4 weeks in - should I have seen some results by now?

[Idratherberiding]

Hi, I am sure this question has been done to death by now, but I thought I'd ask incase anyone can spot what I'm doing wrong..?

Today is day 29 of my "campaign"!

Starting weight was 15st 2lbs, weighed myself today, am 14st 11lbs. I am 5 foot 7, BTW.

First two weeks I was doing an hour of exercise a day (2 miles on treadmill, 5 on exercise bike)... gradually upping it to 2 hours exercise a day (5 miles on treadmill, 5 miles on exercise bike). I have been doing 1400kls a day, just what I thought was "sensible" eating ie no crap, but having had a good read of these threads I think I should be low carbing, so today is day 2 of Atkins.

I haven't cheated.

I can feel myself becoming physically fitter ie I can run up the stairs now without being out of breath. I just thought I might have seen a bit more weight loss... 5lbs doesn't seem much for busting my arse every day. I even worked out when I was ill (I actually have now come to enjoy the high I get!).

My mum says I am building muscle and muscle weighs more than fat, but if there's a muscle anywhere on my body I have yet to find it!

I am desperate to get down to 14st ASAP as that's when I'll be able to re-start horse riding. I haven't ridden since March and am pining for it! (My goal weight is 10st 4lbs: pre-baby weight!)

Am I being unrealistic? Can anyone see where I'm going wrong? How long did it take you to drop a stone?

The body will lose weight temporarily if you starve it, but as soon as you stop the starvation you will pile it on again. And you will have fucked your metabolism.

OP - if you are doing all that cardio you aren't eating enough.

Thanks hopefully, that pretty much sums it up for me! I really don't understand the "science stuff" but surely if you keep exercising and don't eat crap, you must lose weight eventually, surely???? SURELY???
Blimey, there is no way I could live on 800 kls a day!
Right, treadmill is calling...

Idratherberiding, I just finished Dr Briffa's Escape The Diet Trap and it was an eye-opener! It explains exactly why carbs are bad - increase insulin resistance etc. He suggests eating high-fat diets and says the human body doesn't need carbs at all. Crucially, though, it is good fats - meat, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, berries, olive oil and some dairy, depending on your tolerance for it. It doesn't involve calorie counting at all. I bought the book on Kindle yesterday and have already finished it, I was so fascinated! Will be starting his WOE as soon as I can go shopping.

After reading it, my personal theory is that eating fat is similar to drinking water. We all know that water retention comes when you don't drink enough, so your body hangs on to the water. I think eating fat is the same - if you don't eat fat, your body hangs on to your stores of it, whereas if you eat it regularly your body realises it's ok to let go. (NB: Briffa doesn't say this, it's my personal opinion!)

I know I need to test this myself before proselytising, but I'm really excited about the potential here! Am bf so have been told not to do low-cal diets. This seems a good way of keeping the cals but still losing weight - sounds like magic.

idratherberiding - don't go back to bran flakes, but I can't do atkins for the reasons you describe - I can't eat that much fat.

There is a happy medium. Ditch the cereals but eat some fruit (one piece a day) low fat dairy, plus ok to have some small portions of good carbs eg pulses, porridge, sweet potatoes/carrots.

twoimmature - too much fat though will not help weight loss efforts. Low carb diets works as there is a calorie deficit as the fat helps you stay feeling full and reduces cravings. Eat 4000 calories of fats and you will gain weight, no question.

I'm not a scientist so what do I know, I just can't believe fat, meat and dairy can be "better" for me than wholegrains. I read the Skinny Bitch book (which is basically a vegan diet, lots of carbs, veg, fruit and not much else). It seemed to make sense to me, I think I'm going to stick with that approach. From what I've read, the high protein diets works for loads of people, but it just makes me feel ill. Different strokes for different folks I guess. If I last another 28 days on my diet I will check back in here, hopefully with a nice big weight loss! Thanks everyone for your comments, ta-ra!

here are some great links with info which is mainly directed at people working out.
concept2.co.uk/weightloss/chewing_the_fat

firthfitness.com/benefits-of-training-in-a-fasted-state/

www.negharfonooni.com/

some great motivational reading and points about good diet.