Hi- I'm getting frustrated. I'm not losing weight. I am weighing and measuring, eating under 40 carbs a day, calories are under every day for me (under 1400) based on my resting metabolic rate and don't even include my excercising. I have a program named Balance Log which is similar to fitday. So I bought ketostix and it shows only a "trace" or 5. (Just one step up from negative) Two years ago I lost 35 lbs on Weight watchers but was hungry and as soon as I got the weight off I started putting it back on. I was successful in the 70's with Atkins and kept the weight off til I got pregnant (started eating whole grains, pasta's etc) three years later. I found it hard to do induction so just cut back on carbs. Any suggestions?
Napalil

You may need to lower your carbs.... and definetely higher your calories.

The most successful losers keep their calories 10-12X their weight.

And 40 may be too high for you - 30 seems too high for me to lose so I am lowering again.

Since we all graduate from 20 up 5 carbs for a week at a time... you should be aware of what the highest amount of carbs you could have while still losing.... go back to that.

Hi napalil,

My first instinct is two-fold:

1. Perhaps your calories are too few. At 10-12 times your weight you may find more success by eating 1880+ calories! I know it sounds counter-intuitive, especially for us former Weight Watchers, but your body really prefers more calories when you're low-carbing! And 70% of those calories should come from FAT!!! It is key to maintaining the fat-burning/protein-sparing that spells good weight loss!

2. Perhaps your carbs are too high. On Atkins, after induction we increase our carb level (from 20 by 5 or so) each week, and when we stop losing, we may need to cut back to the previous week's lower level. So if you were losing at 35 g daily, 40 may be too many right now.

So my suggestions are to eat fewer carbs (but make sure you are eating the most nutrient-dense carbs) and increase your calories. I haven't seen the foods you're eating, but would guess you are not getting enough fat (or protein). Atkins is a high fat/adequate protein eating plan and is so very different from Weight Watchers low fat program. So put some olive oil on those low carb veggies, some butter with your eggs, etc.

There is a good sticky in the newcomers sub-forum that contains many more ideas about why you may have "stalled" in your weight loss. Please check it out and you will probably find the solution that works for you!

hth,
Pokey One

I was told to increase my calories. Are you sure???Increase my calories to 1830 calories a day???How? I'm not hungry as it is..I'll definately do induction and work from that point, but I'm afraid to add the calories....how many people out there are really eating 10-12x their weight????

And I can't remember-is bleu cheese dressing with one carb per 2 tablespoons allowed on induction?

Thanks for your suggestions...

Napalil

If you were still losing I would say to retain but you really need to try the lower carb - more calorie Atkins way. When you eat too little your body thinks you are starving and holds onto your weight.

Try having 5 smaller meals if that is easier for you.

Also, dressings that are under 2 carbs per 2 TBS serving are allowed.

All the best to you.

Napa Lil...

If you're uncomfortable with 10-12x your current weight, how about 10-12x you goal weight or around 1,500 calories a day? Tha'ts what I've been shooting for. If you eat too few calories, your body will become stressed. A stressed body will fight you on losing weight and may lower your metabolism to compensate for the lower calories.
OTOH...you didn't mention how long it has been since you stopped losing. It could be a very normal plateau that you will have to be patient with and ride out. A stall is defined as 4-6 weeks with neither inches OR pounds lost.
If it has been at least 4-6 weeks without a loss of pounds or inches, then you may want to first examine your daily meals for hidden carbs. If you are consuming low carb bars or candies or artificial sweeteners, consider cutting them out until weight loss resumes. Ditto for caffeine. If you are correct on your carb count, then you might want to drop back 5 or 10 grams of carb per day after ruling out or eliminating other possible stallers without success.
Above all, hang in there; the scale is bound to start moving again soon.

Wow Lisa... good call her.

I second LisaN's advice regarding the normality of a possible stall.

Okay............I'll beef up the calories, and definately go the induction route...I hope by this time next week there will be a loss-otherwise, I'll be at a loss..
Thanks for the advice-I need the support.
Lillian