What am I doing wrong?

scaryfairy81

I've been a member for close to 2 months, I go to the gym or work out at home about 5-6 days per week, usually doing 45-60 minutes of Zumba or elliptical, and I add weights a couple of times a week. I eat approximately 1000-1200 a day, on the lower end especially if I don't work out that day. I used to see a weight loss dr who had me at 1000, and 1200 if I worked out, also was taking phentermine and B-12. I'm not taking any medications now but I do take B-complex drops under my tongue. I'm 5'1" and stuck at 121lbs! I may gain a lb or 2 before my period, but I can't seem to get below 121! When I was taking phentermine and seeing this doctor I got down below 115. So what am I doing wrong this time around?? I work out just as much and eat pretty much the same, but I can't lose weight!

sarahs440

Are you eating your excercise calories? It sounds like your calorie intake is a little low. Maybe your body needs more energy?

secondsnooze

Can't go below 1200!!!

jojosmojitos

It may have to do with the kinds of foods you are choosing. Some people do better when they cut back on carbs and sugar and eat lean proteins. I would suggest making sure the bulk of your calories are coming from fresh veggies and lean proteins and not processed foods. Maybe try it for a week and see if your body prefers that kind of fuel.

scaryfairy81

I've noticed when I go above 1200 I tend to gain : (. But I think I'll try it for a few days and see if it makes a difference. I was way underestimating my Zumba calorie burn apparently, and maybe I am eating too few calories because of that!

eveunderground

You don't have that much weight to lose so it will probably come off slowly...the less you have to lose the longer it takes. Don't undereat thinking that will make the weight come off faster, that's not how it works, you'll just end up slowing your metabolism...and you'll gain any weight you lose as soon as you decide to eat more.

Losing weight when you're on the shorter side and don't have much to lose is really an exercise in patience (I'm speaking from my own experience...I'm 5'2). It can be frustrating, but honestly if you want the weight loss to be permanent you're going to need to be in it for the long haul anyway.

Take a close look at your diet and try to make sure you eat mainly whole foods and eliminate as much processed food as you can. Drink lots of water. Eat lots of fiber (not from pills, from foods like fibrous vegetables). Don't give up, and the weight will come off.

FitCoachBecky

I agree that you might want to add a few more calories, like 2 oz of lean protein or extra fruits or veggies. Sometimes adding calories can give your body more energy to burn fat, especially during vigorous exercise.

You might also consider switching up your workout routine to give your body some variety. Extra weight-training, perhaps?

scaryfairy81

Thank you!! Hopefully one of these days I'll start to see a difference!