No progress and just can't eat less

Espressocycle

So 40 days in, I have consumed about 3,500 calories over quota, but I should still have lost SOMETHING. I lost some water weight the first week but since then, I have just fluctuated 1 lbs up, 1 lbs down. I get hypoglycemic, so it's really hard to eat less. The only option seems to be to add an hour on the treadmill before bed and fall asleep before the sugar shakes start. Sigh.

outdoorrecrocks

I don't have any good news -- just shared frustration. I'm always hungry and while the scale does slip down from time to time, it also slips back up with the same regularity. I'm pretty confused about what's going on for me. I'm athletic, but technically overweight given my weight. I know I have a reasonable amount of muscle.. but no matter what I eat or how I exercise.. things stay the same. I've lost half an inch from my waist in six weeks, that's it. I can feel my muscles more prominently but neither weight nor measurements have changed. Bah.

Acg67

So 40 days in, I have consumed about 3,500 calories over quota, but I should still have lost SOMETHING. I lost some water weight the first week but since then, I have just fluctuated 1 lbs up, 1 lbs down. I get hypoglycemic, so it's really hard to eat less. The only option seems to be to add an hour on the treadmill before bed and fall asleep before the sugar shakes start. Sigh.

not sure if i understand, you expected to lose weight in a caloric surplus? or am i reading it wrong

melbaby925

I just looked at your diary - and I would replace all that sugar and carbs with protein and solid whole grain. It sounds to me like your spiking your system and that's what's causing the Hypoglycemic response.

However, I'm not an expert here, I'm just going off what I know about what's worked for me. I cut out refined carbs like rolls and noodles and replace them with veggies and lean proteins and I've evened out my cravings and headaches. You might also want to try and eat 6 times a day rather than just 3-4.

tuscanyoro

I am having the exact same problem I lost 5 lbs and was so excited then my weight shot back up 10 lbs, so my progress went totally backwards. No matter what I do I can't lose weight. I work out all the time because I am a competitive athlete, but I can't make weight unless I starve myself for a week and then I gain double the weight back. I could really use some help and advice. I am extremely frustrated.

hypotrochoid

Well... I looked back through your diary (back until the beginning of Sept) and I think you might want to take a closer look at what you're eating. A lot of what's in there looks like it's pretty high in sodium. Also (at least for me) pizza is the devil. It's really high on the GI and takes forever to digest. A slice can ruin a whole week for me.

Also, you're pretty consistently over your calories. Changing up things so you're eating more protein and fiber will help you feel full longer and be less calorically dense.

Good luck!

AlsDonkBoxSquat

It seems to me that the carbs you are eating are inefficient and paired with the sugars would cause peaks and valleys with your blood sugar levels. Lots of proteins, veggies, and when you eat carbs eat whole grains (stone cut oatmeal, quinoa, long grain wild rice which I believe is actually a seed, etc) should help you even out those blood sugar levels.

Sasssy69

I just looked at your diary - and I would replace all that sugar and carbs with protein and solid whole grain. It sounds to me like your spiking your system and that's what's causing the Hypoglycemic response.

However, I'm not an expert here, I'm just going off what I know about what's worked for me. I cut out refined carbs like rolls and noodles and replace them with veggies and lean proteins and I've evened out my cravings and headaches. You might also want to try and eat 6 times a day rather than just 3-4.

I was going to suggest this too. You eat a lot of processed foods. The kind of calories count as much as how many. Also, keep an eye on your sodium levels. If you're eating a lot of processed foods, then your sodium is likely to be high. Try cutting some of your carbs back.

Every person's body is different. I know that simple carbs will keep me from seeing anything on the scale, along with higher fat. Doesn't matter the type of fat - my body just knows fat. So I try to keep this low, along with my calories.

You can also try zig zagging your calories. You can use the search option on this wesite, or google it.

Last option: Talk to your doctor. Something could be out of whack.

Best of luck!

curliegirl

I feel for you! Sugar shakes are the pits.

I used to get those when most of my diet was carbs(white rice, bread etc). I have eased myself away from carbs. It is no fun. No soda, candy, cake, etc Essentially no junk but man do I feel better. More lean protein with vegies and fruit seem to agree with me. Also healthy fats help too. Flax oil, olive oil etc.

Make sure you eat some protein within 15-20 minutes of your work out too. That will help. I like nuts or greek yogurt. Both of those feel like a reward for the hard work in the workout!

Hope this helps!

likeaphoenix

I'm not any kind of an expert, let me say that right up front! The good news for you: I feel pretty sure that your time on MFP has helped you to be more conscientious about exercising and eating better -- these are important accomplishments in and of themselves, because you are establishing healthy habits which will carry you all the way through your life.

About your question, I'd recommend researching weight loss/diet for hypoglycemics, or better yet, consulting a nutritionist. Your tendency toward low blood sugar is not to be taken lightly, and really you shouldn't attempt radical restriction of your food intake without having a good idea on how best to do it within the parameters of your own individual health situation.

But the basic approach most of us share is simple: by avoiding junk foods, sweets, very fatty foods, we are cutting down our calorie intake. (In fact, the idea that many of us try to adhere to which is 3 meals plus about 2 or 3 snacks a day could work well for someone who tends to get low blood sugar.) Coupled with exercise, a sensible diet comprising about 1200 - 1400 (or more if you are really doing some good exercising) calorie intact should get that needle heading in the right direction. If done correctly, it should be gradual thought.

Good luck!

Fitnin6280

I agree with melbaby925, I find that if I eat more protien and fiber, I feel much better, and not nearly as hungry. However it does take a while for your body to get over the shock of not having as much sugar and carbs. I eat my fair share of carbs, however I try to make it worth my while when I do by making it whole grain. Good luck!

Tobi1013

I just took a look back through your diary and noticed a few things that are likely hindering your progress:

1. You are over your calories more often than not - sometimes by 1000+ calories. You are essentially eliminating the deficit you need to lose weight.

2. Your carbs seem high relative to your fat and protein. You might consider adjusting your macros (40/30/30 carbs/fat/protein seems to be a good place to start from for many people) and replacing some of those carbs for good fats and lean protein.

3. You drink beer and/or liquor nearly every day. From my own experience, I have a difficult time losing when I consume alcohol (even one or two drinks during the weekend. I can't imagine losing what my body would do with a drink or two every night). I am not saying you need to cut it out completely, but you might want to consider cutting back.

kevin3344

where are the fruits and veggies in your diet? apples, oranges, nuts, etc. is all good to take on the go and could replace a lot of the processed stuff.

dgocycle, open up your calorie log and we'll help.

Espressocycle

My diet is pretty good, but I need to exhange some carbs and cheese for lean meat and veggies. Maybe that will help!

MinnieInMaine

I'm a bit hypoglycemic myself. Not diagnosed but if I eat something high in sugar/carbs, I tend to crash within a couple of hours. A great way to fix this is to mix up your diet and get a lot more protein and good fats to help keep you satisfied.

For example, I used to eat something like Cheerios with milk and a banana for breakfast. Whether I was active or just sitting on the couch, I'd be shaky and starving in 2 hours. So now I tend to start my day with a much more filling meal. Two or three eggs, low fat cheese and a sandwich thin or a bowl of Kashi oatmeal (protein fortified). I can go a lot longer on a meal like that and it's about the same amount of calories.

Use your body as an indicator of how your foods work for you. If you're getting sugar shakes a lot, check the micronutrients and think about what you could've done differently to up the protein level. Say you have a big salad and that doesn't do it - well, add some grilled chicken, ham, and/or cheese and maybe even use a full fat dressing and see how you feel then.

I try to get protein in every meal and even snacks (yogurt) because I know it makes all the difference in the world.

kevin3344

I must say good job on the logging...it's more detailed than mine!

With a couple replacements you'll be fine.

Don't forget your exercise, too.

sneezles

My diet is pretty good, but I need to exhange some carbs and cheese for lean meat and veggies. Maybe that will help!

Your diet is not that good. Way too high in carbs and processed foods! Rather than tracking potassium I suggest you track sodium. I think you'll be amazed at how much you are consuming, seriously!

Omit the alcohol for 2 weeks and then only drink it once or twice a week...sacrifices have to be made during weight loss.

HungryHughes

I highly recommend reading "The South Beach Diet". There is about 100 pages on "why" that are very important to understand. In "Phase 1" they ask you to eliminate sugar and carbs from your diet, but you can eat as much protein and vegetables as you want. As you strip the sugar and carbs out of your diet your body goes in to Ketosis after a couple days and starts burning protein for energy instead of glucose (sugar in the blood). At this point, I get so much energy, I feel like I'm 15 again. They only ask you to do this for two weeks and then start adding whole grain carbs and some natural sugar (fruit). Anyone with sugar issues should definitely read this book. I have been heading towards Type 2 Diabetes for years and am glad I finally understand these things. Good Luck!!

Espressocycle

Hey, you guys are right. My diet has kinda gone to crud in the last couple weeks. Sometimes I wish you could just buy a big bag of human chow, y'know?

hypotrochoid

Hey, you guys are right. My diet has kinda gone to crud in the last couple weeks. Sometimes I wish you could just buy a big bag of human chow, y'know?

They call it Soylent Green. Not sure if it's on the open market yet...