Struggling
gcooper7
Posts: 146 Member
I'm having a hard time losing weight for some reason. I lost a bunch of weight a couple years ago and then I got complacent and put it all back on. I started working out again and eating better and lost the weight to get down close to what I lost before. Now i'm back up to the weight I was the first time I started. What is frustrating is I got to this weight and I've been working out. But I know my diet has been horrible. I think it's the amount I'm eating as opposed to what I am eating. Has anyone had this issue. I feel like as hard as I have been trying I am unable to lose the weight I did before. Some factors that have changed is I have a deskjob now. I think I am going to try carb cycling again and see if that helps me. Just need to find time at home and at work. My weight has me tired all the time and my legs always hurt.
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Replies
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Sounds like classic yo-yo dieting. Focus on little changes you can keep for LIFE and not on a temporary "diet" to lose weight and then forget the diet after it's gone. You're not alone.8
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Remember this- weight loss comes from a calorie deficit
Calories in calories out
Carb cycling won't do you any good for weight loss if your still eating at a calorie surplus. Even if you went low carb all the time but still ate at a caloric surplus, then you still wouldn't lose weight. Because weight loss comes from a calorie deficit.
If you want to lose weight then you must create a calorie deficit. Eat less then you burn.
Get a food scale. Weigh all your portions. Log them here. Measuring cups for liquids, solids for the scale. No guessing or eyeballing portions, weigh your foods!
As long as you eat at a calorie deficit you'll lose weight11 -
When I did carb cycling before I lost a lot of weight and wasn't eating as much as I do now. I know I've let myself go. Instead of eating one or two slices of pizza I'll eat 5 or 6. I really struggle with food. Carb cycling was easy because I did have to measure out my food but one day out of the week I could eat whatever I wanted to. I really do just need to do like you say and create a deficit.0
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If it works for you then go for it!!!
But just know that you lost weight because you created a calorie deficit. Carb cycling alone won't cause weight loss. Weight loss only occurs when a calorie deficit is created.
You could eat at a calorie surplus but do low carb seven days per week and not lose a pound. ( Because weight loss comes from a calorie deficit)
Do whatever fits your lifestyle best.
Get yourself a food scale and learn how to weigh your portions out. Most of us are not good with guessing portions ( that's why we became over weight. We ate more then we needed) the food scale will teach you portion control.
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I'd suggest eating whole foods, no sugar or carbs when you're free eating. Try to eat as clean and healthy as possible and don't use food as a reward! Good luck!3
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Your legs might hurt from sitting too long. Mine cramp if I sit for more than 2 hours. Get up and move... you don't need to actually go anywhere, just walk in place or even just shift your weight from one foot to the other for a couple minutes
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So far I've drink only water and I've been eating healthier and have a calorie deficit. I'll try this route first and see what happens. Thanks everyone for.your comments. They are all encouraging5
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I understand. I have a desk job as well and it's a killer. I've also had back surgery recently. Pinched nerve that left my left leg in pretty bad shape. Just remember, any exercise is helpful..do as much as you can. And I agree with the other posters, creating a calorie deficit is key, whether your calories are from steak, pasta or pecan pie
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Have you tried flexible dieting? or Macro counting? It allows you to eat what you want, as long as you fit it within your caloric range, that includes protein, carbs and fats. I just started on it, and so far, the results are coming in slowly, but I don't feel so restricted all the time. But, this does include a steady workout routine0
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@Merritttu I don't know if that's any different than what I have been doing. I'm still eating what I normally do just not as much. So far I am 4 lbs down so that's exciting for me. I love food. I can eat all day and a lot of it. I have to retrain myself to eat better (not as much) as when I was 18. I used to be super fit and play sports and it's one of those things that once you stop you almost forget how to start back again. I'm trying to reteach myself. Ugh. If only losing weight was as easy as it is to gain it.1
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Really, per what you said, you just need to eat less. If carb cycling helps you eat less, that's great, but it's not a long term solution.2
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Have you tried flexible dieting? or Macro counting? It allows you to eat what you want, as long as you fit it within your caloric range, that includes protein, carbs and fats. I just started on it, and so far, the results are coming in slowly, but I don't feel so restricted all the time. But, this does include a steady workout routine
What's the difference between this and calorie counting?
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I'm having a hard time losing weight for some reason. I lost a bunch of weight a couple years ago and then I got complacent and put it all back on. I started working out again and eating better and lost the weight to get down close to what I lost before. Now i'm back up to the weight I was the first time I started. What is frustrating is I got to this weight and I've been working out. But I know my diet has been horrible. I think it's the amount I'm eating as opposed to what I am eating. Has anyone had this issue. I feel like as hard as I have been trying I am unable to lose the weight I did before. Some factors that have changed is I have a deskjob now. I think I am going to try carb cycling again and see if that helps me. Just need to find time at home and at work. My weight has me tired all the time and my legs always hurt.
I'm calorie cycling and 2 1/2 weeks in and its great so far! I'm seeing a steady weight loss and I'm just beginning to feel more energy. Right now I'm not eating back my exercise calories but thats because I'm only walking. Plus I don't measure everything out (except cheese) so my exercise calories cover that for me, I'm only walking right now to just ease bad knees into it but I eventually may eat exercise calories later when I begin working out harder.
Protein at every meal or a protein bar helps keep me full.
good luck!
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fruits,veggies,grains,bread,etc all have sugar and carbs(because carbs are sugar and vice versa) in them. its all about a calorie deficit. its not about what you eat but how much.kurriouskat wrote: »I'd suggest eating whole foods, no sugar or carbs when you're free eating. Try to eat as clean and healthy as possible and don't use food as a reward! Good luck!2 -
Good luck!!!!!1
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GobletofFlames wrote: »Good luck!!!!!
Thank you0 -
CharlieBeansmomTracey wrote: »
fruits,veggies,grains,bread,etc all have sugar and carbs(because carbs are sugar and vice versa) in them. its all about a calorie deficit. its not about what you eat but how much.kurriouskat wrote: »I'd suggest eating whole foods, no sugar or carbs when you're free eating. Try to eat as clean and healthy as possible and don't use food as a reward! Good luck!
I have been good for the most part about how much I'm eating. Still human and still slip but I can honestly say I haven't had soda in two weeks except.for a small sip I took of my sons.2 -
I'm having a hard time losing weight for some reason. I lost a bunch of weight a couple years ago and then I got complacent and put it all back on. I started working out again and eating better and lost the weight to get down close to what I lost before. Now i'm back up to the weight I was the first time I started. What is frustrating is I got to this weight and I've been working out. But I know my diet has been horrible. I think it's the amount I'm eating as opposed to what I am eating. Has anyone had this issue. I feel like as hard as I have been trying I am unable to lose the weight I did before. Some factors that have changed is I have a deskjob now. I think I am going to try carb cycling again and see if that helps me. Just need to find time at home and at work. My weight has me tired all the time and my legs always hurt.
I'm calorie cycling and 2 1/2 weeks in and its great so far! I'm seeing a steady weight loss and I'm just beginning to feel more energy. Right now I'm not eating back my exercise calories but thats because I'm only walking. Plus I don't measure everything out (except cheese) so my exercise calories cover that for me, I'm only walking right now to just ease bad knees into it but I eventually may eat exercise calories later when I begin working out harder.
Protein at every meal or a protein bar helps keep me full.
good luck!
What exactling is calorie cycling?0 -
kurriouskat wrote: »I'd suggest eating whole foods, no sugar or carbs when you're free eating. Try to eat as clean and healthy as possible and don't use food as a reward! Good luck!
Why? Weight loss comes from a calorie deficit, not from eating (or not eating) certain types of food.
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Really, per what you said, you just need to eat less. If carb cycling helps you eat less, that's great, but it's not a long term solution.
This too.
OP, you just have to find a way of eating that helps you stick to your calorie deficit, but it must be sustainable for life. Good luck.
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Well, some of the things that help me when I am strugging with just the quantity of what I am eating is to eat more mindfully. Cut up my pizza slices into pieces smaller than the bites I would normally take and make sure to chew them slowly. I find that for me it isnt as much about how much I want to eat, but how long I want to spend eating. And as you eat more slowly it will give your body more time to recognise your fullness level. Having a light side like a salad or drinking a smoothie or an iced coffee made with almond milk (which is 30-40 cals for 8 oz) can also help to fill the hunger void left by cutting the portions on the high calorie favorites. I dunno if it will help you, but I thought I would throw it out there anyway. You never know what little thing will make all of the difference.4
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I'm having a hard time losing weight for some reason. I lost a bunch of weight a couple years ago and then I got complacent and put it all back on. I started working out again and eating better and lost the weight to get down close to what I lost before. Now i'm back up to the weight I was the first time I started. What is frustrating is I got to this weight and I've been working out. But I know my diet has been horrible. I think it's the amount I'm eating as opposed to what I am eating. Has anyone had this issue. I feel like as hard as I have been trying I am unable to lose the weight I did before. Some factors that have changed is I have a deskjob now. I think I am going to try carb cycling again and see if that helps me. Just need to find time at home and at work. My weight has me tired all the time and my legs always hurt.
I'm calorie cycling and 2 1/2 weeks in and its great so far! I'm seeing a steady weight loss and I'm just beginning to feel more energy. Right now I'm not eating back my exercise calories but thats because I'm only walking. Plus I don't measure everything out (except cheese) so my exercise calories cover that for me, I'm only walking right now to just ease bad knees into it but I eventually may eat exercise calories later when I begin working out harder.
Protein at every meal or a protein bar helps keep me full.
good luck!
What exactling is calorie cycling?
I average 1250 calories however I don't eat 1250 daily. I eat 1 day 1499 calories, 1 day 1374, 1 day 1124, 1 day 1000 and 3 days 1249. I hesitate to say it again because I got blasted on another thread but its suppose to help stave off metabolic adaption. There is some scientific evidence around refeeding (eating at or above maintenance once in awhile) and so some in the bodybuilding world use it to cut fat and build muscle.
I used this calculator to help come up with my cycle of calories....
http://www.shapefit.com/calculators/calorie-intake-calculator.html0 -
I eat 1 day 1499 calories, 1 day 1374, 1 day 1124, 1 day 1000 and 3 days 1249.
Those are some very precise calorie counts you've given. Do you need to hit each target exactly? Or is around 1500 close enough to 1499, for example? I would think it would take a lot of effort to hit each number daily.
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I eat 1 day 1499 calories, 1 day 1374, 1 day 1124, 1 day 1000 and 3 days 1249.
Those are some very precise calorie counts you've given. Do you need to hit each target exactly? Or is around 1500 close enough to 1499, for example? I would think it would take a lot of effort to hit each number daily.
I'm only in 2 1/2 weeks and I don't hit exactly everyday. Somedays I'm under and a couple of days I went over less than 25 calories. I also don't count my walking exercise calories YET to cover for overages even though I haven't gone over very much yet. I will add 50% back in when I start exercising more after I build up some stamina and ease the knees into it.
mfp premium supports custom calories so once I enter it once for each days calories its automatically set for me each day. So far it has been very little effort. I open up mfp to log my vitamin every morning and see how many calories I have for that day (except Wed I know its my 1500 calorie day:)). On my low calorie days I leave off things like non nutritional snacks and foods for example Arctic Zone ice cream.
I have a basic set of breakfast & lunch foods that I know are 200 & 300 calories and I eat the lower calorie meals on the lower calorie days.
Wed my 1500 calorie day is my "controlled" cheat day eating just under maintenance, I eat my beloved potatoes and low calories "sweets".
ETA - we will see if it keeps the dreaded plateaus away as some say, I have a long way to go.0 -
You can't out train a bad diet.1
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When I did carb cycling before I lost a lot of weight and wasn't eating as much as I do now. I know I've let myself go. Instead of eating one or two slices of pizza I'll eat 5 or 6. I really struggle with food. Carb cycling was easy because I did have to measure out my food but one day out of the week I could eat whatever I wanted to. I really do just need to do like you say and create a deficit.
I did not realize I quoted all this. But I am trying to get back on track myself. I struggle with portion control and eating sweets too often. I can relate to this. I am trying to get myself back on track for a ten mile run I want to complete.
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I struggle with the same thing and have let myself become relaxed and instead of eating just a slice or two of pizza I will eat the whole pizza. I am trying to get back on track myself because I want to do this ten mile run.1
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I'm having a hard time losing weight for some reason. I lost a bunch of weight a couple years ago and then I got complacent and put it all back on. I started working out again and eating better and lost the weight to get down close to what I lost before. Now i'm back up to the weight I was the first time I started. What is frustrating is I got to this weight and I've been working out. But I know my diet has been horrible. I think it's the amount I'm eating as opposed to what I am eating. Has anyone had this issue. I feel like as hard as I have been trying I am unable to lose the weight I did before. Some factors that have changed is I have a deskjob now. I think I am going to try carb cycling again and see if that helps me. Just need to find time at home and at work. My weight has me tired all the time and my legs always hurt.
I'm calorie cycling and 2 1/2 weeks in and its great so far! I'm seeing a steady weight loss and I'm just beginning to feel more energy. Right now I'm not eating back my exercise calories but thats because I'm only walking. Plus I don't measure everything out (except cheese) so my exercise calories cover that for me, I'm only walking right now to just ease bad knees into it but I eventually may eat exercise calories later when I begin working out harder.
Protein at every meal or a protein bar helps keep me full.
good luck!
What exactling is calorie cycling?
I average 1250 calories however I don't eat 1250 daily. I eat 1 day 1499 calories, 1 day 1374, 1 day 1124, 1 day 1000 and 3 days 1249. I hesitate to say it again because I got blasted on another thread but its suppose to help stave off metabolic adaption. There is some scientific evidence around refeeding (eating at or above maintenance once in awhile) and so some in the bodybuilding world use it to cut fat and build muscle.
I used this calculator to help come up with my cycle of calories....
http://www.shapefit.com/calculators/calorie-intake-calculator.html
Are you talking about starvation mode, or actual metabolic adaptation? Can you please share some links to that scientific evidence?
Carb cycling is a way of eating that helps some keep a calorie deficit. The only magic it, or any other way of eating, has is the magic we give it. 0 -
CharlieBeansmomTracey wrote: »
fruits,veggies,grains,bread,etc all have sugar and carbs(because carbs are sugar and vice versa) in them. its all about a calorie deficit. its not about what you eat but how much.kurriouskat wrote: »I'd suggest eating whole foods, no sugar or carbs when you're free eating. Try to eat as clean and healthy as possible and don't use food as a reward! Good luck!
I have been good for the most part about how much I'm eating. Still human and still slip but I can honestly say I haven't had soda in two weeks except.for a small sip I took of my sons.
of course we are all human. I have slip ups too. but I just get right back onto the so called wagon. just do the best you can.1
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