Could use a little encouragement...... :-(

angelacasey736

I have been going strong for 3 months and lost steadily every single week. Things have slowed tremendously and it is discouraging. I have many stress factors in my life that i know are not helping but i need/want to persevere. This community has been such an inspiration to me and so helpful and i would not be where i am today without it but i still have a ways to go and need a little boost to help my motivation. I weigh in weekly and on Mondays (probably not the best idea) as it seems to gage my mood for the entire week. I have barely lost a pound in 2 weeks and am not sure what i am doing wrong or if it is normal. Ok - enough of my pity party....

IronSmasher

You need to mix things up now and then.

For the stresses, just make sure you put yourself first and make sure you are important and deserve to reach your goals as much as anyone

Try swapping some carb calories for fat/protein, try doing something different, try doing some strength exercises

angelacasey736

You need to mix things up now and then.

For the stresses, just make sure you put yourself first and make sure you are important and deserve to reach your goals as much as anyone

Try swapping some carb calories for fat/protein, try doing something different, try doing some strength exercises

I actually added strength in two weeks ago which is when things started to slow down - ironic hunh?

Sarahbara76

If you lose weight slowly you never get saggy skin. And good things take time, relax and get over this hump in the road and it will happen. Hang in there

soonersgirl

find a fun way to workout...i know it's hard to do, but i have heard that zumba is fun. i really wanna try it! i completely understand the stress thing..either it makes you eat and eat or not wanna eat at all. i know when i get down and don't feel like it anymore, i get on this website and i start reading the success stories and that keeps me going:)

samuelette

If you just added strength, could it be possible that you're still losing fat, but gaining muscle?

mislmar

I get upset too when I don't lose the weight I think I should when I want it to happen but try not to let it get you down. You have lost a lot of weight and are doing great. I'm sure you will start seeing those numbers go down on the scale soon. It sometimes takes a little longer for the scales to show all the work we do. As long as you are losing even a little weight it is a step in the right direction Good luck on your weight loss journey!!

juleseybaby

You can do it!!

Maybe switch your weigh-in day to Friday? That has helped me since I tend to have more 'yuck' food over a weekend.

Rikki444

It's great that you desire to keep on even if you are feeling a little discouraged. Plateaus are a part of the journey, unfortunately, and the closer you get to the 'finish line'.... the slower you will go, but KNOW that no matter what... YOU ARE MOVING. So keep on! Do not give up! Do not relent! Do not give in. Keep ON!

Loko_Ino

If you just added strength, could it be possible that you're still losing fat, but gaining muscle?

This might be the answer.
Also, remember, when you first start a lot of weight loss is from water weight. This is why on those TV weight loss shows their first challenge is an astronomical amount of weight and the second challenges are usually about 1/2 to 2/3 the amount...your body adapts so you lose slower, but you are losing. Just keep working out and eating clean.

melizerd

Keep going!! The strength training is SOOO important to LOOK good at the goal weight, no one wants to be skinny fat.

http://nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero//

She's my new hero because it shows that I'd rather weigh a little more and LOOK smaller than worry about JUST the number on the scale.

I've been at this ALMOST a year (in about 10 days) and I'm down 70lbs. There were bad days, and bad weeks but I NEVER GAVE UP. I never gave in! I knew that this was my LIFE I was fighting for and I wanted to stay healthy, get more fit and lose this weight and look better.

I have about 13lbs left to my "goal" weight and it's definitely slower now but I notice the inches coming off wonderfully now. So take measurements to prove that you're sculpting that bod as you go along!!

kkriofske

If weight training is making the actual weight loss slow, use measurements of your body or your clothes as new motivation. While the loss will be less, you'll enjoy the way your clothes will start to get looser. And remind yourself that muscle burns more calories that fat . . . so in the long run, you're doing great things with adding the weight training.

It looks like you're doing great. Just hang in there! Everyone hits plateaus at some point. You'll find the new routines that will get you back on track soon enough!

Lisahandy

[/quote]
I actually added strength in two weeks ago which is when things started to slow down - ironic hunh?
[/quote]
My husband just remacked on this suject to another MFP friend here is what he said.
"That causes muscles to become a little inflamed, and so they absorb more water. It's a short term affect, and ultimately beneficial, but it can cause weight gain even when you have fat loss. "
He is pretty smart about most things and does his research before he offers an opinion so I usually,usually take it as good advice.
Good luck and don't give in!

wendibartel

Just wanted to share something I saw today. Put me in a positive mood this morning.

When I woke up this morning, I asked myself, "What is life about?" I found the answer in my room...the fan said, "Be cool." The roof said, "Aim high." The window said, "See the world!" The clock said, "Every minute is precious." The mirror said, "Reflect before you act." The calendar said, "Be up to date." The door said, "Push hard for your goals." The floor said, "Kneel down and pray"...~ Please share

Keep your chin up and I am sure you can do it. I agree with others that you should try changing things up. Go enjoy a nice long swim

IronSmasher

I'm not very good at pep talks, I'll leave that to the girls.
However, to dispell yet another common weight loss myth

Your weight has not, I repeat NOT slowed because you're building muscle.

Having muscle makes you lose weight faster, it raises your metabolism, and it's EXTREMELY hard to build, and very hard to maintain. It's the first thing your body will destroy in a time of food shortage, and it takes approx. 3500 cal to build 1lb of muscle.

If you've added strength, it's possible the calorie deficit is now not being calculated and you're actually eating too little to lose weight, or if you've swapped cardio time for strength, it's possible you've sacrificed some intensity in your workouts.

For some serious intensity, checkout Crossfit, MetCon or Tabata. A quick blast in the morning could be all you need to get over a slump.

What equipment have you got?

500lbs2marathon

You need to mix things up now and then.

For the stresses, just make sure you put yourself first and make sure you are important and deserve to reach your goals as much as anyone

Try swapping some carb calories for fat/protein, try doing something different, try doing some strength exercises

I actually added strength in two weeks ago which is when things started to slow down - ironic hunh?

Try eating a snack after working out with weights that is High in Protein like Greek Yogurt or Hummus. This keeps those muscles burning after your workout is done, also make sure you drink water.

angelacasey736

I'm not very good at pep talks, I'll leave that to the girls.
However, to dispell yet another common weight loss myth

Your weight has not, I repeat NOT slowed because you're building muscle.

Having muscle makes you lose weight faster, it raises your metabolism, and it's EXTREMELY hard to build, and very hard to maintain. It's the first thing your body will destroy in a time of food shortage, and it takes approx. 3500 cal to build 1lb of muscle.

If you've added strength, it's possible the calorie deficit is now not being calculated and you're actually eating too little to lose weight, or if you've swapped cardio time for strength, it's possible you've sacrificed some intensity in your workouts.

For some serious intensity, checkout Crossfit, MetCon or Tabata. A quick blast in the morning could be all you need to get over a slump.

What equipment have you got?

I have a gym at work and i vary my excercise between the elliptical, treadmill, and bike. I walk roughly 4 miles in my neighborhood on the weekends. I only recently added the strength training (we have the circuit equipment in the gym) - i know it is not muscle build up becuase i know this takes time - a lot longer than i have been doing. I was doing cardio videos for a while but that depends on my time allotment - being a wife, mother of two, and working full time. I have noticed it is much harder to burn the calories I was burning in the beginning but i know that makes sense as well. Thank you for taking the time to respond. It is greatly appreciated!

IronSmasher

Exericise and diet doesn't take time, it takes effort!

Treadmill intervals! Whoop! Whoop!

bethdris

You can do it! You've come so far!!! We all have our discouraged, down days. Keep your head up

IronSmasher

If 'circuit equipment' involves a medicine ball, you could do a metcon circuit.

As many rounds as possible for 20mins, with medball

10 Alternating Woodchops/reverse woodchops (5 a side, either direction, you choose)
10 press ups (hands on a bench or similar idealy to make it easier, or knees if no bench etc. For a challenge, one hand on the ball during press ups and pass it to the other for the next... repeat)
10 russian twists (sit with your legs in front, touch the ball either side of your butt by lifting it over your legs and twisting)
10 overhead squats (hold the ball with two hands, arms straight towards the ceiling.

angelacasey736

If 'circuit equipment' involves a medicine ball, you could do a metcon circuit.

As many rounds as possible for 20mins, with medball

10 Alternating Woodchops/reverse woodchops (5 a side, either direction, you choose)
10 press ups (hands on a bench or similar idealy to make it easier, or knees if no bench etc. For a challenge, one hand on the ball during press ups and pass it to the other for the next... repeat)
10 russian twists (sit with your legs in front, touch the ball either side of your butt by lifting it over your legs and twisting)
10 overhead squats (hold the ball with two hands, arms straight towards the ceiling.

Havent seen one - only the bigger balls. I should probably invest in one for home...thanks for this - its great!

angelacasey736

You can do it! You've come so far!!! We all have our discouraged, down days. Keep your head up

You are the best! I always look for your cheers - thank you :-)

IronSmasher

You don't need to buy anything, exercise takes effort! Not money!

You never need to buy anything, not having equipment is never an excuse, you just need effort.

Do the woodchops empty handed or with whatever weight you have, you could put a couple of books in a bag, use a bottle of water etc. Ditto for the whole thing really. If you've not done much squatting, bodyweight may well be enough. Put your hands on the sofa for the press ups (make sure it's against the wall though, eh?)

The easier the exercises are, the more rounds you'll get in the allotted time, and the longer you can go without rest. If the exercises are harder, you'll end up doing less rounds in the time. It doesn't matter, just

INTENSITY is the key. Do as many as you can, no slacking, you're doing it for yourself so get as much out of it as you can.

ALL YOU NEED IS EFFORT

P.S. Stress, lack of sleep or dehydration will halt weight loss. Do whatever you can to get your life in order and don't avoid problems, get them fixed as best you can, as soon as you can

angelacasey736

You don't need to buy anything, exercise takes effort! Not money!

You never need to buy anything, not having equipment is never an excuse, you just need effort.

Do the woodchops empty handed or with whatever weight you have, you could put a couple of books in a bag, use a bottle of water etc. Ditto for the whole thing really. If you've not done much squatting, bodyweight may well be enough. Put your hands on the sofa for the press ups (make sure it's against the wall though, eh?)

The easier the exercises are, the more rounds you'll get in the allotted time, and the longer you can go without rest. If the exercises are harder, you'll end up doing less rounds in the time. It doesn't matter, just

INTENSITY is the key. Do as many as you can, no slacking, you're doing it for yourself so get as much out of it as you can.

ALL YOU NEED IS EFFORT

P.S. Stress, lack of sleep or dehydration will halt weight loss. Do whatever you can to get your life in order and don't avoid problems, get them fixed as best you can, as soon as you can

Again - your correct. Effort i have definitely had and these pep talks will get me over this hump!!

TazzyDB

We all feel disappointed and stressed sometimes. Making this journey is not easy. And remember, no one can lose weight each week.

Do not let your weight dictate your week... on a bad week, use the disappointment as inspiration--a challenge.

You are doing a great job and you will meet all your goals.

Hang in there... we'll all get thru this together!

formygood2011

You are doing great...look at the pounds lost. That is amazing!!!

Wife/Mom/Friend all these roles are important and hard , I admire you for making time for yourself!!

I took a peek at your food...are you eating enough with all the calories you burn?? Have you thought about zig/zagging calories? I think I am going to give it a go.

You will figure it out!!!

:flowerforyou:

angelacasey736

You are doing great...look at the pounds lost. That is amazing!!!

Wife/Mom/Friend all these roles are important and hard , I admire you for making time for yourself!!

I took a peek at your food...are you eating enough with all the calories you burn?? Have you thought about zig/zagging calories? I think I am going to give it a go.

You will figure it out!!!

:flowerforyou:

I keep reading about zig zagging the calories but not exactly sure how it works. I may not be eating enough but that is hesitation on my part since i have been doing close to 1200 since the beginning and had very good results but it may be time for a change! Thanks for the encouragement :-)

Cheermamasita

I would like to suggest to try and forget the #'s on the scale and refocus your efforts on being healthy. Do you realize that what you are doing is excellent for your health today and the future? You are setting a wonderful example for your children, family and friends.
I try to think every morning about my daily "health" goals. Then I focus on that one thing. Like, drinking 8 glasses of water, eating more fruit,meditation, excersize, reading success stories, etc... You have already done incredible, if you relax and think of each day as a chance for success, and healthy lifestyle as a goal! You go girl!

unique2myself

I'm there for you Ang and you were my inspiration and still are! I will be there in 24 hours to help

unique2myself

You were a WONDERFUL example for me!