Since going back to Atkins with induction Jan 3rd, I've been doing well, and enjoying the feeling of well-being that low-carbing produces for me.

However, being within 10 lbs of goal, I've set an actual weight loss target of less than a pound a week. This is perfectly appropriate and do-able, but it isn't very rewarding to step on the scales even once a week. I mean, who doesn't like to see that needle MOVE??

So I'm going to make myself stay off the scales. Every other week should be fine. Otherwise, I might demotivate myself.

Meanwhile, I'm finding The Jeans Test gratifying. Those babies are slipping on and zipping up again like a second skin, only looser. That's what it's all about for me!

You've been seeing a lot of me on the Forum, too. Because talking up the good things that are happening really helps. Helps ME, that is!

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Barb L.
Atkins since Jan 2003
Maintenance as of 4/05


My Fitday Journal

Barb - Funny you should say this. I found a pair of Tommy Hillfiger jeans on Saturday, (at my usual garage saling trip) - a size 18. I tried them on...and they pulled up over my behind, but zipping them is just NOT an option. So - they are my new guideline. I still weigh - but they are my 'goal' jeans... Most of my clothes are getting bigger now.. of course, I always buy my clothes big, so it's just becoming extremely obvious. I'm going to have to find some wonderful person to give them to.

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Started: 261
Currently: 182

Waytago! I think "goal clothes" are a wonderful incentive. I own a dress I've had since at least 1985. It's a classic, but the reason I keep it is to remind me how hard I've worked to fit into it.

In fact, I have a suede dress I bought in 1967! Talk about classics! I've had it so long it has gone in and out of style several times--but only once has it been in style at the same time I could fit into it. It's vintage now, so I'm keeping it forever. Just in case.

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Barb L.
Atkins since Jan 2003
Maintenance as of 4/05


My Fitday Journal

well, I hit my goal clothes (haven't been where Im at for a very long time).
but I just ordered 2 new pantsuits for business, and ordered them in 18 - figuring I wanted them now. They came in and were loose. Hubby actually said I looked lost in them!! so I returned and ordered some in 16. I really do need to get out and see what size I am. Even if these are a little tight, gives me something to shoot for.

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Mary Kay 1/1/04 - 232
5/19/08 (5/23/08) - sw226/(cw222)/mg210/fg160

I wish I had some goal clothes left. Even the clothes I had left from senior year of highschool were 16's and 14's. Well I'm into the dresses and I'm starting to look like I'm dressing up in my mother's clothes. And the jeans are fitting now so I can wear then comfortably. So basically I am out of goal clothes. I'm actually thinking about just using a friend of mine's jeans as a new goal. I was never able to borrow other people's clothes at 245, but now I am so close to that(actually only about 2 friends that are smaller, most are guys). But I figure. Emily is between a size 8-10 and angie is between a 10-12, so I'm going to shoot for angie's closet next. LOL. When we get ready to go out dancing or to dinner, we all tend to shop through each other's closets, so I definately will have the chance to try their clothes on. LOL. I know I will never be as thin as James' wife (she's a "00"), but she looks anorexic, no one should be that thin. And she has no muscle mass and is built tiny, so I'm not looking to EVER borrow her clothes. I'd be happy between a 6 and a 8. Sounds resonable to me!

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Megan Rose
Back and really to lose some weight!
250(sw)/196(cw)/175(gw1)/150(fgw)

You know, I do the same thing because I can't measure my success by the scale anymore...with the weight training and cardio intervals and all...so I just measure by a pair of jeans...if they start getting too tight, then I buckle down a little more on my eating until they fit nicely again...I used to NEVER go by a scale when I lost weight a long time ago. I always went by a pair of jeans I had to figure out if I needed to lose weight or not...my dh was driving me crazy over the past few weeks...on the scale every morning, every afternoon, every evening, after a nap, after he ate, before he ate, etc. I think you get the picture - obsessed! (he's trying to lose the 11 lbs he put on over the holidays)...not only that but he was trying to figure out if our scale was weighing him wrong so he'd have me get on to see if it was weighing me any differently (don't ask me his thinking on that one) and it just drove me CRAZY!! I didn't want to see what I weighed every day!! So I told him he had to stop and to stay off of it for a week, so he hasn't been on it since Monday (thank God!) I put the scale in the closet, and that's where it's staying until next Monday and then he can see how he's doing...

The jeans test is a better way to go...

Sheyla

A friend once told me that the invention of elastic is one reason for so many overweight people. I laughed at the time, but it probably is true! Before elastic waistbands, lycra, etc., you sure would notice if a few pounds crept on...

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Staci

i had my TIGHT jeans (not the skinscreaming ones i have mentioned before) on today and there was room in the butt..*L*.. usually the skinny jeans are hangin on to my REAR like saran wrap on a bowl..*L*

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kims SECOND journal is HERE
kims new blog
KIMS BLOG !!
SUGARFREE BLOG

Painted on look huh??? I love that mental image!

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Lori

232/190/130
My other journal http://www.lowcarbeating.com/bb/showthread.php?t=1130

Believe it or not, but I still have a pair of Panhandle Slim size 13 jeans circa 1988! I had gained up to the horrible high weight of 184! (Close to what my goal weight is now! LOL!) So, I went on a diet and lost 22 pounds. I remember trying those jeans on....I could get them on, but they were about 3 inches from buttoning and zipping. But, after I lost the weight, they fit again and I actually got misty over the moment. At 164, I was thin enough.

If I get ever get my big butt back into those Panhandle Slims again, I'll be more than misty-eyed! Clothes ARE a good gauge of how we're doing.

DH insisted that I buy him some jeans the next size larger since (and I quote) "The dry-cleaners is shrinking my jeans!" Right. You couldn't POSSIBLY be gaining any weight! LOL!

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Hello Everyone!
I'm new to the forum. I just started the Atkins Diet Tuesday. According to the guidelines, if I continue to follow this plan, I should lose up to 14 lbs in 14 days. I saw an encouraging article in Women's Day Magazine last week, and decided to try it. Is it possible to lose so much weight?
Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

syzygy.. i read the article... and i would have to tell you this:
do NOT expect to lose a certain amount of weight... your body will give up what IT wants to.. dont set yourself up for disappointment.. instead.. follow the plan...(although i would BUY THE ATKINS DANDR book to get the complete book of information about the LCing atkins way!) and after 14 days YOU decide how you FEEL and THEN check your weight loss...
i would DEFINITELY suggest that you make the GOAL of HEALTH and how you FEEL rather than the weight loss..
many people lose quite a bit of weight.. some merely notice INCHES lost during induction...
give it a try.. but definitely get the BOOK! the little article doesnt give you the TOOLS you need to do this properly.
:-) welcome! and much success!
kim

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kims SECOND journal is HERE
kims new blog
KIMS BLOG !!
SUGARFREE BLOG

Barb, lol, The Jeans Test! What is it about jeans? They always seem to be article of choice for testing!

Back in the 80's when I was thin (115-125 pounds) I did not wear jeans, so no old jeans around to test. However last week-end I spent hours going through a HUGH bunch of clothes from the 80's and had a grand time since most of them can be worn now. Only problem with some of them are those BIG shoulder pads!

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Alida
5'1" ~ 59 years old
Highest weight: 165
Atkins 7/10/2004
160/126/125
RE-DO, January 2008:
167/162/135

Mind if I use a nickname? I'll never remember how to spell out the whole thing.

Ditto what Kim said. Hope you have the book--Dr. Atkins Diet Revolution, usually referred to around here as DANDR. You'll be keeping it handy forever. Also be aware of the website, atkins.com, for quick reference on many topics.

Weight loss is, of course, the reason why most of us started a low-carb nutritional plan. However, by the time it becomes a lifestyle--over the course of months and years--you realize that the larger benefits are improved blood chemistry, a feeling of energy and well-being, and a simpler, more humane (if you will) approach to weight maintenance over the long term.

Best wishes with your short-and long-term goals!

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Barb L.
Atkins since Jan 2003
Maintenance as of 4/05


My Fitday Journal

I love the jeans test! I went shopping a week ago because I just had to buy some new jeans. I wasn't sure what size I would wear, but I decided to just try on size 20 (just to see if I was even close). I couldn't believe it when I zipped them up and they fit! They were on sale and I was so excited, I decided to buy two pair. I also tried on a pair of dress pants and the size 18 fit me. It was a great shopping day!

I agree about the elastic waistbands being a downfall. I have made up my mind to wear waistbands without elastic or to wear a belt to remind me to stop eating when I'm full. Elastic gives you a false sense of security.

Marilyn
306/237/145