Discouraged....

triciahackney

I know its unrealistic to expect huge results in such a small amount of time (only 9 days) - but I'm confused as to why I'm gaining weight as in 2-3 lbs when I've been eating between 1400-1800 calories a day and walking 4 miles every other day??? I use a fit bit and religiously log my calories on myfitnesspal so I'm getting a little discouraged

3 years ago, I lost 50 lbs just by counting calories and doing zumba 2x a week. I tore an ab muscle (not even sure how that happened) and because zumba and even walking was painful - I stopped and ended up using it as an excuse to just stop counting calories as well - gained it all back within a year.

I've tried the Advocare 24 day challenge - lost weight, gained it back.

Counting calories is the ONLY thing that has ever worked for me and now I'm wiggin' out because even that seems to be failing me now.

niecey61

Some say it's not just the calories you eat but what those said calories are composed of. Example: ratio of carbs, fats, and protein. In my opinion all calories are not equal. Jonathan Bailor has a good book - the calorie myth. I can't do everything he says - but just added it to my education.

Unknown

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HerbertNenenger

if you're absolutely SURE that is the amount of calories you are taking in, then my advice is to not weigh yourself so much. I find that I fluctuate as much as 4-5 pounds at certain times. If I strength train, I tend to hold more water weight, and it can naturally fluctuate a pound or two for not much reason at all. Looking at the scale everyday is not a good idea. I suggest once a week, and measure, for a better overall outlook at what's going on with your losses. And don't get discouraged, just keep going and it will happen. And yes, 9 days is too soon to be getting cray-cray about things. Sorry.

liekewheeless

Give it a couple more weeks. Maybe your body is adjusting to your new routine. If you haven't exercised in a while and start back up, your muscles can retain more water. (And leg muscles will retain more since they are big)

If you're doing everything accurate, this should work.

CariS001

As hard as it is, give it time! You could be bloating a bit, your glycogen stores could be up (are your carbs high?), etc.

Try focusing on adding in more water, while keeping your tracking and walking routine solid. It will come!!!

editorgrrl

I know its unrealistic to expect huge results in such a small amount of time (only 9 days) - but I'm confused as to why I'm gaining weight as in 2-3 lbs when I've been eating between 1400-1800 calories a day and walking 4 miles every other day??? I use a fit bit and religiously log my calories on myfitnesspal so I'm getting a little discouraged.

Nine days is not enough time!

If you eat fewer calories than you burn, you will lose weight. Be patient, and read the Sexypants post: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

triciabh1

I agree with having patience...if you have been completely accurate with your calorie input then you will start losing weight. When I first starting exercising and counting calories I gained a few pounds and then it took a few weeks to start losing. Once I started losing weight it was pretty consistent as long as I made sure to keep in a calorie deficit. Good luck!

triciahackney

thanks everyone - I've been almost neurotic about weighing and measuring my food so I hope that the calorie counts are accurate - I'll keep on plugging along - I guess I'm anxious because I'm inching up on 40 and dont recall it being this hard lol I have to retrain myself as far as healthy eating. I'd love to give up processed foods - all whole wheat, lean meats, fruits & veggies - I'll have to try harder. I have discovered that I do like almond milk - although I don't log my water, I fill up a 64 oz bottle every day and make sure that I have at least that much - any other tips? Right now, walking is about all I can handle - although I love zumba, it still doesn't "feel" right - I can make time to do it every day, but is it one of those things where you shouldn't??

THX!!!!!

EMartini82

Hi Tricia~
One thing that helps me is measuring. I used and old belt that has NO numbers on it and marked it where I was. Recently I have gotten back on the wagon myself. I lost a lot a while ago and gained some back and I want to lose again. So I have been getting on the scale too much... I haven't really seen and change in my weight but I measured myself and lost a little over an inch on the mid section!!

That was a motivation for me. What I like about the belt is there are no numbers. I mark my first line and when I remeasure I mark another line and measure the distance in between! Woo Hoo! No judgement lol. But the scale doesn't show inches.

I think I re-started about the same time as you did.

Lastly, I am carb sensitive. So I cut down on all breads, fruit and sugar... Just a little side note. I have bread in the morning and a bread at night (or you could change that to carb). Other than that it is veggies and meats.

Keep putting one foot in front of the other!

Erin

editorgrrl

I have to retrain myself as far as healthy eating. I'd love to give up processed foods - all whole wheat, lean meats, fruits & veggies - I'll have to try harder.

Eat "healthy" (whatever that means to you) 80% of the time. Fit yummy, portion-controlled treats into your calorie goal. Deprivation can lead to bingeing.

I'm 46, and the advice in the Sexypants post worked for me: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants