Frustrated... need a hug!

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Replies

  • MadameButterfly66
    MadameButterfly66 Posts: 10 Member
    I can totally relate, please check out Chris Powell,s latest book, it's so awesome, I have finally got off my plateau, I have 7 pounds left and I can tell you it's an amazing program!! I like you was eating clean, exercising daily (just did the Vancouver 1/2 Marathon in May, finished in 1:48) and recording everything. The way it is structured in his book for both diet and exercise is awesome, I am spending less time working out and getting better results, it's all about carb cycling and so much more - I hope this helps and good luck on your journey and here's a hug :)))
  • firstsip
    firstsip Posts: 8,399 Member
    I am a middle aged woman with a metabolism that is slower than my patients. Of COURSE that's not what I tell my patients. My patients are kids. They have normal metabolisms. Mine is slower, obviously, and more ineffective.

    You've lost 2+~ lbs in 3 weeks? How is your metabolism slow?
  • nievebrienne
    nievebrienne Posts: 6
    Veil 557
    Thank you....that was my thought....I worked with a lot of M.D.'s over the years and there were a lot who were very much into nutrition, diet and exercise.

    As for the stubborn pounds coming off - have you been having a "binge day"? Binge days (1 a week) reset your metabolism so that your body knows "Yes, there is food - I'm just choosing not to eat it." So the rest of the week you do really well, track your calories, etc. but 1 day a week you eat whatever you want. My brother and parents have both done that (parents are in their 50's) and they've lost between 10-11 pounds so far.

    Also, as long as you're losing 1-2 lbs. per week you are making headway :):)
  • xcalygrl
    xcalygrl Posts: 1,897 Member
    hug!!!! you are doing just fine. I wouldn't worry so much about calorie intake, but more about fat grams, protein grams and sodium. More protein to build muscles and not lose what you already have, less fat grams and watch your sodium intake, fluid retention is a killer for weight gain. There is a new study out that says 45 minutes of strength training and cardio is optimum for weight loss, I would suggest you do cardio one day and strength the next, that way you get a full body work out every two days. :smile:

    Um, no. Weight loss is calories in < calories out. The make up of those calories isn't important for weight loss. The make up of those calories is important for body composition and nutrients though. And dietary fat does not make you fat. Excess calories make you fat.
  • RachelStidd
    RachelStidd Posts: 1,102
    No need to be frustrated, you probably aren't seeing a change on the scale because you are most likely gaining muscle! :)
  • xcalygrl
    xcalygrl Posts: 1,897 Member
    No need to be frustrated, you probably aren't seeing a change on the scale because you are most likely gaining muscle! :)

    Negative. You can NOT gain muscle while eating in a deficit, especially as a woman. It takes a bunch of food, heavy lifting, and time to gain muscle.
  • MityMax96
    MityMax96 Posts: 5,778 Member
    I am a middle aged woman with a metabolism that is slower than my patients. Of COURSE that's not what I tell my patients. My patients are kids. They have normal metabolisms. Mine is slower, obviously, and more ineffective.

    I am 36....
    Will be 37 in October.....

    And?????
  • MityMax96
    MityMax96 Posts: 5,778 Member
    Um, no. Weight loss is calories in < calories out. The make up of those calories isn't important for weight loss. The make up of those calories is important for body composition and nutrients though. And dietary fat does not make you fat. Excess calories make you fat.

    Pretty much that in a nutshell
  • ClaireJames776
    ClaireJames776 Posts: 4
    Hey OP!

    I know exactly where you're coming from because I was in the same position a while ago. Firstly 800 calories is wayyy to low for you. Likely you'd be up around the 1500kcal mark for maintenance. When you go too low like you are, your body starts to hold onto every last bit of fat it can. At one point I was eating 800kcals like you and exercising 4hrs per day....I lost 11lbs and then stalled out and felt like crap.

    Secondly, you're body has probably adapted to the cardio and its no longer a "shock" anymore.

    This took me a long time to realize but you are much much better off incorporating resistance training and eating a more moderate amount of calories and then tapering them down slowly. You can find calorie counters online, but workouts can be a bit trickier with the vast amount of info and contradicting info out there. I was going to right my transformation story soon but you can check out juliesweightlossjourney.com. Thats the story that led me to pretty much learn everything I know.

    good luck
  • cmpnaz
    cmpnaz Posts: 190
    I am brand new to the site, do like the format so far.
    To the op * I never hug on the first post* , seriously many have given great information and things to look at ...
    #1 - I agree that 800 calories are too low ,
    #2- 2 lbs in a few weeks when under 20 is not bad and shows progress even if it is not at the rate you like
    #3 - add strength training and core training to workouts try cutting down Cardio and doing at end of routine.
    #4 - by adding strength training you need to feed the muscles .... try to consume about 1500 calories with emphasis on protein. Eat the right Carbs but I would try and reduce you carbohydrates by 1/2 - 2/3rds while increasing protein the same amount. By adding strength training into the mix and limiting the Carbs your body will go to fat storage for energy quicker and consume at a faster rate. The high protein will protect muscles and give the nutrition for rebuilding..... If you do your workouts any time close to bedtime... try eating a couple ounces of grilled/baked chicken breast about between the workout and bedtime... usually about 30 minutes is good for most. the slow digesting protein will feed and fuel your healing muscles while continuing to keep a high metabolic rate going burning more calories and fat while you sleep. Get you full 8 hours of sleep ...
  • sueconvery7
    sueconvery7 Posts: 9 Member
    Here is a hug for you. 10 or more pounds is a problem, if you believe you need to loose weight then you do. Add something new to your exercise routine, say add weights to your pockets when you walk around. Also look at the relationship between your calories and what you loose in exercise. If you are not having enough calories to sustain your body then you will not loose. Maybe check with a nutritionist.
  • Mahsaa18
    Mahsaa18 Posts: 57 Member
    hugsss itll all be okayy
  • Mahsaa18
    Mahsaa18 Posts: 57 Member
    i say you should consult a dietitian , you dont want this to spiral into a unhealthy obsession especially considering the fact that you average about 800 calories , that is NOT near enough ! i wish you all the best . keep us updated
  • 1princesswarrior
    1princesswarrior Posts: 1,242 Member
    I am a middle aged woman with a metabolism that is slower than my patients. Of COURSE that's not what I tell my patients. My patients are kids. They have normal metabolisms. Mine is slower, obviously, and more ineffective.

    I'm 40 and I maintain at 2300 calories a day. Unless you did something to damage your metabolism when you were younger or have had extensive testing done you cannot know how slow your metabolism is.

    Here is some recommended reading:

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/872212-you-re-probably-eating-more-than-you-think
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1234699-logging-accurately-step-by-step-guide
  • SunofaBeach14
    SunofaBeach14 Posts: 4,899 Member
    *throws cookies and slams door*









    *sneaks back eat and picks cookies off floor and sneaks back out, dramatically*
  • hookilau
    hookilau Posts: 3,134 Member
    *throws cookies and slams door*









    *sneaks back eat and picks cookies off floor and sneaks back out, dramatically*

    maybe.gif
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    Unknown
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  • ChildrenCryinNCoffee
    ChildrenCryinNCoffee Posts: 477 Member
    I can't take ANY of what the OP is posting seriously.

    This just has ED written ALL over it.

    I suggest rehab.

    And maybe revisiting Med School for classes in Nutrition and Kinesiology.
  • RedArizona5
    RedArizona5 Posts: 465 Member
    Uh....

    If you are a physician, then you should know that 800 calories a day is WAY TOO LOW.

    This. Totally.

    ETA: Also, you don't specify, but "logging" and weighing each item accurately are two different things.
    And...2 lbs in 3 weeks when you only have 10-15 lbs to lose is great progress. Were you expecting to lose all 10 lbs by now?
    OK guys in the real world its do as I say not watch what I do..also there are doctors with drug habits I mean haven't you watched dr. House? I mean so what she is a physician, she knows what a healthy calorie intake is….moving on to the fixing of our vices...
  • RedArizona5
    RedArizona5 Posts: 465 Member
    I can't take ANY of what the OP is posting seriously.

    This just has ED written ALL over it.

    I suggest rehab.

    And maybe revisiting Med School for classes in Nutrition and Kinesiology.
    ^^^And this as well perhaps^^^^:happy:
    Because as a physician if your on drugs or developing a negative lifestyle you need to find a way to stop it in its tracks before it spirals you out of control and taking you down with it. So try yoga the movements will be light on your feet and the stretches will actually strengthen you and you should lose weight along with it. I don't like drinking my calories much either i love pure water because its good for my skin and kidneys and heck I'm thirsty too, so you need to re evaluate the foods you are eating and you should add some salmon to your diet-those omega 3, 6 and 9 that you will get from the fish will help you as well…take your caloric levels to at least 1400. I was told no less than 1500 but if your really not wanting to up it to 1500 then should get to 1400 of organic foods and i mean your able to afford some awesome food which is more than what I can say at the moment and hire a nutritionist :) if it means that much…I wish I could hug you-Its frustrating but you gotta play the right way or it won't happen the right way…and it won't come off easy you need like 2 months is when I was seeing results…you need a few months…it does take a while sometimes..stress effects all that too so if your worried about it your keeping those cortisol levels high too so try meditating by focusing on good mantras and positive sayings/stories and envision yourself with your type of body…yoga or swimming is really good for bad joints… buy a bikini and work out in in your house or take belly dance classes. I want to take pole dancing classes -DONT JUDGE ME K???-Its a good workout I here and it teaches you how to be confident about yourself-why not?????:)
  • cookmtn
    cookmtn Posts: 156 Member
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/737101-relatively-light-people-trying-to-get-leaner?page=2%25252523posts-19474154

    Maybe this will help. Please read.
  • gothchiq
    gothchiq Posts: 4,590 Member
    Babe, you're a doctor right? you know then that 800 is too low. 1200 is the usual recommended lowest calorie count; the oldskool way was 1000. When you start working out and cutting calories, you may put on water for a while. If your body isn't used to the movements you're putting it through, you need time to adjust and all.


    My family doctor is absolutely obsessed with body fat. Hers and everyone else's. I'm starting to think it's a thing. lol. Be kind to yourself, eat 1200 cals and do your workouts and you will see change over time. It's gonna be slow, that's okay. Be patient and stick with it.
  • RedArizona5
    RedArizona5 Posts: 465 Member
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/737101-relatively-light-people-trying-to-get-leaner?page=2%25252523posts-19474154

    Maybe this will help. Please read.
    THANK YOUUUUUUUUU:flowerforyou: I was already on this road and enjoyed the room for extra calories and i too stopped weighing all on my own and yet i knew i was gaining weight but i was fitting in my clothes still and i was like i think my body enjoys this but then my back went out EH so i will need to take those few steps back to move forward again
  • RedArizona5
    RedArizona5 Posts: 465 Member
    Babe, you're a doctor right? you know then that 800 is too low. 1200 is the usual recommended lowest calorie count; the oldskool way was 1000. When you start working out and cutting calories, you may put on water for a while. If your body isn't used to the movements you're putting it through, you need time to adjust and all.


    My family doctor is absolutely obsessed with body fat. Hers and everyone else's. I'm starting to think it's a thing. lol. Be kind to yourself, eat 1200 cals and do your workouts and you will see change over time. It's gonna be slow, that's okay. Be patient and stick with it.
    My soon-to-be-sis-in law is in nursing and when I told her I was at 1300 she freaked on me lol saying you should be on 1500 I didn't listen and i was doing fine but i upped and its not so bad and I'm really feel in this forum
  • ClaireJames776
    ClaireJames776 Posts: 4
    I can't take ANY of what the OP is posting seriously.

    This just has ED written ALL over it.

    I suggest rehab.

    And maybe revisiting Med School for classes in Nutrition and Kinesiology.

    You'd be surprised how little GP's/doctors actually know about the things they're supposed too. Having a cousin who's been in and out of different specialists across the country for years -- you're better off helping yourself in a lot of situations.

    Majority are pompous and ego driven....ughh I just really hate doctors lately I guess =p
  • paperpudding
    paperpudding Posts: 9,302 Member
    Hey guys! I have been on here for fifteen days now. I started to get very serious about this about a week before that, so it is exactly 21 days to the day when I started exercising and changing.

    I need to start by saying that I'm not terribly overweight. That being said, I can afford to be ten to fifteen pounds lighter. I have no health issues... I'm 42, perfect lipids, perfect thyroids, etc. I also lead a moderately active lifestyle (I'm a physician so I'm always running from room to room, picking up kids left and right, etc). My diet was also pretty normal, very little junk food, no sodas at all, not even diet sodas, etc.

    My frustration lies in the fact that I have been extremely strict and dedicated to this cause: cardio for at least an hour every single day, counting all calories, etc... and I have seen very little result. Two pounds is nothing to be proud of. Yes, I lost a little off my waist, but the scale is stuck at the same weight. I tried "eating a bit more" so as to not induce this "starvation mode" and the scale moved up half a pound the next day. So I need to eat less. I am averaging about 800 cal a day so how is this sustainable?

    I could exercise two hours a day but frankly, I am not young, my knee is already in a knee brace, and I don't want to start popping ibuprofen. I know I have to be patient. But oh, I am sooooo frustrated.

    I've bolded the relevant parts of your post.

    You're looking to lose 15 pounds. You've lost 2 pounds in your first three weeks. That is right in line with the experience of most people looking to drop that amount of weight. It is something to be proud of.

    To address your concern about how much you're eating: 800 calories a day is not sustainable. Please go to this website and calculate your BMR and TDEE:

    http://www.fat2fittools.com/tools/bmr/

    This will give you a better idea of how much you should eat each day, at a sustainable level.

    Best of luck to you!

    P.S. I love New Braunfels! We used to go there every year and float the river when I was a kid!

    Yes, this is right - OP has lost 2lb in 3 weeks - yes with some up and down, ie lost 2.5, gained back 0.5, but that is normal, wieght loss is never exactly linear.

    I agreee 800 is far too low. OP you need to eat a sensible amount and have realistic expectations.

    You could put your stats into a calculator and get the amount or you could put them into MFP - with the weight loss rate of 0.5lb per week since you have only a little to lose.

    Doing that will get you to at least 1200, possibly more ,depending on your height - eat that plus eat back at least some of your exercise calories.

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