NOT LOSING!!!

Charlie416

I'm sooooo discouraged today. Despite my efforts to get healthier --- stopped drinking alcohol, 90% vegan diet, exercise 5x a week, etc. --- the scale really hasn't moved much after almost a month with only one real cheat day (maybe two). I eat clean, work out doing Pilates, some cardio, and some (very little and should do more) weight training.

I wanted to lose 15 lbs by Christmas, and at this rate I'm going to bomb my goal. My really goal is to look great in a bikini on my honeymoon January 4th, and we are going on a cruise so I want to be down in weight in case I gain a few while out at sea.

I notice a big difference in my body. I'm toned, by stomach is tighter…everything is tighter actually. BUT how can I lose more lbs?

Things I'm thinking of changing:

-eating more protein with each meal, even if it means meat once a day.
-drinking twice as much water.
-eating more greens every day
-cutting out fruit…my sugar is usually over each day
-doing more intense cardio
-doing pilates only once a week, and doing serious weight training instead on those days.
-using my measuring tape more than the scale.
-cutting back on sodium to rid of water weight (i'll probably lose 5 lbs just from this)

Thoughts? Support? Nutritional advice? I need guidance, especially in the protein department. Maybe I need to have my glass of red wine a few times a week to just enjoy life and not stress so much? Cortisol is dangerous too right?

ladynocturne

I see a lot of information about things that don't matter at all when it comes to losing weight... Exercise, types of food, vegan, sugar, ect....


The one thing you need to be doing IS:
Counting Calories <

---

If you have no idea how many calories you're consuming, it doesn't really matter what type of food you're eating or what type of exercise you're doing.

Hornsby

Yep, there is a bunch of fluff in your post, and none of it is relevant to losing weight. Well, the exercise is as it allows you to eat more calories, but without knowing how much you are eating, it's hard for anyone to be able to help.

Poofy_Goodness

All you need is a calorie deficit.

Also, if you say that everything is tighter, and you notice a big difference in your body, isn't that better?

Scenario 1: In the last month you lost 5 lbs but you can't notice a difference in your body. The clothes you have fit the same.

Scenario 2: In the last month you didn't lose any weight but you notice a difference in your body. The clothes you have fit better or maybe you went down a dress size.

I'll take scenario 2 every time.

Don't worry about sugar intake. MFP's settings are too low. Just make sure you're tracking your food accurately, maybe invest in a food scale. Cutting back on sodium may help if you have a high intake and I agree with focusing more on the measuring tape.

Rocbola

Your plan is to include more meat, but less fruit? And more red wine?

Try eating lower caloric density fruits like melons and cucumbers. I love your idea to get more greens! The more whole, natural, unprocessed food you can eat, they easier it will be to lose weight. Eat meat as sparingly as possible! Dairy, too. They are loaded with fat and will only slow you down.

Charlie416

Yep, there is a bunch of fluff in your post, and none of it is relevant to losing weight. Well, the exercise is as it allows you to eat more calories, but without knowing how much you are eating, it's hard for anyone to be able to help.

Yes, counting calories is something I do meticulously every day…obviously if I'm using MFP. But good point. My goal that was given to me is 1200 calories per day, and I usually burn about 300 minimum so I eat that back in food.

Perhaps I stop being so hooked up on the numbers and pay attention to when I'm actually hungry? I maybe don't even need to eat back what I work off. I'm always trying to balance the numbers exactly. I maybe can focus on having a 200 deficit each day?

This is good advice though. I lost over 25 lbs by eating less and cleaner…I've just plateaued so I'm going to get back on track with that again I guess.

Charlie416

All you need is a calorie deficit.

Also, if you say that everything is tighter. and you notice a big difference in your body, isn't that better?

Scenario 1: In the last month you lost 5 lbs but you can't notice a difference in your body. The clothes you have fit the same.

Scenario 2: In the last month you didn't lose any weigh but you notice a difference in your body. The clothes you have fit better or maybe you went down a dress size.

I'll take scenario 2 every time.

Don't worry about sugar intake. MFP's settings are too low. Just make sure you're tracking your food accurately, maybe invest in a food scale. Cutting back on sodium may help if you have a high intake and I agree with focusing more on the measuring tape.

You're awesome! This was the post that made me feel better! Thanks so much!

ansonrinesmith

I notice a big difference in my body. I'm toned, by stomach is tighter…everything is tighter actually. BUT how can I lose more lbs?

Why do pounds matter if this is true?

lizziebeth1028

I'm sooooo discouraged today. Despite my efforts to get healthier --- stopped drinking alcohol, 90% vegan diet, exercise 5x a week, etc. --- the scale really hasn't moved much after almost a month with only one real cheat day (maybe two). I eat clean, work out doing Pilates, some cardio, and some (very little and should do more) weight training.

I wanted to lose 15 lbs by Christmas, and at this rate I'm going to bomb my goal. My really goal is to look great in a bikini on my honeymoon January 4th, and we are going on a cruise so I want to be down in weight in case I gain a few while out at sea.

I notice a big difference in my body. I'm toned, by stomach is tighter…everything is tighter actually. BUT how can I lose more lbs?

Things I'm thinking of changing:

-eating more protein with each meal, even if it means meat once a day.
-drinking twice as much water.
-eating more greens every day
-cutting out fruit…my sugar is usually over each day
-doing more intense cardio
-doing pilates only once a week, and doing serious weight training instead on those days.
-using my measuring tape more than the scale.
-cutting back on sodium to rid of water weight (i'll probably lose 5 lbs just from this)

Thoughts? Support? Nutritional advice? I need guidance, especially in the protein department. Maybe I need to have my glass of red wine a few times a week to just enjoy life and not stress so much? Cortisol is dangerous too right?

The curse of the evil scale...screwing with our minds. Even though you LOOK better and "I notice a big difference in my body. I'm toned, by stomach is tighter…everything is tighter actually" you're still worried about the number on the scale. When you can look in the mirror and see the visual change - this is progress!!!!! Don't get hung up with a number on the scale.

As a side note - you don't have to go Vegan to be 'healthier'. Go for it if you're digging the lifestyle and it's for ethical reasons but it's not necessary to become Vegan to be healthy.

_Calypso_

First...you say you notice that you are more toned and tight. THAT should be the indication of your success - NOT the scale. Yes, I understand seeing a certain number is a reward in itself, but start taking measurments, notice how your clothes fit. Muscle is more dense so you may not lose as much weight but your body will change.

Second ....your diary is not open so I'm not sure about yoru caloric intake. Make sure to be eating your BMR. If you are under 1400 cal a day AND having 1-2 cheat meals your body will store food/fat vs losing. Cheat days are okay, but not if you are not eating enough fuel through out the rest of the week. Your body is a machine and it knows what to do to survive. If you are working out 5x per week you need to fuel your body.

Third....in regard to diet - eat about .75g-1g of protien per lean body weight. Protein helps your mucsles and helps you stay full longer. Also make sure to get enough fiber. These two things will help you avoid binges. Carbs are for fuel. Low/No carb diets do not work for *most* people b/c there is a very specific science to adding carbs back to your life. Low/No carb is not maintainable by most. also - drink LOTS of water. when you are dehydrated your body will retain water to keep your organs and muscles fuctioning properly. 10-12 glasses MINIMUM!

Keep doing what your doing. Again, measurements and pictures are far better than the scale. Use the scale as a guideline only. You're doing great - don't get discouraged by a number!!

Hornsby

While eating cleaner doesn't necessarily help you lose weight, it DOES make a person eat less calories since it whole foods have inherently lower calories.

So you are eating around 1500 calories per day?

Charlie416

Your plan is to include more meat, but less fruit? And more red wine?

Try eating lower caloric density fruits like melons and cucumbers. I love your idea to get more greens! The more whole, natural, unprocessed food you can eat, they easier it will be to lose weight. Eat meat as sparingly as possible! Dairy, too. They are loaded with fat and will only slow you down.

Hahaha…well when you put it that way….LOL

My thoughts were all over the place trying to figure out what I'm doing wrong. YES to clean, whole, natural foods. And YAY to not cutting out fruit. I love how I'm eating now and I feel healthier without the dairy and gluten and preservatives. I'm going to pay closer attention to my deficit and ramp up my cardio (just because I feel a good sweat helps me).

Thanks for this, and for the laugh even if it is at my expense.

BlairCottier

I agree with the above. I think your idea about not worrying so much about the scale is a great one too. The scale is not always a good depiction of how well you are doing. Especially if you are thinking about doing more weight training, the scale may actually go up for a brief period or on certain days when your muscles are retaining water. Increasing water intake and protein intake is also a great idea. Start using some whey protein on days you lift. I get Optimum nutrition vanilla icecream flavor and put it in vanilla almond milk (the one without sugar) and its a great snack and it really helps increase your protein intake and helps with muscle soreness. There are lots of different flavors so if you are not a vanilla fan, that's ok Take measurements, take progress pictures and step away from the scale!!! Good luck

samammay

You've lost 15 pounds and you feel better and are looking for advice?

Throw your scale away. The scale is your problem, not your weight loss.

progressnotperfection84

Break up with your scale. I did and I started losing again. I only weigh in weekly right now because it is required for challenges I am in. I have a healthier relationship with the tape measure than I do with the scale anyway.

Charlie416

First...you say you notice that you are more toned and tight. THAT should be the indication of your success - NOT the scale. Yes, I understand seeing a certain number is a reward in itself, but start taking measurments, notice how your clothes fit. Muscle is more dense so you may not lose as much weight but your body will change.

Second ....your diary is not open so I'm not sure about yoru caloric intake. Make sure to be eating your BMR. If you are under 1400 cal a day AND having 1-2 cheat meals your body will store food/fat vs losing. Cheat days are okay, but not if you are not eating enough fuel through out the rest of the week. Your body is a machine and it knows what to do to survive. If you are working out 5x per week you need to fuel your body.

Third....in regard to diet - eat about .75g-1g of protien per lean body weight. Protein helps your mucsles and helps you stay full longer. Also make sure to get enough fiber. These two things will help you avoid binges. Carbs are for fuel. Low/No carb diets do not work for *most* people b/c there is a very specific science to adding carbs back to your life. Low/No carb is not maintainable by most. also - drink LOTS of water. when you are dehydrated your body will retain water to keep your organs and muscles fuctioning properly. 10-12 glasses MINIMUM!

Keep doing what your doing. Again, measurements and pictures are far better than the scale. Use the scale as a guideline only. You're doing great - don't get discouraged by a number!!

THIS IS AMAZING!!!! Thanks so much for the insight!

I'm eating about 1500 a day, depending on my exercise. My setting is for 1200 a day, but when I work out I don't use a HRM so I'm not sure if either a) I'm burning less calories or b) I'm burning more. I have had an inclination that I'm not eating enough food, so it's interesting that you point that out. I can barely get up to 50g of protein a day…that's less than half of what I should have! I'm going to pick up some protein powder to have in the morning and after my workout. I'm going to start using my measuring tape and photos more too. And YEAH you helped me acknowledge my progress…I look and feel better so what's a number anyway?

I started taking a fiber supplement, all natural, last week, and it is changing my life so that was a great point. I've actually only had two cheat days in the entire month! One for my birthday this weekend and the other I really didn't cheat much..just a glass of wine and a little bit of cheese.

I think you're right that my body needs more and is holding onto fat because it thinks it is starving. I need to be eating more greens and more protein to make sure I'm feeding myself right.

A million thanks for this. I think this was exactly what I need to work my way out of this 'plateau'. Can't wait to make the changes!