Feeling Down

xnearlytherebx

Hey guys, I am feeling super upset about my weight right now. I am 5'9 and 130lbs and have been losing 1-2lbs a week steadily for the past few months. I am getting so close to my goal, but this week I think I may have stayed the same or even put on a pound. I have been doing everything right and I have been exercising harder than usual. Although I know that I'm not getting nearly enough calories a day (550-750) surely that would only make me lose more weight! I'm not doing it intentionally, I just don't know how to make up calories and I'm very busy. Yesterday I just kept the exercise to a fast walk for 30 minutes,and I plan to go swimming for a couple of hours this afternoon. Do you think I should keep the exercise light on the muscles so that I don't gain muscle? Just cardio? Please help - I really need to lose this weight!

distinctlybeautiful

I've been eating about 2000 calories a day for the last year, and I've lost more fat in that time than I ever did back when I was eating 1200 calories a day. My primary focus is strength training, and I'm smaller now than I've ever been before, even though I've weighed less before.

All that aside, it sounds to me like you may have a distorted view of your body. I know comparison doesn't always work, but you're three inches taller and fifteen pounds lighter than I am. Your profile picture shows a thin person. I'm not trying to push my standard of beauty or health on anyone because who am I to tell a complete stranger what's right for him or her. It just seems to me that I see some extreme behaviors and ideas in your post. Have you considered talking to someone about it? I don't necessarily mean a counselor. I'm thinking even about your doctor or a nutritionist, someone who can offer some insight into healthy weights and/or weight loss.

hiraethed

I think it's all about perspective. You look great. You are at a healthy weight. Try to appreciate and love all your body does for you - it is not just an aesthetic item, it is your means of interacting with the world. Try your best to relax. You are going to be okay. Severely undereating won't help you in the long run - I really encourage you to eat more calories than that.

malibu927

You won't gain muscle eating 750 calories. And as you're near the bottom of a healthy BMI and going by your picture, I wouldn't worry about losing weight at all.

farmerpam1

Eat more.

CatherineElizabeth13

The huge majority of people don't lose consistently every week. You will hit plateaus and minor gains because our bodies adapt quickly and so will fluctuate. While a gain is demotivating, it's just a small part of a much bigger picture. Eating 750 calories is not going to get you to reach your goal. Our bodies don't work that way, you will crash out rather than become healthy. You need nutrition to be healthy. You are starving.
Also, I'm not sure what you mean about muscle gain? By strength training you will not bulk unless you fuel yourself to bulk. Women who lift and eat at deficit (although not to deficit you're eating to!) usually see inch loss and become more toned. If you're focusing only on the scale number, you're missing half if the picture. At your height and weight, you are a healthy BMI and should cut yourself some slack. You look wonderful.