Getting frustrated

Mystical64
Mystical64 Posts: 108 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Ok I have been at my same weight now for some time. I eat roughly 1,200 calories a day. I exercise most every day. I walk 3 mins at 4.4 at least then run 2 mins at 5.4. I keep doing this for roughly 57 mins. I some weight lifting not a lot but some. I'm very conscience about what I eat. And the weight isn't going anywhere. Does anyone have any suggestions? I just upped my exercise about 2 weeks ago. I was only doing about 25 mins before.

My weight is 160 and I'm 5'6. My getting so frustrated.

Replies

  • ladymiseryali
    ladymiseryali Posts: 2,555 Member
    Are you eating back your exercise calories? 1200 might be too little to eat for you. I'm 5ft8 and I eat over 1500 calories a day and I'm losing decently.
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    First I'll say I'm 35, 5'5" and I've been losing at 1600, so you should probably eat more.

    Second, do you weigh your food?
  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    I think the key may be in the last sentence. Often when we increase the intensity of our exercises (like working out longer and starting to run) our muscles will retain water and glycogen to help with healing the microtears that naturally occur when you up your game. You may just need to be patient while your body adjusts to the new routine.

    A few questions though... Do you eat your exercise calories back (at least half)? Do you weigh and measure your food? Do you monitor sodium intake (will also cause water retention)?
  • Mystical64
    Mystical64 Posts: 108 Member
    I don't eat back my exercise calories. I measure my food, but don't weigh it. I'm not hungry at 1,200. Calories.
  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    If you're not following the plan correctly, you won't see results, plain and simple. MFP is set up so that you are supposed to eat back your exercise calories. If you're worried about the overestimates, then only eat back half of them or get a good HRM (I recommend Polar FT4) and eat back calories according to what it tells you.

    In order to log food accurately, you have to weigh it. Measuring is very inaccurate and you may be eating more than you think, which may be why you're not feeling hungry at 1200. You could be actually eating more like 1400+ per day.

    However, I will also say this - assuming you are only eating 1200 calories per day, that's really not healthy at all. You need to feed your body the nutrients it needs which is why the macro balances are important. Undereating isn't going to give you the look you want, even with weight training. Fuel the machine!
  • Mystical64
    Mystical64 Posts: 108 Member
    Thank you. I'm going to get the polar FT4 and start weighing my food. Also try to eat back at least 1/2 of the calories. The guy at GNC told me to not eat back the calories. Sometimes IDK who to believe. I just need to find what works for me so I can start losing again.

    Thanks everyone!
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,454 Member
    At your height and weight, you should NOT be set at 1200 calories base.

    Here: read this, it's really helpful:

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

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