[D6b2v1HA]

Thanks Karenjs.... just a minor detail... dynomutt is male

[Attarderb]

Hey all,

I'm pretty new to Atkins and have now been on the diet for just over 5 weeks now. I'm pretty strict on the diet and haven't cheated even once, and drink a large amount of water.

Whilst I am very happy about the weight that I lost in the first few weeks, I have now hit that stagnation phase where my weight is going no where over the past couple weeks. (Well actually, it fluctuates daily, +2 lbs, -3 lbs, +1 lbs, etc. but overall is going no where)

I've read through the previous threads, and read the explanation of why this occurs and the fact that my body is still burning fat but replacing the weight with more water, etc. And I know I should go buy a tape measure instead of relying on the scale, but its hard not to be discouraged.

The one thing I'm not clear on is when will my body start dumping this extra water it is supposedly storing up?

Cheers,

Cory

[D6b2v1HA]

Hi Cory,

It's always discouraging to work hard at the diet and see "no" progress (especially where scales are concerned). Stalls for some people can vary greatly, for some people it's a week, for others it can be months. I've been on atkins twice now, and I have stalled both times for a week after the first week of induction. I think post induction stalls are quite normal.

In times of stagnation, it's a good idea to take a close look at your diet and exercise levels. You may have some hidden carbs somewhere. You could post your diet up on this board, and some of us may give some pointers as to any foods which contain hidden carbs you may have missed. - or known stallers such as aspartame, cream etc.

I'm not sure how to tell if your body is storing up water. Chances are it probably is. Especially since you've just come of induction and your body lost a lot of glycogen and water weight it seems only normal that your body would react accordingly, by storing up water.

In all, just keep at it. The weight will start to fall eventually. It is difficult to work hard at the diet and avoid the high carb foods we used to crave (especially considering your in the somwhat early stages of the diet), and to see no progress on the scales. But you will start losing again.

[aspinswramymn]

Hi Cory,
Dynomutt is right, there could be any number of reasons for a plateau or fluctuations that you describe. The tips she offers are great.

One thing that works for me is to spend a couple of days in a row doing strenuous exercise, like taking long hikes, or cleaning the house from top to bottom. Your body tries to stabilize at certain weight levels, but it will adapt to change quickly instead if you do something very different.

[CindyLavender]

Hey dude!

Don't use the scale so much as a measurement of success in this new eating plan. Insteas, use your clothes (measure body parts with tape measure) and how you feel. That is, are you bingeing? Are you craving crap? Etc.

Also, I cannot stress enough the importatnce of exercise!! Get out and do 30-60 minutes every day!

seriously -- EXERCISE!! -- it helps your skin tighten as you lose weight, increases your metabolic rate and rate of loss, reduces heart disease/cancer/diabetes risk and the terrific sensation you feel after the 20-30 minute mark when your heart rate is consistently elevated can only be described as orgasmic.

8)