I'm Stuck

spaingirl2011

Hi everyone,

This is my first message here, since I'm finally at the point where I'm grasping at straws.

I have been playing around with the same 4 pound for the last 3 months. I'm eating 1430 cals (and exercising off about 300 cals 5 days a week (give or take 100 extra cals depending on the exercise). I'm stronger, I have more energy, but the weight *isn't going anywhere*! I've had weeks where I've stuck to the numbers that were provided for me, weeks where I've decided to eat a little bit less and weeks where I've decided to eat a little bit more ... to no avail. I'm trying to lose between 15-20lbs and I can't even seems to lose 5.

Any suggestions? Thanks so much for listening!

(I should add that I weigh about 156lbs right now, am 26 years old and have been eating very healthfully--lots of veggies, whole grain, lean protein, low fat dairy and the occasional low calorie ice cream).

LifeChanged1209

Are your clothes fitting better? I wouldn't focus on the number on the scale if you feel a difference in your clothes. You may be developing muscle, which as we all know, weighs more than fat.

Xaspar

Are you drinking your water? I know it sounds silly but it makes a HUGE difference.
Also with only 15 to 20 pounds to lose you may want to consider upping your calories (for more than just a few days) so that you weight loss goal is closer to the one half to one pound loss per week. If you are closer to an ideal weight it is harder to lose and if you don't let your body feel like it is going to come out OK in the end, it could get passive aggressive on you and mock you by going "Oh, OK, I see how it is. She wants me to do more with less... well, I'll do it, but I'm not giving up my rainy day fat just so she can work me harder." That's what MY body does ...

xraychick77

you cant gain muscle on a calorie deficit..unless and the ONLY acception is if you are JUST beginning. and after a few months it stops. its called newb gains. (not offical term of course).

most likey its because your body has adapted to your routine. our bodies work towards homeostasis and doesnt like it when we do things differently..that is why its key to change up things every few months. try lowering your cals a bit, and change your workout routine. try adding weights, or adding a different type of cardio. do some zumba or something.

spaingirl2011

Thanks for your responses!

I'm actually gaining quite a bit of muscle-- I've been doing some weights (I work out with a trainer once a week), I've been jogging, elliptical-ling, and zumba-ing, so my body should have enough variety in the exercise domain to keep it on its toes. I've also upped my calories for a couple of weeks and I just gained. When I lowered my calories, I lost ... but only for a short time.

My clothes sort of fit better, but I just feel like there's muscle underneath blobs of fat ... sigh. I wish my body would tell me what it needs to lose weight!