Hello

boozenet

I thought I'd introduce myself.

I've been dieting since the 1 March 2013 and have currently lost 39 lbs.

My target weight is 15 stone from 20 stone 11 and I'm currently at 18 stone.

I think I'm reaching the plateau stage despite carefully eating and rigorous exercise.

I'm hoping that you guys can help me carry on and help me reach my target weight and maybe I can help support some of the people who may be struggling also.

Cheers,

Paul

coopers11

Great result Paul, keep it up!

If you're plateau-ing remember that as you're lighter you don't need as many calories so reducing them will help keep your body losing.

As long as you feel good and your body is looking better you'll still have the motivation to keep going!

JustPeachy044

Are you taking rest days to let your body recover from the vigorous exercise?

And have you looked into calorie cycling? Sometimes adjusting your intake from day to day, some being high and others low, can keep your body "guessing" and help you lose. It could be you aren't eating enough. What is your calorie intake set at?

Are you measuring? It could be that your body is changing in other ways---more muscle tone and less fat. Even though the scale is not moving, you could be improving! Muscle is more dense than fat, so if you are building that and losing fat, this is preferable to losing straight up pounds.

mockchoc

Hi Paul, you haven't been logging except one day from what I an tell so how many calories have you been on give us some more details like height, activity level, weight etc.. I get the feeling you have been on very low calories and need to up them actually. Too low calories can cause a plateau. Going lower isn't always the right choice.

bdtyson77302

Hi Paul, you haven't been logging except one day from what I an tell so how many calories have you been on give us some more details like height, activity level, weight etc.. I get the feeling you have been on very low calories and need to up them actually. Too low calories can cause a plateau. Going lower isn't always the right choice.

I agree. I have been on maintenance for awhile but I remember that I had to up my calories when I hit a plateau. Someone on MFP gave me that advice and I thought they were crazy..how can raising your calorie intake help you lose? I was eating around 1250 calories a day and raised it to 1600 for two weeks and boom....last eight pounds GONE! I hit my goal weight awhile ago and have been able to use MFP to stay on track. I have been at a conference since last Thursday so these past seven days won't be helpful but I'm back to normal activity today if you'd like to look at my diary. Best wishes to you...this site is amazing..it works!!

harley1968

Hello Paul and well done so far, great work

Have sent you a friends request

ohiowhthse

I was in somewhat the same boat and gave up when I hit plateau. That is NOT going to happen this time! I've been pretty consistent on exercise and of course calorie in take. This week it did UP my calories by 50. Now that might not seem like much, but trust me IT DOES! Do you chart your activity and all on here? Might need to take exercise down to every other day, or try different types of workouts. Fluctuating the intensity can help as well!

boozenet

Thanks for all your replies.

I joined the group because I feel that I'm at the point where I need some other ideas to further my weight loss and from what your all saying, I've come to the right place.

My calorie intake as been around 1500 a day since 1 March on week days, increasing with alcohol consumption to around 2000 per day on a Friday and Saturday sometimes a bit more.

As a result, I've seen an increase of 2 pounds from the weekend when I weigh on Monday morning. I quickly lose the 2 pounds gained throughout the week and then go on to lose around 2 pounds more. I have managed to lose a significant amount using this method combined with spin classes, cycling, walking and general aerobic gym work. My shape has changed a great deal and I've had to add to extra holes to my belt and shorten it and I'm wearing smaller shirts and trousers.

I usually exercise 5 or 6 days out of 7.

It could be that expect too much too soon?

Last Friday I was 18 stone, on Monday I was 18 stone 2 pounds and today I'm 18 stone. I have not been able to do better than that this week despite pushing really hard at the gym.

I've now started logging my food and exercise on this site to get an idea of what might be happening. Already my sugar is showing a red minus after just an apple and banana, so that is a surprise.

I think I may have to reduce the alcohol intake at the weekend?

Paul

mockchoc

Paul here are a couple of links so you can see how many calories you should eat. I think you aren't getting enough but this will tell you for sure.

With the first you just need the first page - Dan knows his stuff! :

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/975025-in-place-of-a-road-map-short-n-sweet

Or this is even simpler. You can still have more calories on the weekend like I do and less through the week:

http://www.fitnessfrog.com/calculators/tdee-calculator.html

ohiowhthse

Standard caloric intake for a male to lose is 1800 calories. As much as I loved my drinking on the weekends, I've found it much easier to lose not partaking. I've had to ask myself do I really want to work out harder to lose these "drinks" or go without and stay on track. It's actually been easier for me to stay on track. Don't "drink" your calories I guess is what I'm trying to say Make sure you are eating, and MFP will help guide you as to when to add more calories! Love it, I was just bumped to 1250 lol.