Well since I have been a bad wolfy on and off since Easter, I have decided to go back to Induction for the next two weeks. I know some people say you don't have to go the full two weeks but I don't think it will hurt to try it.

I have not been off plan too much (just a meal here and there..normally on weekends...) but I'm starting to see myself "lose focus" and get frustrated with the lack of loss (I keep boucing around the same 5 lbs...). I'm only 9 lbs out from my first goal of 175 (Started Lcing at 220lbs and officially at 207lbs).

Since I had lost a decent amount of weight I started thinking I could just go on auto-pilot and, though slowly, finally reach my goal. But that appears to not be the case... I keep finding myself thinking that I can eat this piece of pizza or something like that and still eventually lose the weight. Though partially true (average out you carbs for the week), I seem to be only maintaining weight (not losing).

So I figure that I will go back on Induction (get rid of cravings and focus myself), continue my work outs daily, and cut my calories back just a tad. And most importantly!!! I'm going to stop my evening drinks (LC beer or LC mixed drinks) completely for the two weeks. Just to prove I can do it.

Don't get me wrong...I do not have a drinking problem (I do not even get a buzz from the one of two drinks I drink...). But I know they are not helping me get to goal.

I hope to get to 175 within the next two weeks (aggressive eh?..currently at 184) and then I will go back to my "auto-pilot" and see if it works good for maintenance as opposed to OWL.

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:silly:
Wolfman
207/178/175
Top Weight: 220 (Oct 2000)
Lowest Weight: 178 (Oct 2003/Dec 2006)

Congratulations on your accomplishment so far Wolfman, and double-congratulations on your decision to fight complacency at this point. Once we get to where we feel pretty comfortable physically, it's SO easy to let things slide. Which, of course, is exactly why so many of us never do attain our ideal weight, or if we do, don't stay there.

It sounds like you've got a good plan going here, so forgive me for chiming in with suggestions you may not want (but I can't help myself)...

In my opinion, you shouldn't need to drop back to 20 carbs per day, but would do well to eat unlimited veggies from the induction list, along with adequate fat & protein. I think the important thing is to eat clean - no "low carb" breads, bars, ice cream, candy, pasta, none of that stuff, and go easy on the cheesey & creamy things. Cutting out the drinks for now will definitely make a difference, and really hit the water while you're at it. You might also want to add something to your workouts to kick them up a notch - just a small increase in intensity can make a big difference.

And remember what you've learned by following the Atkins plan thus far...running hungry is NOT the answer...that low-calorie mentality still lies just below the surface in many of us, so be careful. I know you want to hit it hard and get the rest of the weight off, but do make sure you're getting plenty of good fuel along the way. Spend the next couple weeks eating as much as you want of all the right things, pounding the water, and hitting the gym, and you'll be there in no time.

Best wishes,
Sky
Atkins since 8/02
196/144/under 150

All good Sky and I appreciate the pointers.:great:

My comment on the cutting back on the calories was more about "portion control" than anything else. I think I have been over doing the protein amounts with my meals. I think I should eat a smaller steak or one chicken breast instead of two. I?ll definitely focus on the vegees (been eating a ton) but I need to drop my protein amounts some (not a lot ? just ?some?)



I?ll still eat to make sure I'm not hungry but I need to stop eating "past the point of satiety". That has always been my issue. I LOVE FOOD!!! LCing has allowed me to enjoy food without pouring on the weight but I think I still need to work on ?portions?.



I have stepped up my work out (increased my weights). I plan to account for increased muscle mass (hopefully!!) so the weight loss might slow from that too but I can live with that ?. (and measure the results...)



Thanks again for the great tips!

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:silly:
Wolfman
207/178/175
Top Weight: 220 (Oct 2000)
Lowest Weight: 178 (Oct 2003/Dec 2006)

Hi Wolfy:
I just came off 5 days of "going back to induction." and i have to say it was a great decision for me. I was letting carb creep take me over, not measuring my food, and eating way too much of the bars, icecreams, sugar free candy, etc...my weight loss was slowing down, and one week I even gained a pound. So, for 5 days, I went back to my induction level of carbs (usually 15-18) and ate really "clean."

It really helped to focus me and I felt so good after that 5 day period. An added bonus was the 3 pounds I lost during that week, but more importantly, I feel re-focused on my program and reminded that it does work. I am adding carbs back in now, veggies, and a few berries.

Good luck!

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Renee
1/19/04
261/220/160
41 lbs off
60 lbs to goal



Race to 199 Challenge
Labor Day Challenge: Focusing on the Journey
Personal Goal: 199 by 12/31/05

Good luck, of course let us know how you make out!

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261/226/215?
Started Atkins on 6/12/03

I went off LC back in december. I would still cut carbs here and there but only when it was easy. I got pnemonia and couldn't work out and didn't have the drive to watch what I ate. I slowly gained back about 10 lbs but since starting induction over one week ago I have lost 4 lbs. I have 6 more to get back to where I was and then I need to stay focused to get rid of the 20 I still had to lose.

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Maria
177/147/125
LC since 8/8/03

Starting Over - 9/28/04
166/164/125

Going back to induction can really help with some things, and it sounds like it will be good for you. Just keep in mind that since you are pretty close to your goal, you will loose slower. Two weeks of induction might not necessairly get you all the way there, but it should give you a good start.

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Started Atkins on 9/20/03
235-->190; 150 goal