I'm on Atkins 20 carbs a day,I've also started counting cal. I've been staying under 1000 a day.The 1st 2 wks I lost like crazy.20lbs.The next week nothing and the 3rd I gained a lb. This last week I've counted every carb and cal. I've put in my mouth.Sat.are scale days and I'm so afraid when I get on that scale again it'll be another disappointment.

Pam, good luck! Whatever happens, the important part is that you keep truckin'. We're here for you if you need us.

The key with Atkins is that it doesnt work well if the calories are too low. I lost the most weight on Atkins when my calories were between 1900-2000 and my carbs were 20 or less. Maybe increase your calories and see how it works. Also, are you intaking sugar alcohols (Atkins bars, carb-free candy/snacks)? For many people, sugar alcohols can stall weightloss.

The key to any eating plan is it doesn't work if your calories are low. The recommended minumum calorie allotment for women is 1200 calories/day but I generally think 1200-1800 is a good range. I would definitely try to increase your calories a bit.

When I did Atkins I lost a lot of weight when I ate a lot of salad, salad with hidden valley ranch dressing.. yummy Also I couldn't have of those Atkins treats, I tried to keep it as "pure" as I could. I agree with everyone else, increase those calories, you don't want your body to go into starvation mode.

Thanks for the advice. It never dawned on me that I could be eating to little.As its turned out I was rite to dread my scale because another week has gone by and for the 3rd week I haven't lost a thing. Maybe I should count calaries and for get carbs.

Hi Pam -- I'm sorry you got disappointing news -- I HATE when that happens! It's so hard when you're doing everything you think you're supposed to and you don't see the pay off on the scale. Is low carb something you think you can live with for the rest of your life? The way you lose your weight is the way you'll keep it off...so think long term about how you're going to eat going forward.

I'm not trying to influence you or deter you from low carb -- but I know that for me, living with low glycemic carbs and lean proteins is absolutely sustainable, and I'm seeing great results! I believe it's the healthiest route, and I feel great. I'm getting the energy I need, my body's getting all the nutrients it needs, and I'm seeing the results I want. AND, I know that I'm not going to regain anything once I phase into maintenance.

Good luck to you whatever you do...and don't give up hope!