So frustrated

dramm674

So I have posted something like this before but really need advice. I started back to working out in my basement about 3 weeks ago. I have been doing elliptical for about 30 min burning at least 400 calories. I even pushed up my resistance and speed to challenge myself because I thought I was going to easy on myself. In addition I have been trying to tone and have been doing some exercises with 8lb weights and stretch band. I am also doing mat work for my core. My main area that I hate on my body is my abs. I am very thick there.

Ok here is where I am getting frustrated. Been working out FAITHFULLY every day (only 2 days that did not do this routine), been watching what I eat, and drinking ALOT of water. I intentionally cut out soft drinks to help with water retention. So thought I would see a difference on the scale....NO, gained 3 pounds. I know that one can fluctuate 2-4 pounds, but I can tell with how my body feels when I gain half a pound. I am not kidding or being dramatic. So took some measurements/looked at how my clothes felt.....I got BIGGER and things are not fitting!!!!!! Had to go down to the basement and get some bigger clothes out! I am so down right now. Was really wanting to feel good before going to the beach in 2 weeks.

Any advice???? Am I working out too hard, not hard enough? UGH!!!!! Today I took a different approach and did a 3 mile aerobic video that used some had weights.

Thanks for listening.

BigT555

are you counting calories?

you can run 10 k a day but if you eat more calories than you burn you will still gain weight

rejectuf

Yeah, you need to be very exact with your calories and measuring your food.

Also, I believe women are more prone to retaining water weight, bloating according to the time of month, etc. Don't stress a few pounds.

Try incorporating heavier weights into your exercise routines. Do you have access to a gym? If you're able you should definitely be lifting heavy to try to gain strength and lose weight.

farfromthetree

Things I have learned from MFP
-weight loss is in the kitchen, fitness is in the gym.
-you must eat at a calorie deficit. If you are not losing, you are not at a deficit
-Weigh and measure everything you eat. I do not miss days
-exercise calories are usually way over-estimated. Do not eat back all of your exercise calories. If I am not hungry, I dont eat any back.Or better yet, try this weight loss calculator:

http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/

It will take into account your activity level, no need to worry about eating back your exercise calories. I put in activity level as 1-3 times a week with an aggressive 20% deficit. If this calorie level is too difficult, lighten up a bit to 15% deficit.

-you can ruin a week of hard work by having a cheat day...just dont do it.
I used to exercise 4-5 times a week and never lost anything substantial. Not until I stayed at a calorie deficit did it work. I eat whatever I want now, no more low carb/paleo/low fat/nutri system etc....
-read these forums...you get to know the people who really know what they are talking about.
-be patient!

Exercise is great! But, honestly it is not the key to weight loss. Use the calculator I posted. It will tell you your BMR, TDEE(maintenance calorie number) and your number to lose weight. Stick with this number and it will happen.

wanttolose40lbs

Where are you getting calories burned from? If it's from the machine it's probably wrong, I wear my heart rate monitor and the machine says I burned twice as much than my heart rate monitor.