Why in the hell am I stuck at this weight?!

Cranquistador

Shakeology for dinner helped me break my plateau

what's that?

Phrick

Shakeology for dinner helped me break my plateau

That's one (really expensive way) to create a caloric deficit. She swears she's already doing that so I fail to see how this would help beyond lightening her wallet!

SugaryLynx

Shakeology for dinner helped me break my plateau

Loool. Well, my grilled chicken Mc wrap combo helped me break mine. Explain me this

loriq41

I think you are overestimating how many calories you are burning at the gym. The machine's estimates are notorious for being inaccurate. And even at 180 lbs, I think 580 is a very high estimate for a 4 mile walk.

I think you might find your answer here:

http://gomaleo.wordpress.com/2013/07/22/metabolic-derangement/

This for sure. I am 125 and I put my weight into the elliptical and it comes out to roundabout 270 cals burned in a half hour..seems more likely..500 plus seems an awful lot. I do TDEE and I just put calorie burn in the exercise notes..I find eating back calories a slippery slope.

wilsoje74

I've been working out for a VERY long time. I put my information in ALL equipment and phone apps. Not saying that it is TOTALLY accurate... but, I'm pretty sure it's more than 530. Not trying to be a jerk, but, I'd rather believe what a machine/app tells me than getting lost in all these website recommendations. The app tracks my pace and my pauses (if any) and so on...

Thanks for your opinion though.

I agree that's high for a walk.

thesimsisters

I've been at 550-1000 NET cals this whole time. My BMR is 1625. TDEE 2377-2541. So, I'll up my intake to 1900-2050. I've been consistently eating less than 1500 for about 3 months although I'll burn 500+-1000. SMH.

:noway: Wow, that is a really low NET calorie level. I do not know how you are sustaining your body's functioning on that for months.

You should prolly be around 1850 - 1890 calories daily.

I would recommend and encourage getting a food scale, and measure/weigh your food.

But 33 lbs in two months is a lot!!!!

Yes, I was shocked when I read 33lbs in two months....but then read about their NET calories and I can see the problem.

lindsey1979

LTKeegan: Hi! I run and do the elliptical. The elliptical alone for 45 mins and I burn 510-530 cals. Running depends on how fast I go. Sometimes I'll even do a 4 mile walk and burn 580. My weight allows me to burn more (bigger you are the more you burn). I also do weight lifting sometimes.

Lindsey1979: Well, I'm down from 214.6 (November 2013) and have been stalled for a while...so why would thyroid/insulin resistance issues derail me now? How would I know if I'm insulin resistant? How long would it take to "fix" it? I researched that a few months ago but can't remember lol.

Long story short...right now, I think my body was stubborn due to not netting enough. We'll see where I am in 2 weeks or so. NORMALLY my plateaus break pretty quickly. But, I'm working on patience lol.

OP -- I can't tell you specifics about your potential issue with thyroid/insulin resistance (if any), but I can share my story and use it as an example of how it could happen. I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis -- it's an autoimmune response where the body attacks the thyroid. But, it's not linear, and they don't necessarily know what triggers the attacks (though, many are starting to believe it's certain things in the diet that can trigger them -- gluten being the most popular of the suspects). So, since it's an on-off thing, people with Hashimoto's can swing from hyper to hypo thyroid (having too little and then too much). When you're hypo, you tend to gain weight (or that's one symptom). When you're hyper, you can lose weight. So, that's an example of how you can swing from periods of time where you're losing normally (thyroid is "normal" or perhaps hyper) and then stop or even gain when in periods of hypo.

My doctor believes that the insulin resistance is likely a secondary effect from prolonged untreated hypothyroid. Insulin resistance is also seen in other things like metabolic syndrome or often with those that PCOS, among others. It's when the body's cells are resistant to insulin, so they don't take up the glucose from the blood stream as they should. This tells the pancreas that there isn't enough glucose in the blood when there is, and it pumps more insulin into the system, which triggers a hunger response and you either overeat to compensate (usually with strong carb cravings) or resist and feel fatigued (because the glucose isn't getting into cells -- feels like you have low blood sugar when you don't really). The heightened insulin effect eventually results in your body storing more glucose as fat. So, people with insulin resistance usually are recommended to go on a low carb diet focusing on low glycemic carbs as much as possible to control the insulin spikes, or sometimes they go on medication like metformin to help their bodies better process glucose. Depending on the insulin resistance and the cause for it, some can reverse it (like it's believed to be in my situation once the metabolism gets back on track and the thyroid is properly treated). For others, they may be on medication or low carb diet their entire lives (like many folks with PCOS or certain diabetes).

For insulin resistance, I believe most people get their blood glucose and insulin levels checked. Ac1 being the best blood glucose test as it measures over a few months, but many also get fasting blood glucose and insulin levels checked (all blood tests). But, I'm sure your doctor can explain it more thoroughly if you find one that's well versed in it.

I'm not saying that this is what is happening to you necessarily, but your story is very similar to mine in certain regards and this could be the cause for it.

lindsey1979

Eldamiano.... Haaaa! Nice comeback. However, if you choose to go toe to toe...we can! I can definitely take CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. I just get REALLY annoyed by people like YOU who think THEY KNOW IT ALL have a very rude way of trying to convince others of such.

First and foremost, I lost the weight by doing as I will continue to do....eating better and exercising. However, I've been doing it for about 18 months now.... yet, I've only lost the weight STARTING November 2013. Know why? Because of the issues of estrogen dominance and a weak thyroid. Caused by birth control.... don't believe me, go research it.

Seeing how you are posting on this thread, I can already tell you won't do it. And since you're a male, you won't believe it. However, you probably won't believe that I've stooped as low as 569 calories and STILL exercised...limited and lightheaded but it was done...burning 613 calories on the treadmill. So, when I say I am VERY meticulous about my calorie intake....I am.
Three weeks ago, I dropped as low as 994 calories and as high as 1127 calories....did it for a week. Two week, I did 1300-1450 while working out..Last week I tried 1250 with just walking a mile everyday.....still no loss. Now, I know my body and can see a loss within DAYS. BUT, I was patient...and waited three weeks...I lost nothing.

Thanks to research and other forums on here.... I encounter 'eat more lose more'....netting only 500-1000 or hell, even only eating 1450 calories with NO exercise, there should still be some weight loss.

Considering that type 2 diabetes runs in my family and that I've had elevated glucose levels in the past at 214.6....I'm thinking I may have insulin resistance...at WORST. I am going to have my labs drawn just to eliminate that possibility/excuse as you'd call it.

The reason, I'm freaking out...is because I've been stuck here before. I went from a 167-172 weight when doing nothing and eating everything...to 180. I am the type that I can walk 1 mile a day for 5 days and drop 4 lbs in a week....doesn't make any sense and it's weird...but hey, that's just how my body does it. But, I shot up to 180, before birth control, and couldn't lose it. I only lost it when I was still eating what I desired and doing run intervals for 36 mins/3x a week....

NOW, I do them everyday....I count calories...and I even eat better.

So again, I've done it all.....except continue to increase my calories. LOL. SO, if that doesn't work and my blood levels are cool...then I wouldn't mind listening to more of your snide remarks.

OP --- I've encountered these types of people on this site too. One who went even as far to call me a liar saying that it was IMPOSSIBLE to be eating at a deficit like I stated and not lose weight. Such people simply don't understand certain physiological issues, so there is no use debating it with them. I've had others come back and say, sure, you have a medically diagnosed condition, so that rule doesn't apply you. The issue is that for years I didn't have that condition diagnosed -- it wasn't until the numbers weren't making sense and me really pushing my doctor and then seeking out specialists that it got diagnosed.

I don't know why some people have such a hard time understanding that and are more apt to call people liars or tell that obviously they don't know how to measure food or exercise rather than think "hey, this isn't normal, perhaps you do have a condition and have to look into more...and perhaps really push doctors on it (as I had 3 tell me everything was "fine" and I had to just eat less and move more)."

lindsey1979

Lastly, if you haven't incorporated weekly (or semi-weekly) sprint sessions into your regime, this may help you. I sincerely believe it may be the best fat loss exercise out there and really helpful for breaking through plateaus. I believe it helped me considerably. Here's a rather wordy, but informative article on it: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/par46.htm

Jg04811

Open your diary

Lisa1971

Eldamiano... don't post on this thread and be a jerk. It will NOT be tolerated.

Just so you know, I've lost nearly 40 lbs thus far. I measure and weigh EVERY lick, taste, bite and even sniff if I think it's worth calories. Again, I've done everything (NO app calculates correctly, so I have a monitor to tell me know how much I burn a day WITH and WITHOUT exercise). I am looking into a few hormonal issues that could be impairing the process.

And just so you know... THERE ARE SPECIAL CASES with some people. Not saying I'm one of them; because I have yet to have my labs done recently. BUT, I'd suggest you'd look into it before commenting on another post. (See, hyper/hypothyroidism, insulin resistance, and estrogen dominance just to name a FEW.)


***********JUST TO CLARIFY***********

If you post on ANY thread of mine, you will get what is received. No need to post on here and be IGNORANT. We're ALL on here trying to lose or maintain...hell, some even are here to gain. The point of this site, I believe, is to encourage and educate. In short, keep it respectful and no belittling, disrespect, nor any other ignorance will be tolerated on MY posts.

YIKES!!!!!!!!!:noway:

deksgrl

If using the MFP method, set it to lose 1 pound per week.

Make sure you are not underestimating your calories in or overestimating your calories out. Eat to Net calories goal. Weigh your food, use a heart rate monitor to estimate calories burned.

If using the TDEE method, try a 15% deficit. Do not eat more for exercise.

With the potential hormonal issues watch your carb intake.

Oh, and over training while under eating can cause further stresses and hormonal imbalances which make weight loss difficult. Not sure if this is going on, but something to be aware of.

peleroja

If you don't want advice, don't ask for it. This is exceedingly childish behaviour even by forum standards.

These people are all making great points that you should try to be open to, rather than dismissing it out of hand. And for the record, I also think the problem lies in overestimating your calorie burns and underestimating your calorie intake.

Use a food scale meticulously and stop relying on the machines for burns (try halfing it, even.) Do that for a few weeks and I am positive you'll see changes.

karmasays

Looks like this thread got a little outta hand....

However, I use a HRM (chest strap) when I do cardio. My HRM has my height, age, weight (most machines do not ask for height) and the machine always states that I've burned *at least* 100 calories more than my HRM. That's even when I use a Polar compatible machine and picks up my HR from my chest strap. On a good day where I have the energy and motivation, I typically burn about 350 calories during a 45 minute eliptical session.

I would seriously consider that the machines have been over estimating and if you would like a more accurate burn, invest in an HRM, I love mine!

So that being said, if your calorie burn isn't as high as you think, but you're eating to compensate for that inaccurate burn, that COULD be why you aren't losing.

I also suggest using a food scale as well and weighing all non-liquid items.

Marcia315

I've been working out for a VERY long time. I put my information in ALL equipment and phone apps. Not saying that it is TOTALLY accurate... but, I'm pretty sure it's more than 530. Not trying to be a jerk, but, I'd rather believe what a machine/app tells me than getting lost in all these website recommendations. The app tracks my pace and my pauses (if any) and so on...

Thanks for your opinion though.

I agree that's high for a walk.

Me too.

I weigh more than the OP, and I don't burn as many calories from exercise as she does.

BayVay

FIRST: I'd like to say THANK YOU to everyone who gave me other insightful information. I can't remember everyone's name...however, the person who mentioned Iodine and Magnesium....you hit the nail on the head! That's where I was 3 months ago and took it a few weeks. Now that I think of it, I've noticed a few subtle changes since I stopped taking it!

To those of you who believe my posts....I thank you. This weight loss thing is nuts...and this plateau is making me crazy as I'd like to see results (well duh lol) and I just want to ENSURE nothing else is wrong...

Yes, I have a digital food scale...is this the best type? For those who think I'm overestimating my calories burned when walking....I see how it can be a bit drastic. If my HRM says I burn 555 and the app says 580, then I'll log 540 and so on. **Please be advised that I MAY burn more because of how fast I walk it or I may also jog for 5 mins in it.

Lindsey1979, thanks for the friends request! I am actually still transitioning to MYP from the LoseIt! app. The information you posted gave me a LOT of insight on insulin resistance and it sounds like it could be an issue. Primarily, because I researched my blood type and eat a ton of carbs. Not the nasty processed stuff....but a lot of carbs. So, I could see how my body could have developed a resistance now. For a while, I thought about this possibility because of my family history and prior lab results. Crazy you mentioned this..... I won't say that I know "everything" like some are saying I am...but, I do know my body and I know something is amiss since I'm working out now more than I ever have on my own. I researched and it stated that walking 30 mins is a good remedy along with diet....so, I will switch it up and do my walking in the morning and my exercising at night (elliptical running) and I will definitely start trying the sprints! I'll also start eating more chicken/turkey with more green veggies. Right now, I get most of my daily protein from a shake and everything else is almonds, fruit, milk (coconut-lactose intolerant here) and other veggies.

Again, thank you to everyone who has been POSITIVE and informative. I promise to keep this thread alive and post the outcome of the plateau's fate! Again, thanks!

BayVay

If using the MFP method, set it to lose 1 pound per week.

Make sure you are not underestimating your calories in or overestimating your calories out. Eat to Net calories goal. Weigh your food, use a heart rate monitor to estimate calories burned.

If using the TDEE method, try a 15% deficit. Do not eat more for exercise.

With the potential hormonal issues watch your carb intake.

Oh, and over training while under eating can cause further stresses and hormonal imbalances which make weight loss difficult. Not sure if this is going on, but something to be aware of.

THIS!!!!! I love it!!!! I think this is what I did! With all sincerity! Like when I first started, eating 700 calories? BMR alone needs that...now add a 200 calorie workout/walk? This is why I'm thinking it could be insulin resistance but PRAYING it isn't.

I've upped my calories to 1800-2000 this week... and only worked out for 3 days and for only 30 mins so far.... I stepped on the scale and now I'm on the lower end of the plateau...182.0. Soooo, I'd say that's maintaining...right? o.O

steph6467

To those of you who believe my posts....I thank you. This weight loss thing is nuts...and this plateau is making me crazy as I'd like to see results (well duh lol) and I just want to ENSURE nothing else is wrong...

It's not a matter of not believing you, in fact believing your info *is* the source of the feedback you are getting. If you are not losing weight, you are in a state of thermodynamic equilibrium. You are taking in as much energy as you are expending. So something is wrong with your calculations, either intake, output, or likely both. This doesn't make you a bad person or stupid or a liar or lazy.

If something else is out of whack (i.e. a mineral imbalance or hormonal something) it probably accounts for about 1% of the equation. Seriously. I know that sucks, but it's fact. You could adjust the energy equation by moving (lots) more or eating less and start losing again. It's hard to do, usually because it's so easy to misjudge calorie intake (and sometimes this is totally unconscious) and it's almost impossible to exercise enough to make up for a calorie misjudgement.

daniflems

Joan23_us: I will not lie, it's been 6 weeks... I've grown impatient and VERY annoyed. I possibly won't be on here if something doesn't happen in another 4 weeks. Not saying that I'll become careless...but, what's the point in "eating less and moving more" if you don't get the expected results with calorie counting? I can keep going up in reps...and get stronger and better...but if I stay at this weight OR gain...I'll become a flaming basket case. :noway:

I just want you to know that I am FINALLY coming out on the other side of a plateau which took FOREVER!! I'm talking 2 and a half months....I just stayed patient and kept doing what I was doing and about 2 weeks ago the weight has sloooowwwllly started coming off again...to give some perspective: I initially lost 20 pounds relatively fast (about 2 months) and it has taken almost that long to lose an additional 5 pounds....it is driving me nuts but I am determined to stick it out this time because a plateau is what always cause me to give up in the past. NOT FALLING OFF THE WAGON THIS TIME!!! Good luck

deksgrl

If using the MFP method, set it to lose 1 pound per week.

Make sure you are not underestimating your calories in or overestimating your calories out. Eat to Net calories goal. Weigh your food, use a heart rate monitor to estimate calories burned.

If using the TDEE method, try a 15% deficit. Do not eat more for exercise.

With the potential hormonal issues watch your carb intake.

Oh, and over training while under eating can cause further stresses and hormonal imbalances which make weight loss difficult. Not sure if this is going on, but something to be aware of.

THIS!!!!! I love it!!!! I think this is what I did! With all sincerity! Like when I first started, eating 700 calories? BMR alone needs that...now add a 200 calorie workout/walk? This is why I'm thinking it could be insulin resistance but PRAYING it isn't.

I've upped my calories to 1800-2000 this week... and only worked out for 3 days and for only 30 mins so far.... I stepped on the scale and now I'm on the lower end of the plateau...182.0. Soooo, I'd say that's maintaining...right? o.O

BMR alone is likely somewhere around 1400 or possibly more