Okay, even though I have low-carbed in the past, and I've been doing it again since June of this year, I am still not sure about what should be expected or what is realistic regarding weight loss.

I KNOW this is a way of life and not a "diet". I am doing this for the long haul and so any loss in weight is a benefit for me. But because I do have a large amount of weight to lose, I have to also be focused on that for the time being.

Can anyone tell me what is a realistic amount to lose weekly or monthly when following Atkins way of life? Is expected 10 lbs in a month too much? Is 1 - 2 lbs a week too little? I'd like to be down another 30 lbs before Christmas, am I just setting myself up to fail?

Ultimately I just want to reach my goal and then maintain for a lifetime, but I am human and like to see quick results. I just don't want to sabotage my efforts or feel like I am doing something wrong when I'm not.

I guess that is the problem with looking into other diets that promise quick weight loss. I've lost all perspective regarding what is real and what is hype.

Thanks for any help!

PS - I have lost a total of 38 lbs so far and so I feel GREAT! I just want to keep chugging along and be successful in reaching my goal!

I think each person is different as far as weight loss. Lots of factors go into how fast someone will lose-amount of weight to lose, how close you are to goal, age, etc. I started Atkins 3 months ago and have lost 29 lbs. That's almost 10 lbs a month, but I don't expect that I will continue that way. If I'm too focused on the #, I'll lose sight of the goal. To get healthy, lose weight, and be ok with how I look. I work at each of those things daily. I'm not as big as I was 3 months ago, or as hungry (I was on WW), and that makes me very happy. I get up each day and ask god to help me be happy with where I'm at, not where I think I need to be. Just my two-cents. Keep up the good work...38 lbs is awesome.

Also, I am weight training (adding muscle) and I've lost 4 1/2 inches off my waist and fit into clothes I could wear when I was 15 lbs lighter than this so I really try not to let the scale be the be all end all.

Hey Lori:

From what I've heard, 2 pounds per week is cooking with gas. You might have some weeks where you lose 4 or more, and some weeks where you lose none but your body catches up and it all seems to average out.

It's hard to compare diets because some diets are obviously low calorie starvation diets. If you don't eat anything at all, you can certainly lose weight. It's your muscle and metabolism that you're sacrificing, but yes, you can get skinny.

What's more important is quality weight loss. That's where you burn your body fat and keep your muscle. That is what we all want at the end of the day. What good is it to be skin and bones and you still don't look good in a bathing suit? You want to be fit and you want to be toned.

Therefore, the best way to do it is make like an Eskimo (which all the major low carb plans are based on) and consume fatty meats such as Beef Brisket, Chuck, Short Ribs, Tenderloin, Ground Chuck, Ground Round, Prime Rib, Rib Eye Roast, Skirt Steak, Top Sirloin, Lamb Rib Chops, Chicken Thighs, Ground chicken, Whole Duck, Ground Pork, Canadian Bacon, Kielbasa, Pork Chop, boneless ham, Pork Loin Chops, Pork Sausage. The pattern here is that these cuts have the most fat. You get your protein and fat in one shot.

When you eat each meal, eat one of these super fantastic fat-filled cuts of meat first! Don't even touch those veggies until you've finished your meat. Don't try to spread your protein thoughout the day, eat it with every meal, first. Then, after your veggies, if you're still hungry, eat some more fatty meat. You will be full, you will not overeat on vegetables and carbs, your metabolism will thank you, your Glucagon will take those fatty acids and place them into your mitochondria and you will feel like doing something. When you get that feeling, go lift some weights. You'll build muscle, you'll get sexier, you'll be happier and you will be the model of health!

All the best,

Charles

I wouldn't focus so much on what weight loss to expect, irol770, but rather on how much healthier you will be eating low-carb. Too many people mistake Atkins as a diet that helps you lose weight, but that was not at all the intention of the late great Dr. Robert C. Atkins when he designed this way of eating. Instead, it was all about controlling blood sugars naturally which in turn would improve so many areas of health. Weight loss is merely a side effect of this healthier lifestyle change.

So don't obsess about the weight loss. It'll come when it comes. I lost 30 pounds in my first month and 40 pounds in the second month on my way to lose 180 pounds in one year. And guess what? Three years later, I'm STILL livin' la vida low-carb to maintain my weight ever since! This is a journey, not a race, so enjoy the ride.

Well-stated sjm! That's great wisdom we can all learn from.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!

You have all been very helpful and insightful. The funny thing is that I really feel I know all of these answers. I read a lot, I research a lot and I have learned a lot. If someone else were to ask me a question, I think I could accurately guide them in the right direction. But when it comes to myself, I lose my confidence.

Thank you again. I know now that I am headed in the right direction. I do already feel so much better than I did just months ago, and I'm looking forward to more positive changes.