Need advice on exercise program

[emclean]

Hi everyone,

I am restarting the SBD after two unsuccessful and disappointing months on the Atkins diet. I have been working out pretty intensely for about a month now, and I was wondering if I might be overdoing it. I run 5km a day, 5 - 6 days a week, as well as doing 45 mins of power/core yoga each day.

I was eating quite a bit of fat, as per the Atkins recommendations, and in almost two months I've only lost about 3 pounds (!). I need to lose about 25 lbs to get within my health BMI range.

I'm fairly confident that I'll have more success with SBD (I lost about 15 lbs on SBD a few years ago), but I am curious about the exercise side of things. Could I be sabotaging my dieting efforts by running so much, or should the exercise help?

Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks!
Erica

[RedRox]

I don't think the amount of exercise is the problem, but I don't think you are properly fueling yourself for the level of activity you are doing. How long does it take you to run the 5K?

If you have been on Atkins for 2 months, you could easily start transitioning into P2 of SB using the P1 and P2 food lists and the menu planning guidelines linked into the FAQ topics within the P1 and P2 forums here as your guidelines and adjust as necessary depending on your energy levels. You will likely up your carb intake and likely reduce your fat intake and in general, be choosing healthier foods to support your activity levels. But SB isn't "Atkins lite" either. There are plenty of good carbs even in P1 and more in P2 and while not low fat either, likely a lower level of healthy fats than you are currently consuming.

[emclean]

Hi RedRox,

I normally run my 5km in about 40 mins, I take it fairly slowly because I've had knee issues in the past.

So I restarted SB on Monday, and apparently I've gained a pound since then!! I'm so frustrated and annoyed, I just don't know what to do.

Your suggestion to move onto stage 2 - do you think the fact that I've stayed essentially on stage 1 for almost three months could be a problem? This is probably a stupid question, but do you think it's possible that my body is holding onto fat because I'm working out so much and not eating enough carbs?

I'm seriously willing to try anything. I had a baby 7 months ago, and just haven't been able to shift the weight I put on at all. It's so demoralizing!!

Thanks so much for your advice.

Erica

[RedRox]

Your suggestion to move onto stage 2 - do you think the fact that I've stayed essentially on stage 1 for almost three months could be a problem? This is probably a stupid question, but do you think it's possible that my body is holding onto fat because I'm working out so much and not eating enough carbs?

Erica

In a word, yes! You might want to read some of the responses to Cort by oldpjams in this topic. viewtopic.php?f=16&t=101211 Different situation than yours, but his observations and comments and knowledge always seem to be spot on to me!

[emclean]

That post was really interesting, thank you. Alright, well I had a cup of oatmeal with blueberries, and 2 egg whites for breakfast, so we'll see! Thanks for your advice, it's been really helpful!