Is my metabolism really that screwed up?

cosmo_momo

So I just wrote a novel explaining my situation and for some reason Safari decided to crap out on me and saved none of it -.- So I am going to sum this up.

Obviously I am here bc I am having a hard time losing weight.

I have made my diary public so that can give you guys a place to start with how and what I eat.

I am 20 (almost 21) years old, 5'5". When I was 9 I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. My blood levels evened out 6 years ago and I have not taken anything for it since. I currently take 50mg/day of Nortriptyline for migraine control. I have the Mirena IUD after switching from Depo (was on that for 5 years and had previously been able to lose weight on it)

I convinced my doctor to test my thyroid levels before Mirena (TSH: 4.180 (reference = 0.450-4.500 uIU/mL), T4,Free(Direct): 1.13 (reference = 0.82-1.77 ng/dL)) She assured me these levels were normal and my thyroid was not the cause of my weight gain/inability to lose weight)

Mid January I began a high carb, low fat, rawtill4 vegan diet with no restriction on calories. I was able to lose 5lbs and then no more. Started calorie restricting again, still eating much healthier than before, but not so much concerned about veganism/raw foods. I have lost ~7lbs total (including the vegan 5) but I cannot get down below 147.0 for anything besides not eating at all.

It seems that if I screw up one day I gain weight. (Yesterday I was 147.0lbs even and this morning 148.0lbs. So discouraging) I know that weight fluctuates but if I do not weigh myself every day I feel out of control.

I would consider myself slightly active, I do not generally dedicate time to working out, but I walk several miles a day to and from class in a very hilly region of WV. I am also taking 20 credit hours this semester and spend a lot of time helping out with research at the animal science farm which requires moderate physical labor a few hours twice a week.

So anyway, before I get too off topic. What is everyone's opinion? I see that I eat a lot of sodium, especially when I made chili (YESTERDAY!!! vegan, but beans are from cans therefore high in sodium) But I still don't think that I could gain actual fat from sodium? I would assume it to be water weight that would go away after a day or so. So I should still see a net loss, no?

Liftng4Lis

First you're going to have normal daily fluctuations, including water retention. Secondly, start using a food scale. You have a lot of things measured in cups. Cups are for liquids and a scale is for solids. Finally, try to avoid generic entries, as they're not accurate.

cosmo_momo

Liftng4Lis wrote: »

First you're going to have normal daily fluctuations, including water retention. Secondly, start using a food scale. You have a lot of things measured in cups. Cups are for liquids and a scale is for solids. Finally, try to avoid generic entries, as they're not accurate.

Does it matter how nice of a scale it is? I have never gotten one under the assumption that they are super expensive (I am only familiar with Chemistry lab scales and how expensive they are haha), but I just did a search and found some at walmart for $10. Are those accurate enough?

Liftng4Lis

cosmo_momo wrote: »

Liftng4Lis wrote: »

First you're going to have normal daily fluctuations, including water retention. Secondly, start using a food scale. You have a lot of things measured in cups. Cups are for liquids and a scale is for solids. Finally, try to avoid generic entries, as they're not accurate.

Does it matter how nice of a scale it is? I have never gotten one under the assumption that they are super expensive (I am only familiar with Chemistry lab scales and how expensive they are haha), but I just did a search and found some at walmart for $10. Are those accurate enough?

Absolutely! I got mine there and it's been in constant use for almost a year. It makes such a huge difference. For example, the medium banana says 105 calories, when in actuality, they average about 130 ish. Yes, thats only 25 calories difference, but when you're closer to goal, those calories add up.

Christine_72

I got my scale for $10 at woolworths, it's lasted for years.
Yes, true for the banana. I would have guessed the one I had today was 100ish grams, but it was 175g!!

lalepepper

Scales are a game-changer. Portions and our estimation of them are really susceptible to error, and cup measurements of things that can vary in volume can be particularly deceiving. Even the size of the plates, bowls, and cups we use influences our estimation. I've found that weighing regularly and using plates, bowls, and cups that fit the portion well have been really helpful in losing my 85 lbs.

cosmo_momo

Thanks guys!! I'm going out tomorrow after class and getting a scale. I really hope that this helps me. I just saw a candid photo of my backside and oh boy....

katherine_startrek_fan

Honestly I don't think scales are necessary. I've been losing pretty consistantly for the past 9 1/2 months, for a total of 57 pounds, without ever using one.

gmallan

katherine_startrek_fan wrote: »

Honestly I don't think scales are necessary. I've been losing pretty consistantly for the past 9 1/2 months, for a total of 57 pounds, without ever using one.

Maybe not for you but studies have shown that most people drastically underestimate their calorie intake. Getting a scale, even if you only use it for a few weeks and then intermittently after that, can be a really good education tool regarding portion size and what 100g of x food looks like for many people. Especially true when you get closer to goal weight

cheshirecatastrophe

cosmo_momo wrote: »

Mid January I began a high carb, low fat, rawtill4 vegan diet with no restriction on calories. I was able to lose 5lbs and then no more. Started calorie restricting again, still eating much healthier than before, but not so much concerned about veganism/raw foods. I have lost ~7lbs total (including the vegan 5) but I cannot get down below 147.0 for anything besides not eating at all.

Wait.

You've lost over 1 pound per week, with (I'm WAGuessing here) 20 pounds to lose? That's...that's pretty much right on target, bordering on aggressive. Nice work!

Weight loss isn't linear. I absolutely lose in fits and spurts. Week 1, 0 lbs; week 2, 0 lbs; week 3, 0 lbs, week 4...what, four pounds down? I give everything I try an entire month before I try something different. Sometimes patience is the best tool.

maidentl

christinev297 wrote: »

I got my scale for $10 at woolworths, it's lasted for years.
Yes, true for the banana. I would have guessed the one I had today was 100ish grams, but it was 175g!!

Did you weigh it with the peel on or do you just have some really ginormous bananas? :huh:

SLLRunner

christinev297 wrote: »

I got my scale for $10 at woolworths, it's lasted for years.
Yes, true for the banana. I would have guessed the one I had today was 100ish grams, but it was 175g!!

This! Some of those bananas can be quite chunky.

Christine_72

maidentl wrote: »

christinev297 wrote: »

I got my scale for $10 at woolworths, it's lasted for years.
Yes, true for the banana. I would have guessed the one I had today was 100ish grams, but it was 175g!!

Did you weigh it with the peel on or do you just have some really ginormous bananas? :huh:

lol I peeled it first. Yes it was a johnny whopper! The whole bunch is huge. I shall post a pic when I get home

Christine_72

An aussie banana

Sued0nim

Look at you with yer big banana

OP I think you will find weighing a revelation, also in terms of weight loss gaols drop it to 0.5-1lb a week if you are higher than that it's too high

Try a progressive lifting programme alongside your calorie defecit

Christine_72

Haha oh lordy. Why did I even post it!!! I hope everyone will sleep better tonight now that y'all have seen my 175g big ol banana

Carry on

Springfield1970

OP are you calorie counting now?
Or still following the all you eat vegan thingy?
The weight you lost was initial water weight and since then you have been in maintenance by the sounds of things.
Get on a manageable deficit and again, like the banana people said, weigh and track everything. You get the logging down to a few minutes a day in the end, and then the weight loss and fitness is just the beginning of a whole new you.
I used to hate looking at my backside. Now I enjoy it! I spent a lifetime yoyoing and got to over 30% body fat, now I'm 15-18%. Thanks to getting my facts straight on MFP, and hanging out in the gaining weight section, where the body sculpt experts live!

Pale_Green

katherine_startrek_fan wrote: »

Honestly I don't think scales are necessary. I've been losing pretty consistantly for the past 9 1/2 months, for a total of 57 pounds, without ever using one.

I'd have to agree, I've done both long term no scale, and long term with scale. Currently just bought another scale. Since it does matter if you buy cheap or not. I find digital last way longer. The cheapo 10 dollar wind up ones with no effort get over turned and stop weighing accurately cause you can't zero them out anymore.

I just went 2 months between scales and once I got another scale discovered that most packaged goods, and by packaged goods I mean "yogurt, lunch meats, measuring pre-shredded cheese in comparison to weighing, etc etc." the packages and the measuring cups were over-estimating the actual calories. Yogurt containers all seem to contain less grams than what is listed on the container....lunch meats where example package says 2 slices is approx 70 and 40gram. When weighed 2 slices worked out to 30 grams.

And it was on most items, other items were bang on. Have come across no items that were actually more calories than I thought without a scale.

This all said if you can afford a 25 dollar scale get one. But if you are losing decently and can't afford a scale just keep doing what your doing you can do it without a scale easily.

Cryptonomnomicon

gmallan wrote: »

katherine_startrek_fan wrote: »

Honestly I don't think scales are necessary. I've been losing pretty consistantly for the past 9 1/2 months, for a total of 57 pounds, without ever using one.

Maybe not for you but studies have shown that most people drastically underestimate their calorie intake. Getting a scale, even if you only use it for a few weeks and then intermittently after that, can be a really good education tool regarding portion size and what 100g of x food looks like for many people. Especially true when you get closer to goal weight

Agreed!

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/872212-you-re-probably-eating-more-than-you-think

Cryptonomnomicon

Well Op I went over your diary for just over a week and I see a couple of contributing factors. Firstly lack of consistency logging, you are either over or under or don't log at all on some days. I am not implying you have to be spot on but being over or under by 300-400 cals is a significant contribution when you start tallying the overall consumption.

Secondly you have most probably set yourself up using MFP's default calorie allotment and macro settings. In my humble opinion they are not optimal so here is a link for setting them up.

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/819055/setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets/p1

Regarding weight loss in general a calorie deficit is the only thing required so if you log accurately (food scales have already been recommended) and determine your TDEE(Total Daily Energy Expenditure) and the deficit required to lose weight effectively you should lose the weight if you remain consistent.

Regarding "Is my metabolism really that screwed up?" highly doubtful considering you've been tested. But here is a link to an interesting thread...

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1077746-starvation-mode-adaptive-thermogenesis-and-weight-loss

Also a video...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=to-UjvpmF0A

kindrabbit

My name is Karen and I'm a weigh - a - holic.

Everything I eat is weighed and logged before I eat. I have scales that weigh solids and liquids and I find that really useful for making things like porridge (oatmeal).

I also want to reassure you about your weight fluctuations. Not every lb you gain or loose is 'fat'. Your body is made up of so much more. The usual culprit is water retention or increased blood flow around your period. Of course there is the physical weigh of whetever 'food' you are carrying. Nothing like a good BM for loosing a 1lb!

I lost nothing in my first week of MFP. I gained 2lb the following week! I then weighed myself the next day and I was down 3lb. It makes no sense so I advise only weighing once a week (or if you have to weigh more often, only log your weight once a week so you can see a clearer pattern). Also take before and after pictures and measurements.

I may only be 1lb down but I am feeling so much better. I have more energy and I feel 'lighter'.

LKArgh

OP, this is no way related to any weight issues, but please find a good endocrinologist. If you have Hashimoto's it does not go away. Ever. Either your initial diagnosis was not what you think it was, or you should be monitored by a dr. If you do have Hashimoto's TSH above for is definitely not acceptable, the usual target value is around 2 or less. Again this has nothing to do with your weight, but it has to do with your health.

abarriere

You may still be a little hypothyroid. I keep my TSH at .5 to 1. Anything higher, I am sluggish. I am in the same position as you right now though. I was doing great, 8 lbs lost in month 1. Only 1 lb lost in month 2, and have been at the same weight for 4 weeks now. Also have Hashimotos, but I take meds for it.

cosmo_momo

Oh wow! So many replies! Thank you all for the insight, I really appreciate the time you've taken to reply to me, as I know that this thread will help others too.

For starters, I bought a digital food scale for $15 today and will begin using it.

Also I know my logging is far from perfect. Saturday for instance, my long distance boyfriend came up for the weekend to visit me and so I was distracted and not so much worried about logging. To help with this I also bought more storage containers and I'm going to attempt to start making meals for a few days ahead of time, all measured out and accounted for calories. This way I can just grab it and go and have a routine of what I eat. Sometimes I find that I have too much variety and that keeps me from logging purely because I am lazy, I'll admit it.

In response to the video posted, I do not think that my metabolism is "messed up" due to the raw/vegan kick. I'm more concerned about my thyroid problems.

In addition I do not have a period due to birth control, so those reasons for weight fluctuation are largely non-existent.

I do agree that I need to find a good endocrinologist, and there is probably one here at the University hospital since we have a medical school. The only hinderance is that it involves a lot of time that is very precious to me considering my class load. Money is also a concern because my specialist copays are pretty high. I realize these are petty reasons, but I'm going to start with weighing my food and go from there.

A few questions:
-As far as measuring and weighing food, is it safe to estimate a takeout meal? I realize that it could potentially be wildly inaccurate, but I only eat out once a week. And like tomorrow, my friends and I want to go out for Thai food tomorrow after our organic chem exam and they obviously do not have calorie listings for their food. Some places like Panera do, but a lot of times we eat at local businesses.
-Does it matter if I weigh in ounces or grams? Is one more accurate than the other? The scale I bought automatically resets itself to lbs/oz every time it turns off.

...I think I covered everything. If anyone knows how to reply to different users in one big reply like this, let me know. I'm fairly unfamiliar with forum-type message boards.

rosebette

One thing I noted, OP, is that at 5'5" and 147 lbs., you are in the high normal BMI range, so not really overweight. Perhaps you are heavier than you want to be, but at close to normal weight, it does get tougher to lose, and considering that you have thyroid issues, you are actually doing very well. You should congratulate yourself on staying healthy. Many women with thyroid issues are quite overweight or even obese and struggle to lose. If you follow the good advice of many these posters and continue to track, you'll be in good shape.

cosmo_momo

Played around with my scale tonight and portioned out 4 meals of spaghetti along with tonight's dinner. I'm embarrassed to say that what I portioned out for 5 meals is what I would have split into two normally...oops

SLLRunner

cosmo_momo wrote: »

Played around with my scale tonight and portioned out 4 meals of spaghetti along with tonight's dinner. I'm embarrassed to say that what I portioned out for 5 meals is what I would have split into two normally...oops

I remember stuff like this! The difference between what I thought a portion was and it really is is amazing.

jerber160

my 2 cents. my thyroid was out of whack for a while. it's stabilized but I was retaining EVERYTHING I ate too. tired of fiddling around I had to try something different, so I cut out all artificial sweeteners... no sweet n low, no diet pepsi. and in 2 weeks I'm losing again...I can't say for sure if it's the sweeteners or if my thyroid is FINALLY doing it's thing... but there's no harm in trying both... I'm counting sugar I add to coffee now

cosmo_momo

jerber160 wrote: »

my 2 cents. my thyroid was out of whack for a while. it's stabilized but I was retaining EVERYTHING I ate too. tired of fiddling around I had to try something different, so I cut out all artificial sweeteners... no sweet n low, no diet pepsi. and in 2 weeks I'm losing again...I can't say for sure if it's the sweeteners or if my thyroid is FINALLY doing it's thing... but there's no harm in trying both... I'm counting sugar I add to coffee now

Well good news is that literally the only things I drink are water and sweet tea. Or sometimes hot herbal/green tea with sugar that I also count. Maybe 3 times a year I'll have a regular pepsi at a bbq or similar. My parents are obsessed with artificial sweeteners. My mom splenda and my dad sweet'n'low. Splenda gives me headaches and sweet'n'low is just gross haha.

But I'm glad to hear that's working for you! I know there isn't a lot of hard evidence saying that artificial sweeteners are bad for you...but I can't imagine they're GOOD for you. Just depends on the person. I'm not persuaded one way or the other, I just don't like how they make things taste.

StaciMarie1974

Grams vs ounces doesn't really matter - though its easier to be precise with grams. 14g would be .5 ounces. When you get down to .25, .125, etc. ounces it can get a little tricky. Then again rounding at that level won't matter for much.