Stalled weight loss...Thoughts?

bheimbrock

Here's the deal (Sorry, it will be long):
Started MFP and lost 10lbs easily in the first few weeks (I realize this was likely water weight).
After about a month on MFP, started P90X. Weight loss completely STALLED! AND, I have gained about 3 pounds. We are currently starting week 4 (so almost at Day 30 and time for measurements & weigh-in and I am SCARED!)
I understand this may be due to gaining muscle but it's so hard to buy into that Of course, I have noticed the changes in my body due to P90X. I can workout harder and longer. The routines get a bit easier each day. I have more energy, etc.
BUT, it is SO HARD to keep positive when I've done nothing but gain. You would think a MASSIVE change in diet and exercise would account for so much more and I would SEE results.

I'm wondering if maybe I need to eat MORE calories. MFP gives me 1560 and I always try and eat back the majority of my exercise calories, but not all because I do not trust my HRM completely. Is this possibly to low of a calorie intake when doing something extreme like P90X? I have also been drinking the recommended 8-10 glasses of water a day so hopefully that starts to help as well.

Any thoughts you have would be greatly appreciated!!!!

dlaplume2

I tried to look at your food diary but it is not public.

I have noticed when I bump up my calories a bit the weight does seem to come off a little bit more, I don't get it.

edorice

Each day I burn differently. Today I burned about 450 during P90X Chest & Back. I will eat about 1,700 calories. However tomorrow is plyometrics and I will burn more calories, so I will shoot to consume more calories. I would recommend that you trust your heart rate monitor a bit more. Increase your protein intake and lower your carbs. You may want to double up your workouts a couple of days a week. Try doing a 2nd workout with Cardio X, running, or a good walk.

hpsnickers1

Listen to Edorice. She knows her stuff.

And you just might be surprised come measurement time.

SherryRueter

Remember its a 90 day program. Its not called P30X or P60X. For women, I have seen that they typically loose most of their weight in the later of Phase 2 and during Phase 3.

Now, with that being said - are you following the nutrition guide? Phase 1 nutrition is to get in 50% protein/30%carbs for the first 30 days and, with Phase 2 of the nutrition try to get 40/40/20. I stayed in Phase 2 for the last 30 days(never went to Phase 3 nutrition).

I personally would recommend (although I know not all will agree with my approach) that on the weight lifing days, do the weight lifing in the morning and then about 4 hours later, do 30min of steady state cardio (think CardioX or the treadmill and your favorite TV program.). I'd also recommend on the weight training days to 1) have the Protein drink right after your workout. and 2) Don't eat the exercise calories from the 30min of extra cardio.

Closing thoughts. Have your Body Fat tested at your local gym - have them use the caliper method and, then at 60days have it tested again. That way you will know (with out the scale) what direction you are moving.

A pound of Gold and a pound of marshmellows weighs exactly the same. But the GOLD will take up less space. Go for the Gold.

-post your measurements...let us know if you lost inches...i suspect you did.

USCEE77

You have gained muscle, as you suspected, which is a good thing. I bet your clothes are a better fit, so you are indeed making progress. The alternative sucks, so stay with your program, don't let the scale be the only indicator of success. That meter will start to move in the right direction, so be patient. One recommendation is to change up your exercise routine. If you walk on the treadmill, get on the cycle, you'll feel the difference in your buttocks and thighs. There are plenty of exercises on the Internet to learn from. You don't need to buy a book or hire a trainer for ideas. Do not give up, fight back!

bheimbrock

Thanks everyone. Edorice, my HRM reading is typically anywhere from 500-750 calories depending on the workout. I just feel like that is a crazy high amount (esp. on weight training days).

I do drink my protein shake on weight training days. We always do our workout at night after our daughter is in bed so no extra workout in the mornings (she is 2 and gets up early!). But I will keep in mind adding the cardio and try to gradually do that as often as I can. I can def. add it on the weekends. I will certainly start keeping an eye on my protein and carbs.

Oh, and don't worry I am NOT giving up!! Just wanted to see what I could do to kick things back in gear.

I was already planning to get my body fat %'s here are work. They actually have this advanced machine called a "Bod Pod" that is the best way to measure body fat now (and it's FREE for employees!).

Day 30 is March 8 so I will be back to let you all know measurements.