Hello.....I am getting FRUSTRATED!!!

Sammi_2014

So I started dieting on 9/1/14 and within the first 10 days I dropped 9lbs ! I went from drinking energy drinks and soda all the time to ZERO and all I drink is water and a few cups of coffee a day. I have been watching what I eat and measure my foods and doing exercises ....but no weight has been lost since then!! I have worked my butt off the past few days and nothing ! I just joined the YMCA and for the past 3 days I have been working out for an hour and a half to two hours.
I do 30 minutes of cardio to get my heart rate up and then I do some leg presses , lift some light weights for my arms, other leg weight exercises and this like ab crunch machine thing ....Today I also did this stair stepper machine and the bike ....Yesterday I walked a total of 7 miles between the work out and just normal every day ....What is wrong with my body ?! Why is it not wanting to lose weight !! Ugh, fat girl problems

KellyM0102

If your goal is weight loss you may be focusing a bit too much on weights. Remember, muscles weights more than fat, so even though you may have lost some 'fat' pounds, you have probably gained some 'muscle' pounds. Google some pics of 5 pounds of muscle v. 5 pounds of fat. You may want to try more cardio and less weights - fat is burned when aerobic cellular respiration kicks in, and that takes about 20 minutes. So for a 30 minute cardio workout, you're really only burning fat for about 10 minutes.
Your loss of 9lbs in 10 days is also a bit concerning, that's a lot of weight in a very short time, I'm hoping it wasn't done by extreme fasting...

Sammi_2014

No, I haven't done any fasting at all but I think that is due to the fact that I started drinking nothing but water and cutting my portions . I used to eat a lot and drink red bulls and pepsi all day long . My biggest thing wasn't that I wasn't eating healthy but that I was eating to much and eating out of boredom. Now, since I have dropped the initial weight I am like stuck.
I have been doing the weights to because I want to be toned as well.....I am just getting so frustrated because I feel like am not getting anywhere .

Sabine_Stroehm

Congrats on the loss!!

Give it time.

You didn't gain it over night, you can't lose it over night. And when you make changes like joining a gym you can experience a tiny stall. if you're eating at a deficit, and following the basic guidelines of MFP (1LB a week is a good start) things should start moving again soon.

thegreatcanook

Slow and steady! Feel free to add me.

arditarose

If your goal is weight loss you may be focusing a bit too much on weights. Remember, muscles weights more than fat, so even though you may have lost some 'fat' pounds, you have probably gained some 'muscle' pounds. Google some pics of 5 pounds of muscle v. 5 pounds of fat. You may want to try more cardio and less weights - fat is burned when aerobic cellular respiration kicks in, and that takes about 20 minutes. So for a 30 minute cardio workout, you're really only burning fat for about 10 minutes.
Your loss of 9lbs in 10 days is also a bit concerning, that's a lot of weight in a very short time, I'm hoping it wasn't done by extreme fasting...

I'm not even going to finish reading this. No.

connieelaine24

You may not be losing lbs but you may be losing inches and since muscle weighs more than fat your scale might not be your best judge at the moment. Just hang in there your doing the right things and you will see the difference if you just keep going. Perhaps take some measurements and see if that's where your making your progress. Don't focus on the number, just focus on how you feel.

Phrick

When you start a new workout program your muscles will retain water for cushioning and repair. It will show as a lack of loss or for some people even as weight gain, but it is not fat. Your body is still losing fat you just don't see the results on the scale as fast. Be patient! You'll get there!

Sabine_Stroehm

If your goal is weight loss you may be focusing a bit too much on weights. Remember, muscles weights more than fat, so even though you may have lost some 'fat' pounds, you have probably gained some 'muscle' pounds. Google some pics of 5 pounds of muscle v. 5 pounds of fat. You may want to try more cardio and less weights - fat is burned when aerobic cellular respiration kicks in, and that takes about 20 minutes. So for a 30 minute cardio workout, you're really only burning fat for about 10 minutes.
Your loss of 9lbs in 10 days is also a bit concerning, that's a lot of weight in a very short time, I'm hoping it wasn't done by extreme fasting...

I'm not even going to finish reading this. No.

+1 for "no"

Sammi_2014

I just feel like I am doing something wrong ....I thought cardio and some light weights would a good thing. One of my biggest fears is a lot of excess skin that I see some people have. I have had 2 children and I am just trying to get to where I was before I had them .

malibu927

If your goal is weight loss you may be focusing a bit too much on weights. Remember, muscles weights more than fat, so even though you may have lost some 'fat' pounds, you have probably gained some 'muscle' pounds. Google some pics of 5 pounds of muscle v. 5 pounds of fat. You may want to try more cardio and less weights - fat is burned when aerobic cellular respiration kicks in, and that takes about 20 minutes. So for a 30 minute cardio workout, you're really only burning fat for about 10 minutes.
Your loss of 9lbs in 10 days is also a bit concerning, that's a lot of weight in a very short time, I'm hoping it wasn't done by extreme fasting...

I'm not even going to finish reading this. No.

+1 for "no"

For real. I already had a headache opening this up, it just made it worse.

Sammi_2014

What exactly do I measure , just my waist ? It seems like my legs are getting thinner and that is about it .

malibu927

I just feel like I am doing something wrong ....I thought cardio and some light weights would a good thing. One of my biggest fears is a lot of excess skin that I see some people have. I have had 2 children and I am just trying to get to where I was before I had them .

As someone said before, you're going to retain water any time you begin a new exercise routine. Give it some time and it will come off.

Deipneus

So I started dieting on 9/1/14 and within the first 10 days I dropped 9lbs ! ....but no weight has been lost since then!! ....What is wrong with my body ?! Why is it not wanting to lose weight !! Ugh, fat girl problems

23 days is too short a time to expect major results. It's not uncommon to lose weight quickly the first week because of water loss. Just keep at it and be patient.

jennifurballs

Measure whatever you want. I measure my upper arms, waist, hips and upper thighs.

DON'T STOP WEIGHT TRAINING! Lifting weights does not make you gain weight, but it will keep you from being a flabby, skinny girl when you reach your goal. You're on the right track with that and drinking lots of water.

If you aren't already doing it, get a digital scale and weigh all your food. It's possible that you're underestimating your calories.

Good luck!!!

pleasurelittletreasure

If your goal is weight loss you may be focusing a bit too much on weights. Remember, muscles weights more than fat, so even though you may have lost some 'fat' pounds, you have probably gained some 'muscle' pounds. Google some pics of 5 pounds of muscle v. 5 pounds of fat. You may want to try more cardio and less weights - fat is burned when aerobic cellular respiration kicks in, and that takes about 20 minutes. So for a 30 minute cardio workout, you're really only burning fat for about 10 minutes.
Your loss of 9lbs in 10 days is also a bit concerning, that's a lot of weight in a very short time, I'm hoping it wasn't done by extreme fasting...

I'm not even going to finish reading this. No.

Aw, c'mon. I burned a couple calories reading it through...from giggling.

dashaclaire

What exactly do I measure , just my waist ? It seems like my legs are getting thinner and that is about it .

You can add custom measurements in the check in screen.
for example I measure my boobs in a sports bra, my waist (two inches above your belly button), my muffin top area, my hips (widest part of your butt), my right arm, my right thigh, and my right calf. I've lost an .5-1.5 inches off each one these by losing 11 pounds.

PrimalStrong

Not sure if it's talked about much on this board, but I found a lot of good, modern information in a book called The Calorie Myth by Bailor. It lays out today's science on how counting calories isn't really the equation you're looking for. You might find some good ideas and even solace by reading this book. Short answer: It's about hormones not calories. They type of food you eat vs how much. Best of luck to you.

Sabine_Stroehm

I just feel like I am doing something wrong ....I thought cardio and some light weights would a good thing. One of my biggest fears is a lot of excess skin that I see some people have. I have had 2 children and I am just trying to get to where I was before I had them .

Let's say you lose another pound in September. That's TEN POUNDS in a month.

That's great.

menelikseth

Sorry for barfing all of my thoughts into one post but I have to add this to the discussion.

Changing your body composition can be a test of patience. That's exactly what you are doing. By training you are swapping out fat for muscle. You are getting faster, stronger and better. It takes time, so my recommendation is to just enjoy the process. Have fun exercising. Feel good that you are striving for positive change. And whatever you do, don't give up!

But don't over do it either. Pace yourself. Continue to eat healthy balanced diets. Stay hydrated. Avoid junk food, but don't deprive yourself to the point of misery. A treat every now and then is a good thing. I enjoy my ice cream occasionally. It makes me smile. Then I note it in myfitnesspal, and make sure I don't go over my calorie limit. It also motivates me to keep pushing myself harder (within reasonable and comfortable limits).

If this is your first time training, then you do have a lot to learn. There is a lot of info out there, so give yourself time to process it all. Also, if you are new you will definitely want to talk to more experienced people and make sure that when you exercise, you are using proper form. Nothing is worse than an injury from doing an exercise wrong, or to a lesser degree, wasting a lot of time at the gym training ineffectively. So get an expert to help you make sure you are actually training effectively.

And again, this is a lifestyle change. It's a huge deal. You have already taken huge steps into a lifelong journey of positive change. Don't turn it into a numbers game, and certainly don't set unrealistic expectations and get frustrated to the point of wanting to quit.

Have fun!

hortensehildegarde

I just feel like I am doing something wrong ....I thought cardio and some light weights would a good thing. One of my biggest fears is a lot of excess skin that I see some people have. I have had 2 children and I am just trying to get to where I was before I had them .

the only thing it sounds like you could be "doing wrong" is not properly tracking your food (or overestimating your exercise calories if you are eating any of them back). So long as you are accurately weighing solids and measuring liquids and using accurate entries from the MFP database you should be fine.

If your tracking is spot on and you are exercising and staying at or below your calorie goal (but not too far below if you have a really low calorie goal) then it is impossible to do it "wrong"

Just keep at it and give it some time. 1 lb fluctuations can be hard to see because of how much weight fluctuates during a day and based on things like exercise/muscles retaining water, salt, TOM, etc. Over time the loss will show up but it won't be linear or entirely predictable.

pita7317

Just one word. Patience.
Weight loss does NOT happen quickly. No matter how much you work out.
Sorry but that is just the way it is.
Keep trying and enjoy each pound lost, ONE at a time.
I take measurements every 2 months.
Standard. Bust, waist,hips, thigh. and wrist/neck.
Good luck on your journey.

pleasurelittletreasure

Please don't worry overly much about loose skin and let that stop you from losing weight. Honestly, I had the same fear and it stalled me out for the longest time. And now that I am losing weight? I am kicking myself for not doing this sooner because I hurt less and I have so much more energy. And the loose skin? Not so much. I was worried for no reason. At this point, to be really bare-bones honest with myself and anyone reading and wondering the same thing, I would take loose skin over where I was any day of the week.

PrimalStrong

Not sure if it's talked about much on this board, but I found a lot of good, modern information in a book called The Calorie Myth by Bailor. It lays out today's science on how counting calories isn't really the equation you're looking for. You might find some good ideas and even solace by reading this book. Short answer: It's about hormones not calories. The type of food you eat vs how much. Best of luck to you.

malibu927

Not sure if it's talked about much on this board, but I found a lot of good, modern information in a book called The Calorie Myth by Bailor. It lays out today's science on how counting calories isn't really the equation you're looking for. You might find some good ideas and even solace by reading this book. Short answer: It's about hormones not calories. The type of food you eat vs how much. Best of luck to you.

No. And since you double posted, no again.

Sammi_2014

This really is my first time doing the diet and exercise thing . The last time I was on a diet I was taking prescription diet pills and didn't change anything and the weight I lost that first month I gained it all back when I got off.
I have been weighing my foods but there were some days that I didn't log and I need to be more consistent with that . I am doing about 1000-1200 calories a day and then exercising.
Now when I am lifting weights and stuff does that not burn calories ?

1princesswarrior

I just feel like I am doing something wrong ....I thought cardio and some light weights would a good thing. One of my biggest fears is a lot of excess skin that I see some people have. I have had 2 children and I am just trying to get to where I was before I had them .

First, excess skin depends a lot on genetics. Second, by losing weight slowly you lessen your risk of excess skin.

On your other concerns. And one person already mentioned this. You can retain water, especially when starting a new exercise regimen for muscle repair.

Also, except for some newbie gains, you will not gain muscle while eating in a deficit. Working with weights, which is excellent, will help you maintain the muscle you have and strengthen it. Cardio helps your cardiovascular system.

If you haven't already, read http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants and all the links that go with it. Plus if you have access to a trainer a few sessions can payoff tenfold to get you started.

Many people on here do heavy lifting programs such as strong lifts 5x5 or New Rules of Lifting for Women. Those might be programs to look into as well. I researched both of them but they are not for me due to spinal injuries after speaking with my surgeon.

To give you an example, I just started with a new personal trainer last week and I've been up consistently 2 lbs since then. I'm sure it's water weight because my calories have not been over that much on the days I've been over.

Also for measurements, you can measure you arms, waist, hips, bust, neck, thighs, and calves. I measure every two weeks and have official measurements monthly.

Hope this helps and gives you a starting point to research and learn more about your body.

MeRoHa

You can add your own additional measurements to the ones that are included in MFP. In addition to bust, waist, hip,.... I measure wrists, ankles, calfs, thighs, upper arm, forearm and neck. As I lost weight. Some weeks I did not see progress on the scale but saw it in some of the measurements. Also you can tell by the way your clothes fit. You have to keep the long term goals in view. Day to Day and week by week it is sometimes hard to see the progress. But over time you will be successful.

Soloflyergirl2

Hold on... Do some reading about nutrition, aerobic activity, cardio , etc. You will see that you are on the right track , but you have to allow for your body , metabolism, to adjust to your new food and liquid intake. The people in MFP are very supportive and have a lot of knowledge. Tap into some of that, too. I think you are on the right track eliminating soda, caffeine, salt.

Give yourself some time to adjust to the new routines and know that muscle weighs more than fat. Look at how your clothes will slide on you after a while, more than the number on the scale..
:flowerforyou:

Sabine_Stroehm

This really is my first time doing the diet and exercise thing . The last time I was on a diet I was taking prescription diet pills and didn't change anything and the weight I lost that first month I gained it all back when I got off.
I have been weighing my foods but there were some days that I didn't log and I need to be more consistent with that . I am doing about 1000-1200 calories a day and then exercising.
Now when I am lifting weights and stuff does that not burn calories ?

OH!

read this:

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

caracrawford1

So I started dieting on 9/1/14 and within the first 10 days I dropped 9lbs ! I went from drinking energy drinks and soda all the time to ZERO and all I drink is water and a few cups of coffee a day. I have been watching what I eat and measure my foods and doing exercises ....but no weight has been lost since then!! I have worked my butt off the past few days and nothing ! I just joined the YMCA and for the past 3 days I have been working out for an hour and a half to two hours.
I do 30 minutes of cardio to get my heart rate up and then I do some leg presses , lift some light weights for my arms, other leg weight exercises and this like ab crunch machine thing ....Today I also did this stair stepper machine and the bike ....Yesterday I walked a total of 7 miles between the work out and just normal every day ....What is wrong with my body ?! Why is it not wanting to lose weight !! Ugh, fat girl problems

You do realize that normal sustainable weight loss is 1-2 pounds a week right? That translates to 4-8 pounds A MONTH.
surely you did not expect to continue losing at that rate? You know that much of this is water weight you've lost and you will also have some water retention due to new exercise RIGHT?????
You've not even been at this a month. Give it time.