Confused vegetarian!

jeljohns

I do CrossFit four days a week and run 3 miles twice a week. I have 20 pounds to lose. After doing this routine for three months I have not lost one single pound, changed my body fat %, or measurements. I asked some people at my CF gym what might be the reason why. They say I'm not eating enough and I'm not getting enough protein. I talked to my doctor, she ran a bunch of tests and says everything is normal.

Here's where the confusion starts. I've always been told to lose weight you have to have a calorie deficit. MFP says I should eat around 1,600 calories a day. I wear a FITBIT that is connected to MFP to track my activity. With food and activity I'm hitting 1,400-1,800 each day. The coach at CF says I should be eating 2,300 a day!!! How can that be without GAINING weight?

On the protein issue, no matter how much I try I only hit 100 grams a day (should be double that). I've added eggs, fish, and protein shakes to try to up it and I just can't break 100!

Typical day:
Breakfast-Smoothie made with vegan protein powder or 3 eggs and fruit
Lunch: Salad topped with tofu or a can of tuna
Dinner: Salmon with vegetables, shrimp curry, or a tofu dish
Snacks: 1 or 2 a day depending on workouts-protein smoothie or piece of fruit and nut butter

How do I up my protein and lose weight!?!?!

Meerataila

If you are in a deficit, you will lose weight. Otherwise no one would ever starve to death. Are you weighing every bite of food you put in your mouth and double checking the nutrition info with other databases? MFP isn't always accurate. The other possibility is you aren't burning as many calories as your FITBIT thinks you are.

The third you ruled out: a metabolism so low that you aren't creating a deficit on the amount of calories a normally functioning person would. At least if your doctor did the proper bloodwork, you ruled it out.

AsaThorsWoman

Based of you're ticker you have 17 lb to go.

I've learned that the last bit of weight is the absolute hardest to lose.

If you're Crossfitting you're likely gaining muscle as fast as you lose fat, which is entirely frustrating because the scale doesn't move.

Good luck and keep with it.

_Zardoz_

If you're Crossfitting you're likely gaining muscle as fast as you lose fat, which is entirely frustrating because the scale doesn't move.

She will not gain muscle in a calorie deficit.

Not sure why you think you need 200g of protein a day. I know protein is over pushed you actually need a lot less than the protein bar salesmen tell you. People get a bit carried away with Protein on this site.

Also to add your not a Vegetarian as what tree does salmon grow on? Sorry to be pedantic but why call yourself one when your not

You may find this useful

http://www.nomeatathlete.com/vegetarian-protein-primer/

_HeartsOnFire_

If you're Crossfitting you're likely gaining muscle as fast as you lose fat, which is entirely frustrating because the scale doesn't move.

She will not gain muscle in a calorie deficit.

Not sure why you think you need 200g of protein a day. I know protein is over pushed you actually need a lot less than the protein bar salesmen tell you. People get a bit carried away with Protein on this site.

Also to add your not a Vegetarian as what tree does salmon grow on? Sorry to be pedantic but why call yourself one when your not

You may find this useful

http://www.nomeatathlete.com/vegetarian-protein-primer/

Or tuna.

Vegetarians do not eat animals. Salmon and tuna are fish. Fish are animals.

I've been lifting weights for 9 weeks. My scale hasn't moved but I've lost inches everywhere. Scale not moving mainly because water retention to repair muscles. If you've lost inches you're making progress.

SunofaBeach14

First off, how much do you weigh where you think you should be getting 200 grams of protein a day? That's my goal and I'm 195 pound dude. A good rule of thumb is 1 gram per pound of lean body mass if you're weight training. Yes, some excess won't hurt, and there are some arguments for more protein, but you also need fat, carbs, and fiber. And yes, you can gain muscle in a calorie deficit for the first year or so of real weight training, maybe more. It depends. It sounds like some combination of playing with your training and/or nutrition is in order but we need more information.

g1ngermark

Guess the topic title is indeed appropriate then...

I think many Pescetarians call themselves Vegetarians...

editorgrrl

Your Fitbit burn is your TDEE (total daily energy expenditure, aka maintenance calories)—way more accurate than any online calculator. If you eat at a reasonable deficit from your Fitbit burn, you will lose weight.

For basic "how-to" info, read this: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

MFP has a Fitbit Users group: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/1307-fitbit-users

With 17 lbs. to go, set your goal to .5 lb. per week: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/account/change_goals_guided

Connect your MFP & Fitbit accounts: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/apps/show/30

Enable negative calorie adjustments: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/account/diary_settings

Follow your MFP calorie goal. Log non-step exercise in Fitbit, not MFP. Fitbit's burns are way more accurate than MFP's one-size-fits-all guesstimates.

NuggetLovesEdie

While it is true that salmon, tuna, and shrimp are animals, pescitarian is considered a form of vegetarianism by some people.

ETA: But that's not really what the OP is asking about.

Murphy0126

Weight loss = Calorie Deficit

If you eat veggies, fruit, meat, fish, McDonalds, pizza, burgers, ice cream...... doesn't matter. As long as you take in less than your body expends, you will lose weight (barring any medical condition).

Weight loss isn't 80% diet 20% exercise; it's 100% diet. Exercise only serves to create a larger deficit.

So, in short. You're eating more than you think.

RaspberryKeytoneBoondoggle

Guess the topic title is indeed appropriate then...

I think many Pescetarians call themselves Vegetarians...

I was waiting for someone to criticize her for the label she is giving herself. Didn't have to wait though.

_Zardoz_

Guess the topic title is indeed appropriate then...

I think many Pescetarians call themselves Vegetarians...

I was waiting for someone to criticize her for the label she is giving herself. Didn't have to wait though.

I don't get this idea of calling yourself something you are not. Who are people trying to kid when they do it. Is it trying to make you feel better about your choices? If your unhappy about your choices do something about it but don't try an pretend your something your not as you just look silly

A link the the Vegetarian society if people want to know what one is

https://www.vegsoc.org/definition

justbecause2014

Guess the topic title is indeed appropriate then...

I think many Pescetarians call themselves Vegetarians...

I was waiting for someone to criticize her for the label she is giving herself. Didn't have to wait though.

I don't get this idea of calling yourself something you are not. Who are people trying to kid when they do it. Is it trying to make you feel better about your choices? If your unhappy about your choices do something about it but don't try an pretend your something your not as you just look silly

A link the the Vegetarian society if people want to know what one is

https://www.vegsoc.org/definition

woah.....

editorgrrl

On the protein issue, no matter how much I try I only hit 100 grams a day (should be double that). I've added eggs, fish, and protein shakes to try to up it and I just can't break 100!

How do I up my protein and lose weight!?!?!

You lose weight by eating at a deficit. I use MFP's default macros (20% of my calories from protein), and I lost weight.

Read the Sexypants link: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

RaspberryKeytoneBoondoggle

Guess the topic title is indeed appropriate then...

I think many Pescetarians call themselves Vegetarians...

I was waiting for someone to criticize her for the label she is giving herself. Didn't have to wait though.

I don't get this idea of calling yourself something you are not. Who are people trying to kid when they do it. Is it trying to make you feel better about your choices? If your unhappy about your choices do something about it but don't try an pretend your something your not as you just look silly

A link the the Vegetarian society if people want to know what one is

https://www.vegsoc.org/definition

I don't think it's any of my business. I think people look silly when they play "semantics police"

SunofaBeach14

Guess the topic title is indeed appropriate then...

I think many Pescetarians call themselves Vegetarians...

I was waiting for someone to criticize her for the label she is giving herself. Didn't have to wait though.

I don't get this idea of calling yourself something you are not. Who are people trying to kid when they do it. Is it trying to make you feel better about your choices? If your unhappy about your choices do something about it but don't try an pretend your something your not as you just look silly

A link the the Vegetarian society if people want to know what one is

https://www.vegsoc.org/definition

Must get your official Membership Card and Decoder Ring first, I suppose.

Wynterbourne

Guess the topic title is indeed appropriate then...

I think many Pescetarians call themselves Vegetarians...

I was waiting for someone to criticize her for the label she is giving herself. Didn't have to wait though.

I don't get this idea of calling yourself something you are not. Who are people trying to kid when they do it. Is it trying to make you feel better about your choices? If your unhappy about your choices do something about it but don't try an pretend your something your not as you just look silly

A link the the Vegetarian society if people want to know what one is

https://www.vegsoc.org/definition

I don't think it's any of my business. I think people look silly when they play "semantics police"

Yeah, it would be so wonderful if these forums were actually a place where people who need help and advice could actually get it instead of playing Russian roulette with people who like to criticize things (like self-imposed labels) that are none of their business and have nothing to do with what the posters are asking help on. Dream on, huh? Lovely example of why I never ask for help or opinions here.

RaspberryKeytoneBoondoggle

What I have learned on mfp forums:

If you had a cookie with an egg in it last week, how dare you call yourself a vegan. This is offensive to vegans.

If you use the term "trophy wife" you are being very critical. Using a term like this is just as offensive as racist slurs.

Starting a thread to inquire about your protein intake and daring to use the word "vegetarian" in the title when you eat fish is at best misleading and at worse, plain *offensive*

Oh, but it's ok to use the words "milf" , "cougar" and to talk about who you'd line to bang. Hard.

*shrugs*

RaspberryKeytoneBoondoggle

What I have learned on mfp forums:

If you had a cookie with an egg in it last week, how dare you call yourself a vegan. This is offensive to vegans.

If you use the term "trophy wife" you are being very critical. Using a term like this is just as offensive as racist slurs.

Starting a thread to inquire about your protein intake and daring to use the word "vegetarian" in the title when you eat fish is at best misleading and at worse, plain *offensive*

Oh, but it's ok to use the words "milf" , "cougar" and to talk about who you'd line to bang. Hard.

*shrugs*

Ok. That was a bit harsh:)
/sarcasm

SunofaBeach14

What I have learned on mfp forums:

If you had a cookie with an egg in it last week, how dare you call yourself a vegan. This is offensive to vegans.

If you use the term "trophy wife" you are being very critical. Using a term like this is just as offensive as racist slurs.

Starting a thread to inquire about your protein intake and daring to use the word "vegetarian" in the title when you eat fish is at best misleading and at worse, plain *offensive*

Oh, but it's ok to use the words "milf" , "cougar" and to talk about who you'd line to bang. Hard.

*shrugs*

10/10 would send junk pics

michaeljacksonfan333

FATDOOB: It's called being a pesca vegitaration. Do your homework before you correct people.

_HeartsOnFire_

Guess the topic title is indeed appropriate then...

I think many Pescetarians call themselves Vegetarians...

I was waiting for someone to criticize her for the label she is giving herself. Didn't have to wait though.

I don't get this idea of calling yourself something you are not. Who are people trying to kid when they do it. Is it trying to make you feel better about your choices? If your unhappy about your choices do something about it but don't try an pretend your something your not as you just look silly

A link the the Vegetarian society if people want to know what one is

https://www.vegsoc.org/definition

I don't think it's any of my business. I think people look silly when they play "semantics police"

Yeah, it would be so wonderful if these forums were actually a place where people who need help and advice could actually get it instead of playing Russian roulette with people who like to criticize things (like self-imposed labels) that are none of their business and have nothing to do with what the posters are asking help on. Dream on, huh? Lovely example of why I never ask for help or opinions here.

The guy who posted the definition also at least gave the OP advice. The OP opened herself up to getting called out about that when she decided to label herself as a vegetarian in the title. For a lot of vegetarians it's more than just not eating meat, there are ethical reasons. It doesn't make one better than the other, but if someone wants to call themselves a vegetarian they should actually know what it is. But now this is just getting off topic.

OP read the link to sexypants it will really help.

corgarian

On the protein issue, no matter how much I try I only hit 100 grams a day (should be double that). I've added eggs, fish, and protein shakes to try to up it and I just can't break 100!

Calm down haters. as you can see she said ADDED which means she didnt eat them before and is now giving them a shot to up her protein. So yes, now she is a pescatarian, but what she classifys herself as isnt the issue at hand here.

But everything else people are saying here is true. If you havent lost any weight or gone down in measurements you are not logging correctly somewhere, its calories in calories out.

What are your current stas? weight, height?

BrainyBurro

I do CrossFit four days a week and run 3 miles twice a week. I have 20 pounds to lose. After doing this routine for three months I have not lost one single pound, changed my body fat %, or measurements. I asked some people at my CF gym what might be the reason why. They say I'm not eating enough and I'm not getting enough protein. I talked to my doctor, she ran a bunch of tests and says everything is normal.

Here's where the confusion starts. I've always been told to lose weight you have to have a calorie deficit. MFP says I should eat around 1,600 calories a day. I wear a FITBIT that is connected to MFP to track my activity. With food and activity I'm hitting 1,400-1,800 each day. The coach at CF says I should be eating 2,300 a day!!! How can that be without GAINING weight?

_Terrapin_

FATDOOB: It's called being a pesca vegitaration. Do your homework before you correct people.

Is there a difference from pescatarian(spelling?) and pesca vagitaration( is this a word?)?

_Terrapin_

I do CrossFit four days a week and run 3 miles twice a week. I have 20 pounds to lose. After doing this routine for three months I have not lost one single pound, changed my body fat %, or measurements. I asked some people at my CF gym what might be the reason why. They say I'm not eating enough and I'm not getting enough protein. I talked to my doctor, she ran a bunch of tests and says everything is normal.

Here's where the confusion starts. I've always been told to lose weight you have to have a calorie deficit. MFP says I should eat around 1,600 calories a day. I wear a FITBIT that is connected to MFP to track my activity. With food and activity I'm hitting 1,400-1,800 each day. The coach at CF says I should be eating 2,300 a day!!! How can that be without GAINING weight?

On the protein issue, no matter how much I try I only hit 100 grams a day (should be double that). I've added eggs, fish, and protein shakes to try to up it and I just can't break 100!

Typical day:
Breakfast-Smoothie made with vegan protein powder or 3 eggs and fruit
Lunch: Salad topped with tofu or a can of tuna
Dinner: Salmon with vegetables, shrimp curry, or a tofu dish
Snacks: 1 or 2 a day depending on workouts-protein smoothie or piece of fruit and nut butter

How do I up my protein and lose weight!?!?!

OP to try to answer one of your questions: If you do Crossfit 3 x's a week and run 6 miles total during the week, and you have seen a measurable difference, BF change or weight loss, what were you doing prior to the 3 months? Also, I eat about 115 grams of protein a day and maintain 145 pounds of LBM, so why do you think you need more then 100 grams of protein? And last, with salmon, eggs, Pea(guessing) protein, shrimp curry, how on earth are you not getting 100 grams plus daily?

whyandme3

Hi,

I'm a Vegetarian, eat a gluten free diet, and use a Fitbit force that is connected to my myfitnesspal. I typically get 130-145 grams of protein a day. I work out six days a week typically, cardio, weight training, mountain biking, and pretty much anything outside. I think protein is critical, I start my day with two scoops of Trutein protein mix and that gives me about 60 grams first thing in the morning. From there, I make sure I have a protein base in every meal. I would personally go off of your myfitnesspal for your "calorie intake" suggestion once you have linked your fitbit... that is what worked for me. However, I always over my protein suggestion & fiber.

Thethomale

hi confused,
Im am the (whyandme3) vegetarians husband,one of the problems that i see w/my fitness pal on the laptop is it doesn't show you your nutritional chart ....like how many fats your taking in such as mono,sat trans,also sodium, sugars so on and so forth.if you have a smart phone you can easily download the fitness pal app and it will show you what your daily goals should be according to the chart thats on the app.it also give you a pie chart so that way you can see your percentage of protien/carbs/fats for that day.For us that has given a better understanding how to eat a little bit better....and stay away from restaurants as much as possible,they are loaded with SODIUM and FAT!!!!!

_HeartsOnFire_

hi confused,
Im am the (whyandme3) vegetarians husband,one of the problems that i see w/my fitness pal on the laptop is it doesn't show you your nutritional chart ....like how many fats your taking in such as mono,sat trans,also sodium, sugars so on and so forth.if you have a smart phone you can easily download the fitness pal app and it will show you what your daily goals should be according to the chart thats on the app.it also give you a pie chart so that way you can see your percentage of protien/carbs/fats for that day.For us that has given a better understanding how to eat a little bit better....and stay away from restaurants as much as possible,they are loaded with SODIUM and FAT!!!!!

Sodium and fat aren't evil.

Too much of anything can be bad for you. There is no reason to avoid restaurants. I'm not advocating eating out every day/every meal, but there is nothing wrong with going to a restaurant.

_Terrapin_

Ah yes, the death of a thread. 2 posts, 2 friends, no additional input.

_HeartsOnFire_

Ah yes, the death of a thread. 2 posts, 2 friends, no additional input.

Since OP hadn't come back I was thinking maybe it was just to see if they could stir up some trouble...