500-1000 calorie deficit and no weight loss

MADDIESMOMMY6611

My first week in this weight loss journey resulted in a 3 lb loss. The following 2 weeks I didn't lose a single lb though, and I've been working even harder, but eating the same. What gives?

Now, I know I don't eat the best foods but I've lost 40 lbs in the past by just counting calories and exercising so that I have a deficit every day. I've since gained those 40 lbs back and I'm trying to lose them again, but the scale hasn't budged in 2 weeks. Any ideas?

On a possibly related note (tmi) my period is a week late. While I'm not pregnant, I'm wondering if this could be the reason? Maybe I'm just forever retaining water until it comes?

T0M_K

Probably the 3lb loss was mostly water. unless your obese a 3lb loss in a week is nearly impossible. What are your stats, what are you calorie goals.

and 3 weeks....your just getting started...weight loss isn't linear. there WILL be ups and downs. it sucks, high one day, bummed the next but its just how it works.

MADDIESMOMMY6611

I am considered obese, and I've started a weight loss journey before at the same weight and lost and average of 2 lbs/ week. Some weeks it was only 1 lb where others were closer to 3 lost. And I never went 2 weeks in a row without some kind of loss, but I get that I just started so maybe my body is still getting used to it. It just sucks when something that was so easy before has become much more difficult only a few years later.

Stella3838

Getting older has made it harder for me to lose for sure. Are you really tight on your food logging? Using a scale for solids, cups/spoons for liquids? Many, many times people are eating more than they think, so they either don't lose (you found your maintenance!) or they gain.

FWIW, as long as you create that calorie deficit, it's not absolutely critical the type of food you eat. Some people do better on higher protein, some higher carbs. Just gotta figure out what works for you. And if it's fast food here and there, so be it. As long as it's less than you burn. Best of luck!

lioness803

What they said, and yes any hormonal issues you've got going could absolutely be a factor.

lemonychild

If this is a a new regimen for you u will retain water. You need to stay patient and get away from the scale. However the 1000 k deficit is not sustainable

Chadxx

It isn't time to be concerned yet, especially considering tom. I am down over 100 pounds and over time have been surprisingly consistent but water weight still fluctuates. I was up 4 pounds this morning and at one point was up 5 last week but it will come back down soon enough. Just ensure you are counting is accurate, relax, and let the process work.

MADDIESMOMMY6611

Stella3838 wrote: »

Getting older has made it harder for me to lose for sure. Are you really tight on your food logging? Using a scale for solids, cups/spoons for liquids? Many, many times people are eating more than they think, so they either don't lose (you found your maintenance!) or they gain.

FWIW, as long as you create that calorie deficit, it's not absolutely critical the type of food you eat. Some people do better on higher protein, some higher carbs. Just gotta figure out what works for you. And if it's fast food here and there, so be it. As long as it's less than you burn. Best of luck!

Yes I am literally counting every little calorie. I don't use a scale, but I do use measurement cups and calculate ounces based on the packaging + my serving size. I'm definitely doing a better job of tracking than the last time I lost weight. I'm almost wondering if my fitbit isn't helping. I'm using it to show my total deficit, but maybe it's telling me a burned more calories than I really did for the day.

deannalfisher

measuring cups aren't the most accurate way of figuring out food - they can easily double/triple a serving size

T0M_K

i'd recommend getting a scale. measure solids in grams and liquids in ounces. labels on packages are horrible. solids in a measuring cup is extremely misleading. its a hassle. but its a really really good tool and a learning step that shouldn't be overlooked in your journey. you'll be amazed at how different some things can be once weighed.

cerise_noir

deannalfisher wrote: »

measuring cups aren't the most accurate way of figuring out food - they can easily double/triple a serving size

Agreed! Especially with calorie dense foods such as PB, butter, mayo, cheese.

Cups/spoons for liquids only.

Even prepackaged items can be 20% higher/lower weight than the package states. Scanning isn't necessarily accurate, either...