Stuck in a mysterious situation -
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Dsaxline
Posts: 16
First, this might be kind of long--but I want to give the full story. Huge thank you to your opinions!
May 2012, I was at my peak weight of 210. I am 5'8" and 24 y/o. I decided that since bad diseases and genes run in the family, I wanted to make myself healthy so I can get older being in excellent shape. I joined a gym called Kosama. It is sort of a boot camp/cross fit type deal working with muscle confusion. I slowly started eating better and in 6 months of hard work I lost maybe 20 pounds. It was awesome.
Now- fast forward 6 more months .. I moved and so I started running in the couch to 5k program and wasn't really seeing anything. I wasn't eating great but not terribly either. For some reason those 6 months were a blurr. I thought it was weird that I was running 4 days per week and wasn't able to improve. Now (6 months later again-- I still can't improve my running).
This February of 2013, I weighed 170. I started to eliminate all processed foods, added sugars, white breads/pastas (only eating 100% whole wheat) added healthy fats like avocados, salmon, chia seeds, you name it. Eating about 80% clean and at least 5 servings of veggies a day. No msg, no high fructose corn syrup, no sodium nitrate, etc. It is now July and I've been doing that since February and only dropped about 5-6 pounds right towards the start. I began increasing my cardio , strength training and saw nothing. With being really frustrated, I got a body composition test done. Results were weird. I am 165 pounds, 35% body fat 32% lean muscle and 33% Extra cellular mass. This was done by doing height and weight and hooking me up to this nifty little calipers. I drink approximately 70 oz of water per day (this is new to the last month or so) and I have a good intake of fiber. I am constipated ALL of the time. I always have a protruding stomach. It begins in the morning flat and the second I even drink water, it puffs out like I'm 5 months pregnant. I work my core, but not overly so because I know that I need to lose fat, not just gain muscle.
So, I eat clean. Exercise very regularly. Sleep 8 hours per night. Track my calories (which my BMR is 1400 according to the composition test done). And since March or so, I haven't seen any weight come off OR look any different. I'm not as concerned about the number on the scale as I am my physical appearance.
Steps taken:
My chiropractor is a nutritionist so suggested I start with my colon. I am on a probiotic 225 billion live. I don't see anything from that so I'm going to try a different brand. Any recommendations?
With that, I have had issues regulating my body temperature. I'm randomly cold sometimes and can't get warm no matter how many layers I put on (last night was reallllly bad) and I am fatigued even with healthy eating and regular exercise. I can't lose weight and I gather all of my fat on my midsection. I had my thyroid tested and normal levels are between .45-4.5. I read that even above 2.5 you can start seeing symptoms of thyroid issues. My TSH sensitive level is a 1.8
Then, the chiro/nutritionist said I was showing signs of adrenal fatigue and estrogen imbalance. He had me try the DIM supplement that removes the bad estrogens only leaving the good estrogens which would help my symptoms. I'm not sure if I saw much of a difference. I felt I did and then I felt I didn't. I did this for 1 1/2 months and now am off of it. (Due to running out)
With that not showing a huge difference- I am now suggested a high protein diet and build muscle in order to burn more fat. He recommended this Isogenix program, but after some research, I declined. I'm trying more whole foods protein as well as the Elite Gourmet protein powder in a smoothie for breakfast and immediately after a workout. Just this last week though, I've noticed more fat and poofyness around my midsection. Like the layer of fat doubled. I haven't changed in weight which means I would have lost muscle. With the high protein and strength training, why am I losing muscle? My strength sessions are Monday, Tuesday and Friday for 45 minutes each with running half a mile beforehand and either running or biking to the gym.
I workout 4-5 days a week and burn between 400-1000 calories each workout. I run for the most part and mix it with strength training. I use a heart rate monitor to calculate those numbers. I also eat back my calories so I net around 1400 ( my BMR) each day.
THE CONFUSING PART::: I am netting around 1400 calories per day. 1200 if I am less active. I am deficiting about 4,000 calories per week and not losing weight or seeing a body change. What is happening when I "burn" all of these calories? Is ash just accumulating in my body? It's nuts how you deficit so much and see no physical change.
It's so frustrating to see people doing less than I am dropping weight like crazy and I am so focused on this--and seeing nothing. I have been told maybe I am doing too much or am too focused on it. But the second I lose focus and quit counting calories, I go from maintaining to gaining weight. I don't like that my stomach becomes distended with anything I ingest. It makes me feel large and heavy and wrecks havoc on my confidence and emotions. I also hate being plugged up.
I won't give up though. I want to be lean and healthy and strong!
May 2012, I was at my peak weight of 210. I am 5'8" and 24 y/o. I decided that since bad diseases and genes run in the family, I wanted to make myself healthy so I can get older being in excellent shape. I joined a gym called Kosama. It is sort of a boot camp/cross fit type deal working with muscle confusion. I slowly started eating better and in 6 months of hard work I lost maybe 20 pounds. It was awesome.
Now- fast forward 6 more months .. I moved and so I started running in the couch to 5k program and wasn't really seeing anything. I wasn't eating great but not terribly either. For some reason those 6 months were a blurr. I thought it was weird that I was running 4 days per week and wasn't able to improve. Now (6 months later again-- I still can't improve my running).
This February of 2013, I weighed 170. I started to eliminate all processed foods, added sugars, white breads/pastas (only eating 100% whole wheat) added healthy fats like avocados, salmon, chia seeds, you name it. Eating about 80% clean and at least 5 servings of veggies a day. No msg, no high fructose corn syrup, no sodium nitrate, etc. It is now July and I've been doing that since February and only dropped about 5-6 pounds right towards the start. I began increasing my cardio , strength training and saw nothing. With being really frustrated, I got a body composition test done. Results were weird. I am 165 pounds, 35% body fat 32% lean muscle and 33% Extra cellular mass. This was done by doing height and weight and hooking me up to this nifty little calipers. I drink approximately 70 oz of water per day (this is new to the last month or so) and I have a good intake of fiber. I am constipated ALL of the time. I always have a protruding stomach. It begins in the morning flat and the second I even drink water, it puffs out like I'm 5 months pregnant. I work my core, but not overly so because I know that I need to lose fat, not just gain muscle.
So, I eat clean. Exercise very regularly. Sleep 8 hours per night. Track my calories (which my BMR is 1400 according to the composition test done). And since March or so, I haven't seen any weight come off OR look any different. I'm not as concerned about the number on the scale as I am my physical appearance.
Steps taken:
My chiropractor is a nutritionist so suggested I start with my colon. I am on a probiotic 225 billion live. I don't see anything from that so I'm going to try a different brand. Any recommendations?
With that, I have had issues regulating my body temperature. I'm randomly cold sometimes and can't get warm no matter how many layers I put on (last night was reallllly bad) and I am fatigued even with healthy eating and regular exercise. I can't lose weight and I gather all of my fat on my midsection. I had my thyroid tested and normal levels are between .45-4.5. I read that even above 2.5 you can start seeing symptoms of thyroid issues. My TSH sensitive level is a 1.8
Then, the chiro/nutritionist said I was showing signs of adrenal fatigue and estrogen imbalance. He had me try the DIM supplement that removes the bad estrogens only leaving the good estrogens which would help my symptoms. I'm not sure if I saw much of a difference. I felt I did and then I felt I didn't. I did this for 1 1/2 months and now am off of it. (Due to running out)
With that not showing a huge difference- I am now suggested a high protein diet and build muscle in order to burn more fat. He recommended this Isogenix program, but after some research, I declined. I'm trying more whole foods protein as well as the Elite Gourmet protein powder in a smoothie for breakfast and immediately after a workout. Just this last week though, I've noticed more fat and poofyness around my midsection. Like the layer of fat doubled. I haven't changed in weight which means I would have lost muscle. With the high protein and strength training, why am I losing muscle? My strength sessions are Monday, Tuesday and Friday for 45 minutes each with running half a mile beforehand and either running or biking to the gym.
I workout 4-5 days a week and burn between 400-1000 calories each workout. I run for the most part and mix it with strength training. I use a heart rate monitor to calculate those numbers. I also eat back my calories so I net around 1400 ( my BMR) each day.
THE CONFUSING PART::: I am netting around 1400 calories per day. 1200 if I am less active. I am deficiting about 4,000 calories per week and not losing weight or seeing a body change. What is happening when I "burn" all of these calories? Is ash just accumulating in my body? It's nuts how you deficit so much and see no physical change.
It's so frustrating to see people doing less than I am dropping weight like crazy and I am so focused on this--and seeing nothing. I have been told maybe I am doing too much or am too focused on it. But the second I lose focus and quit counting calories, I go from maintaining to gaining weight. I don't like that my stomach becomes distended with anything I ingest. It makes me feel large and heavy and wrecks havoc on my confidence and emotions. I also hate being plugged up.
I won't give up though. I want to be lean and healthy and strong!
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Replies
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The only suggestion I have at this point is to ask: do you have any food allergies? I'm lactose intolerant. I bloat up the INSTANT I eat cheese or drink milk, ice cream, etc.
I take Align probiotic and I actually had to cut BACK on the fiber because that can take you in either direction for constipation! I take lactaid if there's anything remotely resembling milk or a product of a cow (includes cream and buttermilk, etc. yes, even yogurt).
Without being able to see your diary, it's a bit hard to tell....
BMR of 1460 would be pretty accurate, but you need to be sure you are netting this amount at the very least even after all your exercise. If you are burning 1000 calories, you need to eat at least 2460 calories in order to survive....
If all else fails, have someone take a look at your galbladder? Maybe you're body isn't creating the right enzymes to digest the food you are giving it. It could be any number of things that only your doctor can really test for. I'm just throwing things out there - I am not a doctor, or a fitness expert in any way, shape or form. Good luck?0 -
You are probably not eating enough for your level of activity and your body size. You create stress on your body when you cut calories that much and train hard. This creates excess cortisol (stress hormone), which over the long term causes adrenal fatigue.
My opinion would be to take a complete diet break for 6 weeks, eating at your maintenance TDEE level, and reducing your workouts. Your body needs a rest.0 -
At the risk of offending you, I would have to suggest you abandon the chiropractor/nutritionist and see a regular physician. I see a trend where you are diagnosed with something and then sold an herbal remedy. I will suggest this as delicately as I can, but perhaps your chiropractor is more interested in selling you supplements than fixing the issue? I am probably wrong but I'm just throwing it out there. This is not the right place to discuss the efficacy of chiropractors.
A physician is trained to diagnose such things. He can order a few simple tests to check your endocrine system and then determine if you need to see a specialist.
I understand supplements can be beneficial but I think a second opinion from an MD would be a great idea.0 -
You are probably not eating enough for your level of activity and your body size. You create stress on your body when you cut calories that much and train hard. This creates excess cortisol (stress hormone), which over the long term causes adrenal fatigue.
My opinion would be to take a complete diet break for 6 weeks, eating at your maintenance TDEE level, and reducing your workouts. Your body needs a rest.
I thought this too. So I increased my calories and starting gaining weight. I have an ultra slow metabolism. So I have to be very careful what I eat. If I go over my TDEE.. boom. I start storing more in fat.0 -
So don't go over your TDEE. Eat AT TDEE.
And frankly at this point you should be more concerned with restoring your health even at the risk of gaining a few pounds.0 -
At the risk of offending you, I would have to suggest you abandon the chiropractor/nutritionist and see a regular physician. I see a trend where you are diagnosed with something and then sold an herbal remedy. I will suggest this as delicately as I can, but perhaps your chiropractor is more interested in selling you supplements than fixing the issue? I am probably wrong but I'm just throwing it out there. This is not the right place to discuss the efficacy of chiropractors.
A physician is trained to diagnose such things. He can order a few simple tests to check your endocrine system and then determine if you need to see a specialist.
I understand supplements can be beneficial but I think a second opinion from an MD would be a great idea.
You won't offend me!
I had gone to the chiro BECAUSE of my poor experience with the physician. I have gone through three and all of them said just work harder and keep at it. I tell them I feel "off" .. things don't feel right. I know my body and I know when something's up. They did a blood panel to humor me I suppose. Now they said there's nothing left to do except do an MRI or something and look for what's wrong in my body. I don't have health insurance (way too expensive through my job-- so I'm waiting until I switch jobs). I mention my symptoms and the physicians seem to have other places to be and don't think my problem is worth their time. (That's the vibe I get anyways) Granted, it's not as serious as someone coming in with a broken arm, but still, I'm miserable. What do they do in an endocrine test?
Also, I don't think my chiro isn't trying to sell me into things. He genuinely wants me to be better and not have to buy anything. He suggested the Isogenix because he's seen people have progress on that program and wasn't offended when I said I would rather try my own high protein diet. I also usually don't buy them from him and order on amazon instead since it's cheaper- he's okay with that. We go back a bit so it's more of trying to help my situation rather than get a whole bunch of business.0 -
So don't go over your TDEE. Eat AT TDEE.
And frankly at this point you should be more concerned with restoring your health even at the risk of gaining a few pounds.
My health feels fine though. I mean.. the constipation and stuff isn't fine but I've felt "off" for awhile and keep being told that good diet and good exercise will help with any underlying thyroid, etc. I don't starve myself and I don't binge on junk food. I'm not working myself to the bone, just.. normal exercising like always and normal eating. I don't know what I would need to do to restore my health because I'm doing what I was told to restore it.. ? I guess I'm confused .
Edit:: In regards to the adrenal fatigue, I think I WAS starving my body at that point because I WAS NOT eating exercise calories back. This was back in March. A few weeks of more sleep, less exercising, Vitamin C and B 12 supplements got me right back up on my feet.0 -
The only suggestion I have at this point is to ask: do you have any food allergies? I'm lactose intolerant. I bloat up the INSTANT I eat cheese or drink milk, ice cream, etc.
I take Align probiotic and I actually had to cut BACK on the fiber because that can take you in either direction for constipation! I take lactaid if there's anything remotely resembling milk or a product of a cow (includes cream and buttermilk, etc. yes, even yogurt).
Without being able to see your diary, it's a bit hard to tell....
BMR of 1460 would be pretty accurate, but you need to be sure you are netting this amount at the very least even after all your exercise. If you are burning 1000 calories, you need to eat at least 2460 calories in order to survive....
If all else fails, have someone take a look at your galbladder? Maybe you're body isn't creating the right enzymes to digest the food you are giving it. It could be any number of things that only your doctor can really test for. I'm just throwing things out there - I am not a doctor, or a fitness expert in any way, shape or form. Good luck?
Thanks! I was told about food allergies but I've never had a problem in the past. I was told they can just randomly spring up so my first step is to try and cut out gluten for a couple of weeks to see if that's the issue. I've never imagined having any type of intolerance and I don't want to go gluten free for the sake of being gluten free I guess.. Thank you for the suggestion. I was going a few weeks without eating dairy .. for no reason really, but started eating it again and didn't see any difference. I think gluten is a good place to start.0 -
Cortisol is catabolic and elevated cortisol levels can cause the loss of muscle tissue by facilitating the process of converting lean tissue into glucose.
Google "symptoms of adrenal fatigue" and compare them to "symptoms of anorexia". You may have improved things by increasing your calories somewhat, but if your adrenals are really broken, it will probably take more food and less training to fix it.
Just because you feel fine doesn't mean there isn't still a problem. The fact that your muscles are degrading points to there being something wrong.0 -
Is your diary up to date? because it looks like you are barley eating unless you are just bad about logging your food.0
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I'm one of those "dreaded" physician, but I'm a neonatologist & haven't taken care of adults in decades! That said, you are young & should have an easier time with weight loss. One of your statements caught my attention: my abdomen sticks out all the time. Have you had a recent GYN check? It sounds as if you might be describing bloating? That complaint is often the symptom given by women with ovarian cancer, in addition to constipation & change in abdominal girth. I'm not suggesting this is your problem, as you sound quite active & healthy for the most part, but it couldn't hurt to have your GYN do a thorough exam, especially if your last one wasn't recent.0
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Is your diary up to date? because it looks like you are barley eating unless you are just bad about logging your food.
I'm terrible at logging food. Haha. Sorry about that.0 -
Log everything you put in your mouth, weighed and measured. It's an inconvenience but you need that baseline, can't go from there to fix the problem without knowing what "there" is.0
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Is your diary up to date? because it looks like you are barley eating unless you are just bad about logging your food.
I'm terrible at logging food. Haha. Sorry about that.
How do you know how much you are really eating then?0 -
Cortisol is catabolic and elevated cortisol levels can cause the loss of muscle tissue by facilitating the process of converting lean tissue into glucose.
Google "symptoms of adrenal fatigue" and compare them to "symptoms of anorexia". You may have improved things by increasing your calories somewhat, but if your adrenals are really broken, it will probably take more food and less training to fix it.
Just because you feel fine doesn't mean there isn't still a problem. The fact that your muscles are degrading points to there being something wrong.
Woah. At first I thought your comment of googling symptoms of anorexia was really snarky of you. But I did it anyways. A lot of that crosses over.
I don't feel like I suffer from that.. But things like : complaining that I'm fat, etc.does apply to me. But, I try to eat healthy and give my body the nutrition that it needs because I don't want to starve myself. At all. But I work really hard for no progress--which leads to me exercising more trying to make progress. I still eat back my exercise calories though.
I see how it would develop into that after a long period of time.
Going back to adrenal fatigue, maybe I'm not completely free of that yet. I know it takes a long time to reestablish that. I have those random cortisol surges sometimes -- it happens at night. I'm up and ready to go run a marathon when it happens. If i'm not asleep by 10pm I'm usually up til 1.. getting a second wind around 11pm. The headaches, fatigue, yeah.. they happen randomly, just not as much as they used to. I will look more into continue fixing the adrenals.
Thank you.0 -
Maybe that is part of the problem. You could be eating more then you think or simply not enough. I think it would be a good start to log EVERYTHING and then maybe you could recognize an issue from there0
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Honestly, this is what I would personally do, I'm not saying you should or should not do this.
I would stop dieting.
I would log regularly (everyday) to make sure I was eating at maintenance and get some general healthy exercise for 20-30mins a day, like walking outside (logging and eating those calories as well). I would probably do this for at least 3 months or until I felt that my health problems were no longer an issue and I could resume losing weight again. Heck maybe I'd take a year off, that stuff sounds seriously stressful.
PS: probiotics can make you constipated for up to 10 days, stop taking it if it lasts longer than 10 days.
I take Dr. Ohhira's, it's like a buck a pill though... kinda pricy but it's the only one I can find with 12 different strains.
Don't know if it'll help you but certain foods do make me blow up in the stomach area like I'm preggers. Since you said even water does this to you, I have no idea.
Nightshades- Tomatos, potatos, bell peppers
Eggs
Rice
Tofu (more than 1 serving a day)0 -
Is your diary up to date? because it looks like you are barley eating unless you are just bad about logging your food.
I'm terrible at logging food. Haha. Sorry about that.
How do you know how much you are really eating then?
Notepad in the kitchen. I usually get through lunch and by the time it's supper, well I already know how much I've eaten so I can add it up on there. Some days I fully log in my diary and some days i only do half. I will try better to put it all in the diary on MFP because it will probably help more with situations like this.0 -
Maybe that is part of the problem. You could be eating more then you think or simply not enough. I think it would be a good start to log EVERYTHING and then maybe you could recognize an issue from there
I do log EVERYTHING. Just not online.0 -
Start with accurate logging and a trip to see a doctor. If you haven't found a good doctor yet keep looking-- they are out there. You need someone who is trained in more than chiropractic and nutrition.
But without an accurate food log it's going to be difficult to get your trouble losing weight taken seriously. Use a food scale and weigh everything except free-pouring liquids, which can be measured with cups/spoons.
ETA: I see you do log but with a notepad. Are you using a scale?
ETAA: I also think that taking a diet break is a good idea.0
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