I Just Don't Get It!
sefajane1
Posts: 322 Member
I started counting calories and logging religiously 3.5 weeks ago. I weigh everything that goes into my mouth and have tried to walk as often as I can, although I have chronic fatigue and arthritis symptoms due to cancer treatments so it's not daily but I'm walking a lot more than I was before.
When I started cutting down on calories I was 134.4lbs, that was 26th February. 6th March I was 124.4lbs (10lbs gone, yey!) but, it hasn't gone any lower since then. Up a bit, down a bit but never lower.
My chest, waist, hip measurements haven't gotten any lower since the weight stopped going down either.
I'm 5' 4", female, 50 years old, sedentary, MFP set me at 1220 calories a day to lose 0.5lbs/week.
I average around 1000 calories a day (I check it weekly). As I don't really exercise, those 40 minutes walks that I do take are not logged as they don't seem worth it.
So, why is the weight not going down?
Why is it that before I started logging, and eating anything and everything that I wanted, eg. a LOT more calories than I do now, with zero walking, my weight was (I think) stable, albeit heavier?
I feel like just going back to how I used to eat. Yes I'll gain that 10lbs lost but I'll be a lot bloody happier and feel less *kitten*! I'm always light-headed, weak and just generally a miserable cow now who's obsessed with calories!
In case it's relevant, the only medication I take is the A.I. Femara.
Please, give me some encouragement! 🙏😊
When I started cutting down on calories I was 134.4lbs, that was 26th February. 6th March I was 124.4lbs (10lbs gone, yey!) but, it hasn't gone any lower since then. Up a bit, down a bit but never lower.
My chest, waist, hip measurements haven't gotten any lower since the weight stopped going down either.
I'm 5' 4", female, 50 years old, sedentary, MFP set me at 1220 calories a day to lose 0.5lbs/week.
I average around 1000 calories a day (I check it weekly). As I don't really exercise, those 40 minutes walks that I do take are not logged as they don't seem worth it.
So, why is the weight not going down?
Why is it that before I started logging, and eating anything and everything that I wanted, eg. a LOT more calories than I do now, with zero walking, my weight was (I think) stable, albeit heavier?
I feel like just going back to how I used to eat. Yes I'll gain that 10lbs lost but I'll be a lot bloody happier and feel less *kitten*! I'm always light-headed, weak and just generally a miserable cow now who's obsessed with calories!
In case it's relevant, the only medication I take is the A.I. Femara.
Please, give me some encouragement! 🙏😊
12
Replies
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Aha! Now I know what the "*kitten*" means that I often see on posts 😂9
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You said you always feel miserable, lightheaded, and weak? I wonder if that's a clue. Is it possible you're not eating quite enough and you should add in a couple hundred quality protein calories? You shouldn't feel weak from lack of food, and that's a red flag, I think.6
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1,000 calories a day is simply not sustainable longterm. I'm also concerned you lost 10lbs in one week being as small as you are already.18
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Hilogirl2018 wrote: »You said you always feel miserable, lightheaded, and weak? I wonder if that's a clue. Is it possible you're not eating quite enough and you should add in a couple hundred quality protein calories? You shouldn't feel weak from lack of food, and that's a red flag, I think.
For the past week I've tried to lower my carbs and up my protein but it's difficult as I don't have easy, affordable access to high protein/lower calorie foods. With only 1220 calories to "spend" I'm struggling to find the right balance.
I eat mainly vegetarian as meat/fish/eggs etc. are quite expensive for us here in Turkey.
2 -
1,000 calories a day is simply not sustainable longterm. I'm also concerned you lost 10lbs in one week being as small as you are already.
Thank you but I don't feel small 😔
I don't want to lose too much, 119lbs is my goal (for now) but it's just not going any lower than the 124.4lbs.
This may be a bit TMI but I'm only having 1 pooh a week since starting, even though I get plenty of fibre and I drink a minimum of 3 litres each day, so it's not dehydration causing the lack of pooh😅2 -
Also, I should add that the carbs I do get are mainly from vegetables - I haven't eaten bread/rice or pasta since I started. I make a big pot of white bean and vegetable soup and that lasts me a week for my main meal. The rest is lower fat natural yoghurt, rye flakes, fruit (fresh & dried), lower fat dry curd cottage cheese, lower fat soft cheese etc.1
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You're definitely eating healthy foods- is your protein in a good range, though? I understand needing to make this affordable, and suggest increasing protein however you can if it's low. But more calories (protein or not) may be needed until you feel nourished, not weak. In my experience, being weak and lightheaded is quite difficult from being hungry (hunger is often an expected part of these kinds of dietary transitions). I get how frustrating it is not to make the kind of progress you'd hoped for!
4 -
Hilogirl2018 wrote: »You're definitely eating healthy foods- is your protein in a good range, though? I understand needing to make this affordable, and suggest increasing protein however you can if it's low. But more calories (protein or not) may be needed until you feel nourished, not weak. In my experience, being weak and lightheaded is quite difficult from being hungry (hunger is often an expected part of these kinds of dietary transitions). I get how frustrating it is not to make the kind of progress you'd hoped for!
Hunger I can cope with (many years of ED experience behind me 😔). I don't mind hunger but I don't want to feel this awful.
Ive just jiggled with my goals and if I wanted to maintain I'd get 1460 calories. Take off 250 calories for a 0.5lbs/week loss = 1210. Only 10 calories less than my settings now. And it's not going down 😞4 -
1,000 calories a day is simply not sustainable longterm. I'm also concerned you lost 10lbs in one week being as small as you are already.
Thank you but I don't feel small 😔
I don't want to lose too much, 119lbs is my goal (for now) but it's just not going any lower than the 124.4lbs.
This may be a bit TMI but I'm only having 1 pooh a week since starting, even though I get plenty of fibre and I drink a minimum of 3 litres each day, so it's not dehydration causing the lack of pooh😅
I'm seeing a bunch of things that could be contributing here.
1) with that low calorie intake, you are not likely getting enough fat for bowel and hormone health
2) if your carbs are primarily from veggies, you may be experiencing keto flu (caused by electrolyte imbalances), the 3 litres of fluid intake would not help this
3) low intake equals less coming out
4) low calories can cause the lightheadedness and weakness (as can keto flu)
5) limited bowel movements and increased stress hormones can both cause stalls in weight loss
You were giving 1220 calories to lose 0.5 lb/week, aim for that. Log your exercise and eat at least 50% of those calories. Aim to get enough fat and protein. If you are going to keep your carbs low, then you need to increase your electrolyte intake.20 -
That is such good advice from @nutmegoreo and I hadn't even considered electrolytes.4
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nutmegoreo wrote: »1,000 calories a day is simply not sustainable longterm. I'm also concerned you lost 10lbs in one week being as small as you are already.
Thank you but I don't feel small 😔
I don't want to lose too much, 119lbs is my goal (for now) but it's just not going any lower than the 124.4lbs.
This may be a bit TMI but I'm only having 1 pooh a week since starting, even though I get plenty of fibre and I drink a minimum of 3 litres each day, so it's not dehydration causing the lack of pooh😅
I'm seeing a bunch of things that could be contributing here.
1) with that low calorie intake, you are not likely getting enough fat for bowel and hormone health
2) if your carbs are primarily from veggies, you may be experiencing keto flu (caused by electrolyte imbalances), the 3 litres of fluid intake would not help this
3) low intake equals less coming out
4) low calories can cause the lightheadedness and weakness (as can keto flu)
5) limited bowel movements and increased stress hormones can both cause stalls in weight loss
You were giving 1220 calories to lose 0.5 lb/week, aim for that. Log your exercise and eat at least 50% of those calories. Aim to get enough fat and protein. If you are going to keep your carbs low, then you need to increase your electrolyte intake.
Thank you for that 👍 Maybe I could try those rehydration powders to balance the electrolytes?0 -
nutmegoreo wrote: »1,000 calories a day is simply not sustainable longterm. I'm also concerned you lost 10lbs in one week being as small as you are already.
Thank you but I don't feel small 😔
I don't want to lose too much, 119lbs is my goal (for now) but it's just not going any lower than the 124.4lbs.
This may be a bit TMI but I'm only having 1 pooh a week since starting, even though I get plenty of fibre and I drink a minimum of 3 litres each day, so it's not dehydration causing the lack of pooh😅
I'm seeing a bunch of things that could be contributing here.
1) with that low calorie intake, you are not likely getting enough fat for bowel and hormone health
2) if your carbs are primarily from veggies, you may be experiencing keto flu (caused by electrolyte imbalances), the 3 litres of fluid intake would not help this
3) low intake equals less coming out
4) low calories can cause the lightheadedness and weakness (as can keto flu)
5) limited bowel movements and increased stress hormones can both cause stalls in weight loss
You were giving 1220 calories to lose 0.5 lb/week, aim for that. Log your exercise and eat at least 50% of those calories. Aim to get enough fat and protein. If you are going to keep your carbs low, then you need to increase your electrolyte intake.
Thank you for that 👍 Maybe I could try those rehydration powders to balance the electrolytes?
Yes (some broth would do in a pinch), but do increase your calorie intake as well. I'm not sure how long ago your cancer treatment was, but you really need to keep your strength.
I had another thought, but it's gone now. I'll drop it here when it comes back to me.
ETA: There it is! Caffeine. Have you reduced the number of drinks you are consuming with caffeine? If yes, then have a cup of tea/coffee.8 -
nutmegoreo wrote: »nutmegoreo wrote: »1,000 calories a day is simply not sustainable longterm. I'm also concerned you lost 10lbs in one week being as small as you are already.
Thank you but I don't feel small 😔
I don't want to lose too much, 119lbs is my goal (for now) but it's just not going any lower than the 124.4lbs.
This may be a bit TMI but I'm only having 1 pooh a week since starting, even though I get plenty of fibre and I drink a minimum of 3 litres each day, so it's not dehydration causing the lack of pooh😅
I'm seeing a bunch of things that could be contributing here.
1) with that low calorie intake, you are not likely getting enough fat for bowel and hormone health
2) if your carbs are primarily from veggies, you may be experiencing keto flu (caused by electrolyte imbalances), the 3 litres of fluid intake would not help this
3) low intake equals less coming out
4) low calories can cause the lightheadedness and weakness (as can keto flu)
5) limited bowel movements and increased stress hormones can both cause stalls in weight loss
You were giving 1220 calories to lose 0.5 lb/week, aim for that. Log your exercise and eat at least 50% of those calories. Aim to get enough fat and protein. If you are going to keep your carbs low, then you need to increase your electrolyte intake.
Thank you for that 👍 Maybe I could try those rehydration powders to balance the electrolytes?
Yes (some broth would do in a pinch), but do increase your calorie intake as well. I'm not sure how long ago your cancer treatment was, but you really need to keep your strength.
I had another thought, but it's gone now. I'll drop it here when it comes back to me.
ETA: There it is! Caffeine. Have you reduced the number of drinks you are consuming with caffeine? If yes, then have a cup of tea/coffee.
I drink black tea - about 2 - 2.5 litres worth a day.
I'm due my 3 month oncology check-up in a week or so - I'll have urine and full bloods tests done. Would an electrolyte imbalance show up then?2 -
What @nutmegoreo said.
Also:
Are you post-menopause, because if not, you could be at a stage in your cycle when more fluid is retained. Happens to me from ovulation until menache.
Lots of fibre can also cause constipation, hence more solids in the system.
Most importantly, have you told your cancer healthcare professionals you're dieting on around 800 net calories?
There may be other serious complications in your difficult situation. Hugs, and please take care and seek advice at all your appointments.
5 -
nutmegoreo wrote: »nutmegoreo wrote: »1,000 calories a day is simply not sustainable longterm. I'm also concerned you lost 10lbs in one week being as small as you are already.
Thank you but I don't feel small 😔
I don't want to lose too much, 119lbs is my goal (for now) but it's just not going any lower than the 124.4lbs.
This may be a bit TMI but I'm only having 1 pooh a week since starting, even though I get plenty of fibre and I drink a minimum of 3 litres each day, so it's not dehydration causing the lack of pooh😅
I'm seeing a bunch of things that could be contributing here.
1) with that low calorie intake, you are not likely getting enough fat for bowel and hormone health
2) if your carbs are primarily from veggies, you may be experiencing keto flu (caused by electrolyte imbalances), the 3 litres of fluid intake would not help this
3) low intake equals less coming out
4) low calories can cause the lightheadedness and weakness (as can keto flu)
5) limited bowel movements and increased stress hormones can both cause stalls in weight loss
You were giving 1220 calories to lose 0.5 lb/week, aim for that. Log your exercise and eat at least 50% of those calories. Aim to get enough fat and protein. If you are going to keep your carbs low, then you need to increase your electrolyte intake.
Thank you for that 👍 Maybe I could try those rehydration powders to balance the electrolytes?
Yes (some broth would do in a pinch), but do increase your calorie intake as well. I'm not sure how long ago your cancer treatment was, but you really need to keep your strength.
I had another thought, but it's gone now. I'll drop it here when it comes back to me.
ETA: There it is! Caffeine. Have you reduced the number of drinks you are consuming with caffeine? If yes, then have a cup of tea/coffee.
I drink black tea - about 2 - 2.5 litres worth a day.
I'm due my 3 month oncology check-up in a week or so - I'll have urine and full bloods tests done. Would an electrolyte imbalance show up then?
Maybe back off on trying to lose any more weight until that appointment. Your body has been through a lot. You really should be getting information from your medical team. They know you better than random internet strangers (well-meaning as we may be). Can you get an appointment with a Registered Dietician? They can help you set up a diet with foods you enjoy (and are affordable) that ensure a healthy balance. I'm just concerned that you could be creating potential problems without meaning too. I know the added weight is frustrating, but it's not worth taking the risk. Take care of yourself. You've been through a lot.
7 -
What @nutmegoreo said.
Also:
Are you post-menopause, because if not, you could be at a stage in your cycle when more fluid is retained. Happens to me from ovulation until menache.
Lots of fibre can also cause constipation, hence more solids in the system.
Most importantly, have you told your cancer healthcare professionals you're dieting on around 800 net calories?
There may be other serious complications in your difficult situation. Hugs, and please take care and seek advice at all your appointments.
Firstly, thank you 💐
Yes, the chemo put me in early menopause but, luckily, I don't think I've suffered many of the usual side effects.
My medication also inhibits oestrogen production.
I haven't seen my oncologist since I started this. I'll mention it when I have my checkup.1 -
nutmegoreo wrote: »nutmegoreo wrote: »nutmegoreo wrote: »1,000 calories a day is simply not sustainable longterm. I'm also concerned you lost 10lbs in one week being as small as you are already.
Thank you but I don't feel small 😔
I don't want to lose too much, 119lbs is my goal (for now) but it's just not going any lower than the 124.4lbs.
This may be a bit TMI but I'm only having 1 pooh a week since starting, even though I get plenty of fibre and I drink a minimum of 3 litres each day, so it's not dehydration causing the lack of pooh😅
I'm seeing a bunch of things that could be contributing here.
1) with that low calorie intake, you are not likely getting enough fat for bowel and hormone health
2) if your carbs are primarily from veggies, you may be experiencing keto flu (caused by electrolyte imbalances), the 3 litres of fluid intake would not help this
3) low intake equals less coming out
4) low calories can cause the lightheadedness and weakness (as can keto flu)
5) limited bowel movements and increased stress hormones can both cause stalls in weight loss
You were giving 1220 calories to lose 0.5 lb/week, aim for that. Log your exercise and eat at least 50% of those calories. Aim to get enough fat and protein. If you are going to keep your carbs low, then you need to increase your electrolyte intake.
Thank you for that 👍 Maybe I could try those rehydration powders to balance the electrolytes?
Yes (some broth would do in a pinch), but do increase your calorie intake as well. I'm not sure how long ago your cancer treatment was, but you really need to keep your strength.
I had another thought, but it's gone now. I'll drop it here when it comes back to me.
ETA: There it is! Caffeine. Have you reduced the number of drinks you are consuming with caffeine? If yes, then have a cup of tea/coffee.
I drink black tea - about 2 - 2.5 litres worth a day.
I'm due my 3 month oncology check-up in a week or so - I'll have urine and full bloods tests done. Would an electrolyte imbalance show up then?
Maybe back off on trying to lose any more weight until that appointment. Your body has been through a lot. You really should be getting information from your medical team. They know you better than random internet strangers (well-meaning as we may be). Can you get an appointment with a Registered Dietician? They can help you set up a diet with foods you enjoy (and are affordable) that ensure a healthy balance. I'm just concerned that you could be creating potential problems without meaning too. I know the added weight is frustrating, but it's not worth taking the risk. Take care of yourself. You've been through a lot.
I'll talk to my onco at the appointment but to be honest they're only ever interested in anything cancer related. Feel depressed - "take a walk and smile". Feel suicidal - "I know, I feel the same. Life is too busy". That was when I was on a different A.I., it was horrible! I tend only to talk about my treatment plan now 😞5 -
nutmegoreo wrote: »nutmegoreo wrote: »nutmegoreo wrote: »1,000 calories a day is simply not sustainable longterm. I'm also concerned you lost 10lbs in one week being as small as you are already.
Thank you but I don't feel small 😔
I don't want to lose too much, 119lbs is my goal (for now) but it's just not going any lower than the 124.4lbs.
This may be a bit TMI but I'm only having 1 pooh a week since starting, even though I get plenty of fibre and I drink a minimum of 3 litres each day, so it's not dehydration causing the lack of pooh😅
I'm seeing a bunch of things that could be contributing here.
1) with that low calorie intake, you are not likely getting enough fat for bowel and hormone health
2) if your carbs are primarily from veggies, you may be experiencing keto flu (caused by electrolyte imbalances), the 3 litres of fluid intake would not help this
3) low intake equals less coming out
4) low calories can cause the lightheadedness and weakness (as can keto flu)
5) limited bowel movements and increased stress hormones can both cause stalls in weight loss
You were giving 1220 calories to lose 0.5 lb/week, aim for that. Log your exercise and eat at least 50% of those calories. Aim to get enough fat and protein. If you are going to keep your carbs low, then you need to increase your electrolyte intake.
Thank you for that 👍 Maybe I could try those rehydration powders to balance the electrolytes?
Yes (some broth would do in a pinch), but do increase your calorie intake as well. I'm not sure how long ago your cancer treatment was, but you really need to keep your strength.
I had another thought, but it's gone now. I'll drop it here when it comes back to me.
ETA: There it is! Caffeine. Have you reduced the number of drinks you are consuming with caffeine? If yes, then have a cup of tea/coffee.
I drink black tea - about 2 - 2.5 litres worth a day.
I'm due my 3 month oncology check-up in a week or so - I'll have urine and full bloods tests done. Would an electrolyte imbalance show up then?
Maybe back off on trying to lose any more weight until that appointment. Your body has been through a lot. You really should be getting information from your medical team. They know you better than random internet strangers (well-meaning as we may be). Can you get an appointment with a Registered Dietician? They can help you set up a diet with foods you enjoy (and are affordable) that ensure a healthy balance. I'm just concerned that you could be creating potential problems without meaning too. I know the added weight is frustrating, but it's not worth taking the risk. Take care of yourself. You've been through a lot.
I'll talk to my onco at the appointment but to be honest they're only ever interested in anything cancer related. Feel depressed - "take a walk and smile". Feel suicidal - "I know, I feel the same. Life is too busy". That was when I was on a different A.I., it was horrible! I tend only to talk about my treatment plan now 😞What @nutmegoreo said.
Also:
Are you post-menopause, because if not, you could be at a stage in your cycle when more fluid is retained. Happens to me from ovulation until menache.
Lots of fibre can also cause constipation, hence more solids in the system.
Most importantly, have you told your cancer healthcare professionals you're dieting on around 800 net calories?
There may be other serious complications in your difficult situation. Hugs, and please take care and seek advice at all your appointments.
Firstly, thank you 💐
Yes, the chemo put me in early menopause but, luckily, I don't think I've suffered many of the usual side effects.
My medication also inhibits oestrogen production.
I haven't seen my oncologist since I started this. I'll mention it when I have my checkup.
Please, please do.
You mentioned former eating disorders. I'm mentioning that again, and hoping you'll understand why I'd mention it after you sound reluctant or conflicted about mentioning dieting in appointments.
Getting advice on how to look after your whole body and mind is all essential to cancer treatment. More hugs.7 -
nutmegoreo wrote: »nutmegoreo wrote: »nutmegoreo wrote: »1,000 calories a day is simply not sustainable longterm. I'm also concerned you lost 10lbs in one week being as small as you are already.
Thank you but I don't feel small 😔
I don't want to lose too much, 119lbs is my goal (for now) but it's just not going any lower than the 124.4lbs.
This may be a bit TMI but I'm only having 1 pooh a week since starting, even though I get plenty of fibre and I drink a minimum of 3 litres each day, so it's not dehydration causing the lack of pooh😅
I'm seeing a bunch of things that could be contributing here.
1) with that low calorie intake, you are not likely getting enough fat for bowel and hormone health
2) if your carbs are primarily from veggies, you may be experiencing keto flu (caused by electrolyte imbalances), the 3 litres of fluid intake would not help this
3) low intake equals less coming out
4) low calories can cause the lightheadedness and weakness (as can keto flu)
5) limited bowel movements and increased stress hormones can both cause stalls in weight loss
You were giving 1220 calories to lose 0.5 lb/week, aim for that. Log your exercise and eat at least 50% of those calories. Aim to get enough fat and protein. If you are going to keep your carbs low, then you need to increase your electrolyte intake.
Thank you for that 👍 Maybe I could try those rehydration powders to balance the electrolytes?
Yes (some broth would do in a pinch), but do increase your calorie intake as well. I'm not sure how long ago your cancer treatment was, but you really need to keep your strength.
I had another thought, but it's gone now. I'll drop it here when it comes back to me.
ETA: There it is! Caffeine. Have you reduced the number of drinks you are consuming with caffeine? If yes, then have a cup of tea/coffee.
I drink black tea - about 2 - 2.5 litres worth a day.
I'm due my 3 month oncology check-up in a week or so - I'll have urine and full bloods tests done. Would an electrolyte imbalance show up then?
Maybe back off on trying to lose any more weight until that appointment. Your body has been through a lot. You really should be getting information from your medical team. They know you better than random internet strangers (well-meaning as we may be). Can you get an appointment with a Registered Dietician? They can help you set up a diet with foods you enjoy (and are affordable) that ensure a healthy balance. I'm just concerned that you could be creating potential problems without meaning too. I know the added weight is frustrating, but it's not worth taking the risk. Take care of yourself. You've been through a lot.
I'll talk to my onco at the appointment but to be honest they're only ever interested in anything cancer related. Feel depressed - "take a walk and smile". Feel suicidal - "I know, I feel the same. Life is too busy". That was when I was on a different A.I., it was horrible! I tend only to talk about my treatment plan now 😞What @nutmegoreo said.
Also:
Are you post-menopause, because if not, you could be at a stage in your cycle when more fluid is retained. Happens to me from ovulation until menache.
Lots of fibre can also cause constipation, hence more solids in the system.
Most importantly, have you told your cancer healthcare professionals you're dieting on around 800 net calories?
There may be other serious complications in your difficult situation. Hugs, and please take care and seek advice at all your appointments.
Firstly, thank you 💐
Yes, the chemo put me in early menopause but, luckily, I don't think I've suffered many of the usual side effects.
My medication also inhibits oestrogen production.
I haven't seen my oncologist since I started this. I'll mention it when I have my checkup.
Please, please do.
You mentioned former eating disorders. I'm mentioning that again, and hoping you'll understand why I'd mention it after you sound reluctant or conflicted about mentioning dieting in appointments.
Getting advice on how to look after your whole body and mind is all essential to cancer treatment. More hugs.
Thank you again 🤗
They really would not be interested. There's quite a big obesety problem here so "slim" is ideal and as I'm within the healthy weight range I can see them laughing at me.
I try not to weigh & measure myself more than once a week (due to the former anorexia) but out of curiosity I've just done it - still 124.4lbs! 😵
So, after taking on board what everyone has said I've changed my goal to maintenence for now but I've set my calorie goal to 1350 instead of 1460. That way if I don't eat the full calories each day I should still be eating a bit more than I am now. One of my problems is that I save about 50% of my calories for the evening (scared of running out in the day and going over) but come evening I'll think "well I'm not really that hungry now so I don't need to eat it all", hence not eating tbe full 1220 calories. I fugure that if I raise my allowance and still don't eat them all it'll be better than now.
I'm going to walk to our weekly fruit & veg market now (20-25 minutes each way) and load up on good stuff for this week's soup pot and I'll add some oil into it too to use some more calories and get a little bit more fat in. I'll log the exercise calories and try to eat 50% of those too 👍
Thanks again for everyone's valuable input 😘💐😊7 -
I started counting calories and logging religiously 3.5 weeks ago. I weigh everything that goes into my mouth and have tried to walk as often as I can, although I have chronic fatigue and arthritis symptoms due to cancer treatments so it's not daily but I'm walking a lot more than I was before.
When I started cutting down on calories I was 134.4lbs, that was 26th February. 6th March I was 124.4lbs (10lbs gone, yey!) but, it hasn't gone any lower since then. Up a bit, down a bit but never lower.
My chest, waist, hip measurements haven't gotten any lower since the weight stopped going down either.
I'm 5' 4", female, 50 years old, sedentary, MFP set me at 1220 calories a day to lose 0.5lbs/week.
I average around 1000 calories a day (I check it weekly). As I don't really exercise, those 40 minutes walks that I do take are not logged as they don't seem worth it.
So, why is the weight not going down?
Why is it that before I started logging, and eating anything and everything that I wanted, eg. a LOT more calories than I do now, with zero walking, my weight was (I think) stable, albeit heavier?
I feel like just going back to how I used to eat. Yes I'll gain that 10lbs lost but I'll be a lot bloody happier and feel less *kitten*! I'm always light-headed, weak and just generally a miserable cow now who's obsessed with calories!
In case it's relevant, the only medication I take is the A.I. Femara.
Please, give me some encouragement! 🙏😊
I'll be honest. Even though I myself am 5'8, my daily intake is pegged about 1800 calories according to myfitnesspal (confusing. I'm not sedentary), but until I joined, I was trying to hit roughly 2000 a day (I exercise roughly 4-5 times a week). Your 1200 to me seems like you're eating too little. If you're feeling ill and not very strongh, that to me is a clear sign your body isn't getting the nutrients it needs. In fact, it might even be trying to hang onto as much fat as it can, because you're starving yourself.
"Women with sedentary lifestyles should aim to consume 1,800 calories per day between the age of 25 and 30, before this drops to 1,600 from the age of 50 onwards."
This would suggest you are eating too little. Many people seem to think the less you eat, the more you lose.
If your body isn't functioning properly, it will struggle to perform properly. You'll feel ill and not optimal. I think you'd be better raising it to at least 1500 if not more. Granted I'm a bit younger, but the average sedentary for a gal your age is at least 1600. On top of that, are you adding in exercise besides the walks? If you're doing weight training that will also add weight. I wasn't losing weight for a while because I was putting it all back on in muscle. Also I'd suggest tracking carbs and protein. Protein is very important and carbs should be roughly 70 percent of your entire food intake, unless you're keto.
The other thing is 3 weeks isn't a lot of time. It's taken me roughly 4 months of no skipping to get where I am, and I'm still not ideal.7 -
Lightheaded etc. is not good.
The initial drop is extreme for your size.
Not being regular could contribute to subsequent scale trouble.
Extra fiber and lack of fats could exacerbate the not being regular situation.
Not using a weight trend application and relying on scale weight instead is a recipe for frequent angst when water weight changes take place.
If you were a person without health concerns I would just say reduce your deficit and eat more, be more patient, use a food scale, use a weight trend web site or application. Don't expect large weight changes.
However you have extra health challenges AND, unless I am mistaken, you are ALREADY within the normal weight range bracket for your height.
None of my family members who faced similar challenges to you in recent memory were ever told to aim for anything other than "somewhere within the normal weight range".
If anything they were encouraged to remain weight stable once in the normal weight range and to engage in strength building and flexibility exercises.
Also, and depending on the type of challenge you recently faced, any *change* to my "regularity" would be of major concern to me until I was sure that it wasn't the indicator of something new going wonky.7 -
Not pooping could definitely be a contributing factor! It's possible for fiber to have the opposite effect if you take too much or dramatically increase your intake. I recommend a stool softener, or even a laxative if you get desperate.0
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nutmegoreo wrote: »nutmegoreo wrote: »nutmegoreo wrote: »1,000 calories a day is simply not sustainable longterm. I'm also concerned you lost 10lbs in one week being as small as you are already.
Thank you but I don't feel small 😔
I don't want to lose too much, 119lbs is my goal (for now) but it's just not going any lower than the 124.4lbs.
This may be a bit TMI but I'm only having 1 pooh a week since starting, even though I get plenty of fibre and I drink a minimum of 3 litres each day, so it's not dehydration causing the lack of pooh😅
I'm seeing a bunch of things that could be contributing here.
1) with that low calorie intake, you are not likely getting enough fat for bowel and hormone health
2) if your carbs are primarily from veggies, you may be experiencing keto flu (caused by electrolyte imbalances), the 3 litres of fluid intake would not help this
3) low intake equals less coming out
4) low calories can cause the lightheadedness and weakness (as can keto flu)
5) limited bowel movements and increased stress hormones can both cause stalls in weight loss
You were giving 1220 calories to lose 0.5 lb/week, aim for that. Log your exercise and eat at least 50% of those calories. Aim to get enough fat and protein. If you are going to keep your carbs low, then you need to increase your electrolyte intake.
Thank you for that 👍 Maybe I could try those rehydration powders to balance the electrolytes?
Yes (some broth would do in a pinch), but do increase your calorie intake as well. I'm not sure how long ago your cancer treatment was, but you really need to keep your strength.
I had another thought, but it's gone now. I'll drop it here when it comes back to me.
ETA: There it is! Caffeine. Have you reduced the number of drinks you are consuming with caffeine? If yes, then have a cup of tea/coffee.
I drink black tea - about 2 - 2.5 litres worth a day.
I'm due my 3 month oncology check-up in a week or so - I'll have urine and full bloods tests done. Would an electrolyte imbalance show up then?
Maybe back off on trying to lose any more weight until that appointment. Your body has been through a lot. You really should be getting information from your medical team. They know you better than random internet strangers (well-meaning as we may be). Can you get an appointment with a Registered Dietician? They can help you set up a diet with foods you enjoy (and are affordable) that ensure a healthy balance. I'm just concerned that you could be creating potential problems without meaning too. I know the added weight is frustrating, but it's not worth taking the risk. Take care of yourself. You've been through a lot.
I'll talk to my onco at the appointment but to be honest they're only ever interested in anything cancer related. Feel depressed - "take a walk and smile". Feel suicidal - "I know, I feel the same. Life is too busy". That was when I was on a different A.I., it was horrible! I tend only to talk about my treatment plan now 😞
This is really concerning - any doctor of any type, hearing that a patient is so depressed they (potentially) may feel suicidal, even just in passing, should be referring the patient to some type of pychiatric support for an evaluation to determine what's going on. Dismissing such feelings is not only cruel, it's irresponsible.
Can you get an appointment with a health care professional either through a referral or on your own? Seeking that kind of support (even briefly) can make such a difference in validating that our feelings are legitimate and OK, and that there are ways to manage those feelings.
Please take care of yourself, physically, mentally and emotionally - you've been through a rough time and you deserve the support you need to get back to feeling OK.7 -
How did you decide that 119 would be your goal weight? Your body is going through a great deal of stress right now. It might not be an appropriate time to add more by trying to lose weight. Your overall health is the number one priority. Please discuss your weight loss with your medical team and follow their advice. Take care of yourself. Sending you a huge hug!
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Sorry, I've been out for most of the afternoon.
Thank you to everyone who's posted, I wasn't looking for or expecting such great support 😍
I've eaten 50% of my new calorie allowance so far and I'm so full but I'm determined to eat the rest before bed 😊6 -
Sorry, I've been out for most of the afternoon.
Thank you to everyone who's posted, I wasn't looking for or expecting such great support 😍
I've eaten 50% of my new calorie allowance so far and I'm so full but I'm determined to eat the rest before bed 😊
Yay! I hope you are feeling better soon.0 -
nutmegoreo wrote: »Sorry, I've been out for most of the afternoon.
Thank you to everyone who's posted, I wasn't looking for or expecting such great support 😍
I've eaten 50% of my new calorie allowance so far and I'm so full but I'm determined to eat the rest before bed 😊
Yay! I hope you are feeling better soon.
To be honest I just want to go to bed 😁 Too much sun and food have tired me out today 😴😁2 -
.0
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Oh, and I realise that I made a mistake about my weight; it was first at 124.4lbs on 14th NOT 6th March, so not such a quick drop. It was 127lb on 6th March0
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So:-
Feb' 26 - 134.4lbs
March 6 - 127.1lbs
March 14 - 124.4lbs
March 18 - 125.6lbs
March 21 - 124.4lbs
March 23 - 124.4lbs1
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