losing weight very slowly?
tawana_hendrix
Posts: 7 Member
Hi everyone,
I've been eating healthy and working out for 19 days (3 weeks on Monday), and I've only lost 5 pounds. I started at 155 and am now 150, but I work out 4-5 days a week, and push myself hard. I do about an hour of cardio (elliptical & treadmill) to the point where I'm going as fast as I can. I'm also doing weights - legs, arms, and ab machine. I eat about 1200-1400 calories a day and have cut out all sweets, soda, fried food, fast food, basically anything bad, and have been eating lots of veggies, fruits, whole grains, and water. Any tips on how to lose weight faster? 5 pounds in almost 3 weeks seems pretty low for how hard I've been pushing myself & how strict I've been with my diet. I'm thinking it has to do with the fact that I'm lifting weights, but I'm trying to get to 140 and it's getting frustrating to step on the scale and see that I'm maintaining my weight. Thanks!
I've been eating healthy and working out for 19 days (3 weeks on Monday), and I've only lost 5 pounds. I started at 155 and am now 150, but I work out 4-5 days a week, and push myself hard. I do about an hour of cardio (elliptical & treadmill) to the point where I'm going as fast as I can. I'm also doing weights - legs, arms, and ab machine. I eat about 1200-1400 calories a day and have cut out all sweets, soda, fried food, fast food, basically anything bad, and have been eating lots of veggies, fruits, whole grains, and water. Any tips on how to lose weight faster? 5 pounds in almost 3 weeks seems pretty low for how hard I've been pushing myself & how strict I've been with my diet. I'm thinking it has to do with the fact that I'm lifting weights, but I'm trying to get to 140 and it's getting frustrating to step on the scale and see that I'm maintaining my weight. Thanks!
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Replies
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5lbs in 3 weeks is a great rate of loss, you're not 200lbs over weight on biggest loser....0
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Not sure where you got the idea of 5lbs in 3 weeks being slow!! 2lbs/week is the fastest rate of loss you should be aiming for, and that's only if you're very overweight. When you've got 10lbs to lose you should be aiming for half a pound a week.
Also, "have cut out all sweets, soda, fried food, fast food, basically anything bad" - this has no effect on weight loss. There are no bad foods, only bad amounts of food. Everything is fine in moderation, and if you're in your calories, nothing will stop or slow your weight loss.
If you want to talk slow weight loss, I've lost 3lbs in 6 months!0 -
5 pounds in 3 weeks is 1.6 lbs/wk. That's actually very good. How much are you really expecting?
Some questions and things to consider:- Is your weight loss target appropriate? A rule of thumb is 0.5 lb/wk for every 25 lb overweight.
- Do you weigh ALL of your food and log accurately? If not, you can be eating more than you think.
- Do you log your exercise activities, and how much do you eat back if you do?
Also exercise can lead to some water weight retention as muscles repair.0 -
Probably lost water weight mostly.tawana_hendrix wrote: »Hi everyone,
I've been eating healthy and working out for 19 days (3 weeks on Monday), and I've only lost 5 pounds. I started at 155 and am now 150, but I work out 4-5 days a week, and push myself hard. I do about an hour of cardio (elliptical & treadmill) to the point where I'm going as fast as I can. I'm also doing weights - legs, arms, and ab machine. I eat about 1200-1400 calories a day and have cut out all sweets, soda, fried food, fast food, basically anything bad, and have been eating lots of veggies, fruits, whole grains, and water. Any tips on how to lose weight faster? 5 pounds in almost 3 weeks seems pretty low for how hard I've been pushing myself & how strict I've been with my diet. I'm thinking it has to do with the fact that I'm lifting weights, but I'm trying to get to 140 and it's getting frustrating to step on the scale and see that I'm maintaining my weight. Thanks!
I don't agree with cutting out stuff... deprivation leads to binging the majority of the time.
Weight lifting has nothing to do with it. It's not like you're going to be gaining muscle in a deficit because you're a woman; your caloric deficit deters you from doing so.
I reckon you are eating more than you think you are. DIDNT MEAN THIS TO BE IN HERE
If you aren't satisfied with the weight loss because you are 'pushing yourself'; you're doing things which don't even effect weight loss. Cutting out 'bad foods' doesn't do anything.0 -
IsaackGMOON wrote: »Probably lost water weight mostly.tawana_hendrix wrote: »Hi everyone,
I've been eating healthy and working out for 19 days (3 weeks on Monday), and I've only lost 5 pounds. I started at 155 and am now 150, but I work out 4-5 days a week, and push myself hard. I do about an hour of cardio (elliptical & treadmill) to the point where I'm going as fast as I can. I'm also doing weights - legs, arms, and ab machine. I eat about 1200-1400 calories a day and have cut out all sweets, soda, fried food, fast food, basically anything bad, and have been eating lots of veggies, fruits, whole grains, and water. Any tips on how to lose weight faster? 5 pounds in almost 3 weeks seems pretty low for how hard I've been pushing myself & how strict I've been with my diet. I'm thinking it has to do with the fact that I'm lifting weights, but I'm trying to get to 140 and it's getting frustrating to step on the scale and see that I'm maintaining my weight. Thanks!
I don't agree with cutting out stuff... deprivation leads to binging the majority of the time.
Weight lifting has nothing to do with it. It's not like you're going to be gaining muscle in a deficit because you're a woman; your caloric deficit deters you from doing so.
I reckon you are eating more than you think you are.
If you aren't satisfied with the weight loss because you are 'pushing yourself'; you're doing things which don't even effect weight loss. Cutting out 'bad foods' doesn't do anything.
I doubt it, her rate of loss is already high for her weight. It's not like she's actually struggling to lose weight. At least, even if she is eating more than she thinks, I don't think that's the problem here - the problem is her unrealistic expectations.
I do agree with everything you've said, I just don't think the problem is anything to do with her eating/exercise habits.0 -
You lost 5 lbs, thats not maintaining. Agree with above, there is value to your mental well being by not being overly restrictive with your food choices. The harder you make this on yourself, the harder it will be to maintain once you hit goal. Maintain your deficit, eat foods you enjoy in moderation, accept the fact that 5 lbs in 3 weeks is spot on for a good weight loss target, be happier. You are making great progress.0
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I have been on MFP for 3 weeks, lost 6 lb aiming for 1 lb a week, maybe slow and steady is good enough?? U r doing well and losing well done xx
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DemoraFairy wrote: »IsaackGMOON wrote: »Probably lost water weight mostly.tawana_hendrix wrote: »Hi everyone,
I've been eating healthy and working out for 19 days (3 weeks on Monday), and I've only lost 5 pounds. I started at 155 and am now 150, but I work out 4-5 days a week, and push myself hard. I do about an hour of cardio (elliptical & treadmill) to the point where I'm going as fast as I can. I'm also doing weights - legs, arms, and ab machine. I eat about 1200-1400 calories a day and have cut out all sweets, soda, fried food, fast food, basically anything bad, and have been eating lots of veggies, fruits, whole grains, and water. Any tips on how to lose weight faster? 5 pounds in almost 3 weeks seems pretty low for how hard I've been pushing myself & how strict I've been with my diet. I'm thinking it has to do with the fact that I'm lifting weights, but I'm trying to get to 140 and it's getting frustrating to step on the scale and see that I'm maintaining my weight. Thanks!
I don't agree with cutting out stuff... deprivation leads to binging the majority of the time.
Weight lifting has nothing to do with it. It's not like you're going to be gaining muscle in a deficit because you're a woman; your caloric deficit deters you from doing so.
I reckon you are eating more than you think you are.
If you aren't satisfied with the weight loss because you are 'pushing yourself'; you're doing things which don't even effect weight loss. Cutting out 'bad foods' doesn't do anything.
I doubt it, her rate of loss is already high for her weight. It's not like she's actually struggling to lose weight. At least, even if she is eating more than she thinks, I don't think that's the problem here - the problem is her unrealistic expectations.
I do agree with everything you've said, I just don't think the problem is anything to do with her eating/exercise habits.
Derp I meant to edit that bit out which was in bold (the first bit)
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That is an excellent weight loss !!!!
Keep doing what you are.
Some water weight will happen with lifting weights.0 -
IsaackGMOON wrote: »DemoraFairy wrote: »IsaackGMOON wrote: »Probably lost water weight mostly.tawana_hendrix wrote: »Hi everyone,
I've been eating healthy and working out for 19 days (3 weeks on Monday), and I've only lost 5 pounds. I started at 155 and am now 150, but I work out 4-5 days a week, and push myself hard. I do about an hour of cardio (elliptical & treadmill) to the point where I'm going as fast as I can. I'm also doing weights - legs, arms, and ab machine. I eat about 1200-1400 calories a day and have cut out all sweets, soda, fried food, fast food, basically anything bad, and have been eating lots of veggies, fruits, whole grains, and water. Any tips on how to lose weight faster? 5 pounds in almost 3 weeks seems pretty low for how hard I've been pushing myself & how strict I've been with my diet. I'm thinking it has to do with the fact that I'm lifting weights, but I'm trying to get to 140 and it's getting frustrating to step on the scale and see that I'm maintaining my weight. Thanks!
I don't agree with cutting out stuff... deprivation leads to binging the majority of the time.
Weight lifting has nothing to do with it. It's not like you're going to be gaining muscle in a deficit because you're a woman; your caloric deficit deters you from doing so.
I reckon you are eating more than you think you are.
If you aren't satisfied with the weight loss because you are 'pushing yourself'; you're doing things which don't even effect weight loss. Cutting out 'bad foods' doesn't do anything.
I doubt it, her rate of loss is already high for her weight. It's not like she's actually struggling to lose weight. At least, even if she is eating more than she thinks, I don't think that's the problem here - the problem is her unrealistic expectations.
I do agree with everything you've said, I just don't think the problem is anything to do with her eating/exercise habits.
Derp I meant to edit that bit out which was in bold (the first bit)
Haha, gotta be faster! :P0 -
DemoraFairy wrote: »IsaackGMOON wrote: »DemoraFairy wrote: »IsaackGMOON wrote: »Probably lost water weight mostly.tawana_hendrix wrote: »Hi everyone,
I've been eating healthy and working out for 19 days (3 weeks on Monday), and I've only lost 5 pounds. I started at 155 and am now 150, but I work out 4-5 days a week, and push myself hard. I do about an hour of cardio (elliptical & treadmill) to the point where I'm going as fast as I can. I'm also doing weights - legs, arms, and ab machine. I eat about 1200-1400 calories a day and have cut out all sweets, soda, fried food, fast food, basically anything bad, and have been eating lots of veggies, fruits, whole grains, and water. Any tips on how to lose weight faster? 5 pounds in almost 3 weeks seems pretty low for how hard I've been pushing myself & how strict I've been with my diet. I'm thinking it has to do with the fact that I'm lifting weights, but I'm trying to get to 140 and it's getting frustrating to step on the scale and see that I'm maintaining my weight. Thanks!
I don't agree with cutting out stuff... deprivation leads to binging the majority of the time.
Weight lifting has nothing to do with it. It's not like you're going to be gaining muscle in a deficit because you're a woman; your caloric deficit deters you from doing so.
I reckon you are eating more than you think you are.
If you aren't satisfied with the weight loss because you are 'pushing yourself'; you're doing things which don't even effect weight loss. Cutting out 'bad foods' doesn't do anything.
I doubt it, her rate of loss is already high for her weight. It's not like she's actually struggling to lose weight. At least, even if she is eating more than she thinks, I don't think that's the problem here - the problem is her unrealistic expectations.
I do agree with everything you've said, I just don't think the problem is anything to do with her eating/exercise habits.
Derp I meant to edit that bit out which was in bold (the first bit)
Haha, gotta be faster! :P
It's friday ok
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It took me a few weeks to start loosing when I worked out hard. Not sure if you have muscle soreness but if your workouts are more intense then you are used to, you might have DOMS which can cause temporary fluid retention. Just work through it and you will find that your weight loss will go down dramatically. I also agree that your weight loss so far is amazing, it's a process that doesn't happen in a few weeks.
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Are you obesse? Because only then will you be able to lose 2lbs of FAT a week.
If you are at a normal weight, you should probably be aiming for 0.5lbs a week.
And you are seriously tinkering with losing more muscle mass than you have to when you start exceeding 0.7% of bodyweight lost per week, which you currently are.
Reduce the restrictions and reduce the exercise to the amounts you intend to continue to do and consume over the next (five for most people, but lets just say in you case only) two years.
I am assuming in all this that your goal is not just to lose 10lbs and then go right back to gaining it next month when you are no longer quite as "good".... or is it? I mean stats say that most people don't maintain their weight losses; but at least try to give yourself a fighting chance!0 -
5 pounds in 3 weeks is AWESOME and you are not that overweight to begin with. If I lose 2 pounds in a month I get excited...0
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With only 10 pounds to lose your rate of loss will be slow. I'd be ecstatic if I lost 5 pounds in a month.0
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Awesome work, keep it up!0
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2lbs/week that is optimal loss rate. Going any faster will do you more bad than good.0
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Good job!!! Keep it up
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You are 150 lbs. You shouldn't be trying to lose 2 lbs a week. Weight loss isn't a race. Slow and steady is optimal.0
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You're fine0
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I started at 160 lbs on the 23rd of June. I have lost 5 lbs since that time. I was really excited. I hope to get down to 127 lbs but I realize it will take time.
Keep it up, I think you are doing great!0 -
thanks so much for the advice everyone! i realized i was being too hard on myself, and i actually feel really good with healthier eating/working out. 0
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Sounds like you are doing great.
In your case I think 1 pound per week would be better.0 -
Make sure you're also focusing on creating eating habits that are sustainable. Cutting out entire groups of foods rarely is something that will last. Give yourself room for an occasional treat.
Personally, I don't believe in "good" or "bad" foods. I believe there are "healthy" and "less healthy" foods. While I try to find/make some healthier versions of my favorites, in some cases, nothing replaces the real thing!0 -
IsaackGMOON wrote: »DemoraFairy wrote: »IsaackGMOON wrote: »DemoraFairy wrote: »IsaackGMOON wrote: »Probably lost water weight mostly.tawana_hendrix wrote: »Hi everyone,
I've been eating healthy and working out for 19 days (3 weeks on Monday), and I've only lost 5 pounds. I started at 155 and am now 150, but I work out 4-5 days a week, and push myself hard. I do about an hour of cardio (elliptical & treadmill) to the point where I'm going as fast as I can. I'm also doing weights - legs, arms, and ab machine. I eat about 1200-1400 calories a day and have cut out all sweets, soda, fried food, fast food, basically anything bad, and have been eating lots of veggies, fruits, whole grains, and water. Any tips on how to lose weight faster? 5 pounds in almost 3 weeks seems pretty low for how hard I've been pushing myself & how strict I've been with my diet. I'm thinking it has to do with the fact that I'm lifting weights, but I'm trying to get to 140 and it's getting frustrating to step on the scale and see that I'm maintaining my weight. Thanks!
I don't agree with cutting out stuff... deprivation leads to binging the majority of the time.
Weight lifting has nothing to do with it. It's not like you're going to be gaining muscle in a deficit because you're a woman; your caloric deficit deters you from doing so.
I reckon you are eating more than you think you are.
If you aren't satisfied with the weight loss because you are 'pushing yourself'; you're doing things which don't even effect weight loss. Cutting out 'bad foods' doesn't do anything.
I doubt it, her rate of loss is already high for her weight. It's not like she's actually struggling to lose weight. At least, even if she is eating more than she thinks, I don't think that's the problem here - the problem is her unrealistic expectations.
I do agree with everything you've said, I just don't think the problem is anything to do with her eating/exercise habits.
Derp I meant to edit that bit out which was in bold (the first bit)
Haha, gotta be faster! :P
It's friday ok
dw
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Thats not slow, thats exactly where you should be at! Be proud of that 0
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Sounds like your right on track... In fact we are Similair stats and its taken me longer to lose0
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It takes a long time. Five pounds in three weeks is wonderful! It's not slow!
If you feel like you're killing yourself, slow down. Let it come off a little slower.
Short of starvation, there is no fast way to lose weight. It takes a lot of work for a long time. Maybe not as hard as you've been pushing, lol, but it takes work, time and buckets of patience. Hang in there, do the work and it will happen. 0 -
Your body is now using fewer calories to maintain your weight and because of your lower weight, it will come off slower. Trust me, most of us would love to say we only have 10 lbs to go. Get a fat loss monitor because fat loss may or may not show up on the scale. Don't go under 1,200 calories.0
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