It's working, it's just so freaking slow.

haibu
haibu Posts: 67 Member
so, I started doing a daily weigh-in and tracking it with a trend app (happy scale) and thankfully there's a downward trend and its correlating to 0.5lb/week (the math worked!), but goddamn it feels slow.

At this rate, I will achieve my goal sometime in the fall. I'm going to remember this the next time my weight starts creeping up, that is, how long it freaking takes to creep back down. Soooo long.

Last time I fought these ten pounds off it was a hellish 1200 calorie month spent running my *kitten* off, and, of course, they came back. This time, I'm trying to do it differently, but goddamn, it's hard in its own way.

Anyway, that's all, just learning a lot about patience and endurance.

Replies

  • tigerblue
    tigerblue Posts: 1,526 Member
    I'm with you 100%. It is tempting to just cut calories drastically and get it over with. But not as sustainable for sure! And then there is the fact that when you lose 1/2 lb per week, it can totally be masked by water retention, hormones, when you went to the bathroom last, etc. etc. grr!
  • Gska17
    Gska17 Posts: 752 Member
    I hear you. Mine is so slow I can't help but wonder if this is it...my goal weight. I thought I'd wanted to lose another 5 but I don't know if it's possible!

    I don't want to cut back to 1,200 (what MFP had originally assigned me). I wasn't happy.
  • haibu
    haibu Posts: 67 Member
    tigerblue wrote: »
    And then there is the fact that when you lose 1/2 lb per week, it can totally be masked by water retention, hormones, when you went to the bathroom last, etc. etc. grr!

    This! Drives me insane (hence the daily weigh-ins/trend tracking). Blargh!!!
  • bbrigman520
    bbrigman520 Posts: 8 Member
    Gska17 wrote: »
    I hear you. Mine is so slow I can't help but wonder if this is it...my goal weight. I thought I'd wanted to lose another 5 but I don't know if it's possible!

    I don't want to cut back to 1,200 (what MFP had originally assigned me). I wasn't happy.


    I know it's hard. I've just started and haven't lost a pound yet. But if you're 5 lbs away from your goal keep going. You are so close. You can do it.
  • gypsyish
    gypsyish Posts: 78 Member
    This is my freaking life right now, and where the weight is coming off my body isn't where I want it to. I feel like I have this inner tube of stubborn fat around my belly that's clinging on until the last possible second!
  • MacMadame
    MacMadame Posts: 1,893 Member
    The stomach is the last place it comes off for me too.
  • FitnessasmyWitness
    FitnessasmyWitness Posts: 67 Member
    Hey hey hey... at least it's coming OFF for you all.
    I started a rigid exercise program and have been tracking religiously both food and calories with my Polar v800. I'm actually up a couple pounds since starting a month ago... -.- (hopefully it's just water weight from my muscles retaining though.... I've heard it can take a month or two to totally even out).
  • dlajambe
    dlajambe Posts: 32 Member
    This is exactly what is happening to me! I'm so close to my goal weight but I'm really not happy with the way my body looks. I just can't seem to lose that jiggly fat around my waist
  • dlajambe
    dlajambe Posts: 32 Member
    I think I will have to amp up my strength training to get results!
  • carole4000
    carole4000 Posts: 50 Member
    Hi. Lost 5lb since Christmas, so that is on average 1lb a month
    .. ahh! However find I am actually losing and gaining the same few pounds for ages before a proper pound is gone. Would ideally like to lose 7-10lbs - any ideas whats going on? Calories 1200 - 1800 but consistently on lower side.
  • amillenium
    amillenium Posts: 281 Member
    Hey hey hey... at least it's coming OFF for you all.
    I started a rigid exercise program and have been tracking religiously both food and calories with my Polar v800. I'm actually up a couple pounds since starting a month ago... -.- (hopefully it's just water weight from my muscles retaining though.... I've heard it can take a month or two to totally even out).

    That is totally water weight but I did something similar and it was so demoralizing to see the scale go up...I stuck with it though and then I started to see it creep back down.
  • melodyis4reals
    melodyis4reals Posts: 186 Member
    It's really comforting to know I'm not the only one losing weight slowly. It can be discouraging when the scale fluctuates! I have to continue reminding myself to keep on keeping on!
  • pepita15
    pepita15 Posts: 5 Member
    Anyone want to share what type of eating they followed? Eating every 2 hrs, 3 hours, not eating for 12 hours? I'm starting and I'm confused as to the best way to parcel out my 1200 calories. Thanks
  • jackielou867
    jackielou867 Posts: 422 Member
    My maintenance at 65kilo was 2200, at 1750-1800 a week I have steadily lost 3 kilos (6.5lbs) over 10 weeks. This is fat water and a little muscle, if I eat any less I will lose loads of muscle and end up skinny fat, which was what I ended up 2 years ago, I spent almost a year GAINING back 6 kilos by strength training, to gain muscle, so next time I hit 60kilo (2.5 to go) it will look awesome.
    I am sorry, but you can't rush this, when you try, by under eating, you WILL fail. I am an expert in this, not by any special college degree but by having FAILED for over 20 years! For over a year now I have been getting it right. See my profile pic.
    Also you cannot spot reduce, crash dieting 2 yearsago, when that stubborn last 2 kilos would not budge, lost me my bum and my boobs, big price to pay for a flat belly that only GAINING weight, then losing SLOWLY have achieved.

    Pepita do what you find easiest. I tried 5:2 but I hate the fast days. I mostly eat 5-6 days and have protein in every meal. Count all calories properly, no guessing, and log exercise accurately. I actually aim to eat under most days by a little so i can have a little extra 2 days, like a meal out with hubby. I pay closer attention to my weekly average than my daily.

    Good luck to you all. I hope you stick to it, sensibly, and get to your goals.
  • jackielou867
    jackielou867 Posts: 422 Member
    sorry I meant 5-6 meals per day
  • Cassiea199
    Cassiea199 Posts: 21 Member
    Im in the same boat. Its so discouraging when u try really hard and u feel like its not making a difference. Sometimes i feel like its because im not trying harder enough. But im sticking with it. I remember reading a motivational poster that said "its a slow process dont make it slower by quitting" and another one that says "dont wait until you have reached your goal to be proud of yourself. Be proud of every step you take toward reaching that goal." I kno its kind of corny but it keeps me going. I try and keep in mind that many people struggle with starting and maintaining this healthy lifestyle but it works for people who stick with it and its the right way and the best way. Its not some diet pill that claims to work. It really does work and it gets better results then anything else. Its just hard. I also think that having goals like this that u have to work hard to achieve and u can take step by step helps fight off depression and makes u a happier person. Its pretty much a hobby. You just have to find a way to enjoy it.
  • carole4000
    carole4000 Posts: 50 Member
    Think I have found my maintenance is 1750 calories - going to try to eat less! Tried 1200 for 4 days didn't lose anything. Now going for somewhere in the middle. :)
  • tigerblue
    tigerblue Posts: 1,526 Member
    @pepita15-- I too have a lower cal goal when cutting (I'm set at maintenance right now). Here are a few thoughts:

    1. I always log exercise and eat back most of the calories. That leaves me with about 1400-1500 total cals most days.
    2. To make those cals stretch through the day I eat a small breakfast (250 cals) and a small lunch (300-350 cals). Then I can have a small snack (under 200 cals) and still have enough left for a moderate sensible dinner (500-700 calories is usually enough for a decent dinner). If I have more exercise calories then I add another snack, a larger dinner portion, a small dessert, or a glass of wine.

    Hope that helps.
  • boslass
    boslass Posts: 2 Member
    My issue is that as soon as I get close to my goal weight (within 10lbs) I relax a little bit and then start to gain without realising, it is really hard to maintain discipline in weight loss. Additionally, the last month has been the last month of uni, and with pizza parties, takeaway nights, drinking and parties... well, I've piled on the pounds :') I'm almost right back where I started, which is devastating! But I just need to work hard again and I'll get there.
  • katieannebrown
    katieannebrown Posts: 19 Member
    boslass wrote: »
    My issue is that as soon as I get close to my goal weight (within 10lbs) I relax a little bit and then start to gain without realising

    This is what I do too. I relax a little and before I know it, I have skipped too many workouts and overindulged too many times. But yeah, completely agree, it is so slow...I am trying to lose those last few pounds that just seem to be more stubborn than I am
  • RMLMoore
    RMLMoore Posts: 130 Member
    That is me too. I need to keep on the daily weigh ins or oe I relax too much and its 5 pounds to lose. I have 6 - 7 to go but they are going slowly ....
  • 19jackie54
    19jackie54 Posts: 3 Member
    My nutrition coach tells me not to eat my exercise calories and has me at 1400 a day no matter how much exercise I do. I usually do 300-400 exercise calories each day. I think that's why it's working for me now as I have done this before and I always ate my exercise calories. I only want to lose 7-10 and the first 4 came off in the first month. I hope it keeps going, slow and steady wins the race. I am being more patient this time and hoping it stays off.
  • 19jackie54
    19jackie54 Posts: 3 Member
    pepita15 wrote: »
    Anyone want to share what type of eating they followed? Eating every 2 hrs, 3 hours, not eating for 12 hours? I'm starting and I'm confused as to the best way to parcel out my 1200 calories. Thanks

    I space mine out over 3 small to moderate meals and 2 snacks. So I generally eat something every two hours. I always have carrots and cucumbers with me so I can have them if the 2 hours is tough. I take in more for breakfast if I have time, and do a lighter lunch and dinner. This way I can eat something a couple of hours after dinner because I cannot eat very big meals.
  • Suzettedl
    Suzettedl Posts: 30 Member
    I am so frustrated. I want to loose 15 pounds. The last time I did it through weight watchers. I have tracked for ten days and gained weight. 1200 calories but not much exercise. I gained. I think I need daily weigh ins too because it is too disappointing to wait a week and then find out you haven't made progress. Looking for friends to stay motivated
  • MamaBirdBoss
    MamaBirdBoss Posts: 1,516 Member
    Remember also that it depends on a LOT of things how much you gain or lose in total pounds over a short period. Women tend to have more issues with water weight varying depending on the time of the month. :) You may have lost one pound of fat and gained 3 (temporarily) in water!
  • starfish235
    starfish235 Posts: 129 Member
    The last calories are a smaller percent of the total you need for maintance is the deal. Keep a more accurate count of each calorie is the other thing. The fit bit has been helping a lot in recent months.

  • Jen2133
    Jen2133 Posts: 95 Member
    Anyone want to share what type of eating they followed?

    New to this group and am half way to my goal. I started at 143lbs two months ago, now at 134.8lbs, aiming for 125lbs!

    I am having a smoothie for breakfast and lunch (about 350 calories each) and then a healthy, balanced dinner of about 500 - 700 calories. Depending how much exercise I do, I will usually eat-back about half of the calories in healthy snacks. I'm avoiding processed food and sugar, but do enjoy a glass of wine with dinner :)
  • Sherryfood95
    Sherryfood95 Posts: 58 Member
    Yep, I can make quick losses but they aren't permanent. The real fat takes time. It is so discouraging to work so hard for so little loss. I'm just grateful I don't have more to lose at this pace.
  • beckajnolan
    beckajnolan Posts: 1 Member
    edited June 2015
    I had lost 23 pounds, I was on a 1200 calorie a day diet, running 5km 5 days a week and was at my goal weight. Made it through Christmas without a pound gained and two weeks ago I found myself 10lbs heavier, and back to 1200 calories a day. I eat two egg whites everyone morning and cottage cheese, keep lots of cut up veggies close at hand at work, spinach salad, at lunch and usually meat and potatoes at supper. I tried other types of lettuce for my salad but nothing fills me up like spinach does. No changes in my weight yet but I definitly have more energy.

    If I am hungry I'll drink a cup of water and wait ten minutes before I have a snack. I find it helps keep me from oversnacking.

    Congrats on your progress everyone
  • RRDKRD
    RRDKRD Posts: 2 Member
    I also drink a glass of water before I eat. I find most of the time it keeps me from snacking at all. One of my biggest changes has been eating clean as much as possible. I also don't stress out about eating breakfast anymore, if I am not hungry I don't eat. If I am I usually have a fruit and protein shake, or keep it simple with an egg and fruit. So far this is working for me. I lost 5 lbs in the last two weeks, 45 more lbs to go. It seemed to take a while before I ever saw definite weight loss, and I was about to get very discouraged, then boom, weight loss. I weighed myself morning and night just to make sure it wasn't just a regular daily fluctuation in weight, and to make sure it was really gone. (I have gone back to a once a week weigh in.) I am rejoicing in every step or lb towards my goal.
    Sometimes progress is measured by gaining muscle, by being healthier, but as long as we keep going it eventually shows in weight loss. :sweat_smile: