WHY?

[PB30]

All I had to eat, that I don't normally eat was a few roast potatoes and half a Christmas pudding with cream, yet I gained 3lb. I did the same amount of exercise, but seem to of gained more weight than the weigh of the extra food i ate, if you see what I mean. I am very disillusioned, three weeks just to get back to square one. I have lost 3 stone, but wanted (needed) to lose 6 stone in total. If it is going to be this hard (and it has been VERY hard) I think I will try and maintain the weigh i am now rather than struggle any longer. If I can't have the occasional treat why bother?

[MikePollard]

Don't be discouraged.

Most likely water weight. When glycogen (glucose stored in liver and muscle) is refilled each molecule takes up two of water. The reverse is when people often LOSE three pounds in the first week.

[PB30 in reply to MikePollard]

Thank you for that information.

[Theresagreen]

How often are you weighing yourself? Weight does fluctuate.... I think you have done so well losing 3 stone, keep going, I actually believe the odd slip \treat\wrong move is fine.... Everything in moderation but nothing should be off limits, if you want some chocolate, have some, but suck a square not eat a whole bar etc. I don't know you but you have come this far (3 stone is a great achievement) and i think you will achieve your goal this year. Don't beat yourself up and focus on a small weight gain, focus on how far you have come on your journey. You can do it!

[PB30 in reply to Theresagreen]

I normally weigh myself once a week, but over the Christmas holiday I missed a week. Started low carb diet last August. Congratulations on your achievements.

[TheAwfulToad Ambassador in reply to PB30]

What Theresagreen and MikePollard said: it's not bodyfat, just normal weight fluctuations and/or water. It can't possibly be bodyfat because it's physiologically impossible to stack up 3lb of fat in a few days.

Honestly, I would just throw the scales away. Measuring and counting things can quickly turn into an obsession, and on LCHF it serves no practical purpose. If you stick to the plan you will lose weight, but your body will decide how it happens. It sounds like you've had an excellent result so far - 3 stone in six months? Clearly, then, the diet is working just fine.

I agree nothing should be off-limits. I've been doing this for years and I do feel the occasional [every couple of months] urge to binge on pizza or burgers. If you are low-carb adapted, you'll be able to "scratch the itch" and then go right back to your normal low-carb routine without any problem; in contrast, a binge that breaks a low-fat calorie-controlled diet tends to lead to MORE bingeing.

[PB30 in reply to TheAwfulToad]

Impossible: that's what I thought. I don't always stick to the plan; I have a takeaway once a week, (king prawn foo yung and special fried rice) if I didn't i would go crazy, however it worked in the past. Anyway you have given be food (excuse the pun) for thought. I will spend another week contemplating what path i am going to follow, thanks for the post.

[TheAwfulToad Ambassador in reply to PB30]

If you feel like you're going crazy (with hunger?) you're almost certainly not eating enough fat, or just not enough food generally. It's the #1 mistake most people make. There's nothing wrong with indulging in carbs once a month or so, but not until you're fully fat-adapted. Once-a-week will pretty much defeat the object.

[PB30 in reply to TheAwfulToad]

I am beginning to wonder if I should go back to 👀 calories. I shall stay on my "not quite strict enough" LCHF diet, until spring, then go from there.

[endomad]

I think it depends on how long you have been LC. I have lost 5 stone (29kg) in 2 years, i have times of stuffing my face with rubbish (when my hubby home extended periods) like last 3 weeks over xmas, i feel sluggish and gained 2kg I have big gluten belly and sugar headaches. Hubby is away for work from weekend and i easily slip straight back to LCHF and that 2kg will drop in few days and i will lose more. I am at 78kg and want to lose 15kg more, which will go this year. The weight loss is great and i also feel better LCHF but i am realistic that i will sabotage myself on these occasions.

The longer you do it, the easier it is to get back on track, 3lbs is nothing. LCHF is also about size loss, my weight/scales loss has been brilliant but my inch loss is even better. Have you taken all measurements? i keep a pair of jeans a size too small and reg try them on, once they fit, i get another smaller pair, it is a great way to quantify the loss. If you are finding it hard, im guessing you are new to it and may need to find the stuff you like/enjoy which makes it easier. I keep it simple, i dont do recipes or replace with low carb versions of bread etc i enjoy what i eat, i eat plenty and dont beat myself up over 3 weeks of eating chocolate, bread, pasta etc as i know it is just a blip. x

[elliebath]

I know how you feel but it's not fat weight. My weight goes up regularly after a higher carb meal or alcohol then usually drops back a few days later. Just keep on your healthy plan and it will be ok.

[PB30]

Thanks for the encouragement, but more that a few days have passed and no change.

[TheAwfulToad Ambassador in reply to PB30]

If you're really bothered about it, do a mini induction cycle (<25g carbs for 3-5 days). It'll disappear. But it really is just a mirage. Really, I would try not to fret over it - that way madness lies. Focus on the massive overall weight loss you've achieved to date, and remember you're doing this for the long term.

[Lesley1234567 in reply to PB30]

Stick with it my weight fluctuated for weeks , as much as ten pounds and I became obsessed with weighing myself and calories. I like lchf way of eating I don’t miss processed food or potatoes. I know how disheartening it is, but you don’t want to put it all back on. Why don’t you post your meal plans for the day, for me it’s a hassle, lots do post and people can maybe see if it needs tweaking or offer some suggestions. You shouldn’t be struggling after six months, are you sure you are eating enough, it’s easy not to when you cut carbs.

[PB30 in reply to Lesley1234567]

I have had a long talk about it with my partner, and I am not going to get stressed, I mean any more stressed, about my diet. I hope to keep my weight static until Spring (71 days). Then start the same eating plan i did last August. In the mean time I will do more research to see if I can widen my choice of meals

[Lesley1234567 in reply to PB30]

That sounds like a good plan, I think our bodies are quite complex and by taking a break it will give you time to read up on what is going to be best for you, and of course something which you can change for life.

[PB30]

You are right: I am doing "it" for long term. I had a little snigger when I read your remark "that way madness lies"... To late, I am a bipolar sufferer lol.