Ready to give up

SaltNBurnBoys

Today was the fourth week that I've weighed in since I started my change in lifestyle. I've had a few bad days where I was over in calories. A couple days here and there where I overdid the sodium. But after four weeks, I'm heavier than my first Friday weigh-in. Am I doing something wrong?

It should also be noted that my SW of 195 was based off of my last doctor visit. I signed up for MFP at work, and that was my last known weight. So it's entirely possible that I haven't even lost the 9 pounds that MFP is giving me credit for losing.

I just don't understand why after four weeks of vigorously weighing my food and counting calories that I haven't seen a change. And before everyone asks, yes I weigh and measure everything ( sometimes both since I know weighing is more accurate sometimes.)

abuck_13

Don't give up - any number of things can happen. Have you increased your calorie burn at all? Are you sure the scales are accurate?

Remember, this is not a sprint, but a marathon. Take it slow and easy and don't give up. I've known people (not on here) that have taken three months before weight loss kicks in and then it just goes for them.

Reach down, find what motivates and get there!

SezxyStef

are you exercising?

Have you taken measurments?

Do your cloths feel different?

The scale is one measurment...and it's one of the worst to go by as with water retention, ToM and host of other things.

nikibean123

You don't seem to get much 'fresh' food in your diary. It's mostly pre-packaged and that's not great.

Could you sway some of your cereal bar snacks for fruit? Maybe have veg & pasta instead of lots of pasta? (And no more Burger King )

You're obviously not eating TOO MANY calories, it's just what those calories are made up of that might be hindering your progress.

Good luck and don't give up! It's trial and error for everyone and everyday you're getting closer to finding what works for you.

lindajwebb2

Don't give up!

No matter how disappointing - cos you will start again at some point.

So start again as soon as possible, logging your actual weight. Continue to weigh/measure/count everything - including yourself - do measure - sometimes we change shape and can tell by the inches, rather than what's on the scale.

Do some exercise - anything.

And drink water - loads of it (8+ glasses if you can before/after meals).

Good luck!

futuresize8

I encourage weighing on the same scale in the same outfit, (shoes off), or weigh naked if you have a scale in the privacy of your own home. Scales can really vary. If the scale isn't calibrated properly, it isn't going to be accurate.

So weigh today, on a scale, and then record that as your weight.

It sounds like you can't be totally certain of your progress without that information, right?

Keep doing what you're doing. This is going to take time. Also, I peeked at your food diary. Maybe add more water to your intake? I find that it really helps me in a number of ways.

If you need a friend who will encourage you, you're welcome to add me. Just don't give up. You can do this and make it for good.

Rak0ribz

Were I you, I'd reboot - pretend you started today. Make sure your goal calories are calculated for your new weight, set it to lose a pound a week, and start again. That way, you'll know your starting weight is accurate, and you've got experience using the app/web page now.

Just remember - this site is packed with people who've succeeded in losing weight. It might not work for everyone, but it seems to work for a lot more people than most weight loss plans. Stick with it & you'll be posting before & after pictures in no time.

knra_grl

Don't give up this is a lifestyle change - but viewing your diary you are all over the map some days you are way under (800 or 900 calories) some days your are over and some you are under by 200 or less - maybe try to be more consistent your body may not be triggering because some days you aren't giving it enough fuel some days your are giving it lots - just my thoughts I have tried to be consistent with my intake and try to stay as close to my calorie goal as I can (usually within 100-150 under) despite a small set back with stress eating I have still lost.

DeltaZero

Do you weigh your food?

Do you weigh ALL your food?



http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants


Find correct calorie goal
Weigh Food
Move more
Lift weights

Rak0ribz

Oh, also: if you want to weigh yourself every day on the same scale, it will help you see that there's a downward trend. I weigh myself (mostly) every morning, naked, after I brush my teeth and finish my other morning activities. That way, I keep the day-to-day variation down, but I still see up to 2 pounds of swing from one day to the next. Just don't sweat the small changes & watch the trend.

shaynepoole

just trying to be helpful ... looking at your diary I see you are over in sodium every day and not a balanced diet at all - no fruits, almost non existent vegetables

The extra sodium is going to make you retain water which will cause you to weigh in as higher

I understand being young and not cooking - looks like you are doing a lot of picking up food and ready to eat meals, but both take out and frozen foods are packed with sodium

Nutritional guidelines suggest that around 50% of each meal be a vegetable.

Again, take this as you will - I know that only you can make the changes you want to make to lose weight/eat healthier

RoosMommy02

If you are going over your sodium and drinking lots of water, then I'd say you are holding a lot of water weight. Are you exercising? A lot of people on here recommend that you eat back your exercise calories..that doesn't work for me.

You may have to play around with the numbers some until you find what works best for you. Whatever you do though, DON'T GIVE UP!!!

dianesheart88

After looking at your diary:

1.) You having far too many processed foods/fast foods - Add more fruits and veggies. I often eat out too, but you can still make good choices and avoid any fried, fatty foods.

2.) You sodium level is probably helping you to retain lots of water. Most of this is from your processed foods.

3.) Drink water! Lots of water... the more water you drink, the less your body will hold on it.

4.) Most important - DON'T GIVE UP! Honestly... if you think it's hard now... imagine it if you were older and heavier.

As some have said, check your calories. It's all about calories in, calories out. If there isn't a deficit your not going to loss.

Good luck and Don't give up! It will only be that much harder next time around. YOU CAN DO THIS!

jodiannd

@ OP--- i notice your tracking your sugar intake and thats very BIG! especially seeing those breakfast bars you are consuming, also you dont seem to be OVER EATING cal wise but the things that you are consuming arent the best choices you surely need to up your water intake add more fruits and vegys just try that for a week and see if you get any results. Little changes sometimes bring big results BUT THE POINT IS DONT GIVE UP you already in too far( its like a gang you are already in cant leave now )

sassyjae21

Hi OP,

I took a look at your diary. Fruits and veggies and all that are great, but processed foods are not going to keep you from losing weight if you are under or AT your goal every day. Don't listen to people who tell you you have to cut out ANYTHING unless it is medically neccessary. Sodium also plays a role in water retention, as some have mentioned, but it does not keep you from losing fat. You CAN eat what you want as long as you are under goal- it's calories in, vs calories out. Don't be discouraged if the weight doesn't fall off too quickly. It WILL come off.

As someone suggested, start measuring with a tape measure. That's where the real progress shows. The scale doesn't even begin to tell the whole story. Also maybe taking up some exercise may help. It's not necessary to lose weight, but if you are way off on logging or measuring foods, as most people are, this can make up for it. If you hate exercising, there are tons of things you can do to help you move more; walking, zumba, etc. and it doesn't have to suck.

Don't give up. You're just getting started!

silver_arrow3

This is going to sound a little rude and I really don't mean it to, but I really don't understand people like you. You've worked hard to get where you are. Why would you give that up? Why wouldn't you just keep going even if you aren't seeing results RIGHT NOW? Does that mean that you won't EVER see them?

Don't be a quitter. Keep going. Make those results happen. You know it will be hard work, but do it anyway.

DeltaZero

This is going to sound a little rude and I really don't mean it to, but I really don't understand people like you. You've worked hard to get where you are. Why would you give that up? Why wouldn't you just keep going even if you aren't seeing results RIGHT NOW? Does that mean that you won't EVER see them?

Don't be a quitter. Keep going. Make those results happen. You know it will be hard work, but do it anyway.

Some people either:

A) Are not ready
Do not want it bad enough
C) Squirrel!

jackpotclown

Rick Astley wouldn't give up and neither should you
\m/

SaltNBurnBoys

This is going to sound a little rude and I really don't mean it to, but I really don't understand people like you. You've worked hard to get where you are. Why would you give that up? Why wouldn't you just keep going even if you aren't seeing results RIGHT NOW? Does that mean that you won't EVER see them?

Don't be a quitter. Keep going. Make those results happen. You know it will be hard work, but do it anyway.

That's the whole point. I've worked ridiculously hard to get here, and I have absolutely nothing to show for it. I don't feel healthier, I'm not more energized, my clothes don't fit any better, and the number on the scale has gone UP in the last four weeks.

But a lot of people have had really good suggestions. I'm going to go grocery shopping tomorrow and get fresh ingredients for my work lunches instead of frozen meals. My main difficulty with that is that there's no guarantee that my food will still be in the fridge when I go to make something. I have a 17 year old brother who just grabs whatever and eats it regardless of how many times he's been told something is for a specific purpose. But I'll give making my own meals a try.

a_stronger_me13

Do you weigh your food?

Do you weigh ALL your food?



http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants


Find correct calorie goal
Weigh Food
Move more
Lift weights

There's probably some other good advice in this thread but you can ignore all of it, follow what this guy said and the link he posted, and see results.

sarahrbraun

Today was the fourth week that I've weighed in since I started my change in lifestyle. I've had a few bad days where I was over in calories. A couple days here and there where I overdid the sodium. But after four weeks, I'm heavier than my first Friday weigh-in. Am I doing something wrong?

It should also be noted that my SW of 195 was based off of my last doctor visit. I signed up for MFP at work, and that was my last known weight. So it's entirely possible that I haven't even lost the 9 pounds that MFP is giving me credit for losing.

I just don't understand why after four weeks of vigorously weighing my food and counting calories that I haven't seen a change. And before everyone asks, yes I weigh and measure everything ( sometimes both since I know weighing is more accurate sometimes.)

Don't give up. Are you taking measurements? Are you taking pictures?

Over the last year, I have only lost about 7lbs, but my pictures and my clothes show a completely different story!


2/13, 4/13, 9/13 by crochetmom2010, on Flickr

this is over a 7 month period, same outfit. I lost maybe 3lbs over that period of time. But look at the difference in how my clothes fit. I have obviously lost fat and gained muscle.

Also keep in mind, if you have just started a workout routine, your body will retain fluid for muscle repair. I can easily "gain" 3-4lbs after working out 5 days straight. After a day or two of rest, and drinking plenty ( like a gallon a day) of water, it falls back off.

walterm852

What is your fall back spot when you "give up"? Meaning, are you going to go back to the same lifestyle that caused you to feel uncomfortable and put on weight, why do that?

Good news, you figured out whatever you did in the last month isn't enough. I would take a serious, thorough inventory and make an adjustment. Food, exercise, etc. Think of it as a detective game, find the answer for you and your body.

Jade0529

You can do this!
Just an example, I've lost 10lbs but my waist measurement is the same. It's because that is the last place weight comes off on me. Meh. I am okay with that. Everyone is different and every body will drop weight in a different way. Def drink lots of water and cut down sodium


As for your brother, he's old enough to be able to control himself. You need to have your parents talk to him and if you can, get a small fridge for your room. At least you could keep your healthy foods in there and put a lock on your door if you have too!

mnardi123

Would you really be happier if you gave up? I know if I did then I would gain weight back and that is not an option for me. You are what I call "standing on the ledge" but DON"T JUMP! Truth is I've been where you are (at one point in time I weight 235lbs) and I thought I was doing everything right and just wasn't meant to lose weight, but I was wrong and it's taken me 5 years of going up and down and learning what's right for my body and taking drastic measures to get were I am now (175lbs). The biggest thing I did was NEVER GIVING UP. But you might have to start preparing more of your food, I prepare a couple of things on Sunday that I can interchange during the week, i.e. turkey chili, quinoa salad, homemade humus, and keep things like packets of tuna and instant steel cut oatmeal at my desk. We are on a journey and I believe that each one of us is worthy of reaching our final destination. Friend me if your looking for some help, but don't give up.

Francl27

Don't weigh AND measure. Just weigh. Measuring isn't accurate.

And make your own recipes... don't use other people's recipes (like that homemade beef stew - did you use your own entry or someone else's?).

So pretty much... you're eating more than you think because of all the takeout/processed food. That's probably where your extra calories come from - labels are not always accurate and foods are often heavier, plus they are often 20% lower than what the calorie count really is.. that's why eating too much processed food is bad for weight loss.

zsaoosh

Over 1700 cals is high if you want to loose weight and many days you have gone over or not even logged at all. You arent working out or even walking. I see you have taken it down to around 1500 today so that is good but 800 cals on fried food for dinner isnt going to help. What are you "giving up" on? Atleast you havent gained weight right??? If you give up, that is whats going to happen. You just arent burning off more then you are taking in. You will feel fuller if you use your cals better and eat bigger healthier meals. GOOD LUCK!

vickeya2000

SaltNBurnBoys: While many of the suggestions here are very good for your general health (helping organs function better, improving energy, reducing risks of disease, just feeling better in general), none of them mention the fact that you can UNDER eat. I'm participating in a weight loss challenge where there's a dietitian. I was the first of now several people in the program who brought up very much the same thing you did: being at or under the calorie "goal" MFP gives you based on your input and having NO net weight loss after two or more weeks.

Immediately, people started suggesting all kinds of things. Some were: eat fewer carbs, eat more protein, make sure you're weighing everything, have patience, that I put on muscle weight because my new lifestyle of exercising. What they missed was that my diet is pretty well balanced, even if not perfect; I am weighing everything; I've had patience; and while I've continued to add more exercise to my life, it can no longer be seen as a "new" thing. I've been trying to lose any amount of weight since starting a walking program three years earlier and even had been doing personal training at a gym for the previous seven months. Yet, all I'd lost in SEVEN months of increasing exercise and decreasing food was five pounds. Two of those came off the first week of the current program. I got frustrated when the very next weigh-in a week later, those two pounds were back! So net of three pounds since personal training and about the same over the previous years.

Finally, a few people who gave me a reason to trust them suggested I might be under eating. One of them went as far as to figure out my Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and help me understand the difference between MFP's stock suggestion of 1,200 calories a day and what she came up with, which was much more. In the meantime, the dietitian outright cautioned that a 1,200 calorie diet is not ideal for any adult and that she generally recommends no fewer than 1,500, citing organ needs to function in a healthy manner for most adults living normal lives.

With that said, the following is what my helper came up with, so it applies to me and is not a number for general use (because, as you have found, we are all DIFFERENT):

The first number was 1,600 calories, which I was the starting point for the next three numbers. The next number was 1,920, which she explained would be the number of calories that if I were lying in a hospital bed unable to eat that they would feed me in order to maintain my current weight. The third number was 1,420, the number of calories I'd need to eat in order to lose a pound a week without any exercise. Here is where that first number was referenced; she said that's under bar (1,600 for me) and advised that's not good long term. The last number is 1,670 for .5 pounds lost a week. She noted that as "net," which I took to mean the least number of calories I should consume in addition to what exercise earns me.

What all those numbers told me was what three or so other people suggested (contrary to what many, many more suggested over the years and recently): that I needed to eat more than I had been and more than MFP was saying.

Was she right? Well that was a Monday night. That Friday night, I'd lost four pounds. The only thing I changed in the meantime was eating more. I didn't exercise more or drink more water. I just ate more. Now, I didn't suddenly start eating 1/2 cup of ice cream every day, but I did consume more calories. I had some custard nog (a seasonal favorite only Tops carries around here it seems), a ribeye, and sandwiches with cheese and mayonnaise. But I also had salad, clementines, and bananas.

I weigh again in several hours. If I haven't gained back those four pounds this time - and if I lose anything more - it will be more to substantiate the belief that despite my overweight status, I have not been eating enough. I'm thinking I'm going to be the same weight or less based on my clothes and the mirror.

cici1028

I know you're not going to give up because you made this post. Which means you want to keep going. You will. I believe you can do this.

It is super frustrating to not see big moves on the scale. I checked out your diary... you're doing a good job with your calories. MAYBE you could integrate more fresh foods, fruits and vegetables and prepare more of your own meals rather than packaged food. However, as other people have noted, you don't HAVE to. You can lose weight with packaged food. It might just make a difference for you because you will be trying something new and your body will react to that change... so try it for a week? Ditch the boxes and cook for yourself for a week.

I know that I lost NO weight and still lost 2 pants sizes. So I agree with others. Take measurements. Track BF%. But do not give up. You can do it.