Feeling discouraged? Sometimes it's the little things...
 

Hi everyone,

I've been on Atkins for a while (8 months) and have lost about 20 pounds. While I am committed to this WOE, I haven't lost more than a pound or two in the past four months.

Nonetheless, I keep plodding on. Why? Well, although the scale doesn't seem to be on my side (the "Devil Box" as someone has called it), I get caught off guard from time to time about how my body is changing in other positive ways... Some recent examples:

- The smudge I thought I saw on my cheek in the mirror the other day was really the emergence of my cheekbones
- After putting on my workout shorts after months of not exercising, I didn't notice the cellulite around my knees (it's still there, but less visible!)
- Someone in the office mistook me for another (thinner) colleague from behind
- I realized I could tuck in my shirts and didn't have to hide behind layers of clothes

These are small little changes that I've noticed, although the scale is not moving. I think about these things when I am feeling discouraged.

I also think about what I WOULD have weighed by now had I not started Atkins 8 months ago. I was gaining about one pound a month (on average) with my old WOE. So, if I compare my current weight to my starting weight PLUS eight pounds, that's quite a long way from where I am today.

Just thought I'd share my thoughts with those folks who are feeling discouraged. Writing all this down also helps to keep me motivated! I'd love to hear your inspriational ideas as well!

Littlemel

littlemel, you have exactly the right attitude!

I keep preaching about not being wedded to the scale - that isn't what this WOL is about!

I mean, yes - we're all here because we want to lose weight/inches. But - what we've committed to is a plan to keep us healthy for life - which includes losing extra weight, but doesn't stop there.

The scale lies. That is a fact. It doesn't reflect muscle gain and toning. It does not reflect the inches that come off (usually when your weight loss is stalled!). It does not reflect your added energy, your better sleep patterns, improvement in cholesterol levels, etc., etc., etc.

So keep up the positive outlook - it isn't about what the scale says!

See, and I was somewhat discouraged because I lost 20 lbs in 3 months, but basically haven't lost anything lbswise for 3 weeks. However, the other day, even though I hadn't really noticed inch loss enough to measure, that the band of fat around my middle and so called love-handles were smaller. I have more waist definition. Also my back is thinner under my bra, those dreaded fat things that appear there are gone. The fat that was under my chin is much smaller, and my face is a lot thinner too. So there definitely are other benefits even though the scale doesn't move!!! Besides I feel so darn good! So I'll just keep no keeping on!!!!

just what are those 'dreaded fat things'
 

that reside right below our bralines on our backs - can't be love handles since those are waist residents... let's think of a creative name for those... overflow (my cup runneth over, and back?)
:wave:
Jan

I compiled a list of "other" benefits of low carbing that came from a bunch of different members of this board. I had posted it on the General section, but I will include it here too. I think some of the nonweight loss benefits are even more important than the actual weight loss.

http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthre...?threadid=91369

The list to download is on page 2.

Great thread!

Jan,

Maybe they're called "back breasts"?

LMAO

great name...