Made it over a year but cant take it anymore.

Makoce

Started losing over a year ago and lost a total of 62 pounds, go me!
Problem is..Im so burned out and done with all of this.

i recently started upping to maintenance by 100 calories a week which Im going to start with TDEE which I estimate around 1700 calories. I also purchased a FitBit.

Here's the problem, Im just so tired and burned out.
I cant sleep lately and my muscles are ALWAYS sore, I feel so weak and done and don't want to calorie count anymore and just want to eat. Im just so ravenous and I even now want to get out of bed to eat everything in the house because Im just so hungry, tired, and weak & stressed. This has been going on for months and months.

Now with the fitbit it has me wanting to move even more obsessivly.. I get paranoid if I dont move enough when my steps are under, and I feel like I cant eat more food --- then Im more tired and it becomes a cycle.

Then im afraid if I take a break Ill gain more weight.


I'm 5'2, 106LBS, Female and before I got fitbit I was walking 30 - 40 minutes 1 - 2 times a week and going to the gym on the Arc Trainer for an hour 1 - 2 times a week.

I tried strength training 1 - 2 times a week because I want to work on body comp but it made me feel weaker.

Now that I have it, Im doing the gym 1 - 3 times a week and walking over 2 hours to try to get to the 10,000 steps and its been calculating my maintenance way under what I thought weekly...


Maybe I need a blood test or something but im TERRIFIED of needles.

jenifr818

Sounds to me like you just need to stop. Take a week, put the fitbit away, and relax. Don't track your calories. Don't worry about exercise. If you want to work out, then fine. If you don't want to, then don't.

One week will not undo any of the great work you've done, and it will be amazing for your mental health.

After that week is up, then just roll on into maintenance. Ignore inevitable water weight, and enjoy life! It's too short to be stressed out over calories.

bumblebeez86

Yeah I definitely think you need to give yourself a break whether it be a day a week or a month you just need that for yourself. I get obsessed with all this counting and make myself miserable sometimes and I just give myself a day to eat that bit more or something I have been craving.

And great work so far - you have been doing it a lot longer than me and I already feel like that some days

Good luck xxx

Velum_cado

Experiment with not logging or using the FitBit. I haven't logged in about a year because I was obsessed with getting in under that calorie goal instead of just listening to my body and eating healthily. I've continued losing at roughly the same rate, but I feel much healthier and happier now that I'm just being a bit careful and keeping a more general idea of how much I'm eating instead of counting every last calorie.

That might not work for you, so that's why I say "experiment". If you can do it without allowing it to be an excuse to just go crazy and eat everything, because "YAY, no logging it!" then I'd say don't. Find another strategy. But it might be worth trying if your quality of life is suffering that badly.

Makoce

I guess. But if I dont have logging to keep me accountable I can literally eat 5,000+ calories a day no lie...

GodMomKim

you have done great and taking a week off seems ok to me, but I would also suggest, if you can, to go get a physical - could there be something else going on? Sounds a lot like the descriptions of how a friend felt when she was first prego.....

Your body or mind or both are trying to tell you something - try to listen

Makoce

Definitely not pregnant. But I feel I might need a doctors appointment or something..
its definitely not normal because I was super active even when I was over weight

cpusmc

5'2", 106. Those are very lean numbers. It sound as though you have been very disciplined and done a great job in losing the 62lbs, congrats.... Are you have a diet cheat day? I leaned out a while back, 10%bf and got very burned out as well until my trainer looked at my diet and noticed i had no cheat day built in. With a cheat day where I can eat anything I want, my burnout syndrome went away and my mental state improved.

I also agree that it could be time for a week away from working out and fitbit. It will not hurt you and may do you good mentally and physically. I also agree with you, see your Dr., get a physical and confirm there is nothing else going on...

KCoolBeanz

I guess. But if I dont have logging to keep me accountable I can literally eat 5,000+ calories a day no lie...

You know enough to know what good choices are and what bad choices are. Eat what you've roughly been eating, and make decent choices when it comes to extras. ie. you know one brownie is sufficient as opposed to the entire pan. :flowerforyou:

Makoce

5'2", 106. Those are very lean numbers. It sound as though you have been very disciplined and done a great job in losing the 62lbs, congrats.... Are you have a diet cheat day? I leaned out a while back, 10%bf and got very burned out as well until my trainer looked at my diet and noticed i had no cheat day built in. With a cheat day where I can eat anything I want, my burnout syndrome went away and my mental state improved.

I also agree that it could be time for a week away from working out and fitbit. It will not hurt you and may do you good mentally and physically. I also agree with you, see your Dr., get a physical and confirm there is nothing else going on...

I eat whatever I want within goal though so its not like a deny myself anything to where I need a cheat day.
And at maintenance, if I go over once a week wont that put me in the category of gaining?

I just got the fitbit like 4 days ago too, haha

LCFulmer

Sounds like you need some serious R&R. I log everyday but I don't stress over the calories; I just like logging and I like knowing I'm at 905 day of logging. I do allow myself rest though from working out. I go 3 wks hard then take a week off during "that time of the month". I log my food but don't workout and don't stress over not working out during that recovery week. I treat myself at least 1 day during the weekend to something sweet; and during ceartain days of the year... Mother's day, anniversary, BDay I don't workout. My point, I believe everyone should take time off from working out at least 1/wk and should enjoy a treat.

Makoce

If Im eating at TDEE which accounts for weekly exercise, though, what do I do if I take the week off as far as how much to eat, though..

KCharron20

Taking a week off is a great suggestion. When I had my trainer, he always said that everyone should take a week off every couple of months. It gives your body a chance to recover and has a tendency to jump start things. Also, I took a peek at your food diary, I would suggest upping your protein. Doing so will keep you fuller longer and maybe help with being hungry all the time.

Sarah4fitness

5'2", 106. Those are very lean numbers. It sound as though you have been very disciplined and done a great job in losing the 62lbs, congrats.... Are you have a diet cheat day? I leaned out a while back, 10%bf and got very burned out as well until my trainer looked at my diet and noticed i had no cheat day built in. With a cheat day where I can eat anything I want, my burnout syndrome went away and my mental state improved.

I also agree that it could be time for a week away from working out and fitbit. It will not hurt you and may do you good mentally and physically. I also agree with you, see your Dr., get a physical and confirm there is nothing else going on...

I eat whatever I want within goal though so its not like a deny myself anything to where I need a cheat day.
And at maintenance, if I go over once a week wont that put me in the category of gaining?

I just got the fitbit like 4 days ago too, haha

You're at a VERY low bodyweight, even for your height. I know how hard it is to switch from "OMG DROP POUNDS! I'm dropping pounds! This is what I wanted! I CANNOT GAIN THOSE POUNDS BACK!!" mentality, to one of "Hey, if I gain strength and can lift more, who CARES if my weight is 5lbs up? I'm STRONGER!"

If you're beginning to incorporate weight training into your activity, that's AWESOME. It'll bring about a smaller, tighter body, and you'll be able to eat more calories at maintenance than you could without the muscle. If I were you, I'd toss the scale, and pick a pair of Measure Jeans. Jeans you fit comfortably now, that aren't tight, but aren't loose. Use THOSE as a measure instead of a scale, which will mess with your head a LOT LESS. Also, if you want to monitor your body, take progress photos of yourself. You are now at a weight which you will not maintain if you lift weights, and that's OKAY. Focus less on numbers and more on how your body looks and feels.

Regarding your burnout: TAKE TIME OFF. Even competitors training for shows have a cheat meal most weeks. One guilt free meal, where they eat whatever their body wants. This is a mental release, and it has physical benefits as well. If you're over it, take a break.
Take a week. No monitoring food. Just live. Eat in moderation, but don't assign BAD FOODS or have guilt if you enjoy things. Workout if you have the energy. If you have to choose between cardio and lifting, lift. See where your head is after the week, and post again letting us know how you are!

mufamuscles

I guess. But if I dont have logging to keep me accountable I can literally eat 5,000+ calories a day no lie...

Maybe you could do some compromise between logging meticulously and not logging at all, like just writing down what you ate at each meal (not calorie counts) in a notebook rather than tracking everything with the calorie counts in MFP? That way, you would be semi-accountable but wouldn't be able to obsess over calories.

tegalicious

5'2", 106. Those are very lean numbers. It sound as though you have been very disciplined and done a great job in losing the 62lbs, congrats.... Are you have a diet cheat day? I leaned out a while back, 10%bf and got very burned out as well until my trainer looked at my diet and noticed i had no cheat day built in. With a cheat day where I can eat anything I want, my burnout syndrome went away and my mental state improved.

I also agree that it could be time for a week away from working out and fitbit. It will not hurt you and may do you good mentally and physically. I also agree with you, see your Dr., get a physical and confirm there is nothing else going on...

I eat whatever I want within goal though so its not like a deny myself anything to where I need a cheat day.
And at maintenance, if I go over once a week wont that put me in the category of gaining?

I just got the fitbit like 4 days ago too, haha

You're at a VERY low bodyweight, even for your height. I know how hard it is to switch from "OMG DROP POUNDS! I'm dropping pounds! This is what I wanted! I CANNOT GAIN THOSE POUNDS BACK!!" mentality, to one of "Hey, if I gain strength and can lift more, who CARES if my weight is 5lbs up? I'm STRONGER!"

If you're beginning to incorporate weight training into your activity, that's AWESOME. It'll bring about a smaller, tighter body, and you'll be able to eat more calories at maintenance than you could without the muscle. If I were you, I'd toss the scale, and pick a pair of Measure Jeans. Jeans you fit comfortably now, that aren't tight, but aren't loose. Use THOSE as a measure instead of a scale, which will mess with your head a LOT LESS. Also, if you want to monitor your body, take progress photos of yourself. You are now at a weight which you will not maintain if you lift weights, and that's OKAY. Focus less on numbers and more on how your body looks and feels.

Regarding your burnout: TAKE TIME OFF. Even competitors training for shows have a cheat meal most weeks. One guilt free meal, where they eat whatever their body wants. This is a mental release, and it has physical benefits as well. If you're over it, take a break.
Take a week. No monitoring food. Just live. Eat in moderation, but don't assign BAD FOODS or have guilt if you enjoy things. Workout if you have the energy. If you have to choose between cardio and lifting, lift. See where your head is after the week, and post again letting us know how you are!

Took the words right out of my mouth...

95to5percent

You have done soooo well. Good Job!!! Maybe you need a physical? Are you eating 30 grams of protein in Am and protein at each meal? Take some time to just love yourself.....watch your portions, see your doctor.The good life choices and habits are what will keep you at a healthy, happy weight. Obsessing can get you there, but will wear you out in the long run. that is why we go back to old weights--We get tired, bored, and find a new number on the scale does not necessarily give us the results we are looking for. YOU have done it--now what? enjoy your life.

Makoce

5'2", 106. Those are very lean numbers. It sound as though you have been very disciplined and done a great job in losing the 62lbs, congrats.... Are you have a diet cheat day? I leaned out a while back, 10%bf and got very burned out as well until my trainer looked at my diet and noticed i had no cheat day built in. With a cheat day where I can eat anything I want, my burnout syndrome went away and my mental state improved.

I also agree that it could be time for a week away from working out and fitbit. It will not hurt you and may do you good mentally and physically. I also agree with you, see your Dr., get a physical and confirm there is nothing else going on...

I eat whatever I want within goal though so its not like a deny myself anything to where I need a cheat day.
And at maintenance, if I go over once a week wont that put me in the category of gaining?

I just got the fitbit like 4 days ago too, haha

You're at a VERY low bodyweight, even for your height. I know how hard it is to switch from "OMG DROP POUNDS! I'm dropping pounds! This is what I wanted! I CANNOT GAIN THOSE POUNDS BACK!!" mentality, to one of "Hey, if I gain strength and can lift more, who CARES if my weight is 5lbs up? I'm STRONGER!"

If you're beginning to incorporate weight training into your activity, that's AWESOME. It'll bring about a smaller, tighter body, and you'll be able to eat more calories at maintenance than you could without the muscle. If I were you, I'd toss the scale, and pick a pair of Measure Jeans. Jeans you fit comfortably now, that aren't tight, but aren't loose. Use THOSE as a measure instead of a scale, which will mess with your head a LOT LESS. Also, if you want to monitor your body, take progress photos of yourself. You are now at a weight which you will not maintain if you lift weights, and that's OKAY. Focus less on numbers and more on how your body looks and feels.

Regarding your burnout: TAKE TIME OFF. Even competitors training for shows have a cheat meal most weeks. One guilt free meal, where they eat whatever their body wants. This is a mental release, and it has physical benefits as well. If you're over it, take a break.
Take a week. No monitoring food. Just live. Eat in moderation, but don't assign BAD FOODS or have guilt if you enjoy things. Workout if you have the energy. If you have to choose between cardio and lifting, lift. See where your head is after the week, and post again letting us know how you are!

I know! My goal weight was never 106. But I was so unhappy and still am with the huge amount of belly fat I have.
Ive been trying to do strength training at maintenance but t makes me feel even more weak during the week to where I cant even lift a 5LB weight.

Then on top of it I get discouraged because I cant eat as much strength training as I can burning calories out with cardio.

I was never sure if I even could put on muscle because all I have is 2 15LB dumbbells and I have no idea if that's enough / and or how exactly to do a program at my home that will give me results.

... and to be honest ... I really dont like lifting weights either so the motivation lacks LOL

theologynerd

You're at a VERY low bodyweight, even for your height. I know how hard it is to switch from "OMG DROP POUNDS! I'm dropping pounds! This is what I wanted! I CANNOT GAIN THOSE POUNDS BACK!!" mentality, to one of "Hey, if I gain strength and can lift more, who CARES if my weight is 5lbs up? I'm STRONGER!"

If you're beginning to incorporate weight training into your activity, that's AWESOME. It'll bring about a smaller, tighter body, and you'll be able to eat more calories at maintenance than you could without the muscle. If I were you, I'd toss the scale, and pick a pair of Measure Jeans. Jeans you fit comfortably now, that aren't tight, but aren't loose. Use THOSE as a measure instead of a scale, which will mess with your head a LOT LESS. Also, if you want to monitor your body, take progress photos of yourself. You are now at a weight which you will not maintain if you lift weights, and that's OKAY. Focus less on numbers and more on how your body looks and feels.

Regarding your burnout: TAKE TIME OFF. Even competitors training for shows have a cheat meal most weeks. One guilt free meal, where they eat whatever their body wants. This is a mental release, and it has physical benefits as well. If you're over it, take a break.
Take a week. No monitoring food. Just live. Eat in moderation, but don't assign BAD FOODS or have guilt if you enjoy things. Workout if you have the energy. If you have to choose between cardio and lifting, lift. See where your head is after the week, and post again letting us know how you are!
[/quote]

I have to agree with this. I'm a super structured dieter: I thrive on tracking every single calorie eaten or exercised, I have set foods that I stick with (no "treats in moderation" for me), I love having rules that I follow, etc, and even I need a break sometimes. Going on maintenance was hella confusing and difficult (I just had a baby so am starting over). I don't know how you feel about lifting, but for me, just starting with body weight exercises (squats, push ups, lunges every day) changed my body composition DRAMATICALLY. I went from a jeans size 9/10 to 5/6 in about 6 weeks. I didn't lose a pound, but looked so amazing I didn't care. That helped me!

theologynerd

^^^Somehow I removed that the first part was a quote.

Makoce

How many did you do every day?

marmitenot

If you are feeling unusually tired, by ALL means, go have blood work done! I felt tired like that a couple of years ago and when my blood work came back my vitamin D was very deficient (almost non-existent!). If you aren't feeling like yourself, definitely go see the doctor. I can't tell you what a HUGE difference bringing my vitamin D level back up made. You could have some type of infection, thyroid problems, you could be off on one of your vitamins/minerals.

CONGRATULATIONS on the weight loss. I am just beginning my journey, *sigh* again. I've got my medical issues mostly solved I think (vitamin D was a big part of my problem!) so I feel good enough to give this my all. Get yourself fixed up...don't waste all the progress you've made. NEVER GIVE UP! But it also wouldn't hurt to take a week off as others have suggested. Could be just what the doctor ordered!

blainepoe

Maybe some lighter impact yoga impact yoga or Pilates would help you sculpt while you relax and clear your head. You definitely need a break from the grind by the sounds of it.

Will210

Nothing wrong with taking a break and actually a good thing from a health standpoint. I understand your concerns about temporary leaving a regiment. It is a very viable concern. Make sure you continue to log your diet.

I would take a week off and consider changing walking to maybe an HIIT routine. HIIT only requires 15 to 20 minutes but can provide other benefits that walking cannot provide. Can be done via another form of cardio or via weightlifting. You could also do both. A walking day and an HIIT day.

Sarah4fitness

5'2", 106. Those are very lean numbers. It sound as though you have been very disciplined and done a great job in losing the 62lbs, congrats.... Are you have a diet cheat day? I leaned out a while back, 10%bf and got very burned out as well until my trainer looked at my diet and noticed i had no cheat day built in. With a cheat day where I can eat anything I want, my burnout syndrome went away and my mental state improved.

I also agree that it could be time for a week away from working out and fitbit. It will not hurt you and may do you good mentally and physically. I also agree with you, see your Dr., get a physical and confirm there is nothing else going on...

I eat whatever I want within goal though so its not like a deny myself anything to where I need a cheat day.
And at maintenance, if I go over once a week wont that put me in the category of gaining?

I just got the fitbit like 4 days ago too, haha

You're at a VERY low bodyweight, even for your height. I know how hard it is to switch from "OMG DROP POUNDS! I'm dropping pounds! This is what I wanted! I CANNOT GAIN THOSE POUNDS BACK!!" mentality, to one of "Hey, if I gain strength and can lift more, who CARES if my weight is 5lbs up? I'm STRONGER!"

If you're beginning to incorporate weight training into your activity, that's AWESOME. It'll bring about a smaller, tighter body, and you'll be able to eat more calories at maintenance than you could without the muscle. If I were you, I'd toss the scale, and pick a pair of Measure Jeans. Jeans you fit comfortably now, that aren't tight, but aren't loose. Use THOSE as a measure instead of a scale, which will mess with your head a LOT LESS. Also, if you want to monitor your body, take progress photos of yourself. You are now at a weight which you will not maintain if you lift weights, and that's OKAY. Focus less on numbers and more on how your body looks and feels.

Regarding your burnout: TAKE TIME OFF. Even competitors training for shows have a cheat meal most weeks. One guilt free meal, where they eat whatever their body wants. This is a mental release, and it has physical benefits as well. If you're over it, take a break.
Take a week. No monitoring food. Just live. Eat in moderation, but don't assign BAD FOODS or have guilt if you enjoy things. Workout if you have the energy. If you have to choose between cardio and lifting, lift. See where your head is after the week, and post again letting us know how you are!

I know! My goal weight was never 106. But I was so unhappy and still am with the huge amount of belly fat I have.
Ive been trying to do strength training at maintenance but t makes me feel even more weak during the week to where I cant even lift a 5LB weight.

Then on top of it I get discouraged because I cant eat as much strength training as I can burning calories out with cardio.

I was never sure if I even could put on muscle because all I have is 2 15LB dumbbells and I have no idea if that's enough / and or how exactly to do a program at my home that will give me results.

... and to be honest ... I really dont like lifting weights either so the motivation lacks LOL

It sounds like you're now skinnyfat. You won't get that "toned" six pack look without lifting weights. You SHOULD be eating more if you're lifting weights as opposed to doing cardio. The fail on this MFP thing is it doesn't allocate calories burned to a lifting workout, which is just WRONG. The harder/heavier you lift, the more calories you burn. It should equal or exceed the same amount of time spent in steady-state cardio.
Consider increasing your intake of protein in particular, and (maybe it's time?) joining a gym to have access to more weights.

Makoce

Dont even want a six pack necessarily. Just dont want to look like a 5 month old pregnant person.
I have a gym membership, but theres only weight machines. The free weights only go up to 20LBS in the Yoga room.

And again....I have no idea what Im doing and am unemployed so money to spend on trainers or programs/books or weights...idk

amyinthetardis1231

Do you have access to a pool? Maybe changing up your routine and doing something potentially fun and relaxing will ease the burnout feeling. Swimming is a good workout that tones your muscles, but you don't have to go crazy and you can take it slow and easy if you want.

Also, you mentioned being unemployed. It's possible you're feeling a bit depressed, and depression - even low-level/subclinical depression - can really sap your energy and motivation. Maybe consider seeing a therapist if you can.

Makoce

I wish. Swimming is my favorite thing in the world.
I swim in the creek in the summer but its currently -22 degrees :P

Ive had depression and anxiety my entire life, though.
It's kind of why Im not currently working.
Had bad side effects to every medication Ive been on for it.
Not sure what else there is to do, but I dont think that's the cause.