Help!
 

I started on Atkins in June of 2002. So far, I have lost a lot of weight...however, I have been stalled for a LONG time.
I had a lot of weight to lose (and still have a fair bit left), so I was on induction for the majority of this time. Last Christmas, becasue of a death in the family and other stress, I decided to not worry about what I was eating.
In the spring, I went back on Atkins and was losing a little bit of weight, but very slowly. Then I stalled completely, even though I was working out on a regular basis and sticking to induction.
I then did a herbal detox and shed 10 pounds and a dress size or two. I was totally excited! As soon as the detox was over, I was stalling again.
I guess the months and months without any progress has gotten me down. I tried to do the body for life program, but I have been depressed and finding it difficult to stick with. So, I have been back on Atkins, or at least trying to follow Atkins, but having trouble. I used to have so much willpower, and I think the results were what motivated me. No results makes it hard to stick with...I mean, if it isn't working, what should I do?
I have gained back a few pounds, but nothing major. I want to catch this and turn it around before it gets out of control. I even tried a fat fast for a couple days, and THAT didn't even help me lose any weight.
Please, I need your advice. When I was losing weight, I didn't feel deprived. But now all I want to do is drown myself in comfort food! Thanks for any help you can provide. :) hugs

My best advice is the new Dr Phil book. Not JUST because I'm a fan, but even the Phil-haters I know have to admit teh book is a very effective program to get yourself going and make it easier to lose weight, no matter WHAT plan you're following.

Since I put some of his "7 Keys" to use, I find it SO much easier... now if I could get to the point of using ALL seven... I need a refresher, but my book is loaned out and making it's rounds!

I just got the book yesterday potatofree. It looks like it will be very helpful. It really makes you think about your eating! MarieB, it is diffenitly worth reading.

How are you measuring body fat and are you sure it's accurate? At 5'5" 160 isn't a bad weight I don't think. adn from what your fitday says that was your origional goal.

It's hard to offer more advice though not seeing typical menus. Start using fitday more or post some here. There could be soemthing that's holding you back.

This close to your goal (at least the 160) goal, weight loss will be extreamly slow. Remember 5% of total weight you have to lose in a month is considered good.

I would recomend the body for life. You probably wouldn't lose weight at first, and could even in fact gain a little as you build lean mass, but your body fat would be going down quite a bit. Later you would see the weight loss. Progress though won't be shown by the scale, that number means little as no one sees it. Instead concentrate on toning your body and lowering body fat. That could make the difference of as much as 2 dress sizes at the same weight.

Thanks for your responses:)
My weight is now around 178. The weight I had on fit day was what I weighed after my success with the herbal detox. I have put some weight back on, and I think I have also gained a bit of muscle.
My ORIGINAL goal was to get down to 180. I have never been this slim before, I have always been overweight. So when I set my goal, I didnt really know what I would be like.
I think the combination of the winter, being finished school, as well as the slow going weight loss has caused me to over eat.
I WAS working out 6 days a week but now I have a hard time motivating myself. To be honest, I have a hard time doing much of anything. I go to work, I come home. I don't have any other activities that I enjoy. As I'm writing this, I'm beginning to regret even posting in the first place. I feel so lazy! I'm an energetic, vivacious person, but for some reason I am just in a funk. I'm tired, I'm bored and I feel fat. My clothes are getting too tight and I need to make a change. Anyway, thank you for your advice. The body for life workout plan is great, when I actually stick to it. I have worked so hard to get this far. Why am I getting lazy and depressed now?

This answer comes more from the curves program, diet program that is. I have a friend doing great on it, and when she stall or even after a while they have her up her carbs and calories a bit. This give her matabolism a boast. Maybe you are doing more harm holding yourself down to induction levels.