3 weeks w/ no weight loss... why?

amysmartin

I'm going on almost 3 weeks now with pretty much 0 weight loss. I've been fairly consistent with meals and logging. My caloric goal is 1,500/day. Occasionally I've gone over but not frequent enough to lead me to think that's why. Around the same time (3 weeks ago) I (1) stopped taking my birth control pills and also (2) started taking fiber supplements (and feeling super gassy and bloated). Could either of those be impacting my weight loss or do I just need to give my metabolism a kick in the butt?

amysmartin

And I'm posting it here in the motivation board because it is seriously bringing me down... I need some support and/or tips to help me stay motivated to keep on.

CGmakra

I understand completely how you feel! I have been watching my food intake and exercising everyday for the last 18 days with hardly no loss. It does get discouraging and I have had a few "break downs" myself but am still keeping on...Sounds like you have made other changes which may be partly to blame but don't give up! Giving up is the last thing you should do, you have come this far, loss is just around the corner! I try to think of it as I am healthier inside by making these changes and the weight will have to come off eventually.

Good luck and keep on keeping on!!!!!

:-)

zsaoosh

Have you been working out or walking any? Maybe add something that makes you sweat and burn a few cals as well

CorlissaEats

I have pretty much had zero change in the last 3 weeks too. I am just hoping that its residual metabolism impacts from my December calorie increases/Activity decreases and that in another week my body will be back on track. I had some pretty major losses in December which was likely related to my acitivity increase in November...or at least that is what I am telling myself. Makes me wonder if there is a slight time delay in my body's reaction to my choices?

KDJS1988

I'm going on almost 3 weeks now with pretty much 0 weight loss. I've been fairly consistent with meals and logging. My caloric goal is 1,500/day. Occasionally I've gone over but not frequent enough to lead me to think that's why. Around the same time (3 weeks ago) I (1) stopped taking my birth control pills and also (2) started taking fiber supplements (and feeling super gassy and bloated). Could either of those be impacting my weight loss or do I just need to give my metabolism a kick in the butt?

Sometimes I find that not getting my water in really makes a huge difference. No matter what I'm eating or how much exercise, if I don't drink water like I should, I will not lose the weight as I do when I drink the water. Also, I'm sure your body is adjusting to the change in not taking birth control and the added fiber supplements.
Just remember that everyone goes through these times of not losing, but you are not gaining and that is an accomplishment and you are getting stronger while taking care of your body.

AJLovinLife

Not being able to see your diet and your activity makes it hard to make suggestions. Perhaps you are still eating foods high in salt? Are you drinking enough water? Maybe you need to add a little more activity?

SezxyStef

do you use a food scale?

chances are you are eating more than you think.

jenifr818

I'm going on almost 3 weeks now with pretty much 0 weight loss. I've been fairly consistent with meals and logging. My caloric goal is 1,500/day. Occasionally I've gone over but not frequent enough to lead me to think that's why. Around the same time (3 weeks ago) I (1) stopped taking my birth control pills and also (2) started taking fiber supplements (and feeling super gassy and bloated). Could either of those be impacting my weight loss or do I just need to give my metabolism a kick in the butt?

I can't see your diary, but things to think about are:

*sodium intake (water retention is a b*tch when it comes to scale weight)

*accuracy of calories in. Are you weighing everything and logging everything? little things add up. those 3 cups of coffee with sugar and cream that didn't get logged? A few bits of chocolate? That can easily knock off your deficit

*accuracy of calories in again. Packaged foods can legally be off by I think 10-20% on their calories listed. Keep an eye on that, and since they tend to be loaded with sodium, that can add water retention, which makes the scale think you're not losing weight

*if you're exercising, are you eating back ALL your exercise calories? if you're overestimating your calorie burn and underestimating how much you're eating, bye-bye deficit. Eat back 75-80% of your exercise calories, or switch to a TDEE-20% method (you can get that # by going to this website: http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/)

*if you're exercising, your muscles may be retaining water. Again, this will cause the scale to be off

*bloating sucks. yes, that can also be causing the scale to be off. heck, you might just need to take a big crap to see the scale move :laugh:

*on that note: are you measuring same time, wearing same clothes, before showering, after using bathroom, and before eating? scale weight includes everything, including human waste still in the body, water weight, food that's digesting in the colon ... you get the idea

I say all that to say this: use other methods to see what's going on. Take measurements. Take pictures. If it's water retention, start drinking more water (yeah, ironic, I know) and watch the sodium a little more closely. If you're underestimating how much you're actually eating, log more closely. If you're overestimating calorie burns, see about investing in a heart rate monitor/fitbit/polar/whatever. They're not foolproof, but can help a little.

amysmartin

Thanks all. I do need a big poo, it's true! Which is why I started the fiber... anyhow, TMI.

My sodium levels are through the roof if I scan through the last couple weeks of food entries. And yes, I always need more exercise. I've been successful with it before when I would just adjust my food, and so I was in a comfort zone of thinking I could just maintain the food and do okay. My workouts have been inconsistent lately... post-holiday, working mom of 2 small kids, getting over the flu/cold kind of rut.

Confuzzled4ever

I suggest the follow: (i have not even attempted to look at your diary or exercise regime)

Go get your TDEE and BMI numbers (goggle scooby's calculator- it's the easiest to use and pretty accurate)
Make sure you are eating somewhere in between those 2 numbers.

Don't eat high sodium foods.
Eat less processed more whole foods. (get your kids involved in produce selection and meal prep. Let them help pick out a healthy dinner you can all make together! make it fun!)
Reduce sugary food intake (you may be eating more then you think.. I was)
Beef up portions with veggies and make sure your getting adequate protein (both of these will make you feel fuller and give you more fiber and more energy)
Exercise daily. Anything a walk to lifting weights to kickboxing.. do something. Take the kids bike riding or on a short hike, walk the dog or borrow the neighbors dog and walk it. Go to jumping jacks or trampoline world or ice skating or roller skating.
Don't make excuses. I am convinced the major thing that stops us from getting healthy is our thinking towards it.
Look up the ingredients on your food labels if you don't know what they are. You might be surprised at what you are eating.
Log everything.. from that one bite of kiddoes mac and cheese to the half a brownie. I weigh everything individually and log it separately. I wasn't eating what i thought I was by a long shot.

I'm also a working single mom of 1 teenager who is in scouts and sports and attends a school that is highly demanding of time. I'm also a participant in sports, plus all the normal stuff everyone has to do. I make the time to cook healthy and workout. Even though I don't always have it. Being sick is a reason to slow down. but not an excuse to eat really badly. Soup, broth, toast, tea not detrimental to your diet and great "i'm sick" foods.

You can do it!

monicaP413

You need to do something different. Your body gets used to things. Change your calorie intake and exercise. Do a more extensive or calorie burning exercise. Change it up. Eat more calories one day and less the next. Hope it helps. You're doing great, though. Plateaus happen a lot in weight loss, so just hang in there.