Huge roadblock two years later... need to find a new method!

squishybarb

Hi Everyone!!!

It has been so long since I have visited the boards! I am coming to you all with a question and reaching out for some advice. I am sure there are many new people on here so let me recap!
I used myfitnesspal to lose about 35 pounds, almost 2 years ago. At my heaviest I was in the 180s, but when I began my journey on here I was about 165. I’m 5’4’’ with a solid build and curvy shape but felt heavy and uncomfortable in my clothes. I wanted to lose weight before our wedding on 12.13.14 and hit my goal weight at 133 in the fall of 2013! The wedding was great and I felt wonderful. I’ve managed to maintain weight within 6-10 pounds… (is that really "maintenance? dont think so..)

Time for the monkey wrench... I’ve always had digestive problems, even as a kid. But in March I began having “attacks.” I now cannot eat dairy, peanut butter, dark lettuce, anything spicy, fatty, heavily oiled/fried, cakes/cookies, heavy starches, tea/juices etc etc. If I "have" to eat them I can stomach maybe 4 or 5 bites without ruining the day. I don’t drink at all so that’s not an issue. I’m down to bland foods that give me no problems. My weekly foods consist of mostly egg whites, oatmeal, minimal cheese, low fat yogurt, grilled chicken, veggies, tomato sandwiches with avocado and “shakes” with minimal low fat yogurt. Some fruits and veggies depending on the day, time and what else I’ve eaten. If I eat "right," I feel GREAT!!! If I mess up, I burp forever, feel nauseous, painful and incredibly bloated for the rest of the day/night. If I have to eat anything I don’t prepare myself, I have to drink Pepto-Bismol before, during and after I eat for the rest of the day. If I eat after 6, I will wake up around 2-4 in such pain.. (I have also been emetophobic as long as I can remember.. and these nasty feelings are horrible on the phobia) I just had my third test done and results read today, my doctor says I’m young and healthy and “it’s just me and IBS”.. *shrug*

I know I lost weight the “wrong” way 2 years ago - 900 calories a day MAX with no exercise. I felt great (aka "skinny"), but I think I was doing myself more harm than good in the long run. I made it to 133 (sitting at 143 right now) but I’ve been shooting for 129 for the past 8 months with no luck whatsoever. My arms have always been “bigger” than the rest of me, and I still have that tiny pooch under my belly button and at the top of my thighs. My family tells me “I look great,” and “I shouldn’t worry about that,” because “I’m human." But it’s a personal goal I’ve always wanted to master for myself. I gain and lose the same 6-10 pounds over, and over, and over. My family has cancer, major obesity (aunts are both pushing 450 pounds), diabetes, heart problems, etc etc. I REFUSE to go down that path. It makes me angry. I'm stuck. I'm frustrated. And I am afraid.

In a nutshell, I think it’s a lack of muscle building, too much cardio, and way too few calories. I know how to lose weight, but I don’t know how to get lean, fit, and toned the right way. I graduated UCF 3 months ago so I now have time for the gym after work and not with my nose in the books. I want to get my body in great shape. I already go to the gym every day but I only do cardio for an hour. My husband told me he would teach me how to “lift heavy,” which is what I would really love to do. I am very afraid of immense weight gain if I up my calories to 1500 or so (cruise in 2 weeks!), since I kept my calories so low for so long, in addition to me not being able to eat certain things. I am looking for what’s worked best with women my age, weight and activity level in regards to calories in and what they do in the gym to get the best results. I am willing to throw out the scale (or have husband hide it - lol) and rely on measurements and what I see in the mirror as well. I just need some help..

I welcome any and all advice and I thank you for listening to my rant!!

Best wishes,
Squish!

BoxerBrawler

I can't tell you about anything calorie wise because I am the queen of restriction, but that's what works for me. I can tell you that I've been doing the StrongLifts 5x5 program for a couple of months and I can't believe the change in my body! It's awesome... Please Google it when you get a chance. You'll be lifting heavy but no fear, you won't bulk up... just the opposite. You'll get lean and toned (assuming you're eating enough calories). Good luck!