I started Atkins/Protein Power in May. I had already been at goal for a year (on Weight Watchers), but found that I had bingeing desires and was afraid that I might start to gain if I didn't regain control of my appetite.
I decided to research low-carb, and spent a month planning for the switch so that I wouldn't get bored. I went through two wonderful months of maintenance, eating something like 1950 calories or more a day, 300 calories more than my former maintenance level (I'm 5'2", 50 yr woman, 118 lbs, small build, some exercise but not that much). I had no problem staying on plan and maintaining. I carefully counted both carbs and protein grams, because I discovered that excess protein also put weight on. Fortunately, things like sugar alcohols did not appear to cause me to gain weight, so I also was able to eat a fair amount of sugar-free candies and desserts.
In July I went to Europe for 2 weeks. Although I kept my carbs low, I didn't count or weigh my food, and realized that I was probably eating way too much protein. A stop in NY on the way back to CA didn't help, and when I returned I had gained 5 lbs.
So I went from my pre-Europe level of 1950 calories and 135 combined grams of carbs/protein a day (90-110 from protein, the rest from net carbs) back to 100-110 combined grams of protein carbs, and cut my calories back to my Weight Watchers Maintenance level of 1650. It worked like a charm. In 2-3 weeks I was back at 118.
Then I tried to increase my calorie level a bit but my body didn't seem to like that; I started to gain. So I decided to maintain at 1650 for a while. I was fine from about August until 2 weeks ago. Then I started to gain....there was one day where I think I had too many carbs, but nothing outrageous....too many cucumbers mostly. I had already moved up 114 to 118 just before starting atkins, then back to 116-118 prior to Europe, and later from 118 towards 120, but after that day I went up to 123 and have been unable to get below the 121.75 to 122.5 range for the last couple of weeks. I have totally stalled and have no idea how to get those 4 lbs off. I wasn't particularly happy with 118 even, but thought that if I could enjoy low carb with more than 1650 calories I'd be happy.
Now I'm really afraid. I have read about people who have cut back on carbs for long periods of time unable to process them without gaining a lot of weight, and also unable to lose weight. I'm afraid that I am about to become one of those statistics. Other than really going crazy about exercise (I have very little time with my schedule these days, although when it cools down I'll start using my treadmill more), does anybody have any ideas for reducing? My net carbs are already cut down to the bone (20 or less average). My calories are at a known maintenance level which I already felt was slightly restrictive but bearable. My appetite is under control, and I don't "cheat"....
Any ideas? Please help me!! Thank you....