Owsley's Journal, 01 March 2012

Hang in there!! Are you also working out? I noticed there was no input in the workout section.  

Let's play with the numbers a little bit - 2 months = 8 weeks. That means you lost 7/8 lbs, almost 1 lbs per week. I don't think that is a bad number. And now look at it from the other side. You have not put it on at that speed, you are doing way better losing it than you gained it. Now, did it help *smile*///This is something I have to live with too, slowly, very slowly the pounds are coming off. But the main thing is they ARE coming off. And sometimes it looks like we gained some or are at a standstill and then we turn around and another pound is gone./// Just keep on going - you are doing well :-)  

I hope you don't mind but I went thru some of your food journals. There were no entries in the very beginning of Jan when you apparently made the first 'weightloss progress drop in pounds'. Since then you have pretty much cycled thru the same 2-3 lbs, up and down. For starters, are you aware of the effects of caffeine in the Espresso's you are drinking? Caffeine can make you feel hungry, and is also a dehydrator. So, first thing in the am upon waking, (at a minimum) you should drink a 8-12oz glass of cold water. (do this before having anything else, or while making your morning coffee.) Then by the time you actually drink your coffee, you will drink it slower because of feeling a bit 'waterlogged'. But overall it will help w/ your system not becoming dehydrated by the caffeine. Do this again, whenever you plan to have another cup. Second, I don't know if you are aware, but the Atkins Bars (due to the artificial sweetners and added processed ingredients) are KNOWN STALLERS to a LOT of people. This may not be something you can successfully use during your time in Induction, or even OWL, they may have to wait to be an occasional treat in Maintenance. Third, you are eating a LOT of avocado, each day! While a great healthy fat, too much of a good thing... is, well, too much! 1/4 of an avocado once a day would be my personal limit while in induction. Some people are generally way more sensitive to carbs than others. Even veggie carbs. So, if you make these adjustments, and do not see progress in a week to 10 days, then I would seriously consider lowering your carbs to 12-15 net veggie carbs, and only 5-6 TOTAL carbs for other foods. For example: Eggs are generally 1 carb each. Salads I would go by the net carb amounts. Let me know how you are doing over the next week or two.. and I will look at your menu's again - to see if we can keep tweeking this. And do not forget your daily WATER! That is a must. 

You are doing great! As we get older the weight comes off slower.... I am not sure less calories is the way to go. Sometimes your body is telling you that you need to eat more.I know that sounds strange but it is worth a try. In one of my journals in the journal section I had gone to website that provided me with more specific detailed information about how many calories you need to eat to lose and how many to eat when you want to simply maintain. Be proud of yourself for sticking with it! :D 

You ARE doing well. @jsfantome, she had very good suggestions. I personally had poor success on Atkins, and am now doing 35 carbs, 35 protein and 30 fat. Or at least I try:-) Hang in there, I actually looked at a lot of peoples progress on Atkins and other diets, and everyone lost the first month, then the slow road hit for most of us. I lost 3 last month, and 5 the month before. Only way to speed it up is exercise. Don't quit! you are doing well.  

Thank you all for the comments, encourafement and suggestions! And the great news is i lost 2 pounds last night and another inch on my waist! I am so excited! I needed that! yes I do need to drink more water!!! And I will try that first 12oz of water before my one cup of coffee a day. My first food diaries were on another site, and then I heard how great this one was, and moved over. And YES! I adore avocados! LOL. I have only had 5 Atkins bars in the two months, so not too bad. But maybe i should totally resist.I do need to exercise. I do some stomach and leg and arm exercises that the physical therapist taught me for some issues several times a week, and I think that is helping a little with muscles under the disappearing fat on my abdomen. And plan to go for walks as it warms up. I will try to add more exercise. I weighed this paticular weight for a long time, and maybe my body got stuck before moving on? Thanks so very much for the encouragement, guys.