Thread: How much weight do you have to lose...

before you can really tell a difference in the way you look? I have lost 28 pounds and while I can tell a difference in my clothes; I can't tell much of a difference when I look in the mirror. I know I'm losing, I just wish I could "see" it when I look in the mirror instead of seeing the same old chunky me.

Butterfly71

You know, I was wondering the same thing. I have lost 24 lbs so far, and I do notice that I have lost weight, to some extent. What I wonder is, other people dont see it or am I imagining it, lol.. The only time that I notice, which is rare, is in pictures of myself. When I look in the mirror, I still the fat kid from years ago.

I think a lot of that comes from years of poor body image issues. That's the case for me anyway. I know I must look different b/c people who don't even KNOW I'm on Atkins have seen me six month later than the last time they saw me and gasped, saying, "Wow! You look GREAT! What are you doing???"

So... it shows. Of course, it depends on how much you have to lose, how much it does show, but it DOES show. Hang in there!

Hope
210/181/165
Atkins since 12/15/02

Kinda funny...you two are both at that point where everyone will soon start to notice!! We had a discussion about this awhile back and it seems for many of us it is around the 25-30 pound range when you start getting those wonderful unsolicited comments!! Hang in there...you should be really noticing yourself as you fit into those clothes you havent' worn in years!!!

Congrats on the great results you two!
Lori...from the Charleston, WV area...nice to see another West Virginian Butterfly!!

Physician Assistant
Full-time mother of 3 boys
Started 2/13/02
50 lbs gone forever!
The joy of the Lord is my strength (and boy do I need it)!!

yes, i agree completely with lori on this!

it just takes that first 25 -30lbs though - if you have over 100 lbs to lose, it might be closer to 40 or so....

just keep focusing on the goal...

Wow Lori, another West Virginian, how cool!

A few people have told me they can tell a difference; but these are the people who know I am doing Atkins, so I guess I feel their opinion may be a little "generous", ya know?

I finally made it into a size medium shorts (still a little snug across the ole J-Lo backside!) LOL, so something is going on!

Butterfly71
Atkins since 6/21/03
198/170/115

It was absolutely at the 25-pound mark when people noticed. It was funny - the women at work had no problem saying "hey, have you lost weight? you look great!" The men however, in an attempt to avoid any possible hint of what might be construed in any sort of way as sexual harrassment, were VERY cautious. More often than not, I had to say, "yes, I've lost weight, thanks for noticing and not wanting to offend me!" They always seemed relieved...and I in fact gave them permission to continue to notice and comment. It's been nice...they seem to notice just when I need a boost!

Emelia

Boy thats good to know. I have lost almost 20 pounds since I have started the Atkins and I really don't see much of a differance at all. I have just been asking where in the world is it comming off of cause i just dont see it. My DH has never been much of a compliment giver, but the other day he said "babe your looking a little thin in the neck" I had to bust out laughing just cause it sounded weird the way he said it but it was more genuine then if he had said your looking pretty good babe so people see it at least a little.

Michelle

The only place my DH has noticed a difference is my boobs!!! Needless to say, he isn't thrilled with the change!

Butterfly71
Atkins since 6/21/03
198/170/115

Hello, Everyone.

My name is Ann and I started the Atkins Diet a week ago. I'm having a hard time adjusting to the menu's set out for me. I'm not losing at all. I eat baked chicken wing dings, romaine salad (almost bare)grapes, sometimes steak fryed in olive oil (with no trans fat)and not seeing a difference yet. Instead of my scale saying I lost, it says I gained a pound. I take (2) 1000 gram protein tablets each day along with other supplements. I exercise at least 3 days a week, and drinking my water, which I'm not losing more like I'm retaining and I'm taking water pills. The amount of water that's going into my body, only a quarter of it is leaving. I don't like a variety of foods. I can eat crab legs, shrimp, chicken, and steak/salad everyday. What am I doing wrong?

Hi, Annabelle.

I don't know what part of a chicken a wing ding is, but I know that grapes are not an induction food. Indeed, even in OWL, grapes are not one of the lower glycemic fruits. I can't even imagine how big a pill with 1000 grams of protien must be! My guess is maybe it's a gram (1000 mg)?

You certainly don't need a protein supplement on induction - or at any other time you are following the Atkins Nutritional approach. And, from your brief post, it does not seem as if you are getting in all your vegies.

It would be very helpful if you would post a day or two of typical eating. We can often spot things that you might not have noticed and give you some suggestions.



The very best thing you can

Maggie

Redhead until further notice!

( ...just sos ya know it's really me.)

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>I have lost 28 pounds and while I can tell a difference in my clothes; I can't tell much of a difference when I look in the mirror.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think it must be a psychological thing.. I've lost 65lbs, and I still look exactly the same to me..

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by shrinkydink:

I think it must be a psychological thing.. I've lost 65lbs, and I still look exactly the same to me..<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think you are right. It is just one of those things that is all in your head; but if that is truly the case, then will we ever reach a point where we can see ourselves as thin? When I finally get to goal, am I still going to see myself as fat? And will that make me want to lose even more? When I look at my senior photos, I can see that I was thin (weighing in at around 115-120); but even then, I remember thinking I was fat. The only difference is back then, I didn't have the knowledge to really lose a significant amount of weight; now I do. I guess I am worried that I will get to goal and still not see myself as thin enough and just keep allowing myself to lose weight. I guess I will just have to hope that the smaller size clothing will be enough to convince me that I am thin again.

Butterfly71
Atkins since 6/21/03
198/170/115

Annabelle...first off, lose the grapes and the water pills. The grapes are NOT on Induction and the water pills can actually hinder you. Make sure your fat content is adequate -- enjoy a nice dressing with your salads (making sure there are no sugars). Check your wing dings also. Any sugars? As for the water, it is key. Drink 1/2 of an ounce for every pound you weigh. For instance, if you weigh 200, you need to consume 100 ounces of water daily. Only eat what is on the list for legal foods on induction. If it is not on that list, then don't eat it. Period. But, you need your fats and carbs from veggie sources only.

Hang tight and don't give up. I am a slow loser, too, but I feel great!

Kellie
F38
Started Atkins 8/1/03 (off and on for the last few years but sticking to it this time!)
206/197/160

Hi everyone,
I am so glad to have found this board. I am considering a low-carb program after the results that my sister has seen in the past three months, and has inspired me. I have many health problems that after doing the reading may be related to carb addiction. I also see the same in my 7-year-old daughter. I see my doctor for my yearly checkup in about two weeks, and will have all my numbers checkes before I begin. I am doing research now, but have almost(really completely) decided to try a newer change. I will check in frequently here. I need to lose over 74 lbs, I am unable to exercise as I am wheelchair bound, though if I lost weight I might be able to move better. I need to regain balance and not be so tired all the time. This seems to be the way to go. Thanks again for being here.
nosie