Hi all,

I just found this site after spending some time at a different low carb site over the past 3 months I have been low-carbing. I am needing to lose the remaining pregnancy weight. I gained 60 lbs while pregnant; lost all but 15 so far, but need to take off the additional that I gained BEFORE I got preganant as well for a total of about 30 lbs. By the way, my son just turned TWO! Can't use the ol' "baby weight" excuse any longer.

I started on Atkins late Feb 2004 and despite being ultra diligent - weighing everything, reading all labels and avoiding hidden carbs, avoiding sugar alcohols and lo carb convenience foods, looking up carb content of whole foods, and logging every morsel that went into my mouth, I only suceeded in losing a grand total of about 7 lbs in almost 7 wks time. Granted, I worked out sporadically at best (still trying to get back in THAT routine!! ). And then I sort of stopped being ultra-vigilant in tracking things because I got discouraged with my extremely low to no weight loss. My husband began doing it with me because he was too lazy to cook his own meals and he needed to lose about 10, and lo and behold, he's lost 21 lbs without a stitch of exercise! We've maintained a low carb lifestyle simply because we feel better...more stable, less hungry all the time, etc. We plan on making this our WOE for the long haul, so I am not starting from scratch. But I need to get back into weight loss - not maintenance - mode...FAST!

I am ready to get back full force and am looking for inspiration, support and perhaps a few meal plans since it seems the rest of the low carb community loses much faster than I do. What could I be doing wrong?? I have read so much, I don't know if I am coming or going. Count calories or don't count calories; increase fat intake or moderate fat intake; unlimited low-glycemic veggies or max 2 c lettuce and 2/3 c veggies; aspartame and caffeine matter or they don't; nuts or no nuts on induction. AGGGHHHHH! Losing my mind with how to proceed.

Can anyone who has been successful on induction provide me with, say, a few days of your specific meals? Just as a reference point, I am 5'6", (female, obviously), and 37 (38 in a bout a week though!) yrs old. I am currently 164 and my goal weight is about 135 (at this weight when working out, I wear a size 6, sometimes 4). This is a decent weight for me. So I don't have a ton to lose, but a decent amount, so I SHOULD see some results!
I am hoping tehre is someone with similar stats who has done well and can give me their intake specifics.

I know exercise is key, and I am trying to recommit myself to weight training every other night (3 x/wk) and cardio 3x the other nights (1 day off)....getting geared up to start this at 9:30pm when my son finally hits the sack is HARD. But I know it is important. If you could all give me some "proven" meal plans, I'd feel more confident.

Again, I have read and read. And I am a well-educated person (loved the post on refeeds....all that biochemistry!!) But when it comes to seeing the results, I am failing.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Patty

I found what works for me is watching the carbs but not the calories. I eat until I'm confortable at each meal. You may need to look at your fat and protein intake. If your not getting enough, your body thinks it's being starved and holds onto the weight.

Also, did you measure yourself before you started? Some people find they aren't losing based on the scale but in reality the tape measure reveals the lose.

Don't compare yourself to your husband as men can lose the weight easier than women.

Hang in there, it will work, it's just a matter of finding the right balance.