Atkins girl finds jump start to plateau problem

Hi everyone...! I just discovered this message board and really enjoyed all the posts about everyone's journey with weight loss.

I wasn't sure how to add on to the Atkins posts so I started a new thread. Like many of you, I have been on (and off!) Atkins for years. I've gained and lost that pesky 30 pounds (and then some most recently) more times than I can count. I have a metabolic carbohydrate intolerance and generally do a lot better on a low carb diet and can gain 10 pounds in a weekend eating carbs...no lie.

I have no problem getting into induction and staying in fat burning mode for about two weeks after that...then....plateau--I seem to only be able to lose 30 pounds and then stop. My doctor (endocrinologist) seems to think I'm introducing too many carbs or I might be severely carbohydrate intolerant. The suggestion has been to stay on the induction diet and add more water. I thought that was not suggested for longer than a two week period.

However, I was browsing on an online bookseller on the subject of low carb dieting (I wasn't sure if I can name it on this site) and saw a book that is out of print, but is still available from used book distributors. I ordered the book and it arrived today. The book suggests NO CARB dieting for a 7 day period to jump start fat loss--it is not the "fat fast" Dr. Atkins discusses. This doctor seems to think higher levels of fat versus protein in the low carb diet causes the plateau--this jump start eliminates all fat from the diet. Some fat will remain in red meat, etc. but no added fats or oils are allowed (meaning, no butter, no sour cream--sigh). Pork is also eliminated. The focus is on lean red meat, poultry, eggs, and lean whitefish and lobster or crab...only water-packed tuna or salmon. The preference is to eliminate milk and cheese completely, except for extra skim cottage cheese and supplement with calcium.

I'm going to try following the Atkins induction and when I hit the plateau I'll do the no carb jump start and see if that bumps me off the plateau. According to the book, it cannot metabolically fail, but the water requirement is doubled-- 4-6 oz of water per hour...

I'll post the results here. I am being followed by a doctor, so I can't say this will work for everyone, but I thought I'd share the information anyway.

Two weeks to cruise!!!!

Monarch of the Seas 8/25/2006