Yes, another plateau post...

So_Um_Yeah

Okay so I’ve been reading through all of the posts out there about busting a plateau and the general consensus is that you have to change your exercise routine and “zig-zag” calorie intake. Here’s the problem though: I have recently started using a new exercise machine, and I am not great with keeping my calories down every day. So, what am I missing?

Here’s a little background: I am nineteen years old and I am on summer break from my first year in college. I have been overweight my entire life and never really cared to change it, just secretly hating myself more and more every day. Last fall I was sent to an endocrinologist who told me that I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Sparing you all of the gory details, it is a pre-diabetic condition. Needless to say, that was the kick in the pants that I needed. Between September to mid-April I lost fifty-fiveish pounds, not a great number, but for someone who had only ever seen the scale go up, it was a big deal. I am not 0.8 pounds away from my half goal, and I have been looking at those stupid 0.8 pounds for the last 4 weeks.

I try to exercise at least three times a week, but that doesn’t always happen. The exercise change isn’t it because I have recently started going to the gym and using machines that I have never done before. I also try to be good, but weight is a slippery slope, because when I don’t lose, I get frustrated and have serious “what the hell” days and just don’t worry about it. I don’t go crazy or anything, I just don’t look stuff up or post in my food diary. So having calories going up and down is not the issue. It would even make sense if I was gaining because of all the cheating I’ve been doing, but the stupid scale just won’t move!

For those of you who made it through this ridiculously long post, thank you. Also, help!

millermichellelea

Google Tony Thurmond Six-Week Plan - it is a different way to lose. My good friend is at 76 pounds lost since Labor Day - with ease......worth the look - I have lost 30 on it ---with cheating of course :O) and MFP

srp2011

Um, it really sounds like you are not plateauing, you are just not losing weight because you are not following a program the way you should. Sorry, there aren't any magic shortcuts, and zig-zagging or changing your exercise rotine isn't going to solve your problems. Quit the cheating, eat healthy (lean proteins, fresh veggies and fruits, whole grains), no junk, keep your calories under your target every day, log everything (you may think you know what you're eating, but most people underestimate calories when they don't log it in), exercise 1 hour a day at least 3xweek, and you'll see the scale move. This really isn't rocket science. Either you commit to it or you don't, but if you don't don't be shocked that you don't lose weight.

akgrl1020

I am there right now! I have come to look at plateau's as a maintenance period, and don't stress about them. I didn't gain the weight overnight, so I dont have the expectation to lose it all overnight. Plus, I think sometimes our bodies need the opportunity to catch up, with it's new size/shape. Just think about how far you have come! Losing 59 pounds took dedication! You are making healthy choices everyday! Pat yourself on the back, for all of your hard work!

I do find using a HRM made a world of difference, to me. I was exercising 3-4 times a week, without seeing much in the way of results. Once I started wearing my HRM, and seeing that I wasn't getting my heart rate up much higher then 100, I could see why. I learned how to really push myself, and see results, even if the numbers on the scale don't seem to budge.

Good luck!

mericksmom

You may wanna track you sodium and sugar levels and DRINK WATER. I hope many give you advice. PCOS seems to get better when on a low gluten diets, you may want to look into that. http://surefoodsliving.com/2009/02/ask-the-doc-celiac-endometriosis-and-pcos/ (one articles that explores such info)

crisanderson27

The low gluten thing is good advice, and won't hurt to try in the least.

Additionally, as has been mentioned...sticking to a program is the only real way to break a plateau. Also, zig zagging calories is different than having a couple 'free days' a week where you may or may not meet your goals. There's some specific concepts behind it, which trick your body into burning fat, but not going into survival mode. Again, following an actual program is the key.

All that being said...my food diary is a target. I look at it as a +/- 100-150 calorie goal lol. I don't look at anything really but calories and protien. Doing this keeps me honest, doesn't stress me out (this is HUGE for people with a lot of weight to lose!! Stress is a killer to a healthy diet program!) when I go over, and overall just makes life much, much easier for me. I find that because I'm relaxed about it, I'm under far more often than I'm not...and I am 100% guilt free regardless.

Something to think about?

Cris

So_Um_Yeah

Thanks for so much great advice. The problem with the low gluten diets is that I am supposed to be focusing on carbs, and I have found that low gluten usually means just as many carbs as regular food. I have been told to have fourty-five carb meals with two to three fifteen carb snacks, and I work really hard to make sure that I stay within that, but the problem is also sodium, which has also been mentioned. Why isn't losing weight as easy as putting it on?!



(P.S. The last statement in this post is a JOKE, please do not jump down my throught or call me stupid)