Extremely Frustrated

Maitlyn

So I've been on this weight loss journey since mid August and I've lost 12-lbs so far, so don't get me wrong....I'm very happy about that....BUT, my problem (or where my frustration lies) is the past two weeks I have not been able to drop the weight. I have been at 161 - 160 off and on for two weeks and I don't know what to do to get it off and keep it off. I have been keeping under my calorie goals (only eating a few "bad" meals on the weekends). I exercise almost 5 times a week, but nothing seems to work. It is like I hit a plateau....one minute I want to just say forget it and go back to the way I was before I started this weight loss journey, but I know I can't do that because I have worked so hard to lose 12-lbs. thus far and I would like to get off at least another 20-25 lbs.

Does anyone out there have advice for me? Maybe I need to do something different....maybe I'm missing something?? Help please!

DanOhh

You've plateaued. We all do. That's why it's important to pay attention to you measurements and not the scale. It happens but keep going don't let this stop you. You might want to switch up different exercises but for the most part keep doing what you're doing. Good luck!

sweetpea03b

Maitlyn,

I totally understand your frustration. I've been there... but whatever you do... DON'T STOP! I was 3lbs away from my goal weight and threw it all away because I too was frustrated that I just stayed the same for months on end. Now I'm having to start all over. Keep with it... try to kick start your body by adding an extra workout. Try doing something DIFFERENT in your workout. If you always go for a walk, try a jog. If you use the elliptical, try the bike. Are you also getting strength training in your workout? This is important also. You have to have a balance of both. Stick with it and it will pay off... just stay strong!

Panda86

Try upping your calories. If you are too far under your goals, you can ruin your metabolism. Also, do you do the same workouts all the time? I was doing that, and my body just stopped losing the weight. I added a new workout and upped the intensity of my other workouts and started losing steadily again. I can't stress how important it is to eat enough though. You have to fuel your body. That's why its recommended that you not go under 1200 net calories. Best of luck to you!

jamie1888

Yes, agreed.... eat more! Same thing happened to me! Once I started eating some/most of my exercise calories back, I started dropping weight again. It's a bizarre concept because we are so programmed to think we have to eat less to lose weight. If you find it hard to eat more you can add calorie dense foods like avocado, olive oil and natural peanut butter or almond butter. Small amounts will add calories and healthy fats to your diet. KEEP GOING!! You can do this! Your body WILL respond if you keep doing the right things!

rachnado

I was in a plateau for 2 weeks and finally just lost 2 lbs. I think I wasn't eating enough and my body felt like it was in starvation. I measured myself though and I have lost several inches, so the scale is not always a good measure of your progress. Keep trying and you will get there!

jamie1888

OK, a good start for you would be to revamp your breakfast! A granola bar is NOT a good breakfast. The granola bar and banana is better.. but, still not good! You should really have a good lean protein in your breakfast. And I would try to use granola bars and prepackaged snack foods as a last resort. Try to find a nice, healthy whole grain cold cereal or old fashioned oats. If you don't have time to make yourself some eggs or egg whites, try the non-fat greek yogurt for protein or atleast consider a breakfast bar that is high in protein.

End6ame

Eat more exercise less, sounds crazy but it will work.

http://www.articlesbase.com/womens-health-articles/which-is-better-to-burn-fat-cardio-vs-strength-training-3016208.html

saychzzz

I had the same thing happen a few weeks ago. I ate about 200 calories a day more and all of a sudden had a big loss. I went back down to the barest minimum of calories again and again, the loss stopped. I think sometimes you need a little more fuel to burn fat with. Hang in there though and don't get frustrated. It'll eventually kick back in anyway.

Maitlyn

Thanks everyone for the advice. I will work on eating a little more (especially for breakfast) and change up my work out. I'll keep my fingers crossed!!

tbernard

Hi Maitlyn;

Let me first say that I think it's wonderfully brave of you to leave your food diary open. Its not easy to invite critical eyes. You should also pat yourself on the back for the efforts you've made and the success that you've had so far. It hasn't been easy but you've done well. Just remember that this isn't a sprint but a Marathon. Just because some of us take a little longer to finish doesn't mean that yours isn't a wonderful and incredible accomplishment.



I personally had a few thoughts after looking through your journal, some of them have already been covered.

By no means do I believe in a Carb free diet but you tend to eat 4-5 times as many carbs as you do protein. Carbohydrates give you the energy to perform a workout and get through your day. They aren't however as good as protein for actual muscle building. If I were you I would watch my balance a little more. The suggestion of Greek Yogurt was terrific. You might also (unless you don't eat meat) base a few more of your meals around a lean meat. A chicken breast with some green beans, tomato, cucumbers etc is incredible nutrient rich, and low in fat and calories. And even though you're a busy mom and I bet a terrific Mom you should try to treat yourself a little more at breakfast. At breakfast your body has just gone 7-10 hours without any nutrition. It needs good food. Some good things include: Oatmeal, A good dry cereal, Milk, Yogurt, Banana, Orange. Its quite normal for me personally for breakfast to be my largest meal of the day.

Consider the length or intensity of your workout. I like to think of my body as being lazy. Its going to build itself just that minimal amount needed to accomplish whatever tasks I make it do regularly. If I go for light walks, its going to burn a few calories and that's it. If I do some strength training, its going to burn a few calories, but its going to try to grow my muscles a little so that the next time I do the work, my body won't have such a hard time.