stalled, need a cheat day??
 

Hi,
I've been on Atkins for nine months now and down 70 lbs. Problem is I've stalled for the past three weeks, actually gaining 2 pounds this week. I'm close to my goal (10 pounds), but can't seem to move past this point. I've read where people have "shocked" their system with a carb day or even a carb weekend and began to lose again.
By the way, I have only cheated once since I've been on Atkins (a three day period in July while on vacation, eating anything I wanted). I didn't gain that week (but I didn't stall out afterwards either). I mention this so you don't think I'm just looking to cheat, I'm simply interested in seeing if this will jump start something.

Would love to hear your experiences on this subject. Thanks in advance!

Scott

Instead of a cheat day, try upping the calories you get from fat and drinking more water. Shoot for 80% of calories from fat and at least a gallon of water.

HTH

Scott,

There are several threads on these boards about the pros and cons of cheat days; just do a search (the icon is right next to the login/logout icon). You've done amazingly well--according to your stats, you should probably be on pre-maintenance, and the good doctor says to lose at no more than a pound a month then...maybe you're just doing it right?

Jude

I think that the cheat day is just an excuse to bing for alot of people. Ive been stalling, the whoosh fairy finally came last night! How did I do it? Well drinking even more water then the huge amount I already do. I also reduced my calories and my veggies. I was eating way too many veggies, which although may seem harmless, I think they were stalling me. But eating little high fat meals, while reducing calories deffinatly seems to work for me. Im not saying that this is the answer, its just I think works.

It does work for some people. But in my case I cheated and gained 9lbs. It's more than 2 weeks later and I'm still not where I was. You never know how you will react to it. But if you try it I see nothing wrong with it. In the past you didn't gain so maybe try it. You might want to go over your menus and up your fat to 70% or more if it's not already there and keep your calories 10x your goal weight if you aren't already, and make sure you're not going over the carb limit. Good luck!

You've done amazing! But I heard as you get closer to your goal, your body is gonna fight you hard for any more weight loss. At the point where your at, I wouldn't consider a cheat to to break your "stall". You should just hang it out. I was stuck for like 4 weeks, and I'm glad I stuck it out cause a whoosh came by the following week.

At only 3 weeks you aren't stalled. A stall is 4-6 weeks with no weight lost and no change in measurements. Remember to you can expect to lose 5% of the weight you need to each month. That means you can only expenct to lose half a pound if that in 4 weeks as you only have 10 pounds left.

Another point is, how realistic is your goal weight? Many on LC diets are getting more protien then before and have built up more lean muscle mass. Your body could be at what it thinks is a good weight and it will take exercise to get rid of any left over gut, not just diet. While you may of weighed that weight before, you may have more muscle now and to reach that weight again would mean going to a lower body fat percentage, or giving up lean mass.

Get your body fat checked to see where you stand and how far it is to a healthy body weight. Just hang in there as well. Atkins states that the slower you lose those last 10 pounds the more likely they are to stay off. Instead of cheating and possibly undoing all you've worked hard for, why not increase your exercise and work through the last of OWL to premaintanance.

I have to second what LadyBelle said. This isn't a stall until at least 6 weeks. Water & fat are good ideas. This is the way you should plan to eat for the rest of your life. Is there some reason why you have to lose the last 10 pounds fast? The project isn't over when you get to goal (original or revised). This is a way of eating for life. And your health has already improved from the almost 80 pounds you have lost. You have done magnificently - stay with the plan, up your carbs towards Pre-Maintenance and Maintenance. YOur body will let go of the pounds when it is ready to. Forcing often doesn't work, and the body's idea of losing 'quickly' is often not what we'd wish for.

You've done SO well already by staying with the plan. Keep it up.

Warning, Warning, Danger, Danger....Cheat Days can be deceptive.. I tried that once and 3 months later I am still trying to get back on track.. That's my story and I am sticking to it. lol :lol:

But seriously, please be very careful.. Had I known the hell I would be going through I definately would not have cheated.. I know we are all individuals but I would be remiss not to share my experience with you.

God Bless you and good luck..

Yep, tread very wisley, there is other things you can do while sitting it out.
Cheers Kathy

Thanks......
 

Thanks for all your input! I'll wait a few weeks and see where I'm at then. U guys are great....thanks for the support!