You go girl!

I lost 60 pounds on Atkins. Once. Same deal. Once I went back to bread, man. WHOOSH, right back on.

Maybe I'll join you and get rid of my flabdomen once and for all.

Kim

Please tell me that I just can't see the bra you're wearing due to the state of cleanliness your mirror is in (which, hello - I have that same problem...it took me about 6 months of saying, "I really need to clean that mirror!" before I actually cleaned the damned mirror...), because GIRL, that ain't fair. Gravity HATES me. And I haven't even had any kids!

Lovely abs, by the way. You look really good, Y.

Nice underboob.

That is a bra you are seeing and it is a very ugly one, but it holds my tittays up nicely for if I didn't have one on, they would be on the floor. Seriously.

Looks like to me your starting to muscle up a bit on your belly!! You do look good, sweetie!

Atkins worked for me! I'd like to kick the naysayers...as long as you're CAREFUL and don't eat red meat CONSTANTLY, it's all good.

In fact, I used to be hypoglycemic and had to carry around sugar tablets with me everywhere. It's been TWO YEARS since I've had to do that now.

Now I'm sugar free and doing a modified version of Atkins that works for me....I had lost 30+ pounds orginally and I've managed to maintain that for the last two years!

Take MEASUREMENTS, girl! You're going to the gym...which is more than I ever did! You may not be losing the weight, but you're probably losing inches and not even knowing it!!

Chin up, chica! You can do it!!!

I think you look great, but the important part is you thinking you look great!

So, go on with your bad self!
Amen!

Y - how tall are you? I've read you forever and I don't remember you ever saying.

Hey Y,
My hubby did/does atkins. He still eats lo carb, he started 2 1/2 yrs ago, within the first few mths WOW Big difference. Within 6mths most if not all his weight was gone. He loves it and there are so many options now, compared to years ago. YOU GO GIRL!

Hang in there ! I've been "maintaining" the same 170lbs for months now..ok actually I since I stopped working on eating less..ll) Have faith, keep going to the gym and dancing ! Yes those LAST 40lbs (mine at least) are sticking like glue ..but we can and will do this..one frinking lb at a time, one meal a time.. (also this hot SoCal heat makes me retain water like a damn water baloon..so the 8lbs may be water at least in part..lol !) YOu stil look awesome !!!! (say thanks compliments are good..and necessary)

It's obvious the gym is helping because you are definitely more toned than the last pictures show.

I hear you. I haven't been moving along on WW, I've been on 2 mos and have lost 4 lbs. I changed up my gym routine and I'm hoping it will shake things up. Good luck with Atkins, you look great!

You look great! Me thinks you need to get your scale looked at. It could be broken...

Uh...Y? You look FANTASTIC. Do what you need to do to feel good about your body, I know it's hard when the "bad mind" starts in...here's what I always tell myself...that in ten, twenty, whatever years from now I will be kicking myself for not embracing and loving the body I have RIGHT NOW that I hate hate hate. All the best.

Ha. No, I just bought one of those fancy ones that do your weight AND your body fat %.

Trust me, I'm 187 pounds and I'm only 5'4" Also? I am 41% body fat.

ALMOST HALF OF MY BODY IS FAT. Ack!

Ditto what others have said. I think you look fabulous, but if you don't feel fabulous then that is what matters.

Wishing you much luck.

Also, I admire you for be brave enough to share photos that you find embarassing.

¡Usted mira muy atractiva! You have inspired me to start it back up myself. Good Luck to both (all) of us.

Just don't tell anyone at WW what you are doing. I made that mistake and they crucified me.

But it does work to jump-start your metabolism!

It's clear to me you are not getting enough "exercise." Sorry your husband made me say that. Of course I told him he needed to get whacked first.

Y, I hear ya. I've been talking about these same damn 20 pounds since January. I need to do something and do it quick before I give up again and decide that I'll just be happy the way I am even though I'm not.

And I just want to add to everyone else's compliments. I can totally see where going to the gym is helping you out. You've got some definition to your abs and that is awesome! You look way more toned that I do, for real.

I know most people look at me and think "why is she saying that she needs to lose 20 pounds?" If I was brave enough to post pictures like you do, it would be evident. So I admire you. A lot. You are way more brave and "honest" than I will ever be!

Hey, do what you got to do.

that said, you are aware you have abs, right? I mean, I play soccer and mine don't look like that. so, it appears the gym IS working, if it isn't taking lbs. then it's starting to make you cut and giving you some muscles. No joke, first thing I thought..."wow, abs." and ditto someone else who said I think your scale is broken (or the one @ the gym is).

Good luck....

More power to you, girl! But, I'm telling you the honest to god truth is that when I loaded this page, I saw the picture's FIRST, before reading the entry and thought you were going to write about how much more weight you had lost and that you were going to be saying things like, "Look at how awesome my ass looks!" because your ass looks awesome. I was really suprised this was a "I've put on more weight and am changing diets" entry.

All I can see are the abs! The abs look great!
I hate,hate,hate, trying to loose weight. My "baby" just turned 6, so I guess I better get on the ball already.
Good luck to you!

I think you look great!! I mean, look at those ab muscles!! I've been working out for months and am nowhere near that!! It's great for you though that you're kicking it into high gear instead of just playing the pity card and giving up. YOU CAN DO IT!! :P

Oh God. I don't know how to explain this, but those are not abs. Those are... well, that is my sucking in my stomach and that thing in the middle that appears to be "chisled abs" is actually a giant slab of fat. Don't make me take a picture of me grabbing that sack of tummy fatness to prove it.

But holy crap, I love you guys. Seriously.

Um... Y-- do you know about the WW Core program? It's slightly similar to Atkins/South Beach, with a bit more flexibility. Check it out.

And way to go!

Hey, I'm the lurker from MS who's been reading your archives for hours at a time... just thought I'd introduce myself.

Have you heard of the South Beach Diet? It's like Atkins Lite. Helped my mom and dad lose 40 and 60 pounds, respectively.

Btw, you look fabulous.

Ooh it's funny that I am reading this now because I started a diet today and am reading this while eating a gigantic salad. :) I look forward to reading about your progress while trying to stay on track with my own. :) You look great!

I say you do what feels right! They say Atkins for a short period of time is just fine to get rev up the weight loss. BTW- I think you're looking pretty toned in your pix...

I'm not going to read all of the other comments, so if I'm repeating what someone else has said, sorry.

You are gaining muscle, which is what's causing your weight to temporarily go up. Eventually, pretty soon actually, that will stop and the fat will come right off as long as you keep working out.

That said, you look hot!

Y, I have never commented before but am writing today to say that a) you're hot b) seriously and c) don't let anyone give you crap for a low-carb diet. As you've described, there are non-crazy, healthy ways to do it and I have complete and total faith in you. Good luck!

Have you done the "wendies plan" for weight watchers. Google it and you'll see what I'm talking about. The weight watchers people, of course, won't want to hear about it.

You must sell me those pants! I was curious how tall you were b/c you look so much hotter than me and we weight the same. Obviously yours is all muscle. And BTW, your abs are looking great.

Girrrrrrrrrl. Your stomach looks AWESOME. Seriously. I know it sucks to feel stuck, but even if you haven't lost POUNDS in a while, you are DEFINITELY firming up. No need to feel ashamed.

I suspect it's the air guitar that's really tuned up your abs. You can tell the boys I said so. ;)

Delurking to say that you are SO NOT a failure! I think you look great, and even though I usually freak out just a tiny little bit whenever someone mentions doing Atkins, it sounds like it's just the right thing for you (seeing how you have enough of a brain in your head to not overdoo it and all). YOU GO, GIRL!

Ok first I think you look very good. If its the dirt on the mirror or just you, you look good girl.

Second, I love Atkins and wish I had the will power to do it again. I gained my weight back cause I deserved to, eating out for lunch everyday can make that happen.

Good luck girl, you can do it. And since you already have sensible eating habbits, you will do the same with this.

"Girl, you looks good, won't you back that thang up?!"

Seriously, your ass is fucking awesome.

Someone's sporting UNDERBOOB!

Seriously though, whatever works for you. It's not like you're going to be unhealthy about it or hurt your body. Good luck. Throwing lots of weight loss pixie dust your way.

Girl, if your dieting stalls, you jumpstart it. It's the reasonable thing to do.

You are looking FAB! The progress you've made is SO obvious, you really are doing great, Y! Keep it up!

Atkins definitely jumpstarts the system. I prefer South Beach. Just seems easier to maintain over the long run.

Yvonne, you look awesome. I wish my stomach looked half as good as yours. I don't think I have any stomach muscles left after 3 kids, one of which was an emergency caesarian. People sometimes ask me if I'm pregnant and my last child was born 19 years ago. I want to punch them. Anyway, do not be discouraged. And don't get obsessed with the bathroom scale.

You look pretty damn good, you say you gained weight??? hmmm, musta shifted or somthing, you look great, no kidding! I am stating a no carb diet to! They work great as you know. I am on your side. You will be skinny soooooon!! keep us up on your progress.

My brother uses the Atkins induction diet as his "regulator". He tends to put weight on easily (he loves his beer), so whenever he goes up 10-15 pounds, he'll go on Atkins for a week or two and drop all of it. The shock to his system seems to do the trick every time.

Like Annika said, it's a good jumpstart.

Also, those body fat percentage calculators are full of crap. There is no freakin' way that you have 41% body fat. Seriously. Even if they count boobs as "fat" (which I think they do, and it's insane). Even still, there's just no way.

You know what? I'm thinking they are full of crap too BECAUSE... I just watched a weight loss program where this guy was 130 pounds overweight and his body fat percentage was 34%. So, um...

Well I think you're HOT! Don't know if it's any consolation at all to know there are people out there that would chew off an arm to be your size. LOL! (I would love to weigh in under 200!)

There’s nothing wrong with Atkins for a good kick in the ass. I find that most people who bash it have never actually read the ENTIRE plan, and don’t understand that induction is just phase 1 of 4.

Good on ya for coming clean! (and I’m still jealous!!!!)

GOOD LUCK GIRL!!!

Ack - I am slugging it out on WW without much success me self. Damn, I'm HOOOONGRY!!

As always, Y, I think you are beautiful. I know that's hard to hear sometimes when you aren't feeling it too. I can't stand hearing compliments, even if they are genuine. I want to plug my ears, "Mary had a little lamb, la, la, la, I CAN'T hear YOU complimenting me!" But as far as Atkins goes-- it worked for me and I liked it. Within a week I felt like a million bucks. Just take care of yourself and it will be just fine and will likely help you meet your goals. Also, keep in mind with that tiny bit of weight gain: your body went through some changes when you quit breastfeeding and that is probably the reason you gained a few pounds. The same happened to me; I think the bod slows down in the metabolism department for a bit.

Are you gaining weight from increased muscle mass maybe? I remember reading that inches are the way to check progress, not pounds.

I didn't read all the other comments so forgive me if this is a repeat, but, um, I think you gained 8 pounds of muscle! Seriously! You are WAY more toned than in your last pictures! Whatever you do DON'T GIVE UP THE GYM!! You are such an inspiration to me!!!

Hooray for Atkins! :) (just for any naysayers, but doesnt look like any are venturing out to post).

I've lost 40 pounds on Atkins since the first of the year. I do it like you, sensibly. Not all red meat and greasy. Um ew.

If I might? A few things I found that really helped. Though I know you are saying you are doing induction only, thought it might be of use to know :)

EAS makes FANTASTIC low carb/high protein breakfast shakes that are actually....GOOD! I like mine over ice, but they are good chilled and out of the carton too. So if you cant get some eggs whipped up, try one of them. I prefer them over the Atkins and Slim Fast High Protien ones ANY day. (and Wal-mart sells them for pretty cheap, atleast up here, compared to the other brands).

Also EAS makes some ok power/protein type bars, but for that kind of snack, I reaaaaally like the South Beach high protein cereal bars. Both chocolate and apple cinammon are devine :)

Our local Super Wal-Mart carrys low carb Blue Bunny Ice Cream. OMG. Good. And Popsicle makes some fantastic Sugar-Free stuffies as well.

Anyway, just thought I would share :)

GOOD LUCK!!

I did the special k diet for one week, and my family was quaking in fear of my delightful moods. shortly thereafter i lost 15 pounds. then i put it all back. it's good to shock your body, but don't let the ball stop rolling. Just be careful.

Holy crap 51 comments.....if you get all the way to the bottom to read this one...lemme tell you...you look great! I am 5'4" and 168 lbs. and dont look like that....i need a longer neck i think...i too have been trying to lose weight....oh the madness!! anyway you are doing great and hell yeah, Atkins will give you that extra push....i have done it before....aright i'm actually taking the fork outta my mouth and gonna follow your lead

actually you do notice you have some definition to your stomach. good job!

I did the same thing you're doing. I used Atkins to jump start the process and help me feel better about myself. I did the intense two week deal, then started to eat more normally again. I have lost 8 pounds with 8 more to go. I feel great and I am not being stupid about the no carbs thing. I eat brown rice, beans, corn but a lot less of it. I am feeling better than I have in a while. Working out helps too. It's good to see things firming up.

I never believe those fat calculators - when I was in highschool I weighed 105lbs (I was a stick-figure before my boobs and ass finally showed up in college) and during a fitness class they hooked up me up to a fancy machine that told me I was 37% fat!!

I just wanted to send some love! So there you go...

Dude, Y, if that is a "fat slab", as you say, in the stomach-cal region...I want "fat slabs" all over my body! Those are ABS girl!

I DON'T see fat, I see buffness!! SO, shush!!

May I ask, I will. How tall are you?

You REALLY do look good... don't get discouraged. I know... I know... easier said than done. Been there. Was thinking... you might be experiencing a fluctuation because you stopped breastfeeding as that burns a lot of calories. For what it's worth, something that worked for me was to start eating every two hours to speed up my metabolism - it's amazing how fast every two hours goes by and you feel like you're eating all the time. Just a hand full of fruit here... a yogurt there... a granola bar... a hand full of your favorite veggie... etc... etc... Keep it up. You're doing GREAT!

dude, i'm insanely jealous of your ab definition.

y, you rock. i've just stumbled upon your blog recently & love love love your writing. you crack me up! you are one cool chicky.

i'm in the same boat as you - i lost weight & now i feel it creeping back on (except i won't face the music & step on the scale). you've inspired me to try try again!! it's back to the (south) beach for me!

I won't jump in and say "YOU CAN DO IT" and go all positive on you.

How about just a quiet, "Good luck."

And I don't know if you know, but I know you can do it.

Atkins changed the diet quite a bit from the early days of no veggies ever. Make sure you've got an updated regimine and go for it! The blogworld is rooting for you, mama.

Y, I hardly ever de-lurk, but I love your blog--you're freakin' hilarious.

And you look great. But do what you have to do to feel great too.

You may have extra pounds on your body, but even so, you have a fantastic overall shape. You aren't one of those people who gains weight that all goes to the tummy and makes her look pregnant. You come out with the hourglass still in place, just a bit bigger. You are very lucky for that. I gain weight like a bloating balloon.

You do have a beautiful body. Kudos to you for being healthy, but don't put yourself down anymore. You look ten times better at the same weight as someone without the right curves.

Plus, I bet you are the only Atkinser who can dance aerobically.

Seriously. I"m all about your ass right now. Damn, woman. I think you look fantastic. Also, those mofo scales with the body fat things are wildly inaccurate for girls with muscles. Just so you know.

seriously, email me with your atkins secrets... 30 pounds in 2 months sounds just about up my fat alley.

& like everyone has said... you look great!

Just wanted to comment on how brave you are. It takes a lot of courage to fight your demons in such a public forum. Kudos to you!

Oh, and screw what other people say about your dieting choices. You do what is best for you.

You're my new hero with those pictures!

You know, WW is a slow weight loss for me, too. I do best on a diabetic diet (like atkins except that you balance in some good carbs with every meal). It takes time to adjust to it, but while I was pregnant and had gestational diabetes I did this diet and only gained 16 pounds during my whole pregnancy. Not that it matters now because once I stopped nursing I gained a yucky amount of weight right away!

Btw, I'm Stephanie and it's nice to meet you! Sorry to do so much sharing on my first visit.

Wow!!!! Look at those abs. I'd say working out is doing something.

Keep it going girl!

Girl, if my upper abs had that amount of toning, I'd be turning cartwheels. But I understand your pain. I'm now five pounds from pre-pregnancy weight and twelve from wedding weight. And, of course, stuck on a plateau. But I definitely don't have that upper ab tone. Daaaaaang. ;) I can't do Atkins because of my kidney disorder. So I just have to watch what I eat, work out and REMemBER TO DRINK MY WATER> AHHHHH

Looking at your pictures made me wonder if you've done a body mass index check on a regular basis. I mean, sheez! I'd kill for some abs like that, girl! They look tight to me, and y'know muscle weighs more than fat, so maybe those 8 pounds really aren't a bad thing, eh? Keep it up!!

I've been having fun reading the million comments above, and I agree...you look so good. But I thought I'd tell you...If you're going to be eating lots of meat / protein, eat some turkey pepperoni. I just tried it and it's so good, I may go on atkins myself and eat it all day!

Damn. I should have left a comment the first time I read this and there were only two. I think you're hot and I wish I had the nerve to post pictures of *my* stomach! Believe it or not, you ARE inspirational. The whole reason I started my weight loss blog is because it helped me to read you and I thought it might help me to write about it. I took before pictures and as soon as I saw them, I was like HELL NO! Those are NOT going on the internet! At least not until I have an after picture to go with them!! Ha...

It's kind of freaking me out how much that (meaning the pictures of your abs that you apprently just removed) looks exactly like me. Perhaps the 3rd kid creates a particular abdominal pattern. Honestly, I check out your blog because I admire you and think you are fun and funny and the kind of person I would like to hang out telling obscene jokes with. All of your readers think you're rad, and obviously we know what's rad. ;)

I am not whistling up your butt when I say you look great. I think you look slimmer than you did at 170 whatever. You give me hope, our stomachs were very similar and with my 20 lb loss I am starting to see my muscles and it is exciting.
I also know how even seeing the scale go up 2 lbs puts me in a sucky mood and rules my day. I hate it!
I think Atkins is fine for how you are using it. For anyone really because honestly how many people stay on one diet plan for a long period of time? And no matter the diet, it is more unhealthy to be overweight (this is what I tell myself). So these scary ass stories about certain diets piss me off. Anyway, I really admire you!
Good luck!

Holy crizap! Look at those ab muscles! I can understand not being comfortable with your body, but Y, seriously, you are looking fab. I hope your *jump start* gets things moving again for you. Your body is already rockin'. I'm afraid of what crazy body you are going to have when you reach your goal. Ms. Look-at-my-sweet-abs-after-having 3-kids-OH!-you-want-me-to-turn-around-so-you-can-see-my-sweet-ass? BAM! Rockin'. You can do this, you have much support from all of us!

Wow, good for you! I am tyring to lose around 20 pounds and I don't think I would ever have the courage to show off my body. Really, good for you - and good luck. I am constantly stuggeling with my post mommy body!

Jill
Co-Founder, Silcon Valley Moms Blog

Oh my goodness! You weight 186 and look better then me at my 178 pounds! I have the stomache that sticks out like I am at least 6 months pregnant. Wanna talk gross! LOL

I hope you meet all your weight loss goals! I'm struggling with mine too, so I know what you're going through.

OMG. I LOVE YOU ALL

I'm a firm believer in low carb diets. The Zone is good, too.

Good luck! P.S. I think you look great already, too!

I know you've heard this a bazillion times already. But you really look good. That being said, if you're unhappy, more power to you on the Atkins thing. I second the suggestion to try South Beach. Just don't go all crazy on it. I tried to go hard core and 36 hours in I wanted to push my daughter down and take her peanut butter & jelly sandwich. SO...all things in moderation. I haven't had pasta in probably a year, but if I feel like eating a piece of bread, I do.

And sorry for babbling...

This is probably going to sound really odd, but: you have a nice behind. I'm actually envious as to how shapely it is.

And, dude, your belly isn't bad at all. Seriously! As I clicked the "Read More" link, I prepared myself for something far worse. (I've never read your blog before so I didn't know what to expect.)

Mine is kind of in the same way --- just needs some diet and exercise. Like you, I'm not fat... just kind of jiggly.