How am I NOT losing weight?!
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charlireah wrote: »
Hi.I rarely snack but I try to eat as much protein as possible. If I do snack, it's nuts, fruit and the occasional bag of crisps (oops) i drink 1-2 litres of water a day
OP, ignore that post, it will be deleted as advertising shortly. And whether or not you snack is personal preference, you don't have to eat on a specific schedule to lose weight.
I just also wanted to warn you that not everyone reads the whole thread before they post, so you will probably continue to get some responses that haven't read far enough down to see where you mentioned a disorder in your past. They aren't willfully ignoring it, so don't sweat it
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How is eating less than 1500 calories a day dangerous, especially for someone who is 5'2"?1
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But you can't be sure if you're not weighing everything, all the time. I'm sorry if it's disappointing but that is indeed the answer. You sound active, which is great, but fat loss happens with a caloric deficit.
Take a week and measure everything, even packaged food. I can't tell you how many times I have been surprised when I weigh a packaged item. It's a small example, but just last night I weighed my tortilla from the package. 70g was a serving and the tortilla was 75g. I removed 5g of edge piece before eating it. It takes one minute, and doing this for all packaged food saves me plenty of excess calories. I didn't do the math to figure out how many calories were in that extra 5g but I'm absolutely positive that if all food is off by even a small amount it would add up and could definitely wipe out any small deficit you have.
This is especially important because you don't have a lot of excess fat, your body needs fewer calories also because of your small frame. Don't get all angry and reject good advise just because you are being shown a mistake! I kind of did the other day, I wanted to give up because someone told me I wasn't losing at the expected rate because my fitbit lies to me. I was irrationally angry, but that person was probably right and now I'm just focusing on the MFP numbers and lowering my exercise estimate because it's seeming to hold me back.
Give it a try at least, I bet you'll find success in a few weeks.
I didn't get angry or reject gold advice. I had an eating disorder in the past and absolutely cannot weigh food and risk going back to that state. Thanks for your information however.I will have to increase my exercise and hope this helps.0 -
Krisstastic_ wrote: »
Have you not read what I've been saying about my eating disorder? Thank you for wishing me luck, I am very keen on trying more exercise but I cannot weigh food.0 -
charlireah wrote: »
I didn't get angry or reject gold advice. I had an eating disorder in the past and absolutely cannot weigh food and risk going back to that state. Thanks for your information however.I will have to increase my exercise and hope this helps.
To be honest it sounds like you need to speak to someone about your obsession with numbers on the scales as a priority rather than trying to lose weight or anything else.6 -
WendyLaubach wrote: »How is eating less than 1500 calories a day dangerous, especially for someone who is 5'2"?
Well they say the average amount a woman should consume is 2000 calories and eating 1200 surely won't give you all the nutrients your body needs?0 -
TavistockToad wrote: »
To be honest it sounds like you need to speak to someone about your obsession with numbers on the scales as a priority rather than trying to lose weight or anything else.
I already am. I am receiving minor therapy for the issue but thank you
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charlireah wrote: »
I already am. I am receiving minor therapy for the issue but thank you
And have they supported you being on a calorie counting website or trying to lose weight?3 -
A total of 1200 calories can be perfectly healthy to lose for some, particularly shorter girls who are very sedentary.
That being said, from everything you've told us on this thread I wouldn't suggest this to you. Recomp is definitely the way to go. I think it's also help getting your focus off the scale, as you'll get leaner but weigh same / more. Takes some getting used to I'd think but we don't wear our weight on a sign round our necks!0 -
janejellyroll wrote: »
I felt like the scale *freed* me from obsession because I understood exactly what I was eating and no longer had to worry about whether or not my "medium" apple was really a "large" apple. Not saying that is OP's situation, but for some of us, the scale is a useful tool even with a history of disordered eating.
Should have mentioned this, but I generally feel the same. I prefer to weigh my food so I know how much I'm eating, and I do have some history with less-than-healthy habits. Being more confident in the accuracy of my log has been very beneficial to me - and I'm much more aware of portion sizes now, too.
~Lyssa0 -
OP have you spoken to your doctor recently? You say yourself you have a history with an eating disorder and I am wondering if you are still suffering because you have this obsession with being 2-4 pounds lighter and I honestly can't see from a logical point of view what difference that would truly make.
I understand why people want to sculpt and shape their bodies, why people have goals etc but if weight is the goal most settle on a range at which they are satisfied to allow for normal fluctuations and that range is typically wider than 2-4 pounds.
I am 5 ft 1.4 and weigh 7 stone 4 at the moment but would not be upset if I went up a little, typically I weigh 7 stone 7 but am happy a few pounds either side of that, I'm lower at the moment because I have recently got into exercise more and I am tweaking calories to maintain but next week is my daughter's birthday, will I gain a little? Maybe but not a whole lot so it doesn't matter.
I have to be honest here, your fixation on that scale number is concerning for someone who is already at a healthy weight, not trying to diagnose you or anything but I do think it's a bit worrying with your history.
Also to lose weight at this point does require a very tight restriction, I know that for me I need to take myself into the high activity level with exercise but eat sedentary maintenence calorie level to see loss,I didn't even mean to lose more, I just underestimated what the extra activity would do.
I would honestly speak to your doctor, I think you could do with some guidance from a proffessional with this.1 -
TavistockToad wrote: »
And have they supported you being on a calorie counting website or trying to lose weight?
It really isn't your place to ask that question. I'm not on this forum to be investigated, I'm just asking for advice and have stated that weighing food is not an option due to past issues. I am very aware of what I am doing.1 -
amyrebeccah wrote: »
I think that's true. If you're as obsessive as you say you are (and not just feeling that weighing sounds like too much work), then you don't want to be replacing one obsession for another.
Nah I don't mind doing the work for it. 0 -
charlireah wrote: »
It really isn't your place to ask that question. I'm not on this forum to be investigated, I'm just asking for advice and have stated that weighing food is not an option due to past issues. I am very aware of what I am doing.
You're asking for potentially harmful advice because you admitted up thread that you're 'obsessed' with a number on the scale.0 -
Bella77007 wrote: »OP have you spoken to your doctor recently? You say yourself you have a history with an eating disorder and I am wondering if you are still suffering because you have this obsession with being 2-4 pounds lighter and I honestly can't see from a logical point of view what difference that would truly make.
I understand why people want to sculpt and shape their bodies, why people have goals etc but if weight is the goal most settle on a range at which they are satisfied to allow for normal fluctuations and that range is typically wider than 2-4 pounds.
I am 5 ft 1.4 and weigh 7 stone 4 at the moment but would not be upset if I went up a little, typically I weigh 7 stone 7 but am happy a few pounds either side of that, I'm lower at the moment because I have recently got into exercise more and I am tweaking calories to maintain but next week is my daughter's birthday, will I gain a little? Maybe but not a whole lot so it doesn't matter.
I have to be honest here, your fixation on that scale number is concerning for someone who is already at a healthy weight, not trying to diagnose you or anything but I do think it's a bit worrying with your history.
Also to lose weight at this point does require a very tight restriction, I know that for me I need to take myself into the high activity level with exercise but eat sedentary maintenence calorie level to see loss,I didn't even mean to lose more, I just underestimated what the extra activity would do.
I would honestly speak to your doctor, I think you could do with some guidance from a proffessional with this.
I am already doing this but thank you for your concern. I will definitely go into exercise as I don't want to eat fewer calories.0 -
charlireah wrote: »
Well they say the average amount a woman should consume is 2000 calories and eating 1200 surely won't give you all the nutrients your body needs?
An average size woman may well be able to eat around 2000 cal per day and maintain a healthy weight. But you are smaller than average (about 3 inches shorter) and you want to lose weight, so yeah you are going to need to eat less than that. Since you don't weigh everything (and I understand why you don't, but the fact is you don't, whatever the reason) you may well be eating more than you the you are. By shooting for 1500 you may actually be getting quite a bit more than that; shooting for less (assuming you don't suddenly get worse at eyeballing food) could help with that.
Many shorter women have to eat 1200 per day to lose weight. And that's even with weighing and measuring. 1200 is considered a minimum in order to get all the nutrients you need. 1500 is the minimum men should eat to ensure adequate nutrition. If 1200 scares you, start by lowering your target to 1400 and see how it goes.
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amyrebeccah wrote: »
It's absolutely our business--If you are suffering from a mental illness, I'm not going to give someone advice on how to further hurt themselves.
No it isn't. I do not have a mental illness so please calm yourself. I have been close to an eating disorder in the past, this was clearly stated earlier. I do not have an eating disorder currently and receiving minor therapy to sustain this (and I didn't have to tell you that either). it's rude to make assumptions about someone wanting to hurt themselves. I love my body, I just want to be leaner as I'm so short.0 -
A total of 1200 calories can be perfectly healthy to lose for some, particularly shorter girls who are very sedentary.
That being said, from everything you've told us on this thread I wouldn't suggest this to you. Recomp is definitely the way to go. I think it's also help getting your focus off the scale, as you'll get leaner but weigh same / more. Takes some getting used to I'd think but we don't wear our weight on a sign round our necks!
That's very interesting thank you for that! It's clear there's a lot about this I didn't know 0 -
tlflag1620 wrote: »
An average size woman may well be able to eat around 2000 cal per day and maintain a healthy weight. But you are smaller than average (about 3 inches shorter) and you want to lose weight, so yeah you are going to need to eat less than that. Since you don't weigh everything (and I understand why you don't, but the fact is you don't, whatever the reason) you may well be eating more than you the you are. By shooting for 1500 you may actually be getting quite a bit more than that; shooting for less (assuming you don't suddenly get worse at eyeballing food) could help with that.
Many shorter women have to eat 1200 per day to lose weight. And that's even with weighing and measuring. 1200 is considered a minimum in order to get all the nutrients you need. 1500 is the minimum men should eat to ensure adequate nutrition. If 1200 scares you, start by lowering your target to 1400 and see how it goes.
Thank you! I didn't know that 0 -
TavistockToad wrote: »
You're asking for potentially harmful advice because you admitted up thread that you're 'obsessed' with a number on the scale.
I am obsessed. Not to the point where I am starving myself, checking my weight daily or beating myself up about it anymore. It's a form of control I suppose, so I am trying to remove the scales and look at exercise instead. It's difficult when "7st12" has been staring at me for so long! I want to have a healthy frame of mind with this, that is my goal.0 -
charlireah wrote: »
Well they say the average amount a woman should consume is 2000 calories and eating 1200 surely won't give you all the nutrients your body needs?
I'm 5' 4" and would gain weight very quickly if I ate 2000 calories a day. In fact, part of the reason I was fat to begin with is because I believed that 1800 to 2000 calories is normal for all women. It was surprising to learn how much less a woman of my height should eat!0 -
WiseBlueRaven wrote: »
I'm 5" 4' and would gain weight very quickly if I ate 2000 calories a day. In fact, part of the reason I was fat to begin with is because I believed that 1800 to 2000 calories is normal for all women. It was surprising to learn how much less a woman of my height should eat!
Gosh that's shocking! It sucks too haha because eating that little sounds so difficult!0 -
charlireah wrote: »
I am strict. If I meticulously counted and weighed every single calorie that would be extremely obsessive and not a habit I'm willing to start. I am strict within my limits.
You mentioned up-thread that you don't weigh food. This tells us that you're not strict at all. Even pre-weighed foods are off and you must weigh them. Weigh everything except liquids. With so little to lose, you must weigh all your food, use the most accurate database entries available and log everything with the utmost accuracy. Otherwise you'll just go over and keep hitting maintenance and not lose weight. You asked for help and have been given the tools and solutions to assist you, yet you're not agreeing with the tools and solutions. Instead of knocking the answers of those who have been where you are now, why not try for a couple of months?
Whenever I don't weigh my food, I maintain my weight. When I do weigh my food I lose. Easy.charlireah wrote: »
Yes. I do not have an eating disorder but have been very close to it so I must be wary. I am quite obsessive about losing these few pounds. I don't want to be underweight.
Then do a body re composition instead, which is eating at your maintenance and heavy lifting. Being obsessed about a number on the scale is not healthy...0 -
charlireah wrote: »
Gosh that's shocking! It sucks too haha because eating that little sounds so difficult!
...I didn't say how much I eat...
Edit: If you're simply referring to the 1200 kcal mentioned, I agree that it would be difficult for an active person such as yourself to eat so little!1 -
Circuit training workouts are great for getting toned and in shape.
Tone It Up (free) or the Bikini Body Girl ($$) workout programs are great plus you can do them at home if you don't have gym access. Look 'em up on Instagram to see other girls using it and how they're doing.
Cheers and good luck!
(I understand not wanting to use a food scale, it's easy to become obsessed with numbers so you do what you feel is a healthy and safe option for you. You know yourself better than anyone else. ) 2 -
Circuit training workouts are great for getting toned and in shape.
Tone It Up (free) or the Bikini Body Girl ($$) workout programs are great plus you can do them at home if you don't have gym access. Look 'em up on Instagram to see other girls using it and how they're doing.
Cheers and good luck!
(I understand not wanting to use a food scale, it's easy to become obsessed with numbers so you do what you feel is a healthy and safe option for you. You know yourself better than anyone else. )
Thank you!!? Thank you for your advice and not asking me personal questions about my issues. All I wanted was some health advice, not to defend myself
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charlireah wrote: »
No it isn't. I do not have a mental illness so please calm yourself. I have been close to an eating disorder in the past, this was clearly stated earlier. I do not have an eating disorder currently and receiving minor therapy to sustain this (and I didn't have to tell you that either). it's rude to make assumptions about someone wanting to hurt themselves. I love my body, I just want to be leaner as I'm so short.
Leaner doesn't necessarily mean lower scale weight.... so then what happens?0 -
cerise_noir wrote: »
You mentioned up-thread that you don't weigh food. This tells us that you're not strict at all. Even pre-weighed foods are off and you must weigh them. Weigh everything except liquids. With so little to lose, you must weigh all your food, use the most accurate database entries available and log everything with the utmost accuracy. Otherwise you'll just go over and keep hitting maintenance and not lose weight. You asked for help and have been given the tools and solutions to assist you, yet you're not agreeing with the tools and solutions. Instead of knocking the answers of those who have been where you are now, why not try for a couple of months?
Whenever I don't weigh my food, I maintain my weight. When I do weigh my food I lose. Easy.
Then do a body re composition instead, which is eating at your maintenance and heavy lifting. Being obsessed about a number on the scale is not healthy...
Agreed, it isn't. I will work on avoiding scales, thank you.0 -
Why not google intuitive eating? There's a great book or even on audio for it. It helps you heal from food obsessions and really tune in to what your body needs, hunger cues and such.0
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charlireah wrote: »
I am strict. If I meticulously counted and weighed every single calorie that would be extremely obsessive and not a habit I'm willing to start. I am strict within my limits.
You're strict by your standards, but not anyone else's. You're probably strictly eating more like 1700-1800 calories and under the impression it's 1500. With your methods, you'd never know.
Just know that you either need to exercise more or eat less or both, within reason, to lose weight.1
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