Problems, Motivation, Questions

dawnm92

Hi Everyone!

I just found the site a few weeks ago and I really love it! Previously, I was tracking my food and exercise in an Excel spreadsheet and carrying that around on a USB flash drive. This site makes it MUCH easier!

Since quitting smoking about three years ago, I gained over 40 pounds. The first 30 packed on in about 2-3 months in spite of my strict dieting and exercise schedule. Since then, I've tried multiple diets including low-carb and vegetarian and have had little to no success with anything. This spring I decided I would attack it with a vengeance again and have increased my activity level a great deal.

My MFP is set to 35% Protein, 35% Carbs, 30% Fat and I also track my Cholesterol and Fiber. I try to eat very healthy, avoid processed and pre-packaged foods, make most of my food from scratch and have eaten out a total of about 4 times in the past year! I used to never eat breakfast, but have been doing so for some time in the hopes of getting my metabolism going earlier in the day. I eat quality protein at each meal and try to avoid pretty much ALL simple carbs. I don't eat much bread, but do have a whole wheat pita pocket often once a day (as part of a sandwich at lunch). I try to eat my carbs mainly as veggies, some whole grains, and a few fresh fruits (1-2 servings per day). I drink only ice water all day long with the exception of an occasional Optimum Nutrition Whey Protein Shake that I make either with water or Almond Milk and usually drink either for breakfast or post-workout.

I work a desk job. About a month ago, I started lifting weights 3 times a week in the morning before work, about 30-40 minutes at a time. I walk 4-5 days a week on my lunch breaks (30-45 minutes each time). And in the evenings I play tennis an average of 3 times a week for 60-90 minutes per session. Other evenings, I play basketball - just shooting hoops with a friend - once or twice a week and I bike usually once or twice a week. According to the exercise tracker, I've been averaging 3,500-5,000 calories burned in exercise per week.

By the numbers, I should be losing weight easily. Instead, I've lost a pound one week, gained it back, then lost it the next week, then gained it back. I weigh the same as I weighed to start. I also don't appear to be losing any inches as my clothes seem to fit the same and my measurements are not noticeably any different.

I've struggled with my weight since puberty at age 12 when I seemed to gain about 50 pounds overnight. Then, I gained another 40+ when quitting smoking. It should NOT be this hard for someone who weighs 233 pounds to lose a single pound. Seriously. Shouldn't the first 10 or so be relatively easy for someone who needs to lose as much as I do? Meanwhile my roommate and exercise partner has lost over 30 pounds loosely following my diet and exercise regime and she eats more than I do and weighs about 65 pounds less.

I'm out of ideas - except that there must be some medical reason behind all of this. As for my thyroid, my doctor only checks TSH and it was 3.95 at last check in November. She says that is normal, but that depends on who you believe as many experts say that anything above 3.0 is hypo. I have quite a few of the symptoms, but who listens? Not any doctor I've seen. They all just tell me to lose weight. LOL

If anyone can offer other ideas, I would greatly appreciate it. It's difficult to stay motivated when you work so hard and it all seems to be for nothing. :ohwell:

I welcome any and all ideas!!! It's great to be here on this wonderful site!!!

Dawn

kitcatnik

So you are coming in under your cal count most days and exercising? Sounds like you are doing everything right. Could you maybe be over estimating the intensity of the workouts or portion sizes of your food? If not I would schedule a doctors visit and show him a print out of your reports and see if maybe you are battling a medical issue of some type. Best of luck it must be extremely frustrating but remember that you are worth it and don't give up.