I'm Not Losing Weight??

[Meg888]

Hi. I started out 3 weeks ago on the Atkins diet, and lost 7lb in first week - I usually enjoy this diet, but this time I felt groggy and tired so I switched to slimming world on the second week. I gained 3lb, which I expected to do with the re-introduction of carbs, which I did slowly over 7 days, and not eating them after lunch. Last week I began having them for tea as part of the slimming world menu. I rarely dip into syns, as I prefer to leave them so I can have a tipple at the weekend. So total weight loss up to one week ago was still only 7lb - this week I've gained 3lb? I'm livid!! I've followed the diet to a t, I don't even feel the need to give in to temptation, I'm enjoying the diet, I'm exercising by walking twice a week, each time doing longer and more miles than previous. I just can't work out what's happening? It's like my body is convinced not to drop below 12st. 9st 7lb is my goal. I feel much better, healthier and people have remarked on the weight loss, my stomach, arms & breasts (sadly, as not much there in first place!) have lost significant amounts, so how can this be?

[seekeerz]

You're probably turning some of your excess into muscle, which weighs heavier - stick with it, you're doing fine, don't keep hopping on the scales every day...once a week is just fine and it'll be great !

[boxtops]

I agree with seekz - muscle weighs more than fat. If you are changing shape, be pleased with that for the time being. I plateau all the time with my weight loss, it can be really annoying - but join in with our Onwards and Downwards weight loss thread on here each Wednesday morning, it's a great encouragement!

[Meg888]

Hi Thanks for your replies. I suppose that makes sense, I'm assuming that's what 'losing inches as opposed to weight' means? I've never understood that till now! I do feel massively different in a good way, I look better in clothes, and feel tons healthier, which I thought was a big way to feel for having only lost half a stone. I feel as though I've lost a lot more, but then get on the scales and feel disappointment! I will join in the Onwards/Downwards forum for sure - thank you.

[ummmm]

That would be it. Measure yourself as well as weighing yourself.

[woofgang]

in the first phase of Atkins, a good proportion of what you lose is water...stop the Atkins and back comes the water.

[jd_1984]

My biggest problem with Slimming world is weekly weigh ins.
I would never get on a set of scales until I was 4-8 weeks into a diet because I know my body, and I know the scales will demotivate me! You probably are losing water retention and fat, but the proteins will be strengthening your muscle fibres and if you add exercise to this, your muscle mass will increase = you put weight on.
It is extremely common, as woofgang said, to bang the water retention back on after coming off the Atkins,often coming off the Atkins depresses you more than you were to begin with!! It is a good crash diet for a holiday or occassion you want to look good for, but you WILL put weight on fast with the re introduction of carbs, even a small amount.
Give it time, I have been a personal trainer in my time and I know that often, especially with women, you reach a stubborm stage in weight loss that seems insummountable (for you the 12st barrier). Keep up with SW but dont worry about your first few weigh ins please!!

[Meg888]

I've not actually joined slimming world, I've just borrowed someone's book! I wouldn't enjoy being part of a group/class - I've a hearing problem so I don't manage well with group convos/participation. Well let's hope I see some results (apart from just feeling them!) soon. I was really hoping to be around 10st 7lb (still a stone off my goal) by the time my holiday comes round beginning of April. Do you think this is achievable still? It would have been around 3lb a week weight loss, which I think is a fairly sensible weekly loss?

[ummmm]

I think you'd need to up your exercise to more than walking twice a week.

[black_cat51]

i don't get how people are rmarking on your weight loss when overall you have lost 1 pound?

[Meg888]

I initially started out at 12st 7lb. I lost 7lb in first week, have steadied at 12st, but then put on 3. So a little more than a pound!

[boxtops]

meg888, I've joined weight watchers on-line, where I monitor my food intake. So far, 10 lbs loss since 1 January - which I thought was impossible before. I can't stand going to classes. Give it a go, they don't hassle you.

[black_cat51]

sorry you said you gained 3 lb then "this week i gained 3 lb" so i addede them together. A case of 3+3 does not equal six :)
good luck

[ummmm]

You can lose inches without losing much weight.

[pastafreak]

One thing I know from eating low carb is that you do have to be very careful about how-and what- you introduce carb-wise. I've not done Atkins,but I do know that carbs are introduced in stages. This gives you a chance to see how different carb rich foods affect your weight. You then learn what foods to stay away from. My own experience tells me that I can eat some potatoes or legumes...but anything with wheat will put the pounds back on.
Also...Atkins and other low carb diets are NOT quick fixes,nor are they fad diets. More and more research is demonstrating the benefits of limiting starchy carbs. You just need to find what works for you.

[jd_1984]

3lb per week doesnt sound much but it depends on the individual.
As I stated if you workout regularly your muscle mass may increase meaning the scales may upset you. However, you may find that in the mirror, your shape is more pleasing and you have lost inches from your problem areas. If you are doing this on diet alone, cut out processed food, saturated fats and keep your diet to something like 70% proteins and 30% carbs. Drink loads of water, you wont retain it, it will just flush you out and keep you hydrate during dieting. I would suggest supplementing your diet with something like green tea extract and cod liver oil, good for the metabolism, oiling the joints and slight fat burning qualities.
Try and keep mobile, walk places that are within walking distance and if you enjoy exercise or have access to a gym, do it. I am not sure if you work and what your commitments are but try 3 x 45min sessions per week just to support the diet and improve the weight loss.
The most important thing is your health and well being. Dont make yourself ill through diet or worrying about weight.
Follow the basics and you will lose weight, some lose it faster than others thats all

[Meg888]

Thanks JD and to all the others for your comments. I have arthritic knees, which are starting to improve since losing a bit, so I'm building up the exercise slowly. I really hate gym environments, so I'm much happier doing my own thing. I'm walking a few miles each week at the mo, but increasing all the time and my daughter and I are going to get a bike as we enjoy cycling. I'm just extremely impatient, want everything too soon, but leave everything too late! Thanks again for the advice!

[seekeerz]

Megg you have a number of things going for you, and you'll get where you'd like to be.

You say you're feeling better and family and friends have noticed the change....there's nothing MoRE important believe me.

Keep up the exercise however you can manage it...is there any chance of using a swimming pool ( I know, sounds insane in this weather ) but the best especially if you have knee probs

Drink plenty of water...most important and remember this shouldn't really be a diet, once you've reached your goal, then a balanced eating plan will help you stay that way, so good luck

[beezaneez]

make your diet low cards hi protein for life. dont eat after 5pm. weight training combined with cardio and you cannot go wrong.