Tara,

Personally, I think it's a lot easier to maintain weight loss long term if
you include off-plan meals every so often.

I think the real issue for you is probably that once you hit 150 lbs, weight
loss will be slow and you'll have to cut calories. Using the "ten times body
weight" calorie level as a guide, you can't expect to lose if you're eating
more than 1500 calories a day. Limiting carbs alone won't take weight off
most of us at that weight. I stalled at 152 for several years, myself, so I
know whereof I speak.

The way I've been able to drop way below that weight (I'm fluctuating
between 137 and 140 now) is by:
1. Using software to log everything I eat and being religious about calories
no matter what the carb count. I found LifeForm counts a lot more calories
for the same meal than Fitday and using LifeForm I'm losing where as with
Fitday I was stalled. I also measure portions religiously because the counts
don't mean anything if you eat twice what a portion is supposed to weigh.
Yes, this is all very anal retentive, but it is the ONLY way I can lose
weight.

2. Keeping protein at moderate levels. I don't go over 100 grams a day
except very rarely and if I boost carbs I cut protein and fat.

3. Exercise--I try to do cardio every day though my bad back makes it more
like 4 - 6 times a week.

4. Medications that keep my blood sugar and insulin resistance lower.

-- Jenny

168.5/137

Low Carb 9/1998 - 8/2001 and 11/10/02 - Now

http://www.geocities.com/jenny_the_bean
How to calculate your need for protein * How much people really lose each
month * Water Weight Gain & Loss * The "Two Gram Cure" for Hunger Cravings
* Characteristics of Successful Dieters * Indispensible Low Carb Treats *
Should You Count that Low Impact Carb? * Curing Ketobreath * Exercise
Starting from Zero * NEW! Do Starch Blockers Work?


"tara" wrote in message
om...
i started doing atkins about 8 or 9 weeks ago. i didn't measure
myself or anything. i'm 5'2 and weighed 165#. i'm 33. in the past 8
to 9 weeks since i started, i've only lost 15#. BUT... i haven't been
as strict as most people i read about. i've 'gone off' on a few
occassions but then i get right back on and stick to it. if this is
going to be a lifetime thing for me (and i plan on it to be) then i've
got to reward myself or something. i haven't GAINED anything back
from the few times that i've cheated. i'm just not losing real fast.
as a matter of fact, i haven't really lost ANYTHING in 4 weeks. i'm
increasing my activity too. but although i haven't lost a tremendous
amount of weight in a short time like many do, i have gone from a
size 12 to buying a size 10 now(pants and shorts)--and they FIT! AND
it seems like people are seeing a difference. my husband does (and
he's not lying just to make me feel good--LOL) and even my grand dad
noticed today-and he's 86 years old. i guess why i'm typing this is
to find out if there is anyone else out there that's approached it
THIS way? everyone else seems so Gung-Ho (not that that's a bad
thing). maybe i just need some more motivation.