Well, I think I’ve hit my first weight loss plateau on the carnivore diet. I’m back down to 172.0, which is exactly where I was two weeks ago. And even though that feels discouraging, I can still feel my body is changing.
I also feel fantastic. Something’s working even if it’s not reflected on the scale right now.
My current weight loss is 60 lbs, just as it was two weeks ago. I’m down to 172 from 232. At least I didn’t gain, I suppose. I know weight loss is an up-and-down roller coaster ride, but I’m ready for another down week.
What I Did Differently This Week
The only thing I really did differently this week was not fasting as long. I typically do a 36-hour fast once a week, but I never made it past 24 hours over the past seven days.
I think I ovulated late on Wednesday, so it’s possible my body is holding on to fat or retaining water. I don’t know if that’s a thing, but seems like it might be? I know our bodies can retain water due to changes in estrogen/progesterone.
Maybe I’m just reaching for an answer. I don’t know.
But those are the only difference I can think of that might have impacted my weight. I guess I technically did lose 0.6 lbs, but that seems like nothing in the scheme of things.
Improvements This Week
I’ve noticed that my clothes are fitting even looser – regardless of what the scale says. I’m down to about 3 shirts that still fit me and the same number of pants/leggings. I finally broke down and ordered some new shirts because I’m running out of things to wear.
I’ve also noticed that I need much less sleep than I used to. I’ve been on the carnivore diet for about three months now, and I can function on 6.5 – 7 hours of sleep with plenty of energy for an entire day of work. (And by day, I mean like 12 -16 hours.)
Before carnivore, I was lucky to work 4 hours a day on 8 hours of sleep a night. My energy levels are phenomenal.
Challenges This Week
I didn’t really have many challenges this week, besides the fact that I’m getting loose skin in places I would rather not have it. I’m also struggling with eating dairy.
On one hand, I love cheese. On the other, I think it might be causing my insulin to spike too much. That could be another reason for my plateau. After Christmas week (which I plan to enjoy with low-carb treats), I’m going to experiment with cutting out dairy.
Goals for Next Week
Because it’s Christmas/Yule week, my goals are simply to stick to low-carb and carnivore foods. I am going to have a treat by making myself a low-carb Pumpkin cheesecake. It’s not carnivore, but it’s sugar- and grain-free and low in carbs.
This will be the first time I’ve had any kind of “treat” in three months (unless you count artificial sweetener in my iced coffee). It will be interesting to see how my body responds to it. As long as it doesn’t bring my sugar cravings back, I consider it a success.
The week after next, I have some more intense goals including actually checking my blood sugar with a glucose meter after eating cheese. I’d also like to check after having artificial sweetener, butter, and anything else that isn’t straight up meat.
But that will have to wait until the holidays are over!
Right now, I’m grateful that I’ve lost 60 lbs. I have to figure out how to do this for the rest of my life in every possible situation. The carnivore diet is not some fad for me. This is the way I have to eat to get (and remain) healthy. I’ll navigate around any bumps in the road when they appear, and I will never give up.
Hi Cindy,
Same thing happened to me. It could be that you are gaining muscle while still losing weight, since muscle is heavier than fat, you don’t always see the changes reflected on the scale, so don’t be disheartened 😀
That’s definitely true! Thank you!