Hi All,
I have been lurking for a while, and am back on SBD(lost 23 lbs the first time, now need to lose 26).

I lost 5 lbs after the first 3 days this time(all water, I know), but have not budged since. The first time the lbs literally melted off.

I am doing everything the same except less (allowed) sweets.

Drinking a ton of water.

Here is a sample daily eating routine.
2 or 3 cups coffee in am with low fat milk.
B- one egg with low fat cheese omelet sometimes with 1 pc of canadian bacon
S- cheese stick or piece of low fat ham or turkey
L- salad with cheese, chicken and 13 pecans with allowed salad dressing
Sometimes I use reg fat cheese(I did last time I lost).
S- cheese stick or hummus with celery, or turkey pepperoni(12) with a cheese stick.
D- phase 1 casseroles taken from this site or lean meat with a lot of veggies
sometimes with a side of canned black beans mixed with a little allowed salsa.
Dessert- 2 sugarless hard candies, no more than 15 cal per piece.

I am wondering if my portions on dinner are too large. I refuse to starve myself.

Thanks for your help/support,
Deb

But on the positive side, my cravings have subsided and I do feel better.

I think 5 pounds in one week is great! My past two times on SB I lost 4 pounds in the first few days of Phase I and nothing for the rest of the two weeks. My theory is that the weight loss catches up to the water loss showing on the scale. You have already lost a huge amount towards your total goal!

I think lots of people find that they never lose as much weight with subsequent attempts as with the first time on low-carb. The experts seem to be split on the impact yo-yo dieting has on our bodies and weight loss.

Thanks!
I realize 5 lbs is good, except that I am starting at a higher weight...
I haven't noticed a change in my clothes yet because everything is around my middle and I just hang over my pants. I am heavy in my arms and chest/bust, too.
I will keep plugging away and drink more water.

The first time I did SBD I lost 11 pounds in Phase1, and was needing to lose around 40 in total.
The second time around, I 'only' lost 6 pounds in Phase 1 and by that time I was needing to lose close to 60 pounds total.

I agree - definitely do not go hungry.
I understand your frustration but the weight will come off.

Do you have a digital scale? I ask because the first week I lost 3.7 lbs, then the following weeks, it was .4 .2 and so on. Never a full lb lost again until I gained 1.1 lbs (TOM) and then the following week lost 2. Maybe you are losing but it is small amounts? Not even noticable on a regular scale? I posted a post a while back titled how slow is too slow, cause I like you was frustrated with the slow almost nonexistant loss. Stick with it, the weight will come off. There are plateaus in "dieting". and this too shall pass!!

Yes, I do have a digital scale, and it only shows to the 1/2 lb. and not accurately I am sure.

I know the weight will come off, and I plan to stay on track.

Thanks for the responses so far, I appreciate it!!

I owe you a post, missy. Thanks for helping me out on my thread.

We're pretty much at the same place! Today was my Week 1 marker. You know my story, though, and you had much more advice to give me than I could ever give you. Just smile! 5 lbs is great!

Keep at it!

that's what we are all doing, keeping at it!

Hello Deb, It's nice to meet you.
I live in Maine now, but MA is my "old stomping grounds". lol I grew up in Ayer.

I look forward to getting to know you and to reading about your successes!

Hi dwdeb!
I understand completely! I am on day 8 of phase 1 and want to throw in the towel. I have lost- maybe- 2 pounds. Following the "no-no" list to a tee, but maybe my portions are too big. And, maybe I need more water. And, maybe a little more exercise. I am thinking the book's idea of losing 10 or so pounds is pretty lofty for some people, so maybe I'll just stick it out.

Your meals look good and nothing off limits. Hang in there!

You may want to watch the cheese intake. I notice you have it for at least two meals and a snack, especially if you are using the full fat versions. it does have a lot of calories, even if it is an allowed food.

Otherwise, it looks ok. Strive for 4 cups of veggies per day - all that fiber will keep you full longer.

You really don't have much to lose. I would aim for 10% of your goal during phase 1.

Thanks everyone, and nice to meet you all!
I am thinking my portions are too large....
And, last night I had a glass of white wine(had friends over for dinner SBD style)... I know that won't tip the scale but I will try to avoid the wine until after Ph1.
The suggestion that I am eating too much cheese is probably valid.
I will cut it out of my breakfast and lessen the amount at lunch.

When I did SBD the first time I didn't really pay attention to amounts, just cut out all of the carbs. Guess I need to monitor more.

Still no cravings for sugar/ carbs though, so that part is good.

I might extend my Ph1 for 1 more week.

Has any one done that?

Looking forward to chatting more!
Deb

Deb, have you read the book? The book, in detail, explains why phase 1 isn't about just "cutting out all carbs" but cutting out the carbs that cause our insulin levels to rise rapidly. Beans are very much recommended on phase 1 are are full of carbs. The carbs in beans cause our blood sugar to rise slowly and evenly, avoiding that "crash."

Since you have so little to lose, I wouldn't recommend another week of phase 1 - especially if you aren't craving. Phase 1 is about getting rid of those cravings, not about losing the most weight. The real weight loss comes on Phase 2 - the kind that stays off. Phase 1 loss is typically water weight and if we did only phase 1 and then left the plan, the weight would most likely come back. I would start phase 2, slowly. Add in some berries, once a day for a week then see how you are doing, if you aren't craving, add ina whole grain or starchy veg. in addition to the berries or serving of fruit for another week...and so on and so forth.

Good luck!

Hi Zeffryn,
Thanks for your reply and all the helpful info.
I have read the book, and refer to it all the time. I also have the SBD "good fats good carbs" guide and the 2week quickstart plan. All are out and re- read frequently. Keeps me motivated!
I guess what I meant by carbs, is the"bad" carbs. I have been eating beans on the side, although not everyday. I eat hummus as a snack too, though maybe too much of it at a timeI am not good with portion control. If it tastes good I want to eat lots of it!!

I am going to add more veggies and reduce cheese portions.

Good point about Ph 2 being the real weight loss phase.

Thanks!
Deb