Programs/Books For Weight Loss?

JordanS9592

I am 331 pounds currently, and have lost 11 pounds in three weeks. Last week, however, I hit a plateau, losing only one pound despite staying under my calories goal and exercising an average of 90 minutes per day at moderate intensity. I’m starting to think that merely counting calories and staying away from processed foods is not enough. I need to be better educated on which foods are holding me back, and which are helping. Problem is, I can’t afford a dietician, and my insurance won’t cover it. If you know of any free programs or relatively cheap books on the subject that would help me maximize my fat loss, that would be really appreciated.

LyndaBSS

I tend to hit plateaus every 10 lbs or so. Yes, it's frustrating but I know it's just a temporary thing.

I would just advise patience. I know you're dedicated. Personally, I don't think you need to make any changes.

kimny72

Fat loss is all about calories.
Losing 11 lbs in 3 weeks and then losing 1 lb in 1 week is not a plateau, it's real life and honestly rapid weight loss.

You lost 12 lbs in 4 weeks, that an avg of 3 lbs per week.

All you really need to change is you expectations. Check out the Most Helpful Posts threads pinned to the top of each sub-forum. You have a long road ahead of you - even if you do everything perfectly you will have many weeks ahead of you where the scale won't say what you want it to, sometimes it will even go up. Usually due to water weight fluctuations.

Congrats on your success so far! Please don't overcomplicate the journey and make it more difficult than it needs to be. Keep doing what you're doing.

MikePTY

As @kimny72 said, it's about your expectations and patience, not your rate of loss. You are not going to lose the weight overnight. Water weight also fluctuates which will slow the scales some weeks. Counting calories is really all you need to do. You don't even need to cut process foods if you don't want to, although if you find it beneficial you certainly can.

springlering62

Reading the MFP forums has been more useful to me than books would have been. Just my opinion of course, but I appreciate the tit for tat here. If someone gives questionable advice, someone else immediately jumps in with a reasoned explanation to the contrary. I’ve learned sooooo much here, CICO, food choices, exercise advice, planning, motivation, strategy and more.

But you do have to devote some time to reading the threads.

A shout out to all the people who make these boards a wonderful and inspirational resource!

missysippy930

You are still losing, so that’s not a plateau.
This site is such a great source for information. I can’t imagine any book that would be more useful. Adapt to your personal needs and goals. There will be successes and failures. Tailor what works for you. Everyone is different.

JordanS9592

Thanks for the help you guys

MamboRumba

Body for Life by Bill Phillips. After 20 years....the info is spot on. It even has photos for the exercises and gym equipment.