Can Not Loose Weight

lcox363

That video is a HUGE wake up for me because it is exactly what I do...guess.
I am getting a scale this weekend and am going to start measuring everything. Within the next 2 weeks, I hope to see
results on the scale!

Thanks for that.

MsWendyjc

Yay on giving up smoking!! If you can do that you can do this )

I gave up over 3 yrs ago now and like the rest put it on in weight .. one addiction sadly replaces another.
Anyway Last year i was on MFP, I've been using MFP for a long time (old account) and i was working out every day, going to gym and cycling and doing Jillian Michaels via utube .. and on the go all the time but i couldn't get my weight to drop!

I was guestimating a lot and enjoying a drink on weekends
and not being as series as i needed to be about taking control!

Eventually i gave up and a few weeks ago i cracked it big time and deleted my MFP account ... to start afresh!

And i decided to take heed to what many have said to me ...

Its about balance and control 80% what your eating,
and the other 20% exercise ...


For the past 10 days now,
I have been on a 1500 calorie plan and purchasing meals readily made to give myself
more of an understanding on portion control and snack and meal ideas,
which i will create myself once i am confident i have the right mindset..

I've lost 4kilo (8.8Ibs) in that time and feel great .. I'm not exercising everyday
but i have been out cycling 3 times this week and ridden 35k (20miles)
and I'm heading out again today because i have time ...

It's finding the right plan of attack for yourself and making sure your eating the right amount of calories to keep the balance ...

Good Luck :flowerforyou:

PayneAS

OP, a 6 ounce, lightly breaded veal cutlet is not 50 calories. Most bananas weigh closer to 200 grams. Grapes are deceptive and "1 cup" is misleading. You have to weigh them. You're probably eating double the calories in the fruit you consume. That adds up quickly.

And a breaded, pan seared veal cutlet that weighs 6 ounces is closer to 400 calories, plus the touch of oil you use to cook it. It's not 50. On veal cutlet day, I'd dare guess you ate twice as many calories that day as you counted.

There are things like that all in your diary. You really have to be more honest with yourself if you want this to work.

NewLIFEstyle4ME

OP, I suggest reading this. Even if you are weighing things it's entirely possible that you are using the wrong entries and that can cause logging inaccuracies as well.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1234699-logging-accurately-step-by-step-guide

Work on being more accurate and consistent in your logging for about a month and then see if that helps.

Thank you for posting this! :flowerforyou:

jnv7594

1300 calories with 60 minutes of exercise? that is not enough food so your body is going to be resistant to losing weight. Set your macros to 50% protein 30% carbs 20% fat at 1600 calories, that should do the trick

Lol not losing weight at 1300 cals and you think upping to 1600, I don't care what macros you suggest, is gonna make her lose weight?

It very possibly could. I hit a major plateau a while back, and I was only eating roughly 1200 to 1300 calories per day, which in hindsight I know is not enough. So I followed some advice and reset my goals which raised my calories by about 500. Almost right away I started losing weight and have been losing steadily since. It sounds backwards, but it's true. You have to eat enough to fuel your body. Now, I'm not saying for certain this is her issue, but it was certainly mine. I'm sure I will get a lot of rude comments for saying this, but it's just my experience.

Michifan

While I'm the last to believe in simple CICO - because published studies have proven that certain foods of equal calories and equal far/carb/protein can be metabolized differently (and the same food is metabolized differently from person to person).

But increasing calories to lose weight is pushing the boundaries of reality. I get athletes that aren't eating sufficiently, but once your body is used to a certain caloric intake - and that intake is one that keeps you balanced and mentally focused - increasing that number (assuming just larger portions of the same diet) cannot increase weight loss for someone that is overweight. Anecdotal stories don't cut it.

The body doesn't lose or gain weight linearly in the short term. Over time, you can see the trend line, but chances are if you are still overweight and not losing weight, you need to cut the calories further (medical issues notwithstanding). Increasing workouts may help, but it takes some time for the body to recognize what is short term vs long term.

1300 calories with 60 minutes of exercise? that is not enough food so your body is going to be resistant to losing weight. Set your macros to 50% protein 30% carbs 20% fat at 1600 calories, that should do the trick

Lol not losing weight at 1300 cals and you think upping to 1600, I don't care what macros you suggest, is gonna make her lose weight?

It very possibly could. I hit a major plateau a while back, and I was only eating roughly 1200 to 1300 calories per day, which in hindsight I know is not enough. So I followed some advice and reset my goals which raised my calories by about 500. Almost right away I started losing weight and have been losing steadily since. It sounds backwards, but it's true. You have to eat enough to fuel your body. Now, I'm not saying for certain this is her issue, but it was certainly mine. I'm sure I will get a lot of rude comments for saying this, but it's just my experience.

kissle6

I'm 5'6" at 132 lbs and 25% body fat. I eat between 110-125 grams of protein daily and eat 5 small meals a day. Think of your metabolism like a fire. You have to provide fuel for it to create energy. If you don't eat enough, your metabolism will slow down and your body will hold on to what little you provide it. Do not go below 1200, especially since it sounds like you're working out frequently. I have been there & done that and weighed 30 lbs more than I currently do!

Are you eating a carb/protein snack within 30 minutes of your workout to replenish your muscles? Like you, I workout 5-6 days a week with 4 of those being weight lifting (low reps & higher weight) and two consisting of HIIT (hi intensity interval training). Some great after workout snacks would be: greek yogurt with piece of fruit, 100% whole wheat bagel with tablespoon peanut butter, hummus with baby carrots, one small low fat chocolate milk, protein shake with banana, etc.

What about your sugar intake? I saw that you shop "the walls" of the grocery store, but keep in mind that even though a product says it's healthy doesn't mean it is. Even whole grain bread has added sugar. So watch out for added sugar to food.

Hope this helps somewhat. Everyone has offered some great suggestions on this thread!

FitOldMomma

After reading all the comments, all I can add is that if you're truly eating at such a deficits as you state and still gained weight, something may be amiss with your metabolism.

I've known only one person in my life that this happened to. She was eating 1000 calories a day and jogging every day. She didn't lose an ounce in 3 months. Turned out her thyroid was way under functioning. Once she was put on thyroid hormones the weight really started to come off. She's also one of the only people I know of that has lost more than 50 pounds and has kept it all off for decades without having to work at it.

So, rarely-very, very rarely a person can have a medical reason for not losing weight. Maybe it's time to talk to your doctor.

ninerbuff

I weigh almost all my food. If I'm missing 30 calories from a banana hear and there I really don't think that is the real root of my problem. I use a Polar heart rate monitor, so I try and calculate my work outs as best as I can. Thanks for your help guys, just thought trying to post on one of these boards would help

Ah. This is also the root of the issue. HRM's are INACCURATE at calorie burn readings when it comes to any anaerobic activity (IE lifting, yoga, etc.)
Still, if you're only eating 1300 there should be some weight loss. The numbers don't match up. There an inaccuracy somewhere.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

jnv7594

Just my experience. You don't have to believe it. All I know is that I hit a major plateau and was not losing for quite some time. I increased my calories as I was told they were too low, and I started losing again almost right away. I changed nothing else. Could it have been a coincidence? Possibly. But it was one heck of a coincidence then.

Michifan

Your metabolism is not like a fire. And you cannot change your metabolism in the short term, that is if you could find an effective measure to even chart what your metabolism is. Anybody that says their metabolism increased or decreased during a period should provide some kind of metabolic rate measure.

I have kept below 800-900 calories per day, walk 4 miles a day and bike 10-15 miles each weekend. I don't think many people would do what I do, but there are a lot of people that function well below 1000 calories. I'm currently 6', 47 and 257 pounds and I have no energy, behavioral or cognitive side effects of my diet. I am losing 23 pounds a month, and my speed and distance is improving as you'd expect from the exercise.

There is no science to back up increasing calories to lose weight unless you are so tired, ill or irritable that it is clear your body cannot handle the low calorie mode.

I'm 5'6" at 132 lbs and 25% body fat. I eat between 110-125 grams of protein daily and eat 5 small meals a day. Think of your metabolism like a fire. You have to provide fuel for it to create energy. If you don't eat enough, your metabolism will slow down and your body will hold on to what little you provide it. Do not go below 1200, especially since it sounds like you're working out frequently. I have been there & done that and weighed 30 lbs more than I currently do!

Are you eating a carb/protein snack within 30 minutes of your workout to replenish your muscles? Like you, I workout 5-6 days a week with 4 of those being weight lifting (low reps & higher weight) and two consisting of HIIT (hi intensity interval training). Some great after workout snacks would be: greek yogurt with piece of fruit, 100% whole wheat bagel with tablespoon peanut butter, hummus with baby carrots, one small low fat chocolate milk, protein shake with banana, etc.

What about your sugar intake? I saw that you shop "the walls" of the grocery store, but keep in mind that even though a product says it's healthy doesn't mean it is. Even whole grain bread has added sugar. So watch out for added sugar to food.

Hope this helps somewhat. Everyone has offered some great suggestions on this thread!

Michifan

Just my experience. You don't have to believe it. All I know is that I hit a major plateau and was not losing for quite some time. I increased my calories as I was told they were too low, and I started losing again almost right away. I changed nothing else. Could it have been a coincidence? Possibly. But it was one heck of a coincidence then.

There aren't coincidences in science. I believe you had an experience, but I dispute the causation.

alligatorrawr

Lose* as in i want to lose weight so my pants are more loose.

jnv7594

Just my experience. You don't have to believe it. All I know is that I hit a major plateau and was not losing for quite some time. I increased my calories as I was told they were too low, and I started losing again almost right away. I changed nothing else. Could it have been a coincidence? Possibly. But it was one heck of a coincidence then.

There aren't coincidences in science. I believe you had an experience, but I dispute the causation.

Well, you'll never convince me that it was caused by anything else, sorry. Not going to argue further. It worked for me and has continued to work since I adjusted my calories. Moving on...

jnv7594

Just my experience. You don't have to believe it. All I know is that I hit a major plateau and was not losing for quite some time. I increased my calories as I was told they were too low, and I started losing again almost right away. I changed nothing else. Could it have been a coincidence? Possibly. But it was one heck of a coincidence then.

There aren't coincidences in science. I believe you had an experience, but I dispute the causation.

Well, you'll never convince me that it was caused by anything else, sorry. Not going to argue further. It worked for me, and has continued to work since I adjusted my calories. Moving on...

jnv7594

Sorry for the double post...not sure what happened.

Dragn77

One thing I do know, is that quitting smoking does affect the metabolism, but only for a short while, as the body levels itself out. Even though smoking is considered calming, something to do when stressed out etc.. it actually stresses the body out. Your lungs have to work harder, your heart works harder, etc..it affects bodily functions to the point that it makes a real effect on how many calories our bodies burn in comparison to a non smoker.

That being said, its not that long, a couple months maybe, for the body to readjust itself after quitting smoking. So while it may have been an affect at one point, if you have not smoked any cigarettes in a couple month, the effects of that has leveled off...and you should be able to lose weight as you did before.

I think that its a logging issue as many have said. Its amazing how much (or how little) we may actually be eating in comparison to what we think we may be eating. The days you miss logging, may be those days when you are way over, or even when logging, may not be getting in the true amount if not totally careful.

Definitely, I think before upping your calories and eating more, I agree with those who have said to consistently log what you eat to get a real idea of exactly how much you are eating..and then from there be able to make adjustments. You may be eating far more than you realize calorie-wise, in which case eating even more on top of that would not help you out any.

And failing that, yup...make sure and see your doctor... for all you know, quitting smoking may have been coincidental to the halt in your weightloss, and it may well be something else entirely that cropped up that you do not realize. But Id try doing some accurate tracking first, then if after a few weeks you are still not losing / gaining/ what have you..then make an appointment.

paperpudding

I think reasons for anyone not losing weight can be covered in 4 broad categories or combinations of categories

1. You are eating more than you think (under estimating intake)
2. You are eating back too many exercise calories (over estimating calories burned)
3. the calorie number level you have calculated is not correct for you
4. you have a medical issue interfering with the equation.

Now re OP's individual situation.

1. quite possible, as many people have already mentioned inaccurate logging and guestimates in food weights
2. Unlikely as you are not eating back all your excercise calories but possible if you are misreading the numbers from HRM
3. Not the case - you are 27 years old and not extremely short, 1300 is not too high for your number level
4. possibler - thyroid disfunction is relatively common and easy blood test to ascertain. For the sake of ruling that one out, maybe visit a doctor and ask for thyroid function test.
Or tighten up 1 and 2 for, say , a month - if still no progress then see a doctor.

Michifan

Everyone that is considered medically obese should see their doctor or a licensed and registered dietician before they embark on their weight loss. They can review your medical history and explain whether certain medicines, chronic illnesses or behaviors need to be taken into account when you lose weight. A dietician is a specialist, but doesn't always have the medical history that a doctor has - a doctor, unless s/he devotes a great deal of the practice to weight management isn't going to be able to provide you the same meal planning and support as the doctor.

Thyroid conditions are real, but rare. There are a number of other side effects that a doctor can screen for, but chances are that the condition made itself known before you decided to go on a diet. That being said, it's always good to talk to your doctor about all medical concerns.

Rocket_Man44

Well to be honest I've been here...cut to 14% body fat and had a stall..ever heard of re-feeds ?

I think you should do a re-feed to amp up the metabolism and raise your leptin levels.

Look at it this way your body doesn't want to burn fat..it panics when levels drop. Thinks we having a famine..then you eat all them carbs body goes oh wow things are back to normal, re fills glycogen stores ramps up metabolism , raises leptin ( which is the mother of all fat burning hormones) and goes lets start burning fat again. Gotta keep the body guessing love



"FEMALE LEPTIN LEVELS
Females should take particular caution when dealing with leptin levels as a halt in reproduction hormones can occur when leptin gets low enough. This is shown through the stoppage of menstruation, commonly experienced by those in the bodybuilding/fitness realm.

This is very dangerous, as females who go long enough in this state risk a whole host of problems such as decreased bone mass and density along with a risk of osteoporosis. Therefore, women should be refeeding on a regular basis to ensure this does not become an issue."

Rocket_Man44

Well to be honest I've been there...cut to 14% body fat and had a stall.. no change is weight for aages..then i impleneted re-feeds ( increase in carbs like 300 calories over my TDEE) ever heard of re-feeds ?

I think you should do a re-feed to amp up the metabolism and raise your leptin levels.

Look at it this way your body doesn't want to burn fat..it panics when levels drop. Thinks we having a famine..then you eat all them carbs body goes oh wow things are back to normal, re fills glycogen stores ramps up metabolism , raises leptin ( which is the mother of all fat burning hormones) and goes lets start burning fat again. Gotta keep the body guessing love



"FEMALE LEPTIN LEVELS
Females should take particular caution when dealing with leptin levels as a halt in reproduction hormones can occur when leptin gets low enough. This is shown through the stoppage of menstruation, commonly experienced by those in the bodybuilding/fitness realm.

This is very dangerous, as females who go long enough in this state risk a whole host of problems such as decreased bone mass and density along with a risk of osteoporosis. Therefore, women should be refeeding on a regular basis to ensure this does not become an issue."

Unknown

This content has been removed.

jnv7594

Just my experience. You don't have to believe it. All I know is that I hit a major plateau and was not losing for quite some time. I increased my calories as I was told they were too low, and I started losing again almost right away. I changed nothing else. Could it have been a coincidence? Possibly. But it was one heck of a coincidence then.

There aren't coincidences in science. I believe you had an experience, but I dispute the causation.

Well, you'll never convince me that it was caused by anything else, sorry. Not going to argue further. It worked for me, and has continued to work since I adjusted my calories. Moving on...

Lol. Ok then then. Let's just pack up the science books and throw them in the fire, because physics is just complete and total nonsense.

Like I said....JUST MY EXPERIENCE. I wasn't eating enough calories. I was tired and hungry all the time. I set my goals initially to lose two pounds per week. Along with being tired and hungry my weight loss stalled for several weeks, and I was ready to quit because I was miserable. I was given advice to up my calories, and I did. I started feeling better and less tired and within a couple days started losing weight again. Since then, I have continued to eat an increased amount...I have my goals reset to lose 1 pound per week now instead of two...and have steadily lost weight and have felt much, much better. Now, you don't have to believe me, but that won't change the fact that it happened, lol. Have a good day all. I can see all I am going to get is snarky comments...typical for these boards though so I'm not surprised.

Michifan

Nobody is accusing you of lying. I believe you. I just think that you are attributing it to something that can be proven false.

It could have been stress levels, cortisol, the composition of the foods you ate, change in activity (higher and lower). I don't eat exactly the same thing every day. I move +\- 100 calories depending on what I am eating and how I am feeling. I just got back from an hour bike ride at 15mph. I'm not adding 1,000 calories to my diet today.

The thing is that you are perpetuating a very dangerous myth. One that no serious doctor or dietician would tell a patient. Lots of things can put you on a plateau. The body sometimes just resets. There are complicated systems of energy storage that the body sometimes needs time to release. Stress and medication can also fowl up the mechanisms.

But less food over time equals less weight. It's not day to day linear, but over time it's never been proven false. Just go to any nation that has insufficient food and look at all the fatties.

Just my experience. You don't have to believe it. All I know is that I hit a major plateau and was not losing for quite some time. I increased my calories as I was told they were too low, and I started losing again almost right away. I changed nothing else. Could it have been a coincidence? Possibly. But it was one heck of a coincidence then.

There aren't coincidences in science. I believe you had an experience, but I dispute the causation.

Well, you'll never convince me that it was caused by anything else, sorry. Not going to argue further. It worked for me, and has continued to work since I adjusted my calories. Moving on...

Lol. Ok then then. Let's just pack up the science books and throw them in the fire, because physics is just complete and total nonsense.

Like I said....JUST MY EXPERIENCE. I wasn't eating enough calories. I was tired and hungry all the time. I set my goals initially to lose two pounds per week. Along with being tired and hungry my weight loss stalled for several weeks, and I was ready to quit because I was miserable. I was given advice to up my calories, and I did. I started feeling better and less tired and within a couple days started losing weight again. Since then, I have continued to eat an increased amount...I have my goals reset to lose 1 pound per week now instead of two...and have steadily lost weight and have felt much, much better. Now, you don't have to believe me, but that won't change the fact that it happened, lol. Have a good day all. I can see all I am going to get is snarky comments...typical for these boards though so I'm not surprised.

tallen004

Increase your protein...decrease your carbs, it will help give you the boost you need.