What next?

Katiekwilts

I've been on mfp for 40 days. Started at 317 and the first 20 pounds fell off with diet and a small increase in exercise in four weeks, but now I'm stuck at 296 and have been there for about 10 days. I'm eating about 1800 calories per day and have been doing a variety of cardio for at least 30 minutes per day. I tried increasing my calories for a couple days and I've tried upping my cardio significantly, but the scale just sits there.

I'm really starting to have a hard time staying motivated, anyone have any advice? Also looking for friends so feel free to add me...

carrieann8

First of all, CONGRATS!!! I can't wait to be 20 pounds down!!! Just as a thought though, have you considered what you're eating. I haven't looked at your tracker or anything, but could you make some changes to include more fruits and vegetables? Less sugar? Less high fructose corn syrup (HFCS)??? Did you know they use HFCS to fatten lab rats??? Just a thought because it sounds like you're doing well!!

Also have you checked your measurements? Are you losing fat and gaining muscle? Are your clothes looser even though you haven't loss weight on the scale?

Elaicea73

I agree with Carrieann, I can't wait to be 20lbs down! Just started a week or so ago.. again... She gave some good advice too... I know I always despise hearing, "Maybe you're losing fat and gaining muscle" because we all want to see that silly scale moveeeeeee down, but it really could be... or it could just be a plateau. Sad to say, I've never experienced one because I've never stuck to a goal long enough so I can't give you any advice from experience :frown: I say give it a little longer to see if it will kick back up and while you're waiting just focus on how eating 1800 calories and exercising makes you feel. I know it makes me feel light and powerful and in control. So great compared to the bloated, sluggish, heavy feeling of eating unlimited amounts of whatever is within reach, which is what I always felt like from overeating :frown: . Also, I know I've come across several tips for overcoming plateaus on the message boards. Or you could even google tips for overcoming weightloss plateaus. Just don't give up. I know it's frustrating and soooooo tempting to just say, "to hell with this" and fall back, but you're already on your way down!

There's this great comparison thing that always put me in awe. And thinking about it in the scope of 20 lbs might help keep you motivated too. You know those Country Crock 3lb margarine tubs? Imagine spreading almost 7 of those tubs across your body. That's the amount of weight you've lost. It's a truly great accomplishment! I know for people like us who have a lot of weight to lose, 20lbs can seem insignificant, but keep it in perspective. You're on the downswing, imagine how you would feel today having gained 20lbs... blahhhhhh :sad:

Stay strong, you're doing so well! :bigsmile: