Can not lose weight

24

Replies

  • joeboland
    joeboland Posts: 205 Member
    And re hunger.... I feel hungry most of the time. Only time my stomach is not growling is for an hr after I eat.

    You are not supposed to suffer from hunger while losing weight. (A slight feeling of "not quite full" is normal and something you'll have to get used to to be able to maintain weight later.) Even if you aren't eating 1000 calories (which nobody would recommend; MFP doesn't even "allow" it, you must have gotten the message when trying to complete your day), you shouldn't aim for 1000 calories, either. You have to pick a reasonable calorie goal and stick to it. You are sabotaging all your effort by undereating or not knowing how much you are eating and then eating too much. And then look at your diet. Maybe allowing yourself more calories will fix that automatically - because you need more fat, protein, vegetables. You can get in a lot more real food if you lose some of the shakes and cookies, and real food will make you fuller for the same calories.

    This is so true. One of the very first (and most disastrous) weight-loss mistakes I see is people trying to drink their calories via sugar-heavy smoothies and ridiculously overpriced shakes which promise to "cleanse" the fat right out of them. Start with real, actual food. For the first while, it can really be whatever, as long as you're using quality ingredients and staying within the parameters of your calorie goals. I think jumping straight into macros is probably going to be overkill and overthinking the subject, since you can realistically get 75-80% of the way to your goal with little concern for macronutrient splits, other than ensuring you're getting a reasonable amount of protein in a day. Do you know what your TDEE and BMR are, for reference?
  • cerise_noir
    cerise_noir Posts: 5,468 Member
    edited November 2016
    Unless you have over 75lbs to lose, 2lb per week is far, far too aggressive for you. 1lb or even 0.5lb per week is much more suitable for someone with your stats.

    Also, you should definitely use a food scale. You're using cups/spoons for solid food which is very inaccurate and could very well be putting you into maintenance calories. Weigh everything that isn't a pure liquid... weigh butter/mayo/nut butters... Only use cups/spoons for liquids.

    Weigh bread slices and anything prepackaged (prepacked pre-weighed foods can be up to 20% off)

    With home made meals, weigh the dish and entire meal when it is done, subtract the dish weight, then divide the meal weight by the number of servings. This is much more accurate than guestimating 1/2 cup of lasagna and using a generic entry..
  • vingogly
    vingogly Posts: 1,785 Member
    Looking at your numbers, 1000 calories is probably too low for you. See the numbers here (I put in moderately active) -- they suggest 1400 calories for a 1.5 lb/week weight loss:

    http://www.calculator.net/calorie-calculator.html?ctype=standard&cage=45&csex=f&cheightfeet=5&cheightinch=2&cpound=173&cheightmeter=180&ckg=60&cactivity=1.55&printit=0&x=52&y=5

    Have you talked about the difficulties you're having with your doctor(s)?
  • rioguy
    rioguy Posts: 4 Member
    Good grief, these responses are so sad (i.e. "get frozen prepared meals for a week that have accurate calorie counts and see what happens") that I could not help myself to respond.
    I don't understand why so many people think it is just a matter of calories-in/calories-out!!! The human body simply does not work like that -- it is constantly regulating/down-regulating its hormones. You eat for nutrition to feed the body for what is needs, not just calories. AND not all calories are the same.

    1.) It took me looking over your meals for just few of your days to see you simply do not eat healthy. <1000 calories/day and you are literally starving yourself so your body is lowering its metabolism for its own protection. And the meals you are eating are not very nutritious. My observation is there are very little vegetables at all. At 172 lbs, taking protein drinks are not good. Eat normal whole meals instead. Start eating more healthy with whole foods and focus on nutritional value not caloric values. For example, something like Kale or Spinach are very nutritional but has little calories. Don't be afraid to eat more fat, good grief eating fat doesn't make you fat! We literally have a 1 Trilllion cells in the human body and guess what they are made from -- FAT!
    Almonds, avocados, and salmon are fatty but good fats your body needs along with other nutrients.
    Replace breads and protein shakes with real sources of protein -- meat and fish.

    2.) Working out with cardio and weight everyday is not good. You are really beating on your body. Your body is fighting back. The hormone Cortisol comes to mind for one. At your weight, instead of spending 1 hr doing "Cardio" (whatever that is) and just instead go for a relaxing 1-hr walk. You will find it more relaxing and enjoyable. As for the weight training, check into H.I.I.T for 20 minutes and just do that 2-3 times a week. Simple moving some weight everyday around isn't going to do much.

    3.) Listen to your body...."I feel hungry most of the time." Your body is talking to you! Focus on getting yourself healthy first, then you will notice your body starting to shed body fat. People always say something I want to lose 10 pounds to feel more healthy, but the truth is the body wants to stay right where it is. You got to eat healthy with whole foods, reduce your stress, sleep well and balance your hormones before the body starts making itself healthy to lose bodyfat.

    By now you have proven to yourself that simply counting calories does not work, so quit listening to other people say the same nonsense.

  • Helloitsdan
    Helloitsdan Posts: 5,564 Member
    edited November 2016
    First time posting here and first time ever posting anything!!! I am wondering if there is anyone else out there that feels like therebia truly something wrong because no matter what I just can't lose weight! I have made my diary public and have posted for 50 days. Please feel free to have a look. However, I have been struggling my whole life with this. I am 45 yrs old 5'2". You name a diet I bet I tried it!! But this past year I have been seeing this as a life style and workin hard on calorie counting and excercise. Delt with Thyroid issues finally got my levels somewhat normal. Thyroid issue explains why I didnt lose over the summer with all my hard work. However since Sept still no results. For the past 3 weeks i have been aiming for 1000 calories a day and track very well. Some days I go over but I still track. I stopped eating my exercise calories I do 40 60 mins cardio 5 to 6 times a week +1/2 hour of weights 5 to 6 times a week I have an office job so sit 8 hrs a day.
    I am so frustrated!!! There are weeks I have been perfect and can not lose!!! I know myself when I dont deserve to see results but I have been doing so well for awhile now

    Let's break this down.
    Thyroid issues will hinder weight loss.
    Eating too little while doing too much will hinder weight loss.

    How much do you currently weigh?
    On a scale from 1-10, rate sleep quality.
    On a scale from 1-10, rate how amazing your overall mood is.
    On a scale from 1-10, rate how mindful you are when you eat.
    On a scale from 1-10, rate your everyday stress level.

    Also I know a good portion on this forum will say CICO if she were eating 1000... blabbity blabbity blah. It's not that simple when the above items aren't taken into consideration.
  • AntoinetteAngus
    AntoinetteAngus Posts: 58 Member
    I have struggled with the same problems for years. Ever since I signed up on MFP everyone has always said it boils down to calories in vs calories out. After doing this for years I never lost weight. But if you think about human beings from the beginning of time who were almost never overweight...it dawned on me that not a single one of them counted calories because everything they ate was pure! Now I'm not so sure counting calories is a natural process, or the pivotal answer...I finally tried something new and I dropped 4 pounds in a week. QUALITY matters and even though people here will try to convince you otherwise. I have resorted to eating nature's best foods and eliminating foods that A) may effect my digestion or B) may effect my hormones. This means eating mostly fruits and vegetables and fish as my only source of animal protein (for a period of 30 days at the very least if not forever). This means no chicken, or eggs or red meat or bread or rice, or pasta. I think I am most open to reintroduce these things after 30 days if I can guarantee I can find a hormone free or gluten free option. I truly think that unless you detox the junk that has been sitting in your system for years you will stay in a vicious cycle of not losing weight. This is what has been working for me:


    BREAKFAST
    Hot water with lemon
    Smoothie Bowl (banana, kale, almond milk, berries, peanut butter, chia seeds, flax seed)

    LUNCH
    Soup (water based) OR
    Salad (no animal protein) OR
    Large Smoothie (almond milk, banana, apple, peanut butter, cinnamon, nutmeg)

    DINNER
    Salmon
    Sweet Potato OR Roasted Vegetables

    SNACKS
    Fruit
    Popcorn
    Nuts
  • Helloitsdan
    Helloitsdan Posts: 5,564 Member
    I have struggled with the same problems for years. Ever since I signed up on MFP everyone has always said it boils down to calories in vs calories out. After doing this for years I never lost weight. But if you think about human beings from the beginning of time who were almost never overweight...it dawned on me that not a single one of them counted calories because everything they ate was pure! Now I'm not so sure counting calories is a natural process, or the pivotal answer...I finally tried something new and I dropped 4 pounds in a week. QUALITY matters and even though people here will try to convince you otherwise. I have resorted to eating nature's best foods and eliminating foods that A) may effect my digestion or B) may effect my hormones. This means eating mostly fruits and vegetables and fish as my only source of animal protein (for a period of 30 days at the very least if not forever). This means no chicken, or eggs or red meat or bread or rice, or pasta. I think I am most open to reintroduce these things after 30 days if I can guarantee I can find a hormone free or gluten free option. I truly think that unless you detox the junk that has been sitting in your system for years you will stay in a vicious cycle of not losing weight. This is what has been working for me:


    BREAKFAST
    Hot water with lemon
    Smoothie Bowl (banana, kale, almond milk, berries, peanut butter, chia seeds, flax seed)

    LUNCH
    Soup (water based) OR
    Salad (no animal protein) OR
    Large Smoothie (almond milk, banana, apple, peanut butter, cinnamon, nutmeg)

    DINNER
    Salmon
    Sweet Potato OR Roasted Vegetables

    SNACKS
    Fruit
    Popcorn
    Nuts

    But the twinkie diet!
  • AntoinetteAngus
    AntoinetteAngus Posts: 58 Member
    I totally agree that desk jobs have a lot to do with it as well. But I think that due to modern day society we simply don't have the option to walk to work or the nearest store or to a mall due to distance and time constraints... but we can 100% take control of what goes into our mouths.
  • amyepdx
    amyepdx Posts: 750 Member
    I have struggled with the same problems for years. Ever since I signed up on MFP everyone has always said it boils down to calories in vs calories out. After doing this for years I never lost weight. But if you think about human beings from the beginning of time who were almost never overweight...it dawned on me that not a single one of them counted calories because everything they ate was pure! Now I'm not so sure counting calories is a natural process, or the pivotal answer...I finally tried something new and I dropped 4 pounds in a week. QUALITY matters and even though people here will try to convince you otherwise. I have resorted to eating nature's best foods and eliminating foods that A) may effect my digestion or B) may effect my hormones. This means eating mostly fruits and vegetables and fish as my only source of animal protein (for a period of 30 days at the very least if not forever). This means no chicken, or eggs or red meat or bread or rice, or pasta. I think I am most open to reintroduce these things after 30 days if I can guarantee I can find a hormone free or gluten free option. I truly think that unless you detox the junk that has been sitting in your system for years you will stay in a vicious cycle of not losing weight. This is what has been working for me:


    BREAKFAST
    Hot water with lemon
    Smoothie Bowl (banana, kale, almond milk, berries, peanut butter, chia seeds, flax seed)

    LUNCH
    Soup (water based) OR
    Salad (no animal protein) OR
    Large Smoothie (almond milk, banana, apple, peanut butter, cinnamon, nutmeg)

    DINNER
    Salmon
    Sweet Potato OR Roasted Vegetables

    SNACKS
    Fruit
    Popcorn
    Nuts

    Yeah, no.

    It is all about calories in calories out. However, if you're not accurate with CI or CO, the energy balance gets disturbed. This is why it is recommended to use a food scale to weigh all solid and semi solid foods, and cups for liquids.

    Your 4lb drop was water weight. Also, you're pretty much doing a liquid diet. This isn't necessary for weight loss. Weight loss is all eating less calories than you need to maintain your current weight. It is basic physiology which no one is exempt from. Your diet is very low in protein and fat....and you think this is 'healthy'? Looks like you're taking in very few calories, too. No one should lose more than 2lb per week if they want to be healthy. Of course there is the initial water weight loss in the beginning.

    Deprivation isn't a great way to lose weight. You say you're doing this for 30 days. What happens after that if you're not counting calories? Surely, when you're reintroducing food back in, you'll add calories, too.

    And detoxing is absolute woo. What, pray tell, are you actually detoxing from that your liver, lungs, kidneys, digestive system and skin cannot already do? And, no...there is not a build up of crap in the system.

    Also? I've lost close to 100lbs eating nutritious foods as well as ice cream, chocolate, cookies, chips, take out...wine. You name it. My weight loss is absolute PROOF that weight loss is ALL about CICO.

    This!
  • AntoinetteAngus
    AntoinetteAngus Posts: 58 Member
    So the idea that you can eat toxic crap makes you feel better? (cookies, ice cream etc). More power to you. That's absolutely your choice. For those who want to live a healthy lifestyle and lose weight I suggest you challenge what people have claimed works (clearly many people arent seing any results by the posts we see daily) Try to cleanse and reset your body and you will see results. Do you realize there is pounds of undigested waste that sits in your system? We eat so much meat at a rate our body can't keep up. We ingest so much toxins and that never gets eliminated and that prevent our body from functioning properly. This is why water and waste elimination is important and this is the first thing you will notice will change when you're on the right track.
  • Helloitsdan
    Helloitsdan Posts: 5,564 Member
    I love the "throw CICO at everything" mentality.

    OP question: are you on any medication that may slow your weight loss?
    Have you had your blood panel recently?
    How's your stress level?
    Do you sleep 7-9 hours a night?

    These things will interfere with CICO.
  • Helloitsdan
    Helloitsdan Posts: 5,564 Member
    AnvilHead wrote: »
    So the idea that you can eat toxic crap makes you feel better? (cookies, ice cream etc). More power to you. That's absolutely your choice. For those who want to live a healthy lifestyle and lose weight I suggest you challenge what people have claimed works (clearly many people arent seing any results by the posts we see daily) Try to cleanse and reset your body and you will see results. Do you realize there is pounds of undigested waste that sits in your system? We eat so much meat at a rate our body can't keep up. We ingest so much toxins and that never gets eliminated and that prevent our body from functioning properly. This is why water and waste elimination is important and this is the first thing you will notice will change when you're on the right track.

    Name one specific toxin that a "cleanse"/"detox" eliminates from your body - and the mechanism by which it does it. We'll wait.

    Took the words right outta my mouth.
  • CharlieBeansmomTracey
    CharlieBeansmomTracey Posts: 7,682 Member
    ykhan2016 wrote: »
    If you want to really test it, get frozen prepared (lean cuisine, weight watchers, Annie's, etc) meals for a week that have accurate calorie counts and see what happens?

    even frozen meals arent accurate. food packaging can be off by up to 20%,they could be more or less.
  • amyepdx
    amyepdx Posts: 750 Member
    So the idea that you can eat toxic crap makes you feel better? (cookies, ice cream etc). More power to you. That's absolutely your choice. For those who want to live a healthy lifestyle and lose weight I suggest you challenge what people have claimed works (clearly many people arent seing any results by the posts we see daily) Try to cleanse and reset your body and you will see results. Do you realize there is pounds of undigested waste that sits in your system? We eat so much meat at a rate our body can't keep up. We ingest so much toxins and that never gets eliminated and that prevent our body from functioning properly. This is why water and waste elimination is important and this is the first thing you will notice will change when you're on the right track.

    No, no, and no. I've lost 118 lbs without being miserable by balancing what you would consider 'healthy' with what you erroneously consider 'toxic'. I'm happy and healthy and will continue to be so despite your disapproval of my diet. And if I was really eating toxic crap, I'd be dead. Guess what, I'm not. You may want to read some scientific articles and put down the O magazine.

    118 lbs is my ultimate goal - thanks for the inspiration - 30 to go! I hope the OP is seeing the truth in your post and not getting sidetracked.
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