I would love to know how you all do it!

bosendorf

I have been doing MFP religiously for about 3 weeks and exercising at least an hour a day burning around 500 calories. I eat 1200 a day. Since I have started I have lost the same 3-5 pounds. I just started and I feel as though I should at least lose something. I weigh 160 at 5'4 for crying out loud!
I have even tried uping my calories to 1500.

I am soooo frustrated any help ould be greatly appreciated. I just don't know what to do.

JennLifts

if your cal goal is 1200, and you burn 500, you should be eating 1700...
On another not, I was your height and weight when I started, you can add me if you want!

sunraze

PATIENCE! You didn't gain it in 3 weeks. Hang in there ---loose it slowly and it's more likely to stay off by changing your habits, not just dieting. Stay tough!

geo999

if you REALLY eat 1200 cal per day and you REALLY burn 500 per day you lose at least a pound every 2 days ...check the amount of the portions

CarolynB38

I have been doing MFP religiously for about 3 weeks and exercising at least an hour a day burning around 500 calories. I eat 1200 a day. Since I have started I have lost the same 3-5 pounds. I just started and I feel as though I should at least lose something. I weigh 160 at 5'4 for crying out loud!
I have even tried uping my calories to 1500.

I am soooo frustrated any help ould be greatly appreciated. I just don't know what to do.

Are you eating your exercise calories? This can be very important for some people. If you have set you calorie goal to what it recommends to lose 1lb a week and you are eating back at least half of your calories you should be losing weight at around 1lb a week. If you are working out you may have gained a small amount of muscle mass. Take your measurements too. What you don't see on the scale you may see in your measurements.

If you still aren't losing weight or inches after another couple of weeks it may be worth getting your thyroid checked, particularly if you have other symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Keep going. I'm in a similar situation but I know I feel better doing this so I am keeping going :-)

ajbeans

You're not eating enough. If your calorie goal is 1200 and you burn 500, you should eat 1700 that day. Also, you don't have that much to lose in the grand scheme of things, so you might be trying to lose too fast. Try changing your goal to lose 1 lb or less per week, and you'll probably see some better results.

It also might help to try to get more protein in your diet. That's been the biggest thing for me to help me stay satisfied and give me the energy I need through the day. It keeps me from binging if I get lots of protein. Try to hit or exceed your protein goal every day. And if you're not already, throw in some strength training at least 3 days a week to help you retain your muscle as you lose. Muscle burns fat. And make sure to drink plenty of water! Drink enough so that your urine is clear so you know you're well-hydrated.

Don't give up. You really haven't been at it for a super long time, even though I know it seems like it. Be patient with yourself. You can do this!

angcol1109

hi thats still a good weight loss after 3 weeks at least your going in the right direction i know it can br frustrating when your giving it 100% but stick with it your doin great, also are you sure your not building muscle exercising 30 mins each day as this can cause you to put weight on .

scapez

One word: patience. It will take a good 4-6 weeks for your body to acclimate to your new routine. Give it time and hang in there. Slow and steady wins the race!

monkeydharma

If I read your post correctly, you are churning (losing and regaining) the same few pounds? I would suggest the following:

- pay attention to salt intake. Water retention (and subsequent loss) can look like churning.

- pay attention to what you are actually eating. If you are getting too many sugar and carb grams, it make weight loss hard, even if you have the number of calories down. Focus on eating primarily meats and fresh veg - leafy greens (salads, spinach, chard, etc); stay away from potatoes, starches and high-sugar fruits (berries are OK, but others have too much sugar).

candb

If I read your post correctly, you are churning (losing and regaining) the same few pounds? I would suggest the following:

- pay attention to salt intake. Water retention (and subsequent loss) can look like churning.

- pay attention to what you are actually eating. If you are getting too many sugar and carb grams, it make weight loss hard, even if you have the number of calories down. Focus on eating primarily meats and fresh veg - leafy greens (salads, spinach, chard, etc); stay away from potatoes, starches and high-sugar fruits (berries are OK, but others have too much sugar).

I agree with this 100%.

dls06

Portion control.