Looking for your thoughts and suggestions....

minischnauz4

I began MFP at the beginning of January and have done quite well (I think). I've managed to lose 35 pounds and am very excited about that. However, for the past 4-5 weeks I can't seem to get the scale to move. I've been gaining, losing the same 1-2 pounds over and over and over. I can't bridge the 150 lb mark. Admittedly, this is causing me to really stress and almost become fixated on the stupid scale and is leading to a lot of discouragement for me.

I have toyed with the idea of doing Atkins to break up the routine because I was very successful with it about 10 years ago, but I swore this time I was doing a "life change" not a diet and I know I can't stick to Atkins for life. It did help me lose a lot of weight in the past, but it would have to be a shorter-term solution to mix things up for now because I won't live that way forever.

So......being today is May 1, my new idea is to just put away the scale so it's not my constant enemy whispering in my brain that I should just give up and eat whatever I want if this isn't working anyway. I know if I stick to MFP goals and don't get sidetracked I will lose. I firmly believe in the calories in relate to the calories burned kind of thing so how can it not work over time? I'm thinking of taking a 1-month sabbatical on the scale and not weighing in until June 1 and then reassessing from there.

What do you all think? Do you have a better suggestion I should incorporate? I have already upped my exercise over the past month and I really can't (and truthfully, am unwilling) to do any more exercise. I don't eat back my exercise calories and haven't since I began.

I am open to advice or suggestions, though, and my friends at MFP have always led me in the right direction so I'm throwing myself at your feet and willing to consider anything you suggest. Do I shake it up with Atkins or stay on the "tried and true" method and just stop the obsessing with the number represented on the scale?

Your thoughts are appreciated. Thanks.

terbusha

I think that getting away from the scale is a good idea. That stresses people out. Also, taking body measurements is a great way to watch progress too. Sometimes people will have big-time measurement changes without losing a single pound.

I would certainly help to shake things up, either with exercise or nutrition. How are you exercising? Is it all cardio, or are you incorporating resistance training as well? What are your nutritional goals (calories and macros)?

Check out this blog a friend of mine wrote. It has things to consider.

http://tdnation.com/why-cant-i-lose-weight/

Allan

StaciMarie1974

Awesome idea if the scale is an emotional thing for you. I like using clothing as a form of measurement. Fitting into jeans now that I could not wear before: priceless.

SezxyStef

ya no.

all you need for weight loss is a calorie deficet.

And if Atkins helps with weight loss but you can't sustain it what good is it? really why bother...

Just because you count calories doesn't mean you have to get on a scale...use different ways to measure success..tape measure, BF% etc

I have toyed with the idea of doing Atkins to break up the routine because I was very successful with it about 10 years ago, but I swore this time I was doing a "life change" not a diet and I know I can't stick to Atkins for life. It did help me lose a lot of weight in the past, but it would have to be a shorter-term solution to mix things up for now because I won't live that way forever.

And based on my understanding once you stop atkins and go back to eating "regularly" you will gain a lot of the weight back...

I don't personally give a sweet blah what the scale says...I have BF% goals and size of clothing goals and tape measurement goals...along with my lifting goals...

I don't get the stress over the scale...it's a big piece of crap...

check these pics out to see why I say that....

http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/

minischnauz4

I checked out both suggested websites and both offered excellent ideas and suggestions I'll incorporate into my life. Thanks for all your advice. I will get past this and I'm not throwing away all the work I've already invested in myself. If not stepping on the scale keeps things focused for me then I'm putting the scale away. I'll attempt it again June 1, and either be so excited and pleased or reassess at that time. Thanks for all your support.

EllieB_5

Have you changed your macros and goals since losing the weight? MFP tries to do it for you, but it's not always accurate, so I hear. Perhaps use one of those calculators to re-establish where your macros and cals should be at your current weight.

Velum_cado

My first thought is "how tall are you?" 150 lbs may be a perfectly healthy weight for your height.

minischnauz4

My first thought is "how tall are you?" 150 lbs may be a perfectly healthy weight for your height.

I'm 5' 3-1/2" so I need to lose at least another 10lbs to even be "normal" BMI.

AliceDark

You lost 35 pounds in about 16 weeks? Seriously, that's amazing! I'd be surprised if you didn't hit a stall. It's an excellent idea to put the scale away until June and stop stressing out about it. You're doing great so far :flowerforyou:

healthygreek

Now that you are down by 35 pounds, you may have to lower the calories you're eating to still be in a deficit.