:: pushes JavaMaven ::
Well, as long as you’re still losing sizes, I don’t think you’re slacking that bad. I’ve lost 4 pant sizes and 2 shirt sizes since I started, whereas the last time, every pant size was about 20 pounds. Right now, it’s 46 pounds lost, or about 11 per pant size. I can tell this time that I’m not losing muscle mass like I did the last time I lost a lot of weight.
411/365/240
Yes, Atkins since Jan. 12th. Stats 235.5/213.5/115. I spent $60 + tax on a scale when I started. I thought for that money it should be somewhat accurate, so I’m a bit disappointed that the medical scale at Curves says I’m 220, not 213.5.
I’ve kept a daily diary of my food/carb intake, and I’ve only gone over 20 carbs twice. I average about 11 to 15 grams of carbs a day. I’m drinking about 96 oz. of water a day because I have 2 cups of coffee every morning. I’ve been stalling for the past 3+ weeks, so it’s been hard to keep my chin(s) up. 
I did have fun at Curves yesterday, so I intend to keep at it 4 days a week.
I also joined the Ten Pounds In April thread, and I definitely kick-started something - I was at 188 on Saturday and - haven’t weighed myself since - today I’m at 184.
Yay for me! And Atkins! Gotta love that ketosis.
If you’re stalling, you actually might not be eating enough carbs. I don’t know how long you’ve on induction level, but sometimes not eating the allowed 20 grams can stall you out, just as much as eating too many. Bump up to 20 grams by adding an extra serving of vegetables/salad, and give it a week or so.
Plus, you can’t really call it a stall if you’ve lost inches. Have you measured yourself from the beginning?
Okay, time for me to join in the fun, too. I wasn’t sure if I should join this thread or the 10lbs in April thread, but I figured this would be the better one, since it’s long term.
Over the past year and 1/2, I’ve gone from 120lbs, size 4-6 to 173lbs, size 12-14. (I’m 5’4") When I was around 120, people thought I looked sickly, so my goal is going to be 130ish, where I can fit into size 6 or 8.
I started the South Beach diet yesterday. The sweet cravings seem to be gone, but the carb cravings are bad. I’m pretty impatient, though, so I might end up doing the extreme protein/no carb thing mentioned up the thread a bit for awhile. At least until I can get down to 150 or so, where I don’t feel so horribly bad about myself. I also have a gym membership, so I’ll also actually start going again all the time like I used to.
I think the biggest problem I’m going to run into is that I absolutely hate to cook. Does anyone have any quick and easy induction recipes or shortcuts to share? I’m a little afraid that I’m going to be relying on restaurant steaks, rotisserie from Publix, and cheese and lunch meat for the next few weeks.
Hi guys! I started my exercise/healthier eating plan on 3/8/04 and I need all the motivation I can get, so I’d love to join the club. I’ve enjoyed reading about all of your experiences, and I’m so proud of all of you!
I started out at 280, so the weight is coming off fast this month. I’ve lost 15 pounds so far (I know it will slow down to a more reasonable rate soon enough). I am watching my carbs, cutting back on snacking, portion sizes, and fats. I cut out regular sodas and sweet tea (southern thing) altogether, and I really don’t miss them. I have also started getting up early to exercise five mornings a week, and I never thought I’d do that. I’m currently doing twenty minutes on my Gazelle (could only do five minutes when I started), and sweating up a storm in the process. 
I’m ready to start toning, so any tips would be appreciated.
I just have to share: A few days ago I bought my daughter a huge chocolate Easter bunny to put in her basket, and when I got outside to my car, the battery had died and I ended up waiting for my ride, in the sun, for an hour. That bunny melted in the heat (poor thing). I threw it in the trash rather than eat it, which is something I never would have done a month ago. I mean business, y’all! 
Female, 5’8", 280/265/160
Hi Susie! Welcome.
I did a double take when I saw your screen name because I use the s/n Susie Derkins on another board.
Anyway, I’ve also cut out sodas and sweet tea, and I think that made a HUGE difference. I drink almost exclusively water now. I have coffee or hot tea in the morning (with Sweet & Low), but that’s about it. No sugary drinks at all.
BREAKFAST
My favorite breakfast is a slice of quiche with a pork patty. I nuke the frozen pork patty for about 15 seconds, then I put the quiche on the plate and continue nuking both for another minute.
QUICHE (makes 2 round cake tins, divided into 8 servings each. Can be frozen.)
10 eggs
1-1/2 c. heavy cream
2 celery sticks, sliced
4 large mushrooms, sliced
6 slices bacon, diced
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup smoked gouda (or other hard cheese)
Preheat oven to 350 deg. F. Butter 2 round cake tins or quiche pans and set aside.
In frying pan, saute bacon until some of the fat starts to render, then add celery and mushrooms. Continue cooking until celery is softened and mushrooms somewhat browned. Remove from pan with slotted spoon.
Shred cheese and set aside. In large bowl, beat eggs until slightly foamy. Stir in cream and pour egg minxture equally into 2 cake tins. Top with equal amounts of veggie/bacon mixture and cheese. Bake 30-35 minutes. Cool completely, cover and refrigerate or freeze. Reheat serving in microwave. Each serving = 1.7 carbs
BREAKFAST SAUSAGE (Most store bought sausage has sugar, corn syrup or bread crumbs, so I made my own).
2 lbs. ground pork
1 small onion, minced
1/4 tsp. thyme
bit of salt and pepper
1 tbsp. Atkins Maple Syrup
Mix ingredients together and form 1/4 cup patties. Brown in frying pan. Cool completely. Makes about 20 patties. I pack them into a plastic container, separating the layers with a hunk of cling wrap, and keep it in the freezer. Each patty = .2 carbs.
LUNCH
My lunch is always a chicken salad, but I vary the dressing: caesar, ranch, green goddess, or roquefort. Every Sunday, I bake a family pack of chicken breasts at 350 deg. F, for about 45 minutes (with bones) or 35 minutes (boneless). Every morning, I decide whether I want romaine, or a couple handfuls of mixed organic greens. Top with a diced chicken breast and 2 Tbsp. dressing.
DINNER
Make turkey burgers, beef burgers, or chicken burgers. Either pre-cook, cool and freeze, or just wrap individually and cook as you go. Then all you need to do is steam a side veggie.
GRAVY
I could not find the Atkins Thicken Not Thin Thickener here, until just a while ago. It’s a whopping $30. Since the main ingredient is xanthum gum, I just went to my local “granola grocer” and paid $5 for a 250 ml (1 cup) package. Add 2-3 pinches(!) per 1/2 cup of broth. No carbs, unless your broth has carbs.
Good point. I’ve been buying that pre-cooked sausage, and one brand (Jimmy Dean, maybe?) had a regular style and a ‘maple flavor’ style. The regular style had no carbs per serving, and the maple-flavor style had 8 carbs per each serving (a serving was 3 pieces), obviously due to the sugar in the maple flavoring.
It pays to read the labels. Just because it’s sausage doesn’t necessarily mean it’s carb-free.
Your recipes sound great, BTW.
**Java: ** You’re probably right. I dumped 2.5 pounds a couple days after I cheated and had chow mein. I’ll try bumping up my carbs. I didn’t measure myself when I started, but my clothes do seem looser than what losing 20 lbs. should feel like. I did get measured on Monday at Curves; I’m due for remeasuring on April 29th.
I should have started exercising right away. I 've promised myself to work out at least 4 days a week, but I’ll probably go Monday through Friday. Is 2 days off in a row a bad thing?
BiblioCat: I was surprised by how much sugar they put in prepared meats. I was often snacking on a couple of pepperonis from the deli in the building where I work. Until I looked at the label on a full package in their cooler - 2 grams each! Buh-bye pepperonis.
I’ve been bouncing around in the 173-175 range, as I try to get back to my goal of 172. This morning it was 173.1. One more lousy pound!
Definitely look into bumping up your carb intake, then. I noticed that when I haven’t cheated and I’m keeping at a steady 30-40 grams a day is when I lose. And, as you exercise, keep in mind that you’re building muscle, which means you might not be losing pounds, but will be losing inches and body fat. Since you’re going to Curves, and they keep track of your body fat loss, make sure you base your weight on that, rather than a ‘magic number’ you think you should be at. I do have a formula to figure out an ideal weight if you know your body fat percentage.
Yeah, I didn’t get on the exercise bandwagon right away, either. I didn’t join up until about a month after I started the diet. I’m glad I did, though, because the change in my figure has been tremendous. I’m not losing pounds all that quickly, but I am obviously shrinking. And I’m happy with that.
Two days off isn’t a bad thing, but just add a 30 minute walk, a little yoga, or some kind of activity during your weekend, just to keep things moving. It’s fine to take a day off, but just do something different so you’re working different muscles at a different pace. Variety is a good thing.
I am peeved. My weight has stayed about the same, which hasn’t really surprised me. But, because of all the running, my butt and my thighs have gotten bigger! :eek: :mad:
I tried on some pants that used to fit just wonderfully (even with my extra poundage), and now the butt and thighs are too tight. I’m so mad I could spit.
I’m so impressed with everyone! Is it too late to join in? I’m finally getting my ass in gear, now that my baby is 9 months old.
It hasn’t even been a week yet, but I’m encouraged by my ability to stick to my plan so far.
Here’s my fitness blog, if anyone wants details.
It’s never too late to join in, Aeryn. Welcome aboard!
Java, you need to start a new thread. Since I’ve got to drop out, you take the reins.
I’ve only gained 2.5 pounds since we found out I’m pregnant. I’ve been trying not to forget all the things I learned in the past year. I am still splurging on the treats from time to time, but 2.5 lbs in 6 weeks isn’t bad at all. Let’s hope I can keep the total down to around 20.