W4: 6wks on Atkins

To recap - 6-wks at a time/ 10-lbs at a time.
The goal: Lose 59 lbs & get back down to my goal weight - 165 lbs.
The plan: Mental - Consider my weight loss plan in increments of 10-lbs at a time so it is less intimidating & seemingly overwhelming than needing to lose 60 lbs.
Physical - Attack my weight loss by doing 45-60 min's. of cardio 4-5 days/wk + 45-60 Min's weight lifting 4-5 days/wk alternating upper/core/lower/core/upper muscle groups, & 1 hr of yoga 1x/wk
REALITY CHECK:
I may have started off that way, but lost steam about 2.5 wks into the program. I noted that over the past week (at least) that I have been putting in just 30 Min's of cardio in the AM session (instead of 45-60 Min's). Why? Ive been getting up later & later, thus not making it to the gym as early as necessary to get in a full 45-60Min's. Additionally, Ive not been going back in the afternoons for PM WO sessions - so i havent been doing the 45-60 Min's weight lifting 4-5 days/wk alternating upper/core/lower/core/upper muscle groups.
Since i "realized" that (i was essentially cheating myself & not holding to my own plan) I adjusted my thinking & behavior. I got up on time twice last week & was able to put in 45 Min's 2x last week. Now i need to add back in the weight training & I'll be back on track.
**That said - my son returns to school in just 2 wks. Over the past 4 wks, Ive really become accustomed to my AM-WO sessions (i like getting in & knowing that its basically done for the day & nothing can interfere w/ that). However, I wont be able to continue once he goes back to school (gotta get him up & going in the AMs & off to school). So I'm kinda at a loss on that right now...
Meal plan: Rotate meal plans every 6 weeks in an attempt to keep my metabolism jumping. Starting off w/ Atkins. I started with the Atkins program on June 29, 2010. To date, I have lost 13-lbs in 4 weeks. That's an average of 3.25 lbs/wk!
Honestly, I have to say that I am amazed that this diet & exercise thing is actually WORKING as most of the time I feel like I'm winging it. I don't eat any of the foods suggested in the Phase 1 info (listed below). I just pick stuff that's lower carb & low cal. That said, I have been able to stick to a 1300/day cal count.
I still consider myself in the induction phase (or phase 1) b/c i havent yet "learned my lesson" & achieved a steady 20gms of carbs/day per the phase plan. So i repeat the phase each wee****il i get it right. Ive been really close & have gotten closer than EVER BEFORE - but I'm not there yet. Here's the info on Phase 1:

Objectives of Induction |	How to Do Induction Right |	What You Can Eat in this Phase

Supporting You During This Phase |

When to Move On (Q & A)

SIDEBAR:
I inquired about & kinda started the process of getting the StomaphX procedure. Why? IDK - I thought it might "help" me reach my goal. But in taking into consideration the work I've put in & the rate at which I am current losing, I have opted NOT to pursue the procedure. Additionally, statics show most patients only lose 30-40lbs - that's about all i need to lose, & I think it would be more problematic in the end (swallowing, eating slowly, chewing chewing chewing everything so it doesn't get stuck b/c its really more likely that things WILL get stuck & then Id have to go in for MORE procedures yada yada I like chowing down on my food & shoving spoonful's in my mouth LOL).
so I'll pass on the stomaphX & stay my current course. Its hard work, like nothing I've ever done before, & its paying off. :)

How is your W4 going??

I think 13 lbs. in 4 weeks is fantasticv!!  Wish I could say the same but I can't.  I intended to do South Beach and did finally get the book.   Sunday I decided I have to get serious or I'll never lose any more and might gain back and definitely don't want to do that. 

So, I'm really working on low carb, but so far haven't gotten my carbs down to 50 or less.  I use the nutrition program here to track my food and sugar alcohols aren't showing so it's hard to figure net carbs.  Guess I might have to do that on paper. 

Exercise.....ugh.....just can't get in a routine.  Weight training is out because of previous shoulder injuries so anything where I need to raise my arms above my head is out.  I do have one of those shaker gadgets laying by my chair collecting dust.  Thought I would use it since you can be sitting down but so far haven't.  Tonight....yes, tonight I WILL use it.

I think you doing great. 
 I am maintaining nicely not counting calories or carbs, but only making sure I get more than 100 gr of proteins per day.  But at the same time - I try to avoid all or most starchy carbs, and simple sugars.  My diet is quite restrictive - but to me - it is not.   My biggest accomplishment so far is that I do not longer crave the starches or carbs.  And even when I try them sometimes - they do not taste good to me.  
a few days ago, while at friends house, they have crackers and cheese.  I took one bite of a cracker and they tossed that thing to the trash.  People were saying how nice the crackers are - but I did not liked it.  I ate the cheese..and some berries.  It was fabulous. 
I hope that this will continue for me. 
Some people do not believe me when I tell them that I really do not  miss the bread, pasta, etc.  but that's their problem not mine.