I have been truly sticking to OWL - 25-30 carbs a day and I am gaining weight!!! I have gained 3 lbs...no, not water, true pounds...over the last month. The loss of 2 lbs I reported shortly after TOM came back and now 2 more! I am getting very concerned.

No - not pregnant
No - no cheats...I have been very very good
Only had 1 shake in last 2 weeks
No bars, no SF chocolates

Any ideas? My "size" actually is the same but I did notice my thighs look a bit larger (first place I gain and lose) but did not take true measurements.

After 16 months why is it I'm gaining??? Yes, I am exercising but I have been since March...if anything, I'm exercising a bit less now than in March/April.

Any ideas??? What do I need to do to get back on the weight-loss wagon????

Looking at your journal you reported going way off plan less then a week ago. In the book Atkins states a cheat can set you back that long or longer.

Do you use fitday? Now that you are closer to goal you may have to start watching your calories somewhat, it could also be a case of carb creep and fitday can help. I know it's a pain, but using it just for a week might make things springout at you. It could also be sodium intake and water retention, drinking more water and perhaps some green tea may help with that. I would also get your body fat measured. That way you can be sure when you are losing fat and when you are gaining muscle. You might be trying to get a body fat that's too low. Go by your measurments, not just a height weight chart.

Yes, but I did not consume enough calories to get me 2 lbs heavier. And since that time I have been very strict with my food intake and my water intake. I was actually down in pounds the few days after this falling off the wagon. The gain happend last 3 days...when if anything, I am doing everything right...no processed meats, low-carb goodies....so this is perplexing. Usually fluctuations are day-to-day...not 3 straight days at same weight.

If you didn't consume enough calories to get yourself two pounds heavier, it has to be fluctuations in body fluid.

If you had a cheat day it could just be extra stored glycogen and that will go away in a few. You have done just wonderful! I am always inspired when I see your before and after pics. There are several things that could cause a small gain like yours, none of them directly related to actual fat. Give it a few days and weigh again. Keep on keeping on!

I've been stuck at these gained pounds for 3 straight days with no up-and-down fluctuations.

Don't know sweetie but don't give up. Look how far you've come!

Hang in there Yvonne!

I will - thank you. I am going to cut back on calories though. Looking over FITDAY for last 2 weeks I have been averaging 1800 which I think is too much.

Just cut your calories a little bit, don't go to drastic. If you do, when you get closer to goal, boy will you struggle.

Little at a time, you will do it !!!!

I am going to try my best to stay around 1500 cals.