Plateau! What should I do?

Idontwanttobeahamplanet

I'm currently weighing 151 lbs since December and starting to get frustrated. I know I ate like crap between Christmas and New year but have gotten back on track come January. What can I do to break this plateau?

madonifer

I'm in the same boat. I was 140 in August now I am 146.5 nothing i seem to do works. But I know if you keep trying you will break it and be able to move forward. Some people just have a harder time. Don't stress just keep at it.

TheVirgoddess

Are you weighing your food? Logging consistently?

acmanna

I don't think that I'd call it a plateau. You stated it yourself "I know I ate like crap between Christmas and New year.."
Make sure you are measuring, weighing, and logging your calorie intake as accurately as possible. I'd purchase a food scale for more accuracy. Keep at it, you can do it!

Idontwanttobeahamplanet

madonifer wrote: »

I'm in the same boat. I was 140 in August now I am 146.5 nothing i seem to do works. But I know if you keep trying you will break it and be able to move forward. Some people just have a harder time. Don't stress just keep at it.

It's just frustrating to not see results even for a pound or two. I used to lose an average of 1-1.5lb weekly :S

Idontwanttobeahamplanet

TheVirgoddess wrote: »

Are you weighing your food? Logging consistently?

Yup. I have a foodscale and try to log everything I eat.

TheVirgoddess

Idontwanttobeahamplanet wrote: »

TheVirgoddess wrote: »

Are you weighing your food? Logging consistently?

Yup. I have a foodscale and try to log everything I eat.

If you're having trouble losing, the best thing I can recommend is tightening up your logging. Especially since you used the word try - that tells me you're being inconsistent (I don't mean that in a rude way) - and inconsistency certainly makes it more difficult.

You can do it!

TheVirgoddess

I just peeked at your diary - you use a lot of tbsp when you should be using grams - like peanut butter, butter, croutons, etc.

All solids should be weighed. The only thing you should be using a measuring cup/measuring spoons for are liquids.

Also make sure you're not using generic recipes from the database. If you're cooking it, you need to enter it yourself.

StaciMarie1974

Make sure you account for everything consumed that contains calories. Jeff's fried egg for 70 calories? A large egg typically has 70 calories and frying it would add calories for the grease.

There are lots of listings in your food log showing generic entries, and showing cups/spoons for solid items. Use a food scale for anything solid - do not rely on cups. How much you fit in a cup of 1/2 cup could easily be more than the serving per weight. And avoid generic database entries - you have no way of knowing what they're based on. And something like .5 slice of porkchop - the calories depend on the amount of meat consumed. How big was the slice? If it was 50g vs 250g that makes a difference in the calories. So 1/2 of a slice is not specific enough to have an accurate calorie count.

Idontwanttobeahamplanet

TheVirgoddess wrote: »

I just peeked at your diary - you use a lot of tbsp when you should be using grams - like peanut butter, butter, croutons, etc.

All solids should be weighed. The only thing you should be using a measuring cup/measuring spoons for are liquids.

Also make sure you're not using generic recipes from the database. If you're cooking it, you need to enter it yourself.

Thanks. But how do I weigh things like peanut butter, butter, etc without making a mess?

Idontwanttobeahamplanet

StaciMarie1974 wrote: »

Make sure you account for everything consumed that contains calories. Jeff's fried egg for 70 calories? A large egg typically has 70 calories and frying it would add calories for the grease.

There are lots of listings in your food log showing generic entries, and showing cups/spoons for solid items. Use a food scale for anything solid - do not rely on cups. How much you fit in a cup of 1/2 cup could easily be more than the serving per weight. And avoid generic database entries - you have no way of knowing what they're based on. And something like .5 slice of porkchop - the calories depend on the amount of meat consumed. How big was the slice? If it was 50g vs 250g that makes a difference in the calories. So 1/2 of a slice is not specific enough to have an accurate calorie count.

You're right. I should start weighing food more often and break down ingredients when I cook. Thanks for the tip. I also don't use grease when frying egg. Tfal does the job well without oil

shortiequinn

Take a break, relax.
Buy new gym clothes.
Come back more motivated.

Idontwanttobeahamplanet

shortiequinn wrote: »

Take a break, relax.
Buy new gym clothes.
Come back more motivated.

I think I need new workout bottoms

xcalygrl

Idontwanttobeahamplanet wrote: »

TheVirgoddess wrote: »

I just peeked at your diary - you use a lot of tbsp when you should be using grams - like peanut butter, butter, croutons, etc.

All solids should be weighed. The only thing you should be using a measuring cup/measuring spoons for are liquids.

Also make sure you're not using generic recipes from the database. If you're cooking it, you need to enter it yourself.

Thanks. But how do I weigh things like peanut butter, butter, etc without making a mess?

Put your jar/container on the scale, turn it on, it should say 0 grams, scoop out what you want to use, which should result in a -X grams. Whatever that -X grams says is how much you're using. If it is more than you want, just add some back to the container. If it is less than you want to use, scoop some more out.

malibu927

Idontwanttobeahamplanet wrote: »

TheVirgoddess wrote: »

I just peeked at your diary - you use a lot of tbsp when you should be using grams - like peanut butter, butter, croutons, etc.

All solids should be weighed. The only thing you should be using a measuring cup/measuring spoons for are liquids.

Also make sure you're not using generic recipes from the database. If you're cooking it, you need to enter it yourself.

Thanks. But how do I weigh things like peanut butter, butter, etc without making a mess?

Either weigh it as you're putting it on what you're eating it with, or set the container on the scale, zero it out, and take out a serving.

beemerphile1

Plateaus happen, it isn't a big deal.

The week of Christmas I gained one pound. I figured I would because I gave myself 24 hours off for Christmas day.
The week after I lost one pound.
The following three weeks I did not gain or lose.
The past week I have lost 3 pounds.

All I did was stick with the plan and be patient. I didn't change anything because past experience told me that my plan is correct for me. My goal/plan is 1 pound lost per week.

Idontwanttobeahamplanet

xcalygrl wrote: »

Idontwanttobeahamplanet wrote: »

TheVirgoddess wrote: »

I just peeked at your diary - you use a lot of tbsp when you should be using grams - like peanut butter, butter, croutons, etc.

All solids should be weighed. The only thing you should be using a measuring cup/measuring spoons for are liquids.

Also make sure you're not using generic recipes from the database. If you're cooking it, you need to enter it yourself.

Thanks. But how do I weigh things like peanut butter, butter, etc without making a mess?

Put your jar/container on the scale, turn it on, it should say 0 grams, scoop out what you want to use, which should result in a -X grams. Whatever that -X grams says is how much you're using. If it is more than you want, just add some back to the container. If it is less than you want to use, scoop some more out.

That's a great idea. Except I have a 2kilo peanut butter jar. Otherwise, I think it will work.

Idontwanttobeahamplanet

beemerphile1 wrote: »

Plateaus happen, it isn't a big deal.

The week of Christmas I gained one pound. I figured I would because I gave myself 24 hours off for Christmas day.
The week after I lost one pound.
The following three weeks I did not gain or lose.
The past week I have lost 3 pounds.

All I did was stick with the plan and be patient. I didn't change anything because past experience told me that my plan is correct for me. My goal/plan is 1 pound lost per week.

I probably just need to do as you say and be patient and NOT weigh myself everyday.

Lalalindaloo

Idontwanttobeahamplanet wrote: »

xcalygrl wrote: »

Idontwanttobeahamplanet wrote: »

TheVirgoddess wrote: »

I just peeked at your diary - you use a lot of tbsp when you should be using grams - like peanut butter, butter, croutons, etc.

All solids should be weighed. The only thing you should be using a measuring cup/measuring spoons for are liquids.

Also make sure you're not using generic recipes from the database. If you're cooking it, you need to enter it yourself.

Thanks. But how do I weigh things like peanut butter, butter, etc without making a mess?

Put your jar/container on the scale, turn it on, it should say 0 grams, scoop out what you want to use, which should result in a -X grams. Whatever that -X grams says is how much you're using. If it is more than you want, just add some back to the container. If it is less than you want to use, scoop some more out.

That's a great idea. Except I have a 2kilo peanut butter jar. Otherwise, I think it will work.

Man. That's my kinda peanut butter jar.

silentKayak

Your scale should have a tare, which lets you put a dish on the scale and then zero it out again. For example, I'd put my slice of bread on the scale, and then zero it. Then add peanut butter to the bread. Whatever weight it shows, that's the weight of the PB.

If your scale doesn't have a tare, just do the math. If the bread alone weighs 50g and the sandwich weighs 80, you used 30g of PB

Cazzy34

I've currently hit a plateau too! It's frustrating i know, however have a good look at what you are doing/not doing! AND DON'T GIVE UP!

I weigh/measure everything, so i know my cals are accurate, but i don't do enough exercise so that's my problem! Maybe like me you need to exercise more? Maybe you are estimating too much or often? As hard as it is, there is always a reason

If you stick with it the plateau will eventually pass. You can't maintain at a calorie deficit forever! Add me if you want some motivation

emdeesea

I have a set of very small glass bowls I use for measurements like peanut butter. You'd be surprised how easy it is to go over on p butter. You measure the bowl first, tare out the weight of the bowl, then add the p butter to get your measurements. And trust me, it's no where near what I would eyeball as a tablespoon.

Joanna_1576

Diet wise, cut your sugars and carbs for about a couple of weeks, increase lean protein and google carb cycling also. Might be an option. Working out wise, switch up your workout routine. Increase weight lifting to build more muscle, and more muscle equals to a faster metabolism, and more fat burn in the long run. And ultimately, never give up. I've been at a plateau weight wise for over a year, but my body has changed drastically. Sometimes the numbers on the scale don't really mean THAT much, but I do know what you mean..
Oh, and also make sure you always hit your calories goal for the day. Not eating enough can actually cause your body to go into "starvation mode" and it will store it all instead of burning it. Always eat at least 1200 a day.. Hope this helps..

Joanna_1576

emdeesea wrote: »

I have a set of very small glass bowls I use for measurements like peanut butter. You'd be surprised how easy it is to go over on p butter. You measure the bowl first, tare out the weight of the bowl, then add the p butter to get your measurements. And trust me, it's no where near what I would eyeball as a tablespoon.

Instead of peanut butter, i've picked up PB2, in powder form. I've been putting it in my oatmeal for the last few days and it tastes great.. Less calories than actual peanut butter too.. It's usually on the same aisle, like at Target for instance..

_FATNSASSY

Weigh your food, you may be eating more calories than you think you are. The more you go down, the harder it is to lose.

segacs

I weigh peanut butter simply by weighing the bread first, zeroing the scale, adding the peanut butter, and then weighing the bread again. I allow myself 30g of peanut butter, which is "2 tbsp" according to the nutrition label but in reality is WAY less than I could fit in 2 tbsp.