derelly's Journal, 18 August 2011

If you can't lose on 1200 calories than you must have a very slow metabolism (aside from any medical problems). This can be from eating a very low caloric diet for long periods of time. Your body gets used to losing on a low amount of calories and your metabolisms slows. People who do very low calories diets tend to regain it more easily. Protein metabolizes better than any other food group, so you can actually eat more, feel fuller, and lose weight. You can retrain your body to lose on more calories but it takes time. Exercise also kicks up the metabolism. Eating some protein every few hours (5 or 6 smaller meals instead of 3 bigger ones) can also help kick start your metabolism. Losing weight is a complicated process. There are many things that factor in (not just taking in less calories than we burn) like our genetics, metabolism, how active we are, exercise, etc. Some things we can control and some we can't. All I can tell you is find what works for you and and stay consistent with healthy eating and working out.  

Thanks Suzi161 for your answer. This is something that has had me baffled for a long time...I do have very slow metabolism even though I am very active. Lots for me to reconsider in my meal planning. You are right it is very easy to gain weight when your metabolism is almost nonexistent...eating for the sake of eating is a habit that I have tried not to develop but maybe I need to eat the right kinds of foods in order to metabolize better...thanks again. 

Remeber that if your body thinks it is starving you will not lose on atkins. Please follow the new book the methods are differant than the old book. http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/faq.php?faq=atkins_faq 

Also, know that your RDI changes as your weight changes.