PISSED OFF

chrystal559

I am so pissed off right now. I have been working my butt off anf trying to lose weight and I lost 15 lbs and now I am at only 11 lbs lossed. I gained 4 pounds in the last 3 last 3 weeks. What am I doing wrong? Why isn't this working for me??

Check out my food diary and let me know what I am doing wrong.

Right now I know my carbs have been high because I am broke and have vegtables or fruit in my house... I am working on getting some...

dayzeerock

Your food diary looks as though there are absolutely no whole foods in it...it's all processed. This can have a HUGE effect on your weight and not being able to lose. The sodium levels are astronomically higher in processed foods, the sugar is processed, etc. Try incorporating whole grains and more fresh vegetables, steamed, and cut down on the dairy products a little bit. You should see huge changes then.

joannbuist23

I noticed that you are eating out a lot, and I only went back a few days. I would try and cut back on that. And as convienent as packaged foods are, stay far away from them. Also I think you may be over estimating your exercise. I don't even track my daily cleaning.

chasekilgannon

That processed food is the guillotine right there. If you're vegetarian, look into beans and tofu recipes. Vegetables and fruit are a must either way. Portabello, mushrooms, etc.

If you're not veg, get some chicken breast stat. I would ease up on the sauces and start searching for dishes that have a nice flavor without the ketchup and mayo.

I was vegan before, it took research and planning to know what I would eat and enjoy eating. Processed foods are geared to make it easy, but in the long run they ruin your efforts if you make them a major staple in your diet.

chrystal559

Your food diary looks as though there are absolutely no whole foods in it...it's all processed. This can have a HUGE effect on your weight and not being able to lose. The sodium levels are astronomically higher in processed foods, the sugar is processed, etc. Try incorporating whole grains and more fresh vegetables, steamed, and cut down on the dairy products a little bit. You should see huge changes then.

I know I have been eating alot of processed foods lately... I am trying to eat veggies and fruits but I am broke... I have no food in my fridge..... So I have to eat what I have on hand. And the dairy is because I am using it as a source of protien right now...

chatterbox3110

I just looked back a couple of days and your sodium levels are very high, which could cause water retention I think. I had a similar problem recently - the food I was eating was low in calories and fat, but the sodium levels were off the scale, and I gained that week. Now I only have that item in extremely small quantities as a snack rather than a main meal.

I'm living on a lot of salads at the moment, I'm sure I shall turn into a rabbit soon, but it's summer, and I'll save what I call my 'proper' veggies for the winter months!

Don't get despondent though, you're doing well, and we're all entitled to a minor blip - no-one's perfect!

Jade_Butterfly

Well in looking at a your diary and going back I would say that sodium is the culprit. I would decrease the processed foods. As much as I like morning star products you have to watch eating them too much as the sodium will cause you to hold on to weight. In agreement with dayzee, I would say increase raw foods as much as possible fruits and veggies. Fibrous foods will help you to drop week. I was up 3 lbs last week and was irritated. Made some adjustments and have pulled off 4 lbs since thursday. Mufas like avocado, raw seeds (pumpkin, sunflower) and things such as ground flax can help you cleanse your system. Hope this helps. *feel free to add me if you like* Good luck in your weight loss journey!

chrystal559

I noticed that you are eating out a lot, and I only went back a few days. I would try and cut back on that. And as convienent as packaged foods are, stay far away from them. Also I think you may be over estimating your exercise. I don't even track my daily cleaning.

I dont eat out much at all... the last couple of days I have been at the hospital with my mom so that is what I have to eat...

And I work by butt of to exercise... I only count my cleaning when I am working my but off and I only count half of it... Like if I clean 2 hrs I only count 1

SHBoss1673

lots of sugar in there, the candy should probably stop. You aren't tracking sugar, you should. I realize fruit sugar isn't as bad, but that doesn't make it particularly good for you either. I concur with the lack of veggies also, need a veg with every meal, and one for a snack as well, either that or a super sized portion of veggies at one meal.

For instance, I usually have 1 veg for dinner, 1 for a snack, and then a giant salad with just about every veg going in it. You're really looking to get 5 or 6 servings of veg in a day, and I always drink a V8 as well.

dayzeerock

Your food diary looks as though there are absolutely no whole foods in it...it's all processed. This can have a HUGE effect on your weight and not being able to lose. The sodium levels are astronomically higher in processed foods, the sugar is processed, etc. Try incorporating whole grains and more fresh vegetables, steamed, and cut down on the dairy products a little bit. You should see huge changes then.

I know I have been eating alot of processed foods lately... I am trying to eat veggies and fruits but I am broke... I have no food in my fridge..... So I have to eat what I have on hand. And the dairy is because I am using it as a source of protien right now...

http://veganrockergirl.blogspot.com/2010/09/veganism-for-cheap-*kitten*-like-me.html
Girl, trust me. I know all about being broke. I tend to refer to my self as a broke-*kitten*-b*tch most of the time. Getting fruits and vegetables is super important, hell, even frozen is better than nothing. I know my grocery store has bags of frozen veggies for .89 cents. You can get two weeks worth of frozen veggies for the same price as one meal out...and your body will thank you so much. Also, buy in the bulk areas of your grocery store. Buying whole grains and beans in bulk is so much cheaper and healthier than buying them in canned or pre-packaged form. It's possible, and I believe in you! I also know from being your friend on here that you are going through some stressful things right now, and believe me, you're entitled to some stress eating and processed foods every so often...just don't make it a habit. I had processed food for dinner last night and lunch today. Although I don't like doing it, I've been super sick and hardly able to move, much less get up and cook. So processed is okay as a rarity, but not as a staple.

chrystal559

THANKS FOR YOU ADVICE BUT I AM TRYING TO TELL YOU THAT I AM WORKING AS HARD AS I CAN TO GET MORE FRIUTS AND VEGGIES.... I AM BROKE AND HAVE NO MONEY FOR FOOD. I HATE NOT HAVING VEGGIES AND FRUITS BECAUSE I LOVE THEM... I AM TRYING HARD...

Improvised

Well, if you seriously cannot buy ANY fruits or veggies, how about drinking TONS on water, maybe it would help counteract the amounts of sodium you're consuming.

Fat2FitChick

Hey girl! You know your my girl and I wanna help you to the best way I can. I know you have been in the hospital with mom for a bit and I know that when you are stressed your body can revolt. So with the stress and the added sodium from the food you were eating this past week, your body is probably holding onto a ton of water. It can be 4-5 lbs sometimes depending. You are also working out a lot with out much rest days so your running around like crazy cause your mom is sick, then your working out and not taking any rest days then your eating the fast food with the sodium.

It's like everything is working against you right now. So what I would do is cut way back on your exercise for 2-3 days, if you are going to be at the hospital with your mom for extended periods then pack healthy snacks and food you can keep with you while you are there. If you are going to eat fast food and prepackaged foods try to choose the options that are healthier and have less sodium.

Your body may just need a break from the sodium, fast food and huge amount of exercise.

HeatherMarie1174

It could be stress ... I mean, with everything going on with your mom, you have been under a lot of stress. That plays a lot into your eating and how your body reacts to what you are eating. Don't sweat it ... wait to see what happens after everything is somewhat back to normal.

BIG HUGS!!!

annacataldo

Yesterday: Breakfast---chicken nuggets (im assuming they r fake like veggie ones since its morning star??)--but either way, chicken nuggets are coated, deep fried, and processed foods.
Breakfast---mayo
Morning snack--candy and a healthy brownie--both processed foods
Lunch: chicken nuggets, again, with mayo again.
Afternoon snack-- croutons (full of fat/butter, etc), and another brownie.

Im just going to stop there.... you ate some other bad stuff throughout the rest of the day... I eat processed foods but not with every meal; not all the time... not constant.

You are also under alot of stress and that can help alot of people hold onto weight even if they were to be eating right.

You have increased your calories, which is good, because before you were in starvation mode; but by increasing your calories youve increased your amount of processed foods.

Try to eat some items you can afford that are good for you... rice and potatoes is hella cheap... but if you turn around and pour on soy sauce and butter etc, its kinda defeated a purpose. Beans are really cheap (i however dont really like beans, however black beans with rice is really good i think).

If you can afford processed foods, you can afford "normal" items... stop buying processed, buy normal.

My shopping this month has consisted of bag of spinach, bag of chicken, bag of carrots, bag of oranges, a couple bananas & apples, gallon of 1% milk, a box of kashi go lean crunch cereal, a cantalope, and a bag of potatoes.. all that was under $30.. With that what can i do? I have cereal for breakfast, I have fruit for a snack, i have a chicken salad w/carrots for lunch, a fruit for afternoon snack, chicken and roasted potatoes for dinner with steamed carrots.. if i get hungry again later I could have carrots or something that i have from last months groceries, like air popped popcorn where i get to control how much butter i use... lets say this is enough to last me 1 week, that is $120 a month, i get $200 in food stamps, I could use the other 80 to restock rice, or condiments, or whatever else the house is running low on. I use to say "fruit is so expensive" and id never buy fruit, but ive been having apple and peanut butter for breakfast (2tbls peanut butter, 1/2 an apple), it fills me up surprisingly and it costs maybe 50cents.

Im not saying im right and you are wrong, but ive lost 30pounds in 10weeks without excercise really; we are near the same weight and near the same age, and ive been under stress with my boyfriends dad dying and my moms house that i live in breaker box blowing up, the water heater exploding, etc, ive been using alot less food stamps every month now that im not buying as much processed foods.. Youve got to kinda ask yourself--"why is it that someone who is near the same weight and same everything else as me, has been able to loose so much where as i am unable to?".. I hit plateus... sometimes ive seen my weight increase a couple pounds... but it always turns around for me, and i end up losing alot right after... ive lost almost 5pounds in under a week now, after a 3week plateu where my weight kept increasing 2pounds then me fighting to loose the same 2pounds over and over again... its not always easy, but it will be worth it in the end.. just keep trying different things and see what works for you. dont get discouraged!! Your doing good--meaning your doing better than you were before... its just a matter of finding a balance.

chasekilgannon

Oh, hi Caps Lock.

If the problem is affordability, other than the suggestion just made about drinking water, can't help ya.

Most people are going to address your diary, and unfortunately most of us cannot offer advice on finances. It's tough times for sure, but if there was another answer that you were looking for, I doubt it'll appear.

I do hope next shopping trip you re-read the advice, and that it will help you.

ladybug1620

THANKS FOR YOU ADVICE BUT I AM TRYING TO TELL YOU THAT I AM WORKING AS HARD AS I CAN TO GET MORE FRIUTS AND VEGGIES.... I AM BROKE AND HAVE NO MONEY FOR FOOD. I HATE NOT HAVING VEGGIES AND FRUITS BECAUSE I LOVE THEM... I AM TRYING HARD...

Uhmmm...correct me if I am wrong, but your original post asked people to look at your diary and tell you what you are doing wrong. People are telling you EXACTLY what you are doing wrong, and how to fix it...yet you are getting upset. I'm sure we all know what it's like to be broke, and we understand that you are working hard to get fruits and veggies but you don't have money. That still doesn't change the fact that your diet needs to be cleaned up in order for you to see results. Don't ask for advice and then get upset when people give it to you. "Trying" to eat better is not going to get results, doing it WILL....so until then, be patient with your progress since you now know exactly what is wrong and how to fix it.

Qarol

THANKS FOR YOU ADVICE BUT I AM TRYING TO TELL YOU THAT I AM WORKING AS HARD AS I CAN TO GET MORE FRIUTS AND VEGGIES.... I AM BROKE AND HAVE NO MONEY FOR FOOD. I HATE NOT HAVING VEGGIES AND FRUITS BECAUSE I LOVE THEM... I AM TRYING HARD...

You're trying to tell us that you can't, and we're trying to tell you why it's not working. That was your original question, right? You can't eat like you have been and still lose weight.

Try frozen veggies. Those usually aren't as expensive as fresh. But skip the ones with added sauces. And don't go overboard on fruit when you do start buying fruit. Maybe 1-2 servings a day, tops. It's hard eating healthy foods on a limited budget, but it can be done. Try to incorporate more whole grains. Really watch that sodium intake. And as much as you can, prepare your meals at home.

And lots and lots of water. I'm talking more than the minimum 8 glasses per day.

EpiGaiaRepens

I second everyone's comments about stress- it makes your body release hormones that hold onto belly fat in particular. So try relaxation, getting enough sleep, I also suggest yoga/long walks, breathing exercises...candle lit hot baths are also nice (and back rubs from your hubby! hint! hint!).

I also agree with everyone' s comments about processed foods. I believe (and have seen) people who switch from zero cal diet soda to plain water lose weight- it's not just calories we need to think about. That being said, you are going through some stuff right now with your mom- it's probably best to not beat yourself up about it. In fact, if my mama were in the hospital, I'd probably not even be logging anymore so I give you kudos for that!

One thing no one else has suggested is that you may be doing the starvation mode thing- I can't see your exercise but you said you don't log it all in and I noticed a lot of extra calories on some of your days. Just something to think about maybe. I've shot myself in the foot with that before.

Another thing- it could be your cycle- I put on 5 lbs once a month, and lose it 7 days later. Some of us gals are like that- so another reason to not stress it. I'd track it actually and see if it becomes a pattern in your weight loss journey- it has been in mine!

Finally- i hear ya on how hard it is to access healthy foods. It truly shouldn't be that way for anyone....but I do think there has to be some way you can do it...maybe not right now, or this week, maybe on pay day. I find that when I'm broke is when I run to the produce stand and load up on veggies. I can fill my entire fridge with produce for thirty bucks! And it's how I will feed my family for an entire week! But it costs time to turn that into meals- i realize. I would suggest looking for farmers markets, or something like that.....

but if there's only one thing you take from what i've said, please have it be that you are doing awesome to be still tracking/exercising while also being there for your mama. The weight will come off if you keep with it. These changes people suggest are all gonna help you, but you don't have to do them all over night! Lifestyle changes take time....

chrystal559

I am sorry... I am not mad or upset... My caps lock got stuck and I had to hat my husband fix it... i mean it...

I know I have been eating unhealthy but I have been super stressed I guess and not eating that healthy... Thank you so much for the advise.

I eat the processed foods because I always but what my family wants and then buy my foods... And when I run out I have no choice but to eat what they have... I am going to buy my food this next month and then worry about what they want...


I am honestly sorry to make it seem that I am getting upset at you for your advise...

emmajane_2288

I think you may be over estimating your exercise!

I only looked at one day but you logged about 800 calories, most of them for cleaning!

I only log exercise when I have felt like I am working hard, eg sweating, heart race increased, getting out of breath. Stuff like walking to the shops I dont class as exercise! MFP already accounts for these calories when we tell it what our current activity levels are.
Plus, as much as I love MFP I dont think that they are very accurate on their exercise cals! So there is a good chance you are eating way over your calorie allowence becase you have logged more exercise calories than you have burnt!

Do you do any cardio work outs? Maybe this will help?

chrystal559

I think you may be over estimating your exercise!

I only looked at one day but you logged about 800 calories, most of them for cleaning!

I only log exercise when I have felt like I am working hard, eg sweating, heart race increased, getting out of breath. Stuff like walking to the shops I dont class as exercise! MFP already accounts for these calories when we tell it what our current activity levels are.
Plus, as much as I love MFP I dont think that they are very accurate on their exercise cals! So there is a good chance you are eating way over your calorie allowence becase you have logged more exercise calories than you have burnt!

Do you do any cardio work outs? Maybe this will help?

Honestly I do them some times... lately i have been so busy with being at the hospital and dealing with taking care of my mother is is hard to add all the extra exersice in the day...

annacataldo

A 300pound person should drink 19 to 20 cups of water a day. I weigh 283 now and ive made my way down to 18 to 19cups (started out at 20-21).

If your only drinking 8 or 10cups, or whatever the number; and going over on sodium alot, this could def be a factor! Youll go pee alot at first but then your body gets use to it--at first you r releasing a ton of toxins and once they are cleared out you dont have to pee as much. You release sodium, vitamins youve already processed, fat cells, etc, in your pee.

Water is free, by the way.

Also, look at what you can not be eating, instead of what you could be eating if u could afford it... Cut out the mayo, candy, croutons on a salad, etc. Instead of having 2 brownies in one day, only eat 1 brownie. Instead of eating candy twice, have it once if you must; instead of mayo twice, have it once, etc... Those r all bad for you to even have once, but if u must, then have 1 not 2.. I only looked at yesterday. so i dont have any more examples...

There is no way you could afford $2-4 for a bag of potatoes? That could last you awhile (a couple weeks), roasted potatoes, baked potatoes, home made french fries w/very very light oil (i use pam spray olive oil but if you dont have that you cant go get it)--seasoned well so you dont need condiments added, boiled potatoes, breakfast potatoes, etc. Loaded with potassium, vitamin c, no sugar no sodium etc... ppl say they r more starchy or whatever, but i eat them all the freakin time because of the extremely high potassium level.

annacataldo

I think you may be over estimating your exercise!

I only looked at one day but you logged about 800 calories, most of them for cleaning!

I only log exercise when I have felt like I am working hard, eg sweating, heart race increased, getting out of breath. Stuff like walking to the shops I dont class as exercise! MFP already accounts for these calories when we tell it what our current activity levels are.
Plus, as much as I love MFP I dont think that they are very accurate on their exercise cals! So there is a good chance you are eating way over your calorie allowence becase you have logged more exercise calories than you have burnt!

Do you do any cardio work outs? Maybe this will help?

Wrong! If someone sets there activity level as sedetary, which i believe she has, MFP accounts for ZERO activity level, meaning she layed there and did nothing all day, like a day of rest, without ever even getting up to use the restroom.

I too think that mfp can over estimate some things, but as she already started if she cleaned for 2 hours she only counts 1, to allow for error with the mfp system. A sedentary person wants to count as much as possible because mfp counts that they didnt get out of bed at all that day.

annacataldo

I make sure i count all my cleaning even if its only 10minutes, and my walking in shops, etc, even if its only 5 minutes.. I dont count my bathroom trips or my daily life but i probably should since im sedentary, but thats why i dont worry if i go over 50calories or something like that. Working out doesnt mean she has to go to the gym or has to have some set excercise plan. Theres times Ive cleaned for the sole purpose of burning calories; i clean my house and my boyfriends house just so i can burn even more from cleaning than a standard person. I also purposly go to the store for groceries once a week instead of once a month so that i can walk around in the store and burn calories... or instead of making a list and getting all my tp and shampoo at the same time for a couple months, ill go to the store each time i need something else.. And ive lost 30pounds in 10weeks with only going to the gym 2x for 20minutes each time. You dont need a gym! You dont need to excercise persay; being more active in your life can make all the difference in the world, like it has for me.

vzepol

Times are tough, but if you look around you can find good deals on fruits and vegetables. In your area try TJ's or Ranch market for produce at a fair price.

eeeekie

Turn your sodium on in your journal. If you're intake of sodium is high you need to up your water. Also, if it's high you need to start watching it. By doing that you could up your veggy/fruit. I get the being broke thing...I go through spurts of not having money and I have to live on what I have. Just try your hardest.

whateverdamnit

I only looked at your most recent day's worth of food.. there is absolutely nothing healthy in there. Secondly, your calorie limit was at 1700? You should be eating around 1200 worth of food to lose weight. You don't need to eat back everything you think you burned off.

All the popcorn, brownies, cheese and almond overload are all working against you.

Lower your calorie intake, eat more fruit and veg, eat about 25g of (NATURAL, UNSALTED) almonds per day, no more than that.. cut out all the processed foods.. and keep an eye on how much sugar and salt you're eating.

Pebble321

Don't lose motivation now, just keep logging everything you eat, even if you aren't eating the most healthy foods. It sounds like that isn't very easy in your current circumstances.

Seeing as you are in a tough place, how about chosing one thing to change (like breakfast for example) and make sure you have a healthy and filling breakfast (oatmeal is cheap!) so you have a good start to the day. Once this becomes a habit, work on changing lunch or snacks etc. It is often more achieveable and satisfying to take control of one small aspect of your life and get this right, then move onto the next. Doing everything at once while you have family troubles going on too is just too hard for most people.

Don't feel you have to cut your calories to 1200, I really don't know why so many people eat so little!
I don't know your height but at your current weight 1700 sounds reasonable to me (I'm 5'4" and started at 204 pounds, eating 1660 cals per day and have been losing steadily, now down to 175).

If you can stick to the calories allocated with as many healthy options as is possible right now and fit in some exercise when you can (can you take the stairs at the hospital instead of the lift?) you should find that things even out and you start losing again soon.

Good luck!

Noctuary

Huni as someone on your friend's page, you know I know how hard you are trying. And I know right now you are going through some tough times with your mom and everything else. I have noticed your candy/sweets level has gone way down from before. So I KNOW you can do this! I would also advise to nix those cleaning calories. Don't count them. All they end up doing is allow you to eat more. You know how I gave mine up completely? So far it's working. And I am still getting my food in. I shop at Walmart with just my tip money for groceries. It can be done. I think some structured exercise like an aerobic session (at home via youtube if necessary) or a good walking program is what can help you get out of this funk. Don't give up. But also, don't continue doing the same thing you have been doing. Figure out what the issues are with each part: Food and Exercise. And make an action plan of what you need to work on. You read my blog. You know it works! Don't give up girl. You have to start being pro active and not reactionary with your program. Get ahead of it! You can so do this. Just take one week at a time. One day at a time!

kkellam1

There are some really good suggestions on here. One is to go walking. I understand that you are busy and things are hectic, but that's even more reason to do it. Take a walk every day - just make the time - 30 minutes a day will help clear your head, improve your attitude and make a huge difference in your weight loss/fitness level. Seriously.

Really wholesome, clean foods can be expensive. But don't let that get you down. Look for what you can do and tackle that. All the little changes add up to have a big impact. Look at frozen veggies (don't buy cans, they won't help as much). Just make sure that you buy bags that are just 100% veggies, no sauces, added flavorings, etc. Seasonings are cheap and you can control what you add.

One suggestion for cheap meals that will let you pack a load of veggies in is soup. You can use frozen veggies and add either chicken broth or tomato sauce/water plus a few seasonings and bingo, 10 servings for around $10. Add a little chicken for protein and still be under $15. A $1 bag of frozen veggies, a few seasonings and little protein can make a decent stir fry for just a few bucks.

One key thing is to spend a little time in the kitchen once a week and prep stuff that will make eating healthy more convenient than eating crap. Tupperware is your best friend. If you have healthy choices around that are already portioned out and ready to eat or to pop in the microwave, you will be able to eat healthy and still juggle the hectic schedule. I work 12 hours a day, so convenience is important for me also. It just takes some planning until you develop the habits.

Read some labels and make a list of snacks that are acceptable to you in place of candy, etc. For me a fvorite is pretzels. Cheap, low fat and low calorie. Just be sure to portion control. And make sure you plan ahead and take snacks with you, so you aren't making poor choices when you get hungry.

And most important...don't change the world overnight. This thing isn't about having a lot of pressure on your shoulders. It's not a win or lose situation. It is about making a positive choice today that you worldn't have made yesterday. Then tomorrow make another good choice. Focus on those small victories and you'll wake up one day and realize that you've done a lot of good things for yourself.