I don't understand why I am not losing weight:(

Christlivesinme29

Hey guys!

I need some honest advice. I just started trying to lose weight a few weeks ago. I am 30 years old, 5'8 and a few weeks ago, I weighed 227. I went down to 220 and then came on my monthly cycle on Saturday and weight went all the way up to 223.8. I work out 30-40 minutes a day on the elliptical doing moderate to intense workouts. I usually burn from 350 to 400 a day on the elliptical. In addition to the elliptical I walk outside for about 30 minutes, sometimes burning around 90 to 100 cals, but the walking is not done on a daily basis. I workout on the elliptical about 5 to 6 days a week.

I try to eat 1200 calories a day; however, when I work out, I have to force myself to eat up to 1200 cals. Before, I wasn't eating 1200 cals, and I notice I was losing weight and now it seems like I am losing slowly. Maybe my cycle has something to do with it. I am not sure? I am coming off my cycle now and still no weight loss. I also failed to mention that I take Garcinia Cambogia pills daily. They are all natural and was recommended by Doctor Oz. I have done alot of research on them and noticed people saying great things and how much weight they have loss. They have no side effects. I been taking them since the beginning of this month but no real major weight loss.

It just gets depressing because I used to be 170 and it's my goal to get there again. I gained so much weight when I was laid off of my job two years ago, been depressed and sad. It's not that I ate too much to gain all this weight, but I guess it's the stress hormones.

Does anyone have any advice for me? Anything I should be doing differently? I read about the importance of strength training. I am going to buy some 5 pound weights to start toning up and I have resistence bands as well. I don't know if my lack of muscle is contributing to a slow metabolism. Well, if anyone can offer any useful advice, it would be alot.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and respond. It means so much to me.

SleeplessinBerlin

Mestruation usually causes retaining water which reflects itself on the scale. It can be 2 lbs, it can also be as much as 6 or even more. Keep up the good work and make sure you eat enough. 1200kcals PLUS eat least a bigger part of those calories you burn during your workouts.

Ninkyou

1) Log consistently
2) Weigh/measure everything you eat
3) Always eat ABOVE 1200 calories...when you exercise, net above 1200.
4) Eat back your exercise calories. Your body needs fuel for all of the exercise you're doing.
5) Eat more caloric dense foods, peanut butter, avacodo, etc. This will help you increase your calories.
6) Eat more protein/fiber to help you feel fuller longer. Greek yogurt, chicken, fish, etc.
7) Yes, TOM will increase your weight temporarily. My weight didn't go back down until my 4th/5th day.

Keep those 7 things in mind and the scale will move, and you will feel happier and better.

Corinne_Howland

I'm no expert, but I don't think you're eating nearly enough calories. Figure out your BMR. This is the least amount of calories you need to stay alive. From there, any exercise will give you a deficit. I was told by one of my MFP friends to do this and it makes sence. Also make sure you don't have more than a 1000 calorie deficit.
Here's how she explained it to me.

my TDEE 1760
my BMR 1361

This automatically gives me a 400 calorie deficit. If I burn 300 calories excercising, that just adds to my deficit making it 700. I should be able to lose 1 plus pound per week with this process.

I have only been doing this for about 1 week. I was thrilled to find I lost 3 pounds this week, but it's my "good week" before my cylcle starts. The questions will be over the next few weeks to see if it stays gone. I went back in my log and saw that I was 1 pound less than 4 weeks ago. It's slow progress, I know. But, it's progress.

Good luck!

fuzzieme

Unfortunately, patience is key I'm feeling a lot like you at the minute, gained weight after losing my job 1 year ago too. I'm just telling myself to keep at it, and I know it can be hard to meet your calorie goals but you do have to. It's tempting not to, but it's important to meet them, even if it's through adding olive oil to a salad.

Just be consistent and keep trying, and you'll get there. I find weights make a big difference, I've only been using them about two and a half weeks but they do make a difference, though 5lb might be too much to start with, I used 1lbs for the first day to get used to the moves, and since that day I'm using two 3lb weights. I tried using the 5lb ones today and my arms almost popped off :laugh: I'm using them as part of the 30 day shred. I haven't lost as much as I'd hoped (3lbs), but I do recommend it, it's on youtube

PepperWorm

Too much cardio, not enough resistance training. Add some heavy lifting or body weight exercise to keep LBM while losing fat.

Not enough calories either, in my opinion. Have you tried eating at your TDEE - 20%? http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/912920-in-place-of-a-road-map-3-2013

Weight loss is meant to be slow. It took time to pack on the pounds, it'll take time to lose them. Have you been keeping up with your measurements?

Are you using a digital food scale and accurately measuring everything?

ETA: Ditch the Dr. Oz endorsed products. They do literally nothing but make your wallet lighter. A caloric deficit is how you lose weight, not some "miracle pill."

escloflowneCHANGED

First of all you need to eat at least 1200 calories a day, maybe set your goal for 1500 per day and don't eat back your calories for 2 weeks and see if that helps.

Second and most important of all, never listen or buy anything endorsed by Dr. Oz and throw away those pills!

tavinsmom

I don't think you are giving yourself enough time. Your weight fluctuates naturally, so give it a couple months of weigh ins before getting upset about not losing anything.

Personally, I wouldn't take a supplement either. It sucks that weight loss can be slow, but it's safer to lose it slowly.

ajaxe432

Too much cardio, not enough resistance training. Add some heavy lifting or body weight exercise to keep LBM while losing fat.

Not enough calories either, in my opinion. Have you tried eating at your TDEE - 20%? http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/912920-in-place-of-a-road-map-3-2013

Weight loss is meant to be slow. It took time to pack on the pounds, it'll take time to lose them. Have you been keeping up with your measurements?

Are you using a digital food scale and accurately measuring everything?

ETA: Ditch the Dr. Oz endorsed products. They do literally nothing but make your wallet lighter. A caloric deficit is how you lose weight, not some "miracle pill."

^^^^^^^ Everything she said.....Including Dr. OZ!!! His endorsements have been nothing but questionable as of the last couple years. Not sure about that pill, but there is no "miracle pill" for weight loss!

aaronagostini

A lot of good stuff above. For me, measuring vs. estimation makes a big difference. I put my peanut butter into a tablespoon, I weigh my pasta and sauce, and in general really try to quantify what I'm eating. It's enlightening! And the patience part is very important. There's a quote that I love that has helped me a lot with patience regarding weight: "People overestimate what they can do in a month, and underestimate what they can do in a year".

Christlivesinme29

Thanks for replying:) My bmr is 1821.05 and daily calorie needs is 2823. The calculator said I should be consuming 1843, but my roommate who's a nutritionist said consume about 1200. I am simply confused. I noticed alot of folks consuming 1200 to lose weight and that's why i was trying to. Is there a way you all could see my food and exercise log on my profile? Maybe I'm eating too much fat or something. This is all so confusing:(

savithny

For me, strength training made a lot of difference, and it also just has made me feel so much better and so much more comfortable in my body.

But:
Five pound weights are not going to be enough to do any muscle building. You might need to start there if you've lost a lot of muscle mass, but you'll quickly progress to needing a lot mroe weight to make any difference. I started out with 5-pound weights to learn the moves and because I'd gotten so flabby, but I increased the weights very quickly -- as soon as I could do all the repetitions and felt like I could do more, I added weight.

also? Define "slowly" - a pound a week is a good rate of loss, actually. How many weeks has it been? I know its natural to want it all off TODAY TOMORROW BY NEXT WEEK AT THE LATEST! but it just doesn't work that way. It didn't go on like that, its not coming off like that.

mike_usmc

Keeep in mind your body does and wil go into a defensive mode when its not getting enough calories, or burning to many, and losing to much weight to quickly. Like was stated, you should also add in some small weight training. Nothing big but get on the floor and do some pushup's, if they are to difficult go on your knees and try from there. Weight loss is a slow process unfortunatley, but you can do it, keep your head up!

saschka7

Too much cardio, not enough resistance training. Add some heavy lifting or body weight exercise to keep LBM while losing fat.

Not enough calories either, in my opinion. Have you tried eating at your TDEE - 20%? http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/912920-in-place-of-a-road-map-3-2013

Weight loss is meant to be slow. It took time to pack on the pounds, it'll take time to lose them. Have you been keeping up with your measurements?

Are you using a digital food scale and accurately measuring everything?

ETA: Ditch the Dr. Oz endorsed products. They do literally nothing but make your wallet lighter. A caloric deficit is how you lose weight, not some "miracle pill."

I agree 100%. :drinker:

Honestly, I cannot see how you would have the energy to work out that long eating as little as you do! Seriously, eat back your exercise calories, log your food correctly, don't overestimate how many calories you burn and give anything Dr. Oz endorses a wide berth. There is no supplement or pill that will magically help you lose weight.

Lochlyn_D

Hey guys!

I need some honest advice. I just started trying to lose weight a few weeks ago. I am 30 years old, 5'8 and a few weeks ago, I weighed 227. I went down to 220 and then came on my monthly cycle on Saturday and weight went all the way up to 223.8. I work out 30-40 minutes a day on the elliptical doing moderate to intense workouts. I usually burn from 350 to 400 a day on the elliptical. In addition to the elliptical I walk outside for about 30 minutes, sometimes burning around 90 to 100 cals, but the walking is not done on a daily basis. I workout on the elliptical about 5 to 6 days a week.

I try to eat 1200 calories a day; however, when I work out, I have to force myself to eat up to 1200 cals. Before, I wasn't eating 1200 cals, and I notice I was losing weight and now it seems like I am losing slowly. Maybe my cycle has something to do with it. I am not sure? I am coming off my cycle now and still no weight loss. I also failed to mention that I take Garcinia Cambogia pills daily. They are all natural and was recommended by Doctor Oz. I have done alot of research on them and noticed people saying great things and how much weight they have loss. They have no side effects. I been taking them since the beginning of this month but no real major weight loss.

It just gets depressing because I used to be 170 and it's my goal to get there again. I gained so much weight when I was laid off of my job two years ago, been depressed and sad. It's not that I ate too much to gain all this weight, but I guess it's the stress hormones.

Does anyone have any advice for me? Anything I should be doing differently? I read about the importance of strength training. I am going to buy some 5 pound weights to start toning up and I have resistence bands as well. I don't know if my lack of muscle is contributing to a slow metabolism. Well, if anyone can offer any useful advice, it would be alot.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and respond. It means so much to me.

Dr Oz thinks he's a doctor in the same way I think I'm a grown up.

ajaxe432

Thanks for replying:) My bmr is 1821.05 and daily calorie needs is 2823. The calculator said I should be consuming 1843, but my roommate who's a nutritionist said consume about 1200. I am simply confused. I noticed alot of folks consuming 1200 to lose weight and that's why i was trying to. Is there a way you all could see my food and exercise log on my profile? Maybe I'm eating too much fat or something. This is all so confusing:(

What are you using for TDEE? Harris- Benedict equation?

PepperWorm

Thanks for replying:) My bmr is 1821.05 and daily calorie needs is 2823. The calculator said I should be consuming 1843, but my roommate who's a nutritionist said consume about 1200. I am simply confused. I noticed alot of folks consuming 1200 to lose weight and that's why i was trying to. Is there a way you all could see my food and exercise log on my profile? Maybe I'm eating too much fat or something. This is all so confusing:(

Hate to break it to you, but I wouldn't put much stock in what a nutritionist says. Nutritionists do not need to have undergone any particular training or be qualified in any way.

If your BMR is 1821, you need to eat ABOVE your BMR...but that sounds a bit high.

ETA: Eating fat doesn't make you fat. Eating above your maintenance calories makes you fat.

Xhell_on_heelsX

1. Gaining weight during your cycle is normal

2. You're not eating enough

saschka7

For me, strength training made a lot of difference, and it also just has made me feel so much better and so much more comfortable in my body.

But:
Five pound weights are not going to be enough to do any muscle building. You might need to start there if you've lost a lot of muscle mass, but you'll quickly progress to needing a lot mroe weight to make any difference. I started out with 5-pound weights to learn the moves and because I'd gotten so flabby, but I increased the weights very quickly -- as soon as I could do all the repetitions and felt like I could do more, I added weight.

Quite honestly, I was surprised when I started using weights (I only use dumbbells, a kettlebell and machines because I have just started this myself) that I could lift more than I thought. I started with 5 pounds too, just because I had read in magazines that that was what women were supposed to do.

The thing is, women are much stronger than we think we are: how heavy are shopping bags that we schlep from the car to the kitchen table? And have you ever carried a toddler around? :laugh: We lift and carry heavy things all the time and don't realize how much we are capable of.

Start with the 8 or 10 lb weights--keep at it and you'll be up to 12 - 15 lbs (and beyond) in no time!

Francl27

Weigh your food.

Eat more. 1200 calories is nowhere enough for you. I started at 213 lbs, I'm 5'5" and I was 34, and my goal was 1600, without exercise calories (that you're supposed to add).

DiannaMoorer

Don't stress! You'll be ok. And don't weight yourself during your cycle. Wait at least 2 days after it's over. You HAVE to get in at the very least 1200 calories. If you don't you can endanger your health. Count your calories,drink lots of water, exercise and eat real food.

new_beth_2013

Are you feeling like you are swollen? Like you are retaining water? In the past when I started a workout routine I would notice I felt puffier. I was told that it is because your body is producing more blood so your fluid volume goes up. Eventually it will pass. Menstruation doesnt help either. Give it a couple weeks to settle down and you should be good Drink plenty of water and lay off the sodium too if that is a tough part of your diet

AngelaV75

I'm also 5'8. I was 185, now 169, and I'm aiming for around 140. I lost 6 lbs my first week and then nothing for the next 2 1/2 weeks. I got discouraged as well, but once I hit week 3 I did start losing again. I just started losing the 1 1/2 lbs a week I'm supposed to rather than the 6 lbs of water weight that wasn't real. You body was probably bouncing back from that 7 lb loss by making it a fat loss rather than a water weight loss. I also switched my calories from 1200 to 1400, which is still less than my BMR and my TDEE-20, and that helped. I didn't go all the way up to what those numbers said I should be eating, but increasing my calories seemed to help me start losing again. Just don't give up!! IF you hang in there, you will start losing again.

new_beth_2013

ETA: Ditch the Dr. Oz endorsed products. They do literally nothing but make your wallet lighter. A caloric deficit is how you lose weight, not some "miracle pill."

YES!

Christlivesinme29

Thank you to all who have replied to me! Again much appreciation! I was wondering if there is a way you all could see my food log? Can I share it with you? Maybe I am not eating correctly? I'm not sure. Also, I do weigh everything I eat. I have a food scale in the kitchen. I also try to eat 1 serving portions as well, have cut out the rice, pasta, and bread. I am heavy on the protein though. I eat meat for almost every meal and salad for dinner and or lunch usually. I don't eat enough fruits though.

Someone also asked me about my measurements. Unfortunately, I haven't measured myself, but noticed some small changes in my arms and waist. Now I can fit blazers more better. My arms are the biggest of my problems. They are huge. It's like all the weight goes to the arms! Someone said something about doing pushups. Geez, if only I could. I use the resistance bands and will start weight training. A couple of you mentioned weights are a good choice, starting low pounds and increasing to higher weights.

When it comes to my BMR, it's 1821 and my daily calorie needs, based on my activity level is 2823. The weight loss calculator said to consume 1843 cals to lose weight. MY question is should I be consuming this much to reach my weight loss goal? It just seems like it's too much but maybe I am wrong. I guess, I'll just give it some time and see what happens. I'll continue my exercise routine and add the strength training. I just don't know what to do about the calories, but I'll add more water and fiber to my diet. I know, I could be eating more fruits and veggies. Thanks again for all your help! AND SUPPORT! All of you help so much:happy:

Cyclingbonnie

Although I'm not an expert either as many have said. I don't believe you are eating enough. Not so much to trigger more weight loss, but to protect against loosing muscle. When you don't feed your workouts the body will take what is easiest ...

Okay, only supplements I would take are any vitamins you aren't getting in your diet and even some of those I would forget about. I love watching Dr. Oz, but I never run out and buy the stuff he recommends. As one poster said earlier he is becoming suspect. He he seems to be endorsing some very weird stuff in the last couple of years. A few weeks ago he did the "Eat more Salmon" and then the very next day he had a guest telling you not too. Of course I've been telling people for years to stay away from the seafood too much mercury in the oceans. I get my Omega-3 fatty acids from eggs and flax. No reason to swallow fish oil pills (also full of mercury).

Measure and log and be patient that is the key. Don't estimate anything, when you are true to this you will loose. There is a chance that thyroid can be at play, but that is easily checked and if it is? You can take meds to level things out.

Big important thing is don't estimate ... measure and measure properly ... weighing your food is more accurate than measuring cups. Don't be too hard on yourself when you falter, but don't give yourself permission to falter. Do not put foods on off limits list. If you find yourself craving something very high calorie, work it in. If you approach this depriving yourself you will become frustrated and give up.

I really don't believe there is a such a thing of too much cardio ... I love the argument cardio vs. strength, don't know why it has to be an either or here. I agree strength is important lift, lift often and lift heavy ... but I promise you my cardio is through the roof, and I love every minute of it. I like to lift too it shouldn't be either or, it should be both.

Hang in there! You are on your way!

PepperWorm

I'm also 5'8. I was 185, now 169, and I'm aiming for around 140. I lost 6 lbs my first week and then nothing for the next 2 1/2 weeks. I got discouraged as well, but once I hit week 3 I did start losing again. I just started losing the 1 1/2 lbs a week I'm supposed to rather than the 6 lbs of water weight that wasn't real. You body was probably bouncing back from that 7 lb loss by making it a fat loss rather than a water weight loss. I also switched my calories from 1200 to 1400, which is still less than my BMR and my TDEE-20, and that helped. I didn't go all the way up to what those numbers said I should be eating, but increasing my calories seemed to help me start losing again. Just don't give up!! IF you hang in there, you will start losing again.

Why are you eating under your BMR?

new_beth_2013

Thanks for replying:) My bmr is 1821.05 and daily calorie needs is 2823. The calculator said I should be consuming 1843, but my roommate who's a nutritionist said consume about 1200. I am simply confused. I noticed alot of folks consuming 1200 to lose weight and that's why i was trying to. Is there a way you all could see my food and exercise log on my profile? Maybe I'm eating too much fat or something. This is all so confusing:(

You cannot base your needs on what works for someone else. Their intake may be that below becuase they are sedentary all day (like me- at my desk)...if your job keeps you on your feet/moving you will certainly need more otherwise you wont lose.

PepperWorm

Thank you to all who have replied to me! Again much appreciation! I was wondering if there is a way you all could see my food log? Can I share it with you? Maybe I am not eating correctly? I'm not sure. Also, I do weigh everything I eat. I have a food scale in the kitchen. I also try to eat 1 serving portions as well, have cut out the rice, pasta, and bread. I am heavy on the protein though. I eat meat for almost every meal and salad for dinner and or lunch usually. I don't eat enough fruits though.

Someone also asked me about my measurements. Unfortunately, I haven't measured myself, but noticed some small changes in my arms and waist. Now I can fit blazers more better. My arms are the biggest of my problems. They are huge. It's like all the weight goes to the arms! Someone said something about doing pushups. Geez, if only I could. I use the resistance bands and will start weight training. A couple of you mentioned weights are a good choice, starting low pounds and increasing to higher weights.

When it comes to my BMR, it's 1821 and my daily calorie needs, based on my activity level is 2823. The weight loss calculator said to consume 1843 cals to lose weight. MY question is should I be consuming this much to reach my weight loss goal? It just seems like it's too much but maybe I am wrong. I guess, I'll just give it some time and see what happens. I'll continue my exercise routine and add the strength training. I just don't know what to do about the calories, but I'll add more water and fiber to my diet. I know, I could be eating more fruits and veggies. Thanks again for all your help! AND SUPPORT! All of you help so much:happy:

You misunderstood the process. You take 20% away from 2823 and get 2259. You eat 2259 calories and STILL lose weight. Do not eat exercise calories, or even bother to track them if you don't want, and you will be eating at a deficit. This will help you lose weight.

There is NO NEED to cut out ANY food or food group. It's all about the calorie deficit. You can eat ANYTHING and still lose weight.

Good luck, OP.

petrulak

I know when I used to have my monthly that I gained a few pounds and then I would lose it afterwards due to water retention. Also, I believe you may need to be eating some if not all of your exercise calories back, specially if you are at 1200 calories a day. Going under 1200 net may put you into starvation mode and slow your metabolism. Your body will want to hold on to the fat storage for fuel because it thinks you are starving. I was at 1200 for a while and wasn't loosing anything until I bumped up my calories to 1300 and I eat back some of my exercise calories. I try not to go below 1200. Also make sure you are drinking alot of water. Good luck!

L1giff

I took Garcinia Cambogia for a few weeks (went through a bottle) and lost very little while I was taking it...though I was dieting and exercising like a maniac. As soon as I stopped taking GC I started losing weight! But, that's just my story. It may work for others.