[thistoo]

The last time I posted a new thread, it was to complain about my current plateau. On October 22nd, I was all the way down to 150.6. Then I bounced back up and now I am currently hanging out around 155. On the weeks that I'm lifting (weights) heavily, it's 157-ish.

So I decided to up my calories, even though I was pretty scared to do so. The good news: I am still maintaining even on 1800-2000 calories a day! The bad news: still not losing any weight. Experimenting with more and then less exercise hasn't made a difference. My body has dug in its heels, and it is not budging no matter how I try to reason with it.

At this point the only culprit I can come up with is carbs. I've been sort of low carb for a long time, keeping it between 130-150 grams a day. My 40/30/30 ratio got me all the way down to 155. It served me well, you could say. But I think the carbs have caught up with me, and the only way to get my weight moving again is to drop them lower.

So starting Sunday I'm taking the plunge and doing Atkins. (I have to finish the food I already cooked for this week, and the gorgeous Honeybelles [the sweetest, most delicious tangelos in existence] my parents sent me from Florida before I can start.) I'm nervous that I'll be starving all the time, even though everyone who does it swears this is not the case.

I'm confident that this is the thing that will break this stubborn plateau once and for all. If I'm lucky it might even get me to goal this year. Finally. It's been almost four years since I started, I am ready to stop 'practicing maintenance' and do it for real! I will be sure to let you all know how it goes.

[SNMomof1]

I hope that's the trick! You can do it, girlie!

[lovemyboy]

Good luck! It doesn't hurt to try. Right now I do an average of 50-60 carbs per day (20-25% of total calories. My split is usually 20/40/40) and I am the least hungry I have ever been in my life. Hope it works that way for you too. *crossing fingers*. Three cheers for no gain!

[ubergirl]

Caroline,

You are SUCH an inspiration!!! And it really shows how dug in your body is that going up on the calories didn't make a difference.

Crazy!

It really goes to show that no matter what people say, weight loss is more complicated than just calories in and calories out.

I'm sure you can bust this plateau, and when you do, it will be SWEET!!!

[Tai]

Good luck Caroline and hang in there! Your determination is wonderful and it will pay off. Keep us updated!

[thistoo]

Originally Posted by ubergirl

It really goes to show that no matter what people say, weight loss is more complicated than just calories in and calories out.

Truer words were never spoken. My sister, mother and I all have the same body type and the same weight loss struggles, so we are living proof that it's all very complicated.

Thanks for the encouragement, guys. I will continue to plug away for sure, and hopefully my body will react well to high protein/low carb.

[PeanutsMom704]

good luck with the new plan. I am so impressed with you for hanging in there during this looooong plateau and I really hope that shaking things up like this will be what breaks it for you!

[CLCSC145]

Good luck, Caroline! I really hope this is the kick your body needs to get back to losing.

[Eliana]

Keep us posted. South Beach is in my back pocket for just such a scenario. You're doing amazingly well! I'm very impressed that you are still working it.

[matt_H]

Good luck with the new strategy and I hope it busts that plateau right out of the water!

[LizR]

Good luck. You are already an inspiration. 90lb gone. WOW.

I am eating low carb (and low fat) and I feel less hungry than I did when I was eating a ton of calories. Everyone's body is different but I swear by high protein and low carb for my body. (The low fat part is because I have gall bladder problems )

[thistoo]

Originally Posted by LizR

Good luck. You are already an inspiration. 90lb gone. WOW.

Aw, thanks, that is always nice to hear.

Originally Posted by LizR

I am eating low carb (and low fat) and I feel less hungry than I did when I was eating a ton of calories.

See, hearing this is encouraging. I'm pretty sure carbs contribute to my hunger, so I suspect that will be the case for me as well. I guess I'm just worried that I'll fail at Atkins. Or be the one person on the planet who gains weight on the program or something. I'm paranoid, what can I say.

[cathydoe]

Originally Posted by matt_H

Good luck with the new strategy and I hope it busts that plateau right out of the water!

Ditto! I couldn't of said it any better! Keep us posted...I am rooting for you!