Getting frustrated

Allegi32

I rejoined MFP on July 21 and decided to trust MFP with the calorie goals and really stick to it. I am 100% committed, and instead of trying to eat paleo, or eat clean, etc., I decided to try and change my habits slowly, so for right now just focusing on calories in/calories out. I also started doing PiYo 6 days/week. I am currently in my 3rd week of that.

The reason why I'm frustrated is that since July 21, I've lost a grand total of 3 pounds (it says 6, but really that first 3 was water weight from a binge before I started). Normally, when I start a program, I lose very quickly.

I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I feel like I'm finally doing everything right and my body is not cooperating! My husband says he can tell that the PiYo is changing my body and I do feel like maybe it is a little bit, but I weigh over 200 pounds, so it's not like I'm just building muscle. I know some people can change their measurements a lot but not their weight on the scale, but those people tend to be closer to their goal weight than mine. I still shouldn't weigh 213!!

My diary is open. I weigh absolutely everything, down to the tiny amounts of condiments, etc. so I know I'm not accidentally eating more than my diary says. I have had one cheat meal and that is it.

BigT555

so in 2 weeks you've seen a 3 lb loss? i dont see a problem, thats a good rate to lose. be patient

plus 2 weeks into a diet isnt usually enough to see a noticeable change (though you have, so be happy), just give it time

Allegi32

so in 2 weeks you've seen a 3 lb loss? i dont see a problem, thats a good rate to lose. be patient

plus 2 weeks into a diet isnt usually enough to see a noticeable change (though you have, so be happy), just give it time

I guess I'm just frustrated because I usually lose very quickly.

SezxyStef

so in 2 weeks you've seen a 3 lb loss? i dont see a problem, thats a good rate to lose. be patient

plus 2 weeks into a diet isnt usually enough to see a noticeable change (though you have, so be happy), just give it time

This...doing it differently means accepting that a slower rate of loss is more sustainable.

my average loss through my 50lbs was 3/4lb a week...I was good with that as this is a life long thing..not a quick fix.

Allegi32

so in 2 weeks you've seen a 3 lb loss? i dont see a problem, thats a good rate to lose. be patient

plus 2 weeks into a diet isnt usually enough to see a noticeable change (though you have, so be happy), just give it time

This...doing it differently means accepting that a slower rate of loss is more sustainable.

my average loss through my 50lbs was 3/4lb a week...I was good with that as this is a life long thing..not a quick fix.

Thank you...that makes sense, I guess I'm back here because when I lost quickly I wasn't doing it the right way.

Srp3p

I have been in the same boat. I usually drop a lot of weight right away by going paleo and not much else. However, I always fall of that train and gain it back. This time, I have been trying to eat a "normal" diet and track each thing to stay in my calorie range. I also joined a gym and go every other day religiously. I am at 32 days of this, and I have only lost about 3lbs. That being said, I have been told, while losing weight this slowly can be frustrating, that it is really the best way to lose it and keep it off. I would keep doing what you are doing for another month and then see how you feel. While I am far from my goal weight, myself and my boyfriend have already noticed changes (positive ones) in my body from the exercise and weight training. I also doubt I have added on muscle to the point that I am not noticing myself lose fat weight, if you will, but if my body is getting stronger, and the muscles are toning up, then surely continuing on this path to health is the right way to go!

Stick with it! We are all cheering for you.

TheFrugalFatass

You're doing it right. In the past, if you've had huge losses right away, you probably weren't doing it right. You're losing 1 1/2 lbs per week, which is a rate of loss that's going to help you keep it off for good once it's gone. Hang in there.

mrsmiam

Hey! Congratulations! 3lb since July 21 is a great pace! And not slow at all. It just seems slow because you are doing it right instead of starting a crazy diet cold turkey.
Way to go!:)

juggernaut1974

Agree with all the above...you're making a lifestyle change, not doing a "quick fix fad diet"

You're doing fine. Keep it up!

Allegi32

Thank you, everyone! I guess I needed a little dose of reality, I appreciate it! I'm not giving up, I feel very different this time around, maybe because I'm not being so psycho with "good foods" and "bad foods," but just eating whatever and making sure I'm under my calorie goal.

I'll try to look at the bigger picture and not focus on the short-term stuff.

Unknown

This content has been removed.

Allegi32

What does this?
I decided to try and change my habits slowly, so for right now just focusing on calories in/calories out.

have to do with weight loss???NOTHING. That's the way to do it, focus on habit changes, it doesn't happen over night. As others have mentioned and yourself, you have a false sense of reality. Focus on your habits and improving them.

I'm sorry, I'm a little confused as to what you mean. How does focusing on calories in/out have nothing to do with weight loss?

Snooozie

Maine... when I first started it was almost a month before I saw ANY real weight loss.... and the frustration level almost did me in. We all know it takes time, but it doesn't stop the mind games that can play havoc on ya when we don't see the results of our hard work. Fortunately a group I joined talked me off the ledge (so to speak LOL).. and someone (I can't remember who but am still very thankful they did) posted a reply reminding me our bodies are not linear and don't respond at our command lol... but it will eventually figure out you're doing all the right things and it WILL happen. I still keep that in mind when frustration rears its ugly head now and then.... and shift my focus to making good choices and moving my parts til the "woosh" factor happens and the pounds start dropping again. It's okay to be frustrated.....just don't let it sideline all the hard work you're putting into reaching your goal :bigsmile:

xxghost

Believe me, I know the feeling. When I "started over" recently (reset my counter, reset my goals, changed my mindeset, etc.), I was expecting the pounds to just fall off. That normally happens when I "start over." Unfortunately, that just isn't happening this time around. But I am losing - about a pound a week, give or take. That's what I have to cling to - that, and the fact that I'm doing it right. The pounds will come off. You just have to stay at it!

Your progress so far is awesome. Keep it up!

Pretendplaid4

yes, i agree. I've lost 66lbs...and it's taken 11 months. The slower the better. You change your habits, commit to a routine you can stick to, and you'll keep it off long term. Even though my MFP says i'll lose 2 lbs a week, and i met or went under my calories goals, i still don't lose 2 lbs a week, but it's ok, because at least it's still going down!!!

I'm now at 179...and an seeing even slower weight loss! Just remind yourself to not give up.

JustSomeEm

You're doing great! Patience is key - but losing 3 pounds in 2 weeks is absolutely fantastic. I got frustrated at first too, but then someone pointed out that I gained weight over a series of YEARS. That's really slow. Losing a pound or two a week is fast by comparison. You've got this!

Allegi32

It definitely helps to hear others' experiences with this, I really appreciate everyone for sharing!!! It's extremely helpful and keeps me going.

I do have a followup question for those that don't lose regularly: That 3 lbs. was all at once (I know it wasn't really, but that's how the scale registered it). So for the first week and a half, it didn't show any loss at all, which was odd, but I chalked it up to my exercise and retaining water. And then boom, overnight, 3 lbs. gone. And then for the next week, again, no change. I'm the same as I was a week and a half ago. I guess that's why it's frustrating, because it's not steady, and so far I've only seen one loss. Have any of you experienced the weight loss like that, i.e. not a regular amount per week, but in random chunks?

StaciMarie1974

It may seem random because you have a limited # of data points.

Personally I weigh in every day. I know the # on the scale does not define me - its just part of my morning routine. And my scale syncs by wifi. I've stopped paying it too much attention at all but in the past from daily tracking I learned my body tends to maintain/gain from the start of my period and until ~10 days or so go by. Then seems to drop alot in the next week or two. Its just the water weight coming on and then going off. Different women see a different fluctuation from their period, maybe before, during or after. Everyone is unique. Sodium also plays a part. For me to have a high sodium weekend AND start my period: I know the scale will jump up 3-4 pounds. Generally I look to the next 5 pound marker. Such as starting at 178.5, looked forward to 175. Then when I got there, looked forward to 170 and so on. Now I'm looking for 138.5 as that will make an official 40 pounds lost. I was 139.5 yesterday, 140.1 today. I've been in the 139.3-141 range for a couple weeks now so its just a matter of time.

It can be tough to get into this mindset, but find a way to trust the science. If you're routinely weighing everything you eat, logging 100% accurately and honestly, making an effort to move more: you will lose weight over time. I know its hard to look 4-6 weeks out but when you start to get frustrated about lack of scale movement, that is really what you must do. Give yourself a 6 week deadline. If after 6 weeks its still not moving then reassess and see what you could/should do differently.

kimny72

It definitely helps to hear others' experiences with this, I really appreciate everyone for sharing!!! It's extremely helpful and keeps me going.

I do have a followup question for those that don't lose regularly: That 3 lbs. was all at once (I know it wasn't really, but that's how the scale registered it). So for the first week and a half, it didn't show any loss at all, which was odd, but I chalked it up to my exercise and retaining water. And then boom, overnight, 3 lbs. gone. And then for the next week, again, no change. I'm the same as I was a week and a half ago. I guess that's why it's frustrating, because it's not steady, and so far I've only seen one loss. Have any of you experienced the weight loss like that, i.e. not a regular amount per week, but in random chunks?

It might also be your scale. I have a digital scale with one decimal point, but I've never seen it say anything but "___.0" or "___.5" so I'm thinking it's not really accurate past the full pound. So I will stay the same for two weeks and then all of a sudden a full pound down. I don't know the technical biology-related specifics of how exactly your body gets rid of lost weight, so I don't know if there could be other reasons!

arrrrjt

I hear ya, I've hit a plateau for the past little while even on my cheat days sticking at a deficit calories. It's tough, but 3 pounds is great! Keep on keepin' on.

jptrgrl1111

I was losing the exact same way you are doing the same type of dieting. Losing nothing for 2 weeks at a time then bam, 4 lbs overnight. I did that for 3 cycles and it drove me crazy! I switched to lean proteins & green veggies and started losing more consistently which helped my mental state to stick to it way more. Honestly though, averaged out the weight loss is pretty close to the same. I'm losing about an xtra 1/2-1lb weekly with the protein & veggies, not THAT big of a difference overall but watching the scale move consistently helps me. I feel your pain! Keep it up though! You are doing it and that's what ultimately counts!

JustSomeEm

It definitely helps to hear others' experiences with this, I really appreciate everyone for sharing!!! It's extremely helpful and keeps me going.

I do have a followup question for those that don't lose regularly: That 3 lbs. was all at once (I know it wasn't really, but that's how the scale registered it). So for the first week and a half, it didn't show any loss at all, which was odd, but I chalked it up to my exercise and retaining water. And then boom, overnight, 3 lbs. gone. And then for the next week, again, no change. I'm the same as I was a week and a half ago. I guess that's why it's frustrating, because it's not steady, and so far I've only seen one loss. Have any of you experienced the weight loss like that, i.e. not a regular amount per week, but in random chunks?

Try reading this: http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/fat-loss/of-whooshes-and-squishy-fat.html

The info in that link rang so true to me, and it really helped put into context what was going on with my loss - which SOUNDS like the same thing you're experiencing.

Unknown

This content has been removed.

kelleyish

I think taking it slow and not demonizing certain foods is a healthy attitude for sure. That being said, looking through your diary, I would recommend trying to incorporate a few more fruits and vegetables and whole unprocessed foods into your diet. Try to edge out the granola bars and bagels. You don't have to go full low carb, but let the bread and grains be a smaller portion of your overall diet. Maybe instead of chocolate pudding and cool whip for a late night dessert, try strawberries or peaches with real whipped cream instead. Instead of the bagel for breakfast have some eggs, or maybe try some plain oatmeal and mix in your own toppings, like natural peanut butter and honey.

Good luck!!

Allegi32

Try reading this: http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/fat-loss/of-whooshes-and-squishy-fat.html

The info in that link rang so true to me, and it really helped put into context what was going on with my loss - which SOUNDS like the same thing you're experiencing.

Very helpful link, thanks for sharing!

And how's that worked out for you? Anyhow, I get it. You want permission to quit. Fine. You have mine. No skin off my back. Or keep at it. Take it slow. This past Monday made it exactly 3 weeks. 6 pounds (even if some are water) isn't bad for 3 weeks. Give it at least a couple months before you declare the entire thing a failure and go on a "woe is me" binge.

LOL, ok. Sure. That's what I said. :laugh:

Allegi32

I think taking it slow and not demonizing certain foods is a healthy attitude for sure. That being said, looking through your diary, I would recommend trying to incorporate a few more fruits and vegetables and whole unprocessed foods into your diet. Try to edge out the granola bars and bagels. You don't have to go full low carb, but let the bread and grains be a smaller portion of your overall diet. Maybe instead of chocolate pudding and cool whip for a late night dessert, try strawberries or peaches with real whipped cream instead. Instead of the bagel for breakfast have some eggs, or maybe try some plain oatmeal and mix in your own toppings, like natural peanut butter and honey.

Good luck!!

I definitely will be doing that in the future. I have found that if I try to jump in excluding foods or focusing too much on macros, etc., I get myself burned out quickly, so this time I wanted to start slow with calories, and then maybe start setting smaller goals for myself, like more water, certain number of veggies/fruits per day, etc. and then I'll be focusing more on the quality of the food and the macros. I do think I'll probably see a bit of difference from that, you're right. Thanks!

StaciMarie1974

Starting with one thing and then adding in other goals is a smart way to go about it. I'm approaching maintenance and STILL do this. I focus on my weakest areas knowing that's where I need the most effort.

kcarver57

I think you are doing great! Keep it up! I have a Facebook page for like-minded people like us who are all on their own personal challenge. Would you like me to add yu to the group? We are losing weight 10 pounds at a time on Project 10.

piajay

From my experience, quick pounds lost are quick pounds gained. So the fact that you're losing a steady 3 lbs in 2 weeks, though it may not be what you're used to, sounds like a good rate, especially given your new healthy lifestyle/workout techniques. Don't be concerned so soon. Stay motivated; you're doing a lot of good for yourself. I'm sure with time, you'll be more proud of yourself than anything else.

Allegi32

I think you are doing great! Keep it up! I have a Facebook page for like-minded people like us who are all on their own personal challenge. Would you like me to add yu to the group? We are losing weight 10 pounds at a time on Project 10.

Thanks, but I get spammed enough on Facebook by Visalus people.

wkwebby

Thank you, everyone! I guess I needed a little dose of reality, I appreciate it! I'm not giving up, I feel very different this time around, maybe because I'm not being so psycho with "good foods" and "bad foods," but just eating whatever and making sure I'm under my calorie goal.

I'll try to look at the bigger picture and not focus on the short-term stuff.

Slow and steady wins this lifelong race! This will be sustainable while quick fixes won't and then you'll be off the wagon again. Congrats on making this a commitment to doing it right! :drinker: