Am I doing it right?

FRJM

Just want to check I've got my numbers right! Last year I lost a load of weight but it was due to stress, lack of appetite and wasn't exercising at all and I'd started smoking again!!! October last year I stopped smoking, started eating again (anything that wasn't nailed down to be precice) and gained about 20lb in a relatively short space of time). Most of my adult life - my weight has fluctuated a lot, minimum of about 134lb, maximum of about 168lb (ish). I've always been pretty active but last year I was lazy, stressed and didn't do anything. Any hoo....things have now changed. I'm back running, back gymming and have started doing strength training. I have a desk job so don't get to move much during the day. I'm 41 years old and currently weigh 146/147lb.

Routine:
Monday - Run 8k
Tuesday - Rest
Wednesday - Personal Trainer session 30-45 mins (strength training) Sometimes followed by an hour of Thai Boxing workout
Thursday - Run 8k
Friday - Rest
Saturday - Strength training for 45 mins
Sunday - Rest (although I will be starting longer runs soon in preparation for a half marathon in the summer)

BMR - 1396
TDEE - 2165
TDEE-10% - 1840.

I have only just increased to 1840, was doing TDEE-20% for a couple of weeks, before that was eating around 1400-1500 per day (started January). Since January I have lost and gained the same couple of pounds. My PT says he can definitely see a difference in how I look (I can't). Keep feeling slightly frustrated. Am I just being impatient??

Sorry for waffling - just want to make sure Im doing it right!

mymodernbabylon

When, like me, you have not that much to lose, it definitely takes a lot longer. I went through several weeks of not losing any weight on the scale, but there have been changes. How tall are you (cause I am eating more (not a lot) but am older than you and work out less)?

And yes, I saw a difference in your pictures. You are asking for big changes in less than 2 months and unless you are very heavy it's rarely going to happen. It took me 6 months to see big changes (going from 165 to 148) and another 6 months to see a few more smaller changes (eating at maintenance mainly and a since Jan a small deficit so now around 145-147). Be patient - the slow changes are more likely to 'stick'.

FRJM

I am 5'5 (just) :-)

I am so impatient - want everything yesterday!! I know it's going to be a slow process - my brain won't accept that though - my brain wants results! NOW! lol