Hello,
I am new here. I started the Atkins diet yesterday. I have along way to go to my goal of 135-140lbs. I know that weight loss is different for everyone, but on average when should the weight start to come off on this diet? How much does one expect to lose during the induction (1st two weeks). I think this board will be a great motivator. Thanks

Rosi

Hi Rosi. There is a quick drop initially, mostly water, and then a steady fat loss. Yo-yo dieters tend to lose slower and may not even experience the quick drop. This is due to a slowed metabolism. Some, like me, who are/were morbidly obese can lose a lot on the first few weeks, simply because there's a lot were that came from

It's quite normal to anticipate and wonder how things will go, but more important is determination and focus on the right way vs. the quick way. For example, many beginners focus on eating as little as possible, one or two small meals. This will give a better result initially, but will not work for long since it slows the metabolism, and makes it hard to lose any more, since you can't fight your body.

Welcome aboard, and let us know how you're doing.

Wa'il

I would consider myself a yoyo dieter. I feel really different this time. I have gotten to the point that I know that I can't gain another pound. I did have a baby 6 months ago, but I am bigger now than when I was pregnant and I can feel myself getting worse every day. I started working again last week. Getting dressed for work is a nightmare and the long walk from home to the babysitter and then to work is very difficult with so much weight. I think I am in it for good

Rosi

Good for you, Rosi! One 'plus' of having to do all that walking, though it may be difficult at first, is the exercise it will give you. Since this way of eating builds muscle, even a little exercise can go a long way, in addition to all its various other health benefits.

As Wa'il pointed out, how quickly you lose can depend on a lot of things. I lose fairly slowly: about 5 pounds in the first two weeks and about 3-4 pounds a month thereafter. However, like you, I was fighting a generally upward trend when I restarted Atkins last October, so I look at it this way: NOT gaining is progress!

As Wa'il says, and I couldn't agree more, it's best to focus on the 'right' way rather than the 'quick' way. Since most of expect low-carbing to be a permanent way of life, there's no particular hurry, and, in fact, the longer it takes, the more time we have to learn and incorporate good habits!

Keep us posted!
Rachel

Hi Rosi,

Congratulations on taking the first step.

A few tips...

- Keep a food diary and record everything you eat. Use a good carb counting book--Corrinne T. Netzers Complete Book of Food Counts-- or the USDA Databasehttp://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/cgi-bin/nut_search.pl

- Take your measurements before you start

- Don't obsess on the scale or Ketostix

- Watch out for nuts, low-carb bars, processed meats, diet beverages, too much cheese/dairy and low carb sweets. They can slow your progress

- Eat high fiber vegetables. This is where you should use your daily carb allowance

- Keep your eye on the overall goal of better health. This is very useful further on down the low-carb road if you find your loss slowing down or stalling

- You'll feel pretty lousy during induction as you start to de-carb. No energy, flu-like symptoms etc. This is normal

- Keep posting!


Karen

Wa'il (??)

Who are you calling morbid??? There's nothing morbid about me! And,

Karen

Whats wrong with diet drinks??? I think I missed that part of the lesson.

Also Rosi, I too gained more after the birth than before and that's what made me do something. Also as you say finding it unpleasant to walk and the growing realisation that I'm not going to be able to keep up with my little boy soon. But we're going to make it, that's a certainty.

Read my post again, I said no such thing. The term "morbidly obese" is a medical classification, and was used to describe myself as a 400+lb.

Wa'il

Just a touch of humour my dear. I am all too familiar with the term ...

Hehe. Now let's see, is there a clasification for morbid humour?

Just kidding too

Definitely. Morbid humour is a side effect of morbid obesity and too much time on your hands!! Must go to bed and overcome my morbid insomnia or I really will be morbid in the morning.

You're dead tired, eh?

Rachel

Hi Rosi,

Diet drinks commonly contain citric acid which is a known "staller" for some people.

Karen

Rachel

That was a good one by anybodies standards.

You're dead to rights there!

OK, I'll shut up now!

Rachel

Hmmmmm, Rachel gets a day off work, and the time hangs heavy on her hands --- like a dead weight.