Two weeks in and have not lost weight

SierraFatToSkinny

So! I started out at 280 and now... I'm at 281.

I'm accurate with my food (I've been weighing it and have used the barcodes and have been measuring food.) I pretty sure I have about 96% accuracy. I've forgotten to log a couple things I'm sure... but for the most part it's accurate.

I've counted up all my intake from the past 12 days and then subtracted it from my "maintenance" intake.

I started at 280, dipped briefly down to 275, and now I'm at 280 again.

I averaged about 1700 calories of food intake a day.... Maintenance is 2500 for sedentary.

(This isn't counting a couple of gym classes and... collectively about 40 miles walked/hiked.)

I mean... I was at 275 a few days in. Now I'm up to 281 at 15 days in.

It's a bit depressing.

CafeRacer808

You need to give it more time. It's important to remember that weight loss is not linear. Day-to-day/week-to-week weight fluctuations are completely normal and can be affected by a whole range of things including increased sodium intake, TOM, water retention from exercise, etc. I weigh less than you and it's not at all uncommon for my weight to fluctuate +/- 2 lbs on any given day. But when I look at my long term weight trend, I can clearly see that the trend line is moving down and I definitely weigh less than I did when I started logging on MFP.

My suggestion to you would be to stay the course and stick to the plan. If you haven't seen any movement on the scale in another couple of weeks, then it might be time to take a closer look at the accuracy of your logging.

serindipte

You will get more help from the community with an open diary.

Aside from that, like the one above said, give it time. Two weeks isn't long enough to determine how you're truly doing.

Logging accuracy is key. Weigh every bit of food that you can and take care to not forget anything. It takes time to get used to it and let it become habit. I write it down as I'm weighing, then log before I eat to make sure I don't forget.

seska422

This flowchart has some good advice:

SierraFatToSkinny

I'm a baker.

I'm more competent than most at weighing and measuring food.

My educated guess is I've weighed and measured at about 96% accuracy.

seska422

Barcodes aren't always accurate because they are mostly user-entered just like the majority of the database. Double-check the entry compared to the nutrition label on the box.

Log before you eat so that you don't have to worry about remembering to log an item. That also gives you a chance to change your mind before you eat something.

The main thing is patience. If you still aren't losing after a couple of months of doing what you are doing, you can reevaluate at that time.

FitOldMomma

When I started MFP I could have ridiculous weight fluctuations. Sure it would get depressing if no losses showed up after diligent logging...but if you stay the course they WILL.

Just keep logging every thing and you'll see results.

For myself, the culprit is nearly always excess sodium + lots of simple carbs. Still happens to me too after almost 3 years of this journey.
Just this week I was a bit shocked to see a 4 pound gain...but looking at what I ate I knew I was spot on with my calories, it was that I'd deviated from my normal lower carbs, had a TON of salt, and these two made my body retain a LOT of water. After just two days my weight went down 2 pounds and I bet by Tuesday I'll be back down the other 2 pounds.

Don't get discouraged by ups and downs on your scale. If after a couple more weeks you're still not losing, well- you're going to have to reevaluate your daily caloric intake and perhaps lower it a bit until you start seeing some results.

CafeRacer808

Also, read this thread. Perhaps tracking your measurements rather than your weight will be more helpful for you.

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10502647/losing-inches-vs-losing-weight#latest

cgvet37

Two weeks is a short time. You need to be patient and keep tracking your food.

DietPrada

SierraFatToSkinny

SierraFatToSkinny

It's just disheartening.

I was thinking I might drop my calories. I'll wait another week and see.

ashesnposies333

Don't drop Your calories!
If you take in less calories than your body needs to do its daily tasks then you enter starvation mode and your body stores fat.
Likewise, if you take in more calories than you burn you gain weight.
And still yet, hormones cause annoying weight fluctuations of as much as seven pounds, sometimes more.
Exercise. Walking is great, but strength training a few times every week will help you build the muscle that will burn more calories while youre resting. Even if it's just thirty squats every other day on top of your walks, your quads are the biggest muscle in your body. When they work, your whole body warms up.
But remember it takes four weeks to see a real difference.
Idk I hope this helps

ashesnposies333

Regardless, don't let this get you down. If goal chasing was instant, we wouldnt need these apps or the community!

nutmegoreo

I'd love to offer some sage advice, but I'm too busy being a wet blanket over here.

I get that it's disheartening, but the fact it that it's a long road ahead of you. You will need more patience. First, review your logs. So many of the database entries are incorrect. Additionally, packages can be off by 20% (usually understated) so weighing prepackaged stuff as well, will me more accurate. Second, is there anything else that could be masking the losses? Close to TOM (some women gain during ovulation as well), did you have more sodium than usual in the last day or two, or new workout routine (my losses stalled for weeks when I started weight lifting). If you are certain that your logging is as accurate as it can be, then give it some more time, but I would strongly suggest reviewing your logs (including the database entries themselves) for accuracy.

I would also suggest reading through the posts stickied at the top of the getting started and general diet forums. In particular:

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1234699/logging-accurately-step-by-step-guide

and

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1080242/a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants/p1

and

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1235566/so-youre-new-here/p1

SierraFatToSkinny

Part of my problem is I've been lurking on a lot of diaries and everyone seems to be eating fewer calories than me.

I've also never been a scale person... even when I've lost weight before.

I've posted a thread before and was given the advice to eat more when I work out. But when looking at diaries (of successful people who are losing weight) they typically are lower than my daily intake.

Also... I've had some distant past bulimia issues that are starting to pop up today.

SierraFatToSkinny

nutmegoreo wrote: »

I'd love to offer some sage advice, but I'm too busy being a wet blanket over here.

There are worse things to be.

nutmegoreo wrote: »

I get that it's disheartening, but the fact it that it's a long road ahead of you. You will need more patience. First, review your logs. So many of the database entries are incorrect. Additionally, packages can be off by 20% (usually understated) so weighing prepackaged stuff as well, will me more accurate. Second, is there anything else that could be masking the losses?

I don't eat much prepackaged anything. Off the top of my head, the only thing I've eaten this past week that wasn't prepared by me was pizza and... someone gave me 3 individually packaged oatmeals and I've eaten those.

nutmegoreo wrote: »

Close to TOM (some women gain during ovulation as well), did you have more sodium than usual in the last day or two, or new workout routine (my losses stalled for weeks when I started weight lifting). If you are certain that your logging is as accurate as it can be, then give it some more time, but I would strongly suggest reviewing your logs (including the database entries themselves) for accuracy.

I track my periods and I ovulated a few days back... that's interesting. Maybe that isn't helping.

nutmegoreo

SierraFatToSkinny wrote: »

Part of my problem is I've been lurking on a lot of diaries and everyone seems to be eating fewer calories than me.

I've also never been a scale person... even when I've lost weight before.

I've posted a thread before and was given the advice to eat more when I work out. But when looking at diaries (of successful people who are losing weight) they typically are lower than my daily intake.

Also... I've had some distant past bulimia issues that are starting to pop up today.

Start with looking at what's triggering the bulimia issues. As for the calorie intake, I lose 2lb/week on 1600 calories, I am older than you, shorter than you, and weigh less. These three factors mean that my caloric intake should be less than you for successful weight loss. That being said, I am fairly active. There is no reason why you shouldn't be able to lose on 1700/day, assuming that your logging is accurate.

ashesnposies333

Be strong. It takes a very long time to get where you're going. You are not them, they are not you. Success is not linear and what works for some doesnt work for every one.
Step one, do not compare yourself to others. Every. Body. is different. Same as everybody is different.
Step two, don't quit.

And perhaps look into Fitgirls Guide. It's an e-book I found on Instagram two years ago. Insanely helpful tips to help change your lifestyle aaaaand recipes for clean eating that satisfies even the sweetest of cravings. I love it and it helped me immensely as it has for thousands of women and men.
Theres an online community too.
I started using this app to help count calories and macros, but without Fitgirls Guide, I probably would have kept climbing the weight ladder like I was before I stumbled on it.

SierraFatToSkinny

nutmegoreo wrote: »

SierraFatToSkinny wrote: »

Part of my problem is I've been lurking on a lot of diaries and everyone seems to be eating fewer calories than me.

I've also never been a scale person... even when I've lost weight before.

I've posted a thread before and was given the advice to eat more when I work out. But when looking at diaries (of successful people who are losing weight) they typically are lower than my daily intake.

Also... I've had some distant past bulimia issues that are starting to pop up today.

Start with looking at what's triggering the bulimia issues. As for the calorie intake, I lose 2lb/week on 1600 calories, I am older than you, shorter than you, and weigh less. These three factors mean that my caloric intake should be less than you for successful weight loss. That being said, I am fairly active. There is no reason why you shouldn't be able to lose on 1700/day, assuming that your logging is accurate.

I didn't eat much this morning since I had an absolutely huge meal the night before. So today a lot of my calories have come in late in the day. I'm feeling a little nauseous and that's made me think about vomiting. I'm not going to, I'm years removed from that, but the thought flitted through my mind.

SierraFatToSkinny

Thanks everyone.

I'll wait this all out. It'll come off.

melto1989

You probabthear this way too often but don't weigh often. Weigh once a month because it's just discouraging. I've been here 2 weeks too and was complaining about the same things then on the 15th day I went on the scales and was down 3lbs so it happened like overnight!
You can do this just stick to what your doing in months time you will see the fruit of your labour!

courtneyfabulous

You're not eating too many calories- for your size you're likely eating too few but just leave the calories as is for the moment...

Remember new exercise regime causes water retention. So does monthly fluctuations in hormones, so does sodium. So it could be any of these masking your weight loss- so be patient and wait at least a month before evaluating your results- I'd give it 2 months actually.

One thing I would check on is if you are hitting your protein goal each day - proper protein intake is important for weight loss. Also check that you're not going way over on sugar, sodium, or carbohydrates. You can find this in "nutrition" -> "nutrients"

Also try to reach your fiber goal each day and drink plenty of water. Also make sure you're getting plenty of sleep and taking rest days off exercise- maybe 1 or 2 days a week no exercise (a short walk or stretching is ok but your body can't do strenuous exercise every day).

Try thatand get back to us in about 4 weeks.

snowflake954

Successful people on here may be close to goal weight or at maintenance, so they'd be eating less calories than you should. You say you weigh 281, that means you can and should eat what MFP gives you as your goal to lose. Once you lose a good chunk , don't worry, you'll have less calories to eat too, so don't be in a rush. I'm sorry you think you're being criticised, but you have no idea how many people come on saying they're not losing, convinced that they're doing everything right. Eventually it comes out that they aren't weighing everything--that means guessing. In the beginning you have to be as accurate as possible. Some lucky people can slack off after they get the knack--others have to weigh for life. It is what it is.

trigden1991

Patience is a virtue.

candythorns

If the things you're forgetting to log are calorie dense....I'm sorry but I don't buy this. Be honest with yourself and you'll see a change. Unless your scale is broken?

LivingtheLeanDream

Give it time, its early days yet.

Unknown

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l911jnt

check your scale. Just realized mine was wrong by weighing 2 days in a row (which I do not plan to do on a normal basis). I was down 4 lbs on the 3rd day and then back up 4 the next day. Getting a new one today. Also I check my calories from 3 or so sources online. Sometimes they are really off. I only have 4 days in right now but I did this 3 yrs ago and realized the calorie source differences then.

flatlndr

I was in your shoes - went from 279 to 174 - so I know you can do it.

You listed only your weight, but not your height or age. I'm not making any guesses from your photo, but for a hypothetical 280 lb female of height 5'4" and age 30 yrs, my calculator says that her maintenance calories are nearly 2400, 1900 will get her down about 1 lb a week and 1700 might get her 1.5 lbs per week. But these are all rules of thumb, not hard and fast figures. Your mileage may vary.

So, as a baker, you know how to weigh and measure. But as a baker, are you also possibly sampling and nibbling, and not counting all of your calories? All those extra bites add up, especially in something as calorie-rich as baked goods.

As others have noted, opening your diary would be helpful.

SierraFatToSkinny

I'm 5'8" and 28 years old.

I sold my business 4 months back and have baked minimally since.

Maybe my scale is broken? I'll put a new battery in it. It's been fluctuating my weight by several pounds anyways.

The successful people are those who started out ahead of me. Most of the people I follow are around my weight.

Thanks everyone for the help.