugar cookies were passed around. (I think cookies are my arch nemisis.) Eventually I gained back everything, and more. So I started it up again and lost a few pounds before the cookies got me again. This time, I've been on it since July and plan to stay on it till I reach my goal weight. I haven't been 135 pounds since before my twins were born! They are 13 now. I really want to see my family over the Holidays with a new look and a new confidence. That's my goal and I'm determined to get there.

I think setting intermediate goals is important. Sometimes that long term final weight goal is just too far out there to be inspiring. Try giving yourself a goal for 2 days from now; like "I will walk a mile and loose 1 pound before 48 hours are up" Then you can feel as if you've accomplished something even if all you managed is to walk that mile. The pound might need another day to go away but it will. Also, get yourself some good low carb products so you'r not eating the same thing day after day. I just received an order from lowcarb.com that has lemon poppy muffins in it. I haven't had any bread products in months so those muffins are in the oven now! They smell great. I don't have a good store any where near me so i have to order stuff off the net. Good luck!

Hi Chilly!

This board is chuck full of folks who've made it through stalls lasting weeks, sometimes even months!! I have had 2 7-week stalls myself and have come to realize that this is just the way it's going to be. Eventually the scale starts moving again... and I am now braced for another stall. I don't really see any alternative but to wait it out. Go back to eating carbs? No way! I've learned from other people on this board that going back will surely result in a rapid gain. No thanks!!

How do I (and others) persevere through stalls? Without a doubt, my participation on this board has been my main motivation. It keeps me accountable and I love the new friendships I've made!! I recommend you do the same until you are firmly entrenched in this way of life. It will make a big difference!

Good luck!!...and I'll be seeing you around!!