Thread: Only want to lose 10 to 20 lbs???

First of all, the more someone weighs, the faster they will loose. If you have 20 pounds to loose, it will go slower than someone with 80-100 pounds.

As for your question about calories, well most people don't have to count them. Some people either do count them or choose to put in the extra effort in counting them. Usually the people who do need to do that are those approaching their last 10-20 pounds, or those who had done a bit of yo-yo dieting in their past.

Your menu does look good. You are getting enough veggies and salads. One thing that you could be doing is limiting your cheese a bit. Most veterans around here believe that you should limit cheese to 3 or 4 ounces a day.

If you think counting calories may help you could try that as well.

hi there!

i, too, only had 22 lbs to lose when i started in jan 2004. i've lost 10 lbs. most of it was during induction. the last 10-15 lbs are a BUGGER to lose.
i have been tweaking and struggling for a long time now.
i do find that when i am religious about the following, i will drop a lb or two. but neglecting any of these areas makes me regain my loss.
1) WATER, WATER, WATER
2) supplements
3) lots and lots of exercise, especially cardio
4) avoid all LC products/treats (no sugar alcohols!)
5) watch how many nuts you're eating. if i really want to lose, i'll avoid them
6) be cautious of nitrates/nitrites and salt (watch your cheese, bacon, lunch meat intake)
hope this helps ....
i understand that it's frustrating, but hang in there!

I'm finding nuts are a big time stall item too (so sad). I've also noticed my weight loss directly corresponds to my water intake. Good luck!

LOL. Nuts are like that. I once ate an entire 7 ounce jar of macadamia nuts in one day (yeah, like two weeks ago!).

Welcome, Naillady

What plan are you following? If you are following Atkins, the list of acceptable induction foods can be found on the Atkins website (http://atkins.com/howto/index.html).

Whatever, plan you want to follow, get a copy of the book and read the whole thing. Or at least, read up on the induction chapters. You can read the rest as you go along your weight loss journey.

There's a helpful selection of newbie articles here: Newbie Topics.

Welcome, Helen.

What you should be eating during your initial period depends upon which plan you are following. Your first steps should be to read the book that goes with the program you've chosen and follow the eating guidelines there. We are not affiliated with any specific plan and, while there are a large number of Atkins folks, we have members doing most lc eating programs.

I hope you'll make yourself at home here!

Okay, this should help until you get another copy of the book; it's Atkin's Phase I: http://atkins.com/howto/phase1.html

Celery stuffed with cream cheese would be a good snack. Or, a cheese stick, jerky (skip the ones with sugar in the ingredient list), or maybe a few rounds of salami.

You'll be happy to know that snacking is recommended on the Atkins plan. There is a section specifically on snacking - the link is halfway down the page that introduces Induction (http://atkins.com/Archive/2003/2/14-323539.html).

Devilla,

Hmm. 5'1" and 130. I am 5'1" too, and can remember when I weighed 130! Now, my goal is 125. You mentioned you were on Atkins before. Second time around may yield a slower loss . . . but a loss nonetheless. I agree with the others about your cheese. Keep it at or under 3 ounces/day. I would toss the tofutti bar too. It probably has sugar alcohols. Check you dressing to make sure it doesn't have sugar . . . even if you are using it within your allowable carb range. Even though you do not mention bars and shakes, don't use them! I did and it stopped me cold. Buy a food scale, too. That has really helped me with my portions. I always was under-estimating my food! Good luck and visit often!