Need some advice (Female last 20 pounds)

trigger_zer0

So I just restarted MFP. New user name, fresh start. I've been on it for a year but I don't think I used it correctly. I wasn't anal about everything that I ate.

Currently I'm 5'5" @ 148lbs. My first goal is 138, then 125 for my final goal. I work out 3-5 days a week doing 30 min cardio (eliptical) I burn around 300 calories each time.

My problem is that I plateau or gain all the time. (I was 140 last year)

Does anyone have any suggestions?

hamiltonba

Force yourself to write down everything you eat. You might want to add strength training and other cardio workouts so your body doesn't get used to the exercises.

hmarshburn

Weight training. For sure. I could go on and on but I'm at work and wouldn't be able to do it justice. But short version - all the research shows lifting weights is the way to go. I'm sure others will be able to "weigh" in on this top (ha ha!)

jenneyd

your body is a machine, and it gets accustomed to the same workout all the time. I believe you need to challenge yourself, adding a different type of cardio, instead of always doing the elliptical. or, perhaps keeping with the elliptical, try different workouts on it. For example, do intervals! Doing bursts of a faster pace, mixing it up like that, will "confuse" your body and make it work harder. I also suggest some strength/weight training. Lifting weights increases your metabolism!

erickirb

change up your routine, don't always do the same thing. How are you calculating calories burned? The more you do the same exercise the less you burn doing it, unless you increase the intensity. If you are not using a HRM to calculate calories burned I would not eat more than half of your exercise calories.

jewelzz

Ya what they said!!!:bigsmile:

trigger_zer0

I do different work outs on the eliptical. I'm shy of the weights because I sometimes never can tell the difference to weight gain or muscle gain. I want to tone after I finish losing the weight. I still think my vice is the quantity of food.

trigger_zer0

Also when I work out on other machines they count calories less. I can do 100 calories for 10 minutes on the eliptical but only 30-40 calories burned on a bike.

erickirb

Also when I work out on other machines they count calories less. I can do 100 calories for 10 minutes on the eliptical but only 30-40 calories burned on a bike.

Machines typically overestimate caloric burn, and you should not go by what the machine says unless it takes your Heart Rate, you enter your: Age, gender, and weight.

julie737

I'm about the same size as you (I'm 5'5" and weigh 151) and for me the key is definitely the food. Two years ago I weighed 132 and I've put on 20 pounds since I stopped counting calories. If I could stay within my calorie limit every day I'd have no problem losing the weight and keeping it off! I think staying motivated is important. For me it has helped to find something that motivates me--a particular outfit, an upcoming event, a challenge or contest, etc. The last time it was a weight loss throwdown by my SIL. I'd love to help keep you accountable, if you'll help me!

trigger_zer0

Also when I work out on other machines they count calories less. I can do 100 calories for 10 minutes on the eliptical but only 30-40 calories burned on a bike.

Machines typically overestimate caloric burn, and you should not go by what the machine says unless it takes your Heart Rate, you enter your: Age, gender, and weight.

I input all of those, can I still trust it?