Plateau for almost 3 months :(

lulushort

I am depressed and dissapointed, I hit plateau 2 months ago and I cant seem to overcome it. I changed my eating (tried eating less, tried eating more, mixed some non so healthy foods, ate extremely clean), changed my workout aswell. But nothing changed. I think I already gave up since this week I ate whatever I wanted and didnt even work out:( need motivation and maybe something to make me overcome the plateau.
STATS
5'7
SW: 141
CW: 131.2
GW:120
boobs: 32DD (36 inches)
waist: 26 in
fattest part of the belly: 36!!! inches
booty: 37.5
I am pretty skinny but as you can tell all my fat is in my lovehandles and belly for some reason ;(
my calorie intake is between 1200 - 1500

WBB55

You're at a pretty good weight, maybe what you need is to lower your body fat% and not really lose weight.

markjacobs1987

First thing to look at is what ratio are you eating at? The calorie amount looks ok (though 1200 is on the low side and you want to make sure not to go lower than that) so the macro ratio is what we want to look at. If you want to shred fat then eating at 50% protein, 30% carbs, 20% fats is where you want to be at to get the best results. Also make sure to keep working out! If the routine you are doing isn't working it might be time to try a different routine, but you need to exercise if you want to get the best results. Be sure to eat clean as well most of the time (You should be eating clean at least 80% of the time). I hope this helps!

diannethegeek

Okay, let's check on some things.

First, are you losing no weight at all or just less than you'd like? Weight is obviously going to fluctuate, especially at this point in your loss, but are you seeing a downward trend in your weigh ins? Since you're aiming for the very lowest healthy weight for your height, it would be normal to see slow weight loss that might be masked by the normal water weight fluctuations we see. Especially if you've been changing your routine several times in the last two months. Every time you change your workout routine your body has a tendency to hold onto some extra water for muscle repair. You need to give any changes to your routine several weeks before you decide whether or not they're working.

WBB55's point about maybe focusing on lowering your body fat percentage instead of your weight is an important one. Is your goal really to see a number on the scale or are you looking to change the way your body looks instead? Picking up a strength training routine and focusing more on body composition might give you better results in that area at this point.

Would you be comfortable opening your diary for us to take a look?

You're logging everything you eat? Including condiments, cooking oils, veggies, cheat days, etc? Are you using a food scale, measuring cups, or eyeballing your portion sizes? Most people can be off in their estimates by as lot when they eyeball portions. Measuring cups are better, but a food scale is always going to be the most accurate.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1234699-logging-accurately-step-by-step-guide
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1290491-how-and-why-to-use-a-digital-food-scale

And make sure that you've calculated your calorie goals appropriately. Remember that these are just estimates. You may need to play around a little to find what works best for you.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets

If you're exercising and eating back your earned exercise calories, be sure that you're using accurate estimates of your burn. MFP and gym machines have a tendency to overestimate certain activities, which can cause you to eat back more calories than you need to. Even a heart rate monitor isn't 100% accurate. If you're eating those extra earned calories it might be a good idea to eat only 50-75% of those.

DrJenO

I'd ditch the scale and start lifting.

For example, check this out:
http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/

KrzyGal

You need to workout more and not give in to the bags of chips given to you. RAK them instead of devouring them yourself. 120 is too skinny at 5'7". I am 5'7" and was trying to gain weight after getting sick from stress. I weighed 119 and I looked absolutely unhealthy. Be realistic, and look healthy, with your goals. You're not seeing yourself for how you really look.

KrzyGal

Go to this site: http://www.marisota.co.uk/shop/freeformat/page.action?pageId=7758
I am 15% smaller than I saw my self and everyone that I coach, aside from one who was just about right on, saw themselves bigger than they actually are. Definite confidence booster.