# SDMB Weight Loss Club, Number Four **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [December 31, 2003, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-weight-loss-club-number-four/221949 "2003-12-31T14:39:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 10
**Author:** ![VunderBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/839c29/32.png) [@VunderBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VunderBob)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2004, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-weight-loss-club-number-four/221949/181 "2004-01-21T13:49:28Z")
Thanks, **Ginger** and **'Cat**. I’ll stick my neck out, and say 319/319/220. ---
**Author:** ![Liberal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/848f3c/32.png) [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2004, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-weight-loss-club-number-four/221949/182 "2004-01-21T14:08:52Z")
I’m late to the party, so I’m sorry if I missed something in the first two threads or the first several pages of this one. I started Atkins last Monday and my weight gains have leveled off, but I’m not losing any pounds. (Maybe 1 pound, but that might just be scale innacuracy.) How long before actual measurable results? I’ve pretty much overcome the carb cravings, which were monstrous around day 3. Also, for anyone interested, the Hardee’s low carb burger is actually delicious. I used to drink a six-pack of Pepsis each day (about 40 carbs each), plus so much bread, sugar, and potatoes that I was probably consuming 500+ carbs per day easy. I’ve gone from that to 20 or so. Whew. And my stats are 251/250/180. ---
**Author:** ![skeptic\_ev](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@skeptic\_ev](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/skeptic_ev)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2004, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-weight-loss-club-number-four/221949/183 "2004-01-21T16:18:28Z")
**Libertarian** , I am also doing Atkins and have some observations and tips you might find useful. 1. If you haven’t already done so, _read the book_. What most people think the Atkins diet is and what it really is are two completely different things, so doing it without reading the book will just make things more difficult for you in the long run. 2. Track inches, not just weight. It’s a more useful tool, I think. (Of course, I weigh myself daily too, though …) I’m talking calves, above the knee, thigh, hips, abdomen (belly button level), waist, chest, upper arms, and any more you can think of. I use Excel to keep track of my progress. When you’re gaining muscle and not losing pounds, the shrinking waist measurement sure helps to keep you motivated. 3. Try to stick with as much natural food as possible. Everyone’s different, and for some reason, “frankenfood” (bars, shakes, etc.) causes some people to stall. 4. Make sure to get your veggies (three cups a day on Induction, and more later). It will make a big difference in how you feel and rate of loss. 5. Drink at least two quarts of water daily, more if you’ve got quite a bit to lose. Your liver cannot metabolize (get rid of) your body fat if you don’t drink enough water. Not drinking enough water stalls me completely. Oh, and WELCOME. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![skeptic\_ev](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@skeptic\_ev](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/skeptic_ev)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2004, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-weight-loss-club-number-four/221949/184 "2004-01-21T16:32:49Z")
Oh, I forgot. A very helpful forum specifically for low-carbers is [forum.lowcarber.org](http://forum.lowcarber.org). I’m FrecklFluf there, BTW. And my stats are 196.5/169/140. ---
**Author:** ![BiblioCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ed8c4c/32.png) [@BiblioCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BiblioCat)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2004, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-weight-loss-club-number-four/221949/185 "2004-01-21T17:41:03Z")
Because I believe the following bear repeating: > [@skeptic\_ev](#): > > **Libertarian** , I am also doing Atkins and have some observations and tips you might find useful. > > 1. If you haven’t already done so, _read the book_. > > 2. Try to stick with as much natural food as possible. Everyone’s different, and for some reason, “frankenfood” (bars, shakes, etc.) causes some people to stall. > > 3. Make sure to get your veggies … > > 4. Drink at least two quarts of water daily, more if you’ve got quite a bit to lose … Not drinking enough water stalls me completely. READ THE BOOK! EAT ‘REAL’ FOOD! EAT YOUR VEGGIES! DRINK WATER! 🙂 Oh, and welcome and good luck. ---
**Author:** ![Profane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e47774/32.png) [@Profane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Profane)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2004, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-weight-loss-club-number-four/221949/186 "2004-01-21T20:45:01Z")
What **Bibliocat** and **skeptic\_ev** said. I made the atkins bar mistake two days ago and I’m still paying for it. 216/207/150 - nine pounds so far after two weeks. I was down to 206 before that stupid Morning Crisp thing. Two carbs my butt. Congrats to all on their losses this week! ---
**Author:** ![katerina2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ce73a5/32.png) [@katerina2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/katerina2)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2004, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-weight-loss-club-number-four/221949/187 "2004-01-23T21:19:57Z")
Well I started walking a bit. Weight has gone up and down this week. I dropped a lot real fast, and it freaked me out, so I ate more, and now I look more reasonable. I realized that I have a panic attack at the thought of weighing 215 lbs. Silly. But true. 239/218.5/144 ---
**Author:** ![GingerOfTheNorth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/cdc98d/32.png) [@GingerOfTheNorth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GingerOfTheNorth)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2004, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-weight-loss-club-number-four/221949/188 "2004-01-23T21:45:15Z")
Friday is my weigh-in day. 256/195/170 ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2004, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-weight-loss-club-number-four/221949/189 "2004-01-24T02:01:07Z")
Got rid of half the NYCDope Excess this week; down to 173.5. Since I’ve already made goal and am trying to maintain, how should I do this? I know, how about this? 172/173.5/172 That ought to do the trick. ---
**Author:** ![Pammipoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/87869e/32.png) [@Pammipoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pammipoo)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2004, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-weight-loss-club-number-four/221949/190 "2004-01-29T14:06:49Z")
I’ve been slacking, hardcore. I’ve had this miserable cold/flu thing, and haven’t had the energy to leave my house for over a week. No gym for Pammi. I’ve had little need for food, but the foods I have eaten have all been crap. Pizza, chocoloate, you name it. I let Sara do the grocery shopping, and she came back with freakin _coca cola_. Eek. Calories overload! As soon as I get over this bug, I’ll slap myself back into shape again, I promise. 235/199/170 ---
**Author:** ![GingerOfTheNorth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/cdc98d/32.png) [@GingerOfTheNorth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GingerOfTheNorth)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2004, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-weight-loss-club-number-four/221949/191 "2004-01-29T14:13:47Z")
I started today at Bally’s on my Discovery Health channel guest pass. This morning, I went to work out, and got to swim!!! I love to swim! ---
**Author:** ![BiblioCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ed8c4c/32.png) [@BiblioCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BiblioCat)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2004, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-weight-loss-club-number-four/221949/192 "2004-01-29T14:21:06Z")
They’re opening a Curves five minutes from me. Anyone have any experience with them? It’s a women-only place. If they offer a cheap (or hopefully free) trial period, I’ll give it a go. ---
**Author:** ![katerina2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ce73a5/32.png) [@katerina2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/katerina2)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2004, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-weight-loss-club-number-four/221949/193 "2004-01-29T17:50:32Z")
Well I am exercising more. It feels good. Also got more than I wanted to get, shovelling snow the last couple of days. Only the 60 minute day did I have trouble with my asthma. So maybe I should stop moaning and groaning?? 217 is my 10% 239/217.5/144. Yea me. ---
**Author:** ![GingerOfTheNorth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/cdc98d/32.png) [@GingerOfTheNorth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GingerOfTheNorth)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2004, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-weight-loss-club-number-four/221949/194 "2004-01-30T03:21:07Z")
> [@BiblioCat](#): > > They’re opening a Curves five minutes from me. Anyone have any experience with them? It’s a women-only place. If they offer a cheap (or hopefully free) trial period, I’ll give it a go. I doubt they’ll give you that, but let me tell ya, Curves is a great place for beginners. I joined in March and I’m sorta toned now. But, it’s for beginners and I’m getting bored with it now. Katerina: YAY! ---
**Author:** ![Kyla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/eada6e/32.png) [@Kyla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kyla)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2004, 5:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-weight-loss-club-number-four/221949/195 "2004-01-30T05:00:20Z")
Checking in. I was doing real good for a while, lost a couple pounds, drinking water, etc. Alas, I was sent on a training trip for work to California for a few days last week. Without my kitchen, I was lost in a sea of junk food, and I gained all of my weight back, plus a couple extra for good measure. GAH. I felt gross from eating so poorly, like a 9 year old a couple days after Halloween. So, I’m back here in Chicago and I’d been doing pretty well again til today. Why, why, why do I give in to these urges? New goal: I want to lose 15 lbs. ChiDope is in 15 weeks. I can do that. ---
**Author:** ![SnoopyFan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d07c76/32.png) [@SnoopyFan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SnoopyFan)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2004, 5:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-weight-loss-club-number-four/221949/196 "2004-01-30T05:11:38Z")
13.75 pounds gone so far this month. TOM is here so I’m hungrier than usual, though ☹ Ate what I thought was a benign dinner from Long John’s and the breading totally set my cravings off. I think I thought I could get away with it because it was relatively low in carbs and also because I can get away with LOTS of foods that set off cravings in other people. Oh well. The plan now is to make it through the weekend (which is always the hardest part of my week) and hit Induction hard on Monday. I want to lose another 10 in February! ---
**Author:** ![norinew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/eb9ed0/32.png) [@norinew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/norinew)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2004, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-weight-loss-club-number-four/221949/197 "2004-01-30T13:02:01Z")
**SnoopyFan** , if you want help with the cravings, get yourself some L-Glutamine supplements (they’re an amino acid, I believe). The bottle will say to take one a day, but ignore that; take two with each meal to help curb cravings. This is not my recommendation, but rather Dr. Atkins’. If you go to Wal-Mart, you can get them cheap! ---
**Author:** ![BiblioCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ed8c4c/32.png) [@BiblioCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BiblioCat)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2004, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-weight-loss-club-number-four/221949/198 "2004-01-30T13:04:19Z")
> [@GingerOfTheNorth](#): > > I doubt they’ll give you that, but let me tell ya, Curves is a great place for beginners. I might try it. It’s going in an old pizza place, and is just a big sign in the window (“Coming Soon - Curves!”), so who knows how long it’ll take to open up. I have my recumbent bike in the basement, but could use some more work on my saddle bag-thunder thighs. ---
**Author:** ![An\_Arky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/87869e/32.png) [@An\_Arky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Arky)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2004, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-weight-loss-club-number-four/221949/199 "2004-01-30T13:19:54Z")
Checking in… I was a lousy cheating bastard for a couple of weeks, which caused a setback, but I’m back on track now. It’s hard to get my walking in when there’s snow and ice and ball-freezing weather… 205/193/175ish ---
**Author:** ![GingerOfTheNorth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/cdc98d/32.png) [@GingerOfTheNorth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GingerOfTheNorth)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2004, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-weight-loss-club-number-four/221949/200 "2004-01-30T13:46:11Z")
> [@BiblioCat](#): > > I might try it. It’s going in an old pizza place, and is just a big sign in the window (“Coming Soon - Curves!”), so who knows how long it’ll take to open up. > I have my recumbent bike in the basement, but could use some more work on my saddle bag-thunder thighs. You know there’s one in Fullerton, and one in Perry Hall - that’s sort of near you, right? Why don’t you go have a look at one of those ones? They’re both on Bel Air Road. The Fullerton one is in the (Giant?) plaza across from the K-Mart parking lot entrance, and the Perry Hall one is past the big Cingulair sign, on the south side of the road. Up around the 8300s. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-weight-loss-club-number-four/221949.md?page=9) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-weight-loss-club-number-four/221949.md?page=11)