Struggling

jeshum6821

I am down a little over 31 pounds this year so far but I have defiantly been struggling the last few months. It’s hard to not let the number on the scale define how I feel because I know it’s about more then that but I can’t help but to feel discouraged because it hasn’t been moving which is so frustrating because I have so much to lose. Any words of encouragement or advice would be greatly appreciated!

4Linda0

Sounds like you are doing great. Hang in there sometimes it takes a few days and more weight comes off.

Nfedewa9442

Numbers lie. The more you look, the more discouraged you get. Hell, I think we have all been where you are at. I know I am. I’ve worked harder, eaten cleaner. Pissed the wifey off with the eating part and you know what? Same weight, every freaking time!🤬. I look better and feel better. Remember, this journey is about YOU. Frustration is motivation when used properly. Good luck and we’re all here for you.

J72FIT

Remember the scale is only 1 point of reference. Take measurements as well. Neck, hips, waist etc. One informs the other. Also, since you have lost a good deal of weight (congratulations) it may be time to redo your numbers...

middlehaitch

Have you adjusted your calorie goal since losing ~30lbs?

As you get lighter your body needs fewer calories if you are still eating the same amount of cals as when you started you may still be losing, but very, very slowly.

You have lost 1lbs a week on average so far, we’ll done.

Cheers, h.

88olds

Keep trying. Sometimes the best we can do for a while is maintain. If you stay stuck for a month, redo all your math, check every number and assumption in your plan.

If that kind of tinkering doesn’t get you going, cut 50 calories per day. The calculators are based on averages and no one is exactly average. Plus, there are always calorie counting gray areas. Just how it is. Keep adjusting until you get it.

BubbaMob100

You’ve done really well so far. Don’t let the the number on the scale derail you. Remember what’s made you so motivated at the beginning to make it to the point you’re at now. You’re awesome for what you have accomplished. Keep pushing yourself!

jochmleon

You're not giving up which is great. Sometimes the numbers on the scale are so frustrating that we forgot to look at other measures of success. How do you feel? Is it easier to move? Do you have more pep and stamina? Don't forget to keep these non-scale victories in sight too!

suzettedees

I’ve been through several plateaus and they suck!! I kept eating clean and exercising and the numbers would not budge but, my waistline did. The scale eventually caught up to my progress. Be patient and kind to yourself. There is a lot of good advice above. Make sure you are getting enough sleep and not letting stresses get out of control.

signingspazz

Don't give up!

cheryldumais

Might be time for a diet break:

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10604863/of-refeeds-and-diet-breaks/p1

quiksylver296

cheryldumais wrote: »

Might be time for a diet break:

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10604863/of-refeeds-and-diet-breaks/p1

Or a food scale:

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10697068/how-i-stopped-kidding-myself/p1

GrizzledSquirrel

Unlike some of the other posters, I would recommend NOT having a diet break. If you do, you give yourself permission to “quit when the going gets tough” and I think when you’re in a negative place, a diet “break” can easily turn into a binge. Imagine putting those 31lbs back on! Nooooooo! Instead, use this tricky time to prove to yourself that you are not defined by the numbers on the scale - and that you have the capacity to stick to your guns, regardless of how you feel right now.

A diet break can be a good thing - but do it from a positive and powerful place - not because you are feeling defeated.

Until then, my advice would simply be to “stick at it”. GRIND it out. You WILL get through this difficult patch. Have faith in yourself - you’ve achieved an amazing weight loss so far. You know what to do, you have the capacity, strength and knowledge to achieve your goals. It can be hard sometimes but you CAN do it! You’ve proven it. I’m a stranger and can cheer you on from afar and recognise how awesomely you have done so far this year. You KNOW how awesome you are - harness it! Use the strength you know you have to keep going! Walk tall, be proud of yourself. You’ve got this!

elisa123gal

You don't want the scale not moving and frustration to do you in. Meaning, are you going to gain all your weight back because of that? Please don't. We've all been there. I actually go through times when I weigh and many times I don't..just for that reason.
If you feel the number on the scale could throw you back into old bad habits..and actually trick you into thinking you can no longer lose weight. Stop weighing yourself ..continue on your path..maybe tweak a few things with your exercise and diet. Handle your willpower with respect and care. You need it to see you through.

You've come too far!

hollypowell1914

jeshum6821 wrote: »

I am down a little over 31 pounds this year so far but I have defiantly been struggling the last few months. It’s hard to not let the number on the scale define how I feel because I know it’s about more then that but I can’t help but to feel discouraged because it hasn’t been moving which is so frustrating because I have so much to lose. Any words of encouragement or advice would be greatly appreciated!

I'm in the same boat, don't give up, your doing great. You might want to avoid the scale until you can step on it and not let it weigh your self esteem.

skinnytacular

Argh! The dreaded plateau! First of all, congrats on your amazing success! I find two things help: 1) get serious about tracking and weighing and measuring everything. If you are just eyeballing things, or not writing down every little nibble, portions have a way of creeping up. 2) Mix things up, either with changes in your diet or exercise or both. I think our body gets used to things and sometimes you have to jolt it back into action. Make a point of trying a new recipe every week, or maybe pick out a new fruit or vegetable at the market. Try a new fitness class, or a new exercise buddy (which can be as simple as calling an old friend and say, "hey, let's go for a hike/walk/bike ride"... Hang in there! Oh, and a third thing, make sure you're drinking lots of water! Good luck!

SuzOh

jeshum6821 wrote: »

I am down a little over 31 pounds this year so far but I have defiantly been struggling the last few months. It’s hard to not let the number on the scale define how I feel because I know it’s about more then that but I can’t help but to feel discouraged because it hasn’t been moving which is so frustrating because I have so much to lose. Any words of encouragement or advice would be greatly appreciated!

For me, the scale can be toxic if I rely on it too much. So to avoid obsessing about the numbers on the scale I have adjusted my behavior by getting on it a lot less. I'm trying weighing one time per month, but no more than once every 2 weeks. That's what helps me, but it could be a different time frame for you. No matter what though, after more than a few attempts at making permanent change in my weight, I've taken all the experiences and lessons I've learned to understand that this is not a quick fix, and while the scale is an important tool and a way to measure progress, it is not the end all be all. I've only lost 10 lbs since May after losing 15 lbs in 8 weeks before that. I'm not allowing the difference in those numbers to define this process though, I use them for understanding the process, and adjusting accordingly.

Today I hit 35.4 lbs lost and you've lost 31 lbs. Those numbers should remind us of our hard work and progress, so let's use them as a motivator to keep going, step by step, day by day.

Best to you.

ResolutionMan2016

I’ve experienced plateaus, and they sure are disheartening. However, my waist, leg and neck measurements did still decrease.

If you’re putting good foods into your body, and not consuming too many calories, change is happening. Don’t lose faith 🙂

babyluthi

You are okay. You need the Libra app. It shows trends.

MrsJ1210

Everything in proportion is my motto.

I allow the clothes in my wardrobe tell me how I'm doing more than the bathroom scales as they can be demoralizing. I do stand on the bathroom scales but I listen to what my clothes say about how I'm doing more 😀