I am complaining and I know that I shouldn't. I should be happy that I am down 25 lbs in 8 weeks. I should be, but I am not. I am not because I am at the same place I was last week.

I am doing a low carb diet, basically Atkins post induction phase staying at around 30 carbs per day. I am doing about 30 situps a night with additional leg lifts and other lower body workouts. I try to have my heart rate up for at least 15 minutes per night. (When I started I could only do about 5 minutes) I have tried increasing my workouts, but that seemed to work against me. I made myself hurt to the point of not being able to exercise every day.

I weigh myself daily, and track weekly. I know I made it down to 287 last week, but then went up to 291. I am at 290 right now which is where I was last Monday. Should I expect fluctuations like this? Is there something I can do to improve this? I am trying to approach this with a plan and executing my plan this time instead of emotional decisions, but even with a plan when it is going in the wrong direction or not going, I am discouraged.

Thanks,

Jenni

I flucuate like that, one minute I'm 313, then 7 hours later I'm 310, then 5 hours later I'm 311. (Just an example). The only weight I take seriously is when I go once a week to weight watchers. I think the flucuation is pretty normal.

Weight fluctuations are perfectly normally and everyone has them as they lose weight. Losing 25 lbs is awesome.

As for exercise, have you tried walking?

Also, don't ignore your upper body in your workouts. You could try things like counter/wall pushups and I recommend looking into something like resistance bands which are very accessible to most people. You can do a lot with them.

If it's only one week I wouldn't worry about it; you've made great progress. But, I understand your frustration.

How about trying getting your heart rate up those 15 minutes first thing in the morning before eating anything (only consuming water), but do your other exercises in the evening.

If you do cardio first thing in the morning your body will burn stored fat for fuel... if you do it after eating anything it'll just burn the carbs you just ate.

I have always heard weighing once a week is best for the mind. I agree as I tend (as many do) to get obsessive about the scale and its almighty numbers.

It varies from person to person. I think I would obsess more if I had to wait a week. All that wondering ...