Frustrated

redwingsfan6712

Started my weight loss journey in Jan 2011. Started at 243lbs (I'm only 5') and got down to 130. I lost 115lbs simply by calorie counting alone. Never exercised. Got lazy with my counting over the past year and put on 30lbs. Now, I'm determined to get them off plus get to my goal weight of 115. Currently at 156 right now.

Started a new healthy eating plan and workout regimen on Memorial Day with my husband. Weight was 159. Slowly increased my workout from 11mph on the stationary bike for 20 mins to 16mph for 30, plus we do 10-20 mins of weight lifting every day, 5 days a week. I was initially eating only 1200 calories and usually not eating the exercise calories back, but a friend told me to bump it up to 1400.

The first week I lost 5lbs. 2nd week, nothing. 3rd week I bumped up to 1400 and gained 2lbs. This last week, I'm still the same. Since starting to lose weight, I never hit a plateau and was consistently losing 2-5lbs every week. Even when I got down to 130lbs, I was still losing just by staying at or slightly under 1200.

Now that I'm working out AND eating better, you'd think I'd have faster progress. It's driving me crazy only having lost 3lbs in an entire month. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Any suggestions?

graceire

It's common to gain when upping your calories, especially if you're also exercising. Your body is getting used to having enough fuel. This will drop off after a few weeks.

I input your stats into Scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-counter/ to calculate your BMR and TDEE. I put your exercise level at 3-5hrs/week of moderate exercise. To lose at TDEE - 20%, you should be eating at least 1763 calories. I know that probably sounds counter-intuitive, especially if you lost your weight by eating a low calorie diet without exercise. But your body needs the fuel now that you're exercising.

Visit the website--they have lots of good tips, and you can see the numbers for yourself.

Edited to correct daily calories; I had forgotten to add your age...

redwingsfan6712

Thanks for your response I honestly am afraid of eating that many calories but I have to try SOMETHING to jump start it!