I am new and have been on atkins for a week now. The first 3 days, I lost beautifully, 2 pounds each day for the first 3 days and now for the last 4 days, I have stayed the same. I am in ketosis, the moderate range according to the sticks. Is this common to just stop losing right off the bat?

Hello wdgtadkns (tough to pronounce...)

Welcome to this WOL. Not that I am an expert but I keep my eyes open....
It is normal to lose less or simply stall after a short while. Your body initially lost water and is adjusting to a new nutritional habit.
<b>The other thing to note is that, to assess your weight loss, you should really look at your average over 1 week, not your every day changes.</b> Take your weight each day and divide it by 7 for your real weight that week.....

If you bought a book (Atkins, PP, any other one) it should be explained more thoroughly there. If you haven't got a book, I urge you to spend a few bucks (I am sure they are really cheap out there in the States!!!) and get one.

But most of all, do not be disappointed or de-motivated, this is not a quick fix... you are changing the way you are... It takes a little time, like anything....

Well done on the lost pounds though.... Ensure you drink loads of water (min. 2 litres) I always try for 3 at least...

Good luck!

Ciao

Hi Sandi (easier than your board name ). don't expect that your loss will be a straight line heading downward like a skier on a mountain. All kinds of things can interfere. The Atkins book lists many of them:

- sodium in cheese, sausage, deli meats, diet soda pop, prepared or canned foods
- mid cycle water retention or PMS before your period
- medications (most prescriptions can slow losses down, but you can still lose if you stick with it)
- eating too many calories - yes, they matter
- not eating enough calories can lead the body to shut down and not lose.

Those are just some of the things. The best advice is to stick strictly to the plan you are following and just be patient. Low carbing does work for the huge majority of people in the end.

Just wanted to add, Sandi, that on Atkin's induction phase it is most common to lose 10% of your ideal amount. Since you seem to have lost slightly more than that, I would only suggest being patient. (it is nice having it slip off so fast, though, isnt it???? )
Welcome to the board and I wish you much success on your new way of eating!
Lisa