Week 2 plateau!!??

bleachcse

I need to vent/ask for advice. I have been going strong for about 2-1/2 weeks now. A friend got me into doing Zumba, and I've been doing C25K, walking, and doing my elliptical machine on other days. My diet is in check. I've been weighing/measuring/counting everything and know that I'm sticking to my calories. Now I don't always eat the best foods, but I'm a work in progress. Right now I'm just focusing on limiting my calories and am working towards including more healthy stuff. I just don't really like it, so it's a slow process. I lost about 7 pounds in the first week or so, which you can expect in someone who is just getting started due to water weight, etc. I gained 2 of those pounds back somehow (no reason) and have not lost another ounce in a little over a week now. My scale even goes to the 1/10 of a pound! It hasn't budged! I'm someone who has over 100 pounds to lose, so there should NOT be a plateau in my 2nd week. Here is where my question comes in. I purchased a BodyMedia armband (the most accurate calorie monitor on the market) to track my calorie output and input more accurately. It tells me that I burn about 2800 to 3300 calories daily (including exercise) depending on my level of activity. That probably sounds like a lot to most of you, but I think it's pretty accurate considering my weight. I've been eating about 1600 or so calories daily. My calorie deficit is currently about 1200 to 1500 calories daily. The numbers say the darn scale should be moving! Should I be eating more? I don't think the answer is to eat less since I've got a pretty decent calorie deficit going. It analyzes my sleep as well. I only get about 5 hours of sleep a night, which I know can affect weight loss as well, but right now I don't have the opportunity to sleep more. So what is the answer here??? I know focusing on the scale isn't really the most important thing, but I feel like I shouldn't be facing this problem in just my 2nd to 3rd week of this, especially since I have so far to go. Bigger people usually lose quite a bit before the ol' plateau sets in. The old me would quit with the logic that it obviously isn't working anyway, but I'm determined to keep going strong this time. I just want to see the fruits of my labor.

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bleachcse

I guess "chill" is as good advice as any. I know eventually if I keep doing my thing it will come off. I love weight training but just don't have much opportunity to really get into it. I don't have a gym at this point. I can do some at home with just my own body weight though. Thanks!

BlueBombers

It won't be a plateau at 2 weeks, you just started. It takes some time before you start to see the results. Took me over a month myself. Just keep going and your hard work will begin to pay off!

raquelfisher7

I don't really have much advice to offer but I'm in a similar situation having just started and wanted to let you know that I feel ya! So frustrating!

Until two weeks ago I had the activity level of a sloth so the huge changes in diet and exercise seem like they should paying off more quickly than they are, right? Keep with it though! The weight probably went on slowly so don't stress too much that it isn't coming off right away.

I agree with PPs, just give it a little more time : ) There was a thread recently about fluctuations in weight each day but overall it would go down, it gave me hope that I'm headed in the right direction!

bleachcse

Sloth is pretty much the right word for me 3 weeks ago too! Maybe my body is just confused because I'm moving now and doesn't know what to do. Thanks for your input. I tend to over-analyze everything. Good luck!

laurelobrien

Take measurements instead of weighing yourself, the scale can be fickle due to water weight and poop, etc. If you are not losing weight over weeks or months, you are either eating too much or have a serious medical condition.

mtfr810

Don't be so dependent on the scale... measure. The weeks I seemed disappointed by the loss in the scale were always made up by improvements in measurements. Make sure you're drinking lots of water... 0.5 oz / pound (way higher than the 8 glasses MFP suggests). Mess with how much you eat back on your exercise calories... start with half. Remember, you earned those calories so use them as a reward for the hard work. So many people work their butts off, develop insanely high deficiencies that are not safe and become disappointed when they don't loose. Good luck and be more patience with yourself!

_EndGame_

I would have to disagree with you about the calorie tracker you have. I found the best way to track calories is to purchase a HRM.

I have the Polar FT4, and it's deadly accurate for calorie burns.

As someone else mentioned, just "chill" and keep on going. I doubt it's a plateau if it's only your second week!

Good luck!

MyaPapaya75

whats your sodium content like?...I ask because ...for myself personally I do have to take a prescribed pill for things like this *water retention" and without it I gain pretty horribly and have swelling..it might be worth checking into and start tracking if you are not already ...start tracking your sodium ..If you legs feel tight and your socks tend to leave marks around your ankles at all..just a suggestion...good luck I try to keep mine at 2500mg daily...I also use a Polar ft7 for tracking workouts

Ninkyou

As the previous posters said, you're not at a plateau. A plateau is for weeks/months. Be patient. Your body is still adjusting to the changes you're making. I didn't have any loss my 2nd week either. But I did my 3rd week, and have continued to lose every week since. Just keep positive, and don't let the scale rule you.