Just about ready to quit....need a boost.

Txifonly

I started July 5 with this diet and exercise routine. I am sticking below my alloted calories every day (1200) (with 2 exceptions) and have lost 12 pounds. I exercise every morning (usually 30 day Shred or other weight/ab work) and do a treadmill aerobic workout every evening. So far so good, right? Wrong. The 12 pound weight loss was as of 2 weeks ago. Everything was going great until then Since then I have gained a pound, lost a pound, gained 3 pounds, lost 1 pound, gained 2 pounds, lost 2 pounds, etc. Today I am 1 pound UP from my 12 pound weight loss 2 weeks ago. What am I doing wrong? I'm eating healthy (diabetes diet + lactose intolerant diet + coumadin restriction diet so it doesn't leave a lot of gray area) and I'm working out twice a day. The laws of science should come in to play: if you expend more calories than you ingest you lose weight. I'm really getting frustrated these last 2 weeks. It makes no sense to me how I could possibly GAIN weight. Any suggestions? Thanks!

AmberBarrios

MFP automatically figures your defecit for you. You probably aren't eating enough. Try eating back some of your exercise calories

dittiepe

Which diabetic diet? Are you on the old exchange program, or are you low carb?

lloydrt

tx, plateaued 3 times, last one was for 16 weeks ,then it started to come off again........its part of the routine

I really dont think Ive ever met anyone where they lost weekly without some kind of stall.........it goes with the program

dont give up, youve lost already, just keep doing what you have been, its also good for your health as well......Lloyd

birdlover97111

You need to stop weighing yourself daily..!!...That can be a real motivation killer right there...Try to only step on the scale once every two weeks...As for the weight fluctuations, it can be water or the fact that you are building muscle when you exercise... :flowerforyou:

AmerTunsi

My guess would be that you aren't eating enough. Eating below 1200 calories and working out .. your body is in starvation mode!

ShannaB83185

tx, plateaued 3 times, last one was for 16 weeks ,then it started to come off again........its part of the routine

I really dont think Ive ever met anyone where they lost weekly without some kind of stall.........it goes with the program

dont give up, youve lost already, just keep doing what you have been, its also good for your health as well......Lloyd

I agree with what Lloyd said! I have heard of people plateauing for months before weigth comes off again! Don't give up!! Stick wtih your plan and I think you will see the weight come off again!! You CAN do it!


Quitting is NOT an option!!

pauterson

And so if you quit what does that mean? Really? It's a lifestyle not just a quick loose and must loose consistently. Find other ways to change your mind set and make yourself understand that it's not all about the scale. Take photos, use a measuring tape, set little goals like lifting more weight to become stronger and doing faster/longer cardio to get your lungs and heart stronger. Quitting is not an option - if you quit, you just end up on this same path in a few years... that's where yo-yoing comes from!

bonnienm

When I plateaued I would increase my calories for a weekend and then get back to the 1200 and it usually kicked my metabolism back up. Good luck!

H_Factor

if you are eating less than 1,200 calories/day, then your body has gone into starvation mode and is keeping all of those fat cells locked up hostage. TRUST AND EAT your calories.

plateaus happen. sometimes your body has to catch up with a rapid weight loss. losing 12 pounds in 2-3 weeks is rapid weight loss (although that happens early in a new diet regimen). you body might simply be adjusting to what is going on.

also, if you're generally eating only 1,200 calories/day, then its okay...even advisable...to have one or two cheat meals during the week where you eat extra carbs...so you trick your body that you will be feeding it enough carbs and your body doesn't need to hold onto the nasty fat cells.

sherismb

If you are exercising that much 1200 calories is not enough for you!! Your body is holding on to whatever you put it. You need to up your calories and switch up your exercise routine to something else.

Biffybeans1

I don't have an explanation. However, be kind to yourself and think about not stepping on the scales quite so often. It sounds like your eating plan encompasses several health issues that you experience and I can appreciate that. I can't walk or exercise due to being a full time wheelchair user as a person with Muscular Dystrophy (can't move my own body and even if I could I can't have someone exercise my body in ways that go against gravity). Losing weight for me is a real uphill battle without the ability to exercise. I just try and be thankful that irrespective of how quickly I lose weight I am treating my body more respectfully and healthy by the way I eat. Hang in there! We all get discouraged....but this too can pass )

Hearts_2015

1 - You have 16 lbs. left to lose, it's not going to drop right off, it slows down the less your body has to drop.

2 - 12 pounds since July 5th is not even a full month... that's EXCELLENT weightloss particularly since you have a low a amount to drop. Nothing wrong with that, so you must be doing something right!

3 - It takes patience, none of us gained our weight overnight and it sure won't drop off that way either! :flowerforyou:

4 - Quitting now won't help you get where you want to be and will only create more frustration... keep eating well, trying out new fruits and veggies and sources of healthy protein, adequate exercise, plenty of water and a positive attitude will help you go far!:drinker:

H_Factor

And so if you quit what does that mean? Really? It's a lifestyle not just a quick loose and must loose consistently. Find other ways to change your mind set and make yourself understand that it's not all about the scale. Take photos, use a measuring tape, set little goals like lifting more weight to become stronger and doing faster/longer cardio to get your lungs and heart stronger. Quitting is not an option - if you quit, you just end up on this same path in a few years... that's where yo-yoing comes from!

LIKE!!!!

Mommyof3loves

Don't eat below 1200 calories a day...I was eating under that and I wasn't really losing anything it was a yoyo effect but since I changed that and are eating around 1300 calories I have been losing again, might not be a lot but it's still losing....I've been on here since the middle of May actively and I've only lost 11.6lbs but it's still a loss and I know it is going to take time. You'll be fine just up your calories and make sure you drink at least 8 glasses of water.

chuck5631

I went through three weeks of no progress, just up and down a little. Then I started making progress again. Hang in there; try weighing in once a week.

scagneti

And so if you quit what does that mean? Really? It's a lifestyle not just a quick loose and must loose consistently. Find other ways to change your mind set and make yourself understand that it's not all about the scale. Take photos, use a measuring tape, set little goals like lifting more weight to become stronger and doing faster/longer cardio to get your lungs and heart stronger. Quitting is not an option - if you quit, you just end up on this same path in a few years... that's where yo-yoing comes from!

THat's what I was thinking. Quit? Like stop working out and eating properly? That would TOTALLY help, right??

dittiepe

also, if you're generally eating only 1,200 calories/day, then its okay...even advisable...to have one or two cheat meals during the week where you eat extra carbs...so you trick your body that you will be feeding it enough carbs and your body doesn't need to hold onto the nasty fat cells.

Not as a diabetic.

stanvoodoo

First never give up. Second Never Below 1200 calories. It would also be helpful if you would open the diary so we can see where you need help.

Also don't weigh in every day, once week or you will go crazy. I get on every day but leave the number there on the scale as only Friday Morning counts for me.

Are you getting enough water, protein and fiber. All should exceed the levels given. Are you limiting your fat, simple carbs and sodium?

Have many calories are you buring and how often?

As already mentioned you many not be eating enough depending on how much you have to lose.

Be Strong!

Hearts_2015

And so if you quit what does that mean? Really? It's a lifestyle not just a quick loose and must loose consistently. Find other ways to change your mind set and make yourself understand that it's not all about the scale. Take photos, use a measuring tape, set little goals like lifting more weight to become stronger and doing faster/longer cardio to get your lungs and heart stronger. Quitting is not an option - if you quit, you just end up on this same path in a few years... that's where yo-yoing comes from!

Good thoughts to share, so true!

Hearts_2015

also, if you're generally eating only 1,200 calories/day, then its okay...even advisable...to have one or two cheat meals during the week where you eat extra carbs...so you trick your body that you will be feeding it enough carbs and your body doesn't need to hold onto the nasty fat cells.

Not as a diabetic.

Actually I've never heard of that for a non-diabetic either. :happy:

jenkamac

eat your exercise calories! 1200 calories is day is the MINIMUM you eat - if you are burning 500 calories you are only consuming 700 calories. Your body will go into starvation mode and hold onto everything you eat. You will not lose weight. Seriously, eat more. Doesn't that sound great?? It's true. Don't give up - what then? You'll be happy being unhealthy? Keep going, just eat more and take care of yourself.

dittiepe

I started July 5 with this diet and exercise routine. I am sticking below my alloted calories every day (1200) (with 2 exceptions) and have lost 12 pounds. I exercise every morning (usually 30 day Shred or other weight/ab work) and do a treadmill aerobic workout every evening. So far so good, right? Wrong. The 12 pound weight loss was as of 2 weeks ago. Everything was going great until then Since then I have gained a pound, lost a pound, gained 3 pounds, lost 1 pound, gained 2 pounds, lost 2 pounds, etc. Today I am 1 pound UP from my 12 pound weight loss 2 weeks ago. What am I doing wrong? I'm eating healthy (diabetes diet + lactose intolerant diet + coumadin restriction diet so it doesn't leave a lot of gray area) and I'm working out twice a day. The laws of science should come in to play: if you expend more calories than you ingest you lose weight. I'm really getting frustrated these last 2 weeks. It makes no sense to me how I could possibly GAIN weight. Any suggestions? Thanks!

I'm going to assume that you are a diabetic, lactose intolerant and on coumadin since you mentioned each of those as dietary restrictions.

First, the 12lb you lost, very quickly, was most likely water weight. This quick loss is normal. It's also normal for you to gain some of the weight back as it turns into muscle. If you are exercising that much, I'm going to guess that you are burning somewhere around 500-700 calories and building a good bit of muscle, since you're doing the 30DS. Muscle, while leaner, weighs more than fat. Measure yourself. Check if your clothes fit differently. And lastly, cut down on the exercise a little bit, and see what happens.

Next, even with your dietary restrictions, you should be able to eat a fairly decent and tasty diet. I would look into the low carb version of the diabetic diet, and based upon your calorie allotment for your diabetes, and your doctor's permission(!), see about swapping over to that. Also, some diabetic medication can stall weight loss.

Missing lactose isn't a big issue. There are plenty of alternatives out there these days with almond, coconut and soy milks and products made with them.

Coumadin gets a little tricky, but not too much. So you can't have grapefruit, have to limit your green leafy veggies and other vitamin K rich foods. However, you shouldn't have to STOP them. If you do, you're creating a false PT because eventually, you're going to have some Vit K and it will increase the blood value. Again, speak with your doctor about moderation as far as these veggies are concerned. You should be consuming some of them, though, because they will help with the diabetes issue above

Hope that helps some.

AlsDonkBoxSquat

I started July 5 with this diet and exercise routine. I am sticking below my alloted calories every day (1200) (with 2 exceptions) and have lost 12 pounds. I exercise every morning (usually 30 day Shred or other weight/ab work) and do a treadmill aerobic workout every evening. So far so good, right? Wrong.

Are you sticking below your 1200 calories gross or net? Seems to me that you may be having the same issue that everyone else who posts something similar is having . . . not eating enough calories. If you are consuming (gross) less than 1200 calories per day and exercising you need to up your food consumption if you want to see those pounds fall off.

cookieluvsya

Sounds like you want a quick fix and that is not going to get you very far, it is a life style change and you didn't pack on those pounds overnight.. So losing it means the same, it wont happen overnight.. I have learned that working your *kitten* off for a month and going back to the same routine IS NOT going to make you happy.. So its ok that you dont see results in a short amount of time.. never give up and always think of cool new and different ways to workout so you wont get bored, and new recipes too! It can happen, gotta see the glass half full!

AlsDonkBoxSquat

The laws of science should come in to play: if you expend more calories than you ingest you lose weight. I'm really getting frustrated these last 2 weeks. It makes no sense to me how I could possibly GAIN weight. Any suggestions? Thanks!

These are the laws of math, not the laws of science. The laws of science that apply to exercise and diet and weight loss are more complicated than simple interest. There are a ton of good posts on here about how important it is to eat enough calories to fuel your body to lose weight.

Txifonly

Wow, thanks for all the quick response! I really appreciate all the encouragement. I am having trouble getting to 1200 calories without my sugars getting too high. I am a diet controlled diabetic (type 2) so I have to watch the sugars closely. The Coumadin Vit K restriction is new to me. Just started that on July 5 too, so I'm struggling trying to incorporate all three into a healthy, filling, low calorie, low sugar, high fiber diet.

By quitting I meant quit tracking it and quit actively trying to lose weight to get rid of the frustration and disappointment that goes along with my perceived "failure". I can never quit eating healthy. (Well, I can, but not for long!) And the exercise is more for my self esteem in fighting the effects of aging. I am married to a younger man so I have to try to keep up with him.

I really appreciate all the posts. I will read them over and over and try to get myself out of this funk.

piquilter

My guess would be that you aren't eating enough. Eating below 1200 calories and working out .. your body is in starvation mode!

I agree with this. I know sometimes it is hard to wrap your head around eating more calories, but your body needs the fuel especially when you are working out. I eat back most, but not all of my exercise calories, just make sure the food choices are good ones. Do you keep an eye on your sodium intake? Last but definitely no least, drink water, water, water & then when your done, drink more water :laugh: :laugh: