GAINED 4 POUNDS!!!

ChubbyMIgurl

HELP! So, I have been sticking close around 1200 calories and documenting EVERYTHING that goes into my mouth. I started walking 20 mins a day with my accountability partner and now am doing about 30-40 (some days doing hills). My clothes still fit the same so I made an appointment with a doctor to get my levels tested (thyroid, cholestoral, sugar level, etc.) to see if there is some medical reason why the weight isn't coming off. I got on the scale, and I have gained 4 pounds since I started MFP

I am so frustrated that I ate three pieces of pizza after the appointment because I thought... "whats the point"? I woke up today with a new attitude and have been eating healthy again. However, I am very frustrated. I have been doing MFP for three or four weeks now (excercising for two straight weeks).

Once again... HELP!!!!!!!

kylee_marie

if you make your diary public it will help people give advice

margaretpf

When did you start your diet and exercise? how close to 1200 cal a day are you sticking? How much of your intake is from simple carbs/startch?

lenwie

Are you eating enough ? 1200 is quite low if you have lots of lbs to lose.

monrodrig2786

Don't give up! I'm going through the same thing right now. It is frustrating I know first hand. I've been averaging the same calorie intake. I have two theories one being that you've developed muscle or I'm wondering since we've lowered our calorie intake it might have slowed down my metabolism.

H_Factor

its difficult to pinpoint the reason for this without access to your food journal, but here are some thoughts that might be happening:

1. you're not eating enough. perhaps 1,200 calories isn't enough to keep your body out of starvation mode...especially if you're not also eating your exercise calories.

2. you're not drinking enough water. if you don't drink enough water, its hard for the liver to process out the bad stuff since it will be spending its time helping the kidneys.

3. of the calories you're eating, too many of them are in some form of bread/grains/pasta. try cutting out bread/grains/pasta for a week and see if that helps.

lizziebeth1028

if you make your diary public it will help people give advice

^ yep this

Also if you are not eating back your exercise calories your body may be holding on to the weight (starvation mode)....it's important to log everything accurately and eat all your calories.

BeautifulScarsWECHANGED

Open your diary for us please.

ChubbyMIgurl

Open your diary for us please.

How do I do this?

BeautifulScarsWECHANGED

Open your diary for us please.

How do I do this?

Under account settings I believe

karinaes

your body may have gone into starvation mode?

rainunrefined

HELP! So, I have been sticking close around 1200 calories and documenting EVERYTHING that goes into my mouth. I started walking 20 mins a day with my accountability partner and now am doing about 30-40 (some days doing hills). My clothes still fit the same so I made an appointment with a doctor to get my levels tested (thyroid, cholestoral, sugar level, etc.) to see if there is some medical reason why the weight isn't coming off. I got on the scale, and I have gained 4 pounds since I started MFP

I am so frustrated that I ate three pieces of pizza after the appointment because I thought... "whats the point"? I woke up today with a new attitude and have been eating healthy again. However, I am very frustrated. I have been doing MFP for three or four weeks now (excercising for two straight weeks).

Once again... HELP!!!!!!!

Eat more.

dmest

You may want to try adding some strength training to your exercise program. I walk about 30 minutes a day including hills to take my kids to school and it really doesn't burn that many calories. It's a great exercise, but I would add strength too.

6Janelle13

besides opening your diary... I am in a similar boat. I had a week off diet and since then the weight loss is different. (gaining or no loss) You probably have to shake up your work out and increase the cardio. also heavy sodium can cause a spike and i have yet to find anything processed that is low sodium. If you open your diary we could also see if you body is getting enough, too much or not enough. "starvation mode" is not a myth (never thought i would say that). good luck

rdbailey92

Hang in there, everybody has their ups and downs. I gained three pounds, but can't let that bother me. I try staying off the scale and only weigh once a week. There could be a lot of different things that could alter your weight.

sweebum

1200 is a bit low when you have 50 lbs to lose. Especially if you're exercising

mgmlap

sorry to hear that..but you need to keep in mind..whenever you add a new exercise..your body will retain some water to "heal" those muscles which are being used in a different way..It happened to me..so trust me..if thats the case..it will drop off..

could also be that maybe 1200 is too low a calorie for you..ask your doc..cause if you are doing a fair amount of exercise..you probably need to up your calories..

Good luck..and awesome job with waking up with a brand new attitude..

Maria_Goose

You may need to up your excercise. You know, make it more intense.

Did you try some sort of starvation diet before starting MFP? This slows down your metabolism drastically. Now, if you're eating your alloted calories each day, your body may be hoarding them thanks to the drop in metabolism.

Keep going! Don't get disheartened! Cling to that positive attitude and push through!

catlover98611

I am writing from the viewpoint of food being an addiction for ME and not saying that it is for YOU or anyone else, so please don't start bashing me. I joined here 2 years ago and maintained a 170 weight for almost a year, even exercising like crazy, eating all my calories, blah blah blah. I left a year ago feeling anxious and depressed. In Nov of 2010 I joined a 12 step program that deals with food addiction. I work with a sponsor and was given a food plan that I follow on a daily basis. Basically, I do not eat flour or sugar products at all, eat 3 balanced meals, consume water, and don't exercise because I have a busy hectic job that I love that uses all the calories I take in. The more I lost, the more I had to eat. I have lost 70 pounds, am at goal, and a little under. At 56 years old I am at my high school grad weight but because I don't drink or smoke or do drugs or over eat junk foods, I am in better shape now than I ever was then. Add me as a friend if you want to hear more.

sneezles

Question...you weighed 4 pounds heavier on the doctor's scale than the one at home? If the answer is yes, I'm not surprised. I weigh 5 pounds heavier at the drs office as I have on clothes and shoes. Something to consider.

stronglikebull

if you got on the scale at the doctor's office, you were wearing clothes. you had probably also eaten already that day, yeah? and maybe hadn't used the bathroom 'fully'? don't trip out too much. if we can see your diary we can give you better advice based on a clearer picture too.

NashvilleShelley

I only gained 3 pounds and ate 2 pieces of pizza!!! Just started my 4th week....ugh! Everyone says it is water in your muscles healing them...but no one tells you how long does it take for them to heal?? 1 week, 2 weeks???? When will the scale move down again??? Thanks!! : )

H_Factor

Question...you weighed 4 pounds heavier on the doctor's scale than the one at home? If the answer is yes, I'm not surprised. I weigh 5 pounds heavier at the drs office as I have on clothes and shoes. Something to consider.

hmmmm...I overlooked this in your initial post. you should always use the SAME scale at the SAME time of the day (and in the SAME place as well). there are variations in scales. I don't care if I weigh 2, 3 or 5 pounds more on someone else's scale because I assume my starting weight would be that much higher on that other scale. I use the same scale so I know exactly how much I've lost. Also, if you were weighing in during the day, as opposed to first thing in the morning, that's just not going to be a proper indicator because weight fluctuates throughout the day (usually going up until bedtime and back down while sleeping).

glenbabe

are you checking portion sizes that can make a huge difference,have you also put in the correct lifestyle for yor calorie allowance that could make a difference,also what type of food choices are you making are they healthy.The slip up with the pizza will delay you again,the important thing is not to give up,maybe your muscle mass has increased,this would make you look leaner but gain weight try measuring yourself this will let you know if this is the case......Keep on logging and dont give up it does work,all the best for your journey

keengkong

4 pounds is nothing. My weight will go up or down up to five pounds in a single day.

glenbabe

Question...you weighed 4 pounds heavier on the doctor's scale than the one at home? If the answer is yes, I'm not surprised. I weigh 5 pounds heavier at the drs office as I have on clothes and shoes. Something to consider.

hmmmm...I overlooked this in your initial post. you should always use the SAME scale at the SAME time of the day (and in the SAME place as well). there are variations in scales. I don't care if I weigh 2, 3 or 5 pounds more on someone else's scale because I assume my starting weight would be that much higher on that other scale. I use the same scale so I know exactly how much I've lost. Also, if you were weighing in during the day, as opposed to first thing in the morning, that's just not going to be a proper indicator because weight fluctuates throughout the day (usually going up until bedtime and back down while sleeping).

sound advice it could well be this

ChubbyMIgurl

I guess I thought I was fine with the foods I was eating as long as it was under the 1200 calories. And yes, I do monitor ALL portions that I intake.

ChubbyMIgurl

You may want to try adding some strength training to your exercise program. I walk about 30 minutes a day including hills to take my kids to school and it really doesn't burn that many calories. It's a great exercise, but I would add strength too.

Which is fine... but remember I am VERY out of shape and JUST starting to excercise again. Me walking every day is huge for me. I will keep building up my endourance and will get there.... have no gym membership

lambeas

DO NOT GIVE UP- EVER!!

I can go up and down +-3lbs easily.. weight can fluctuate for NO reason... whenever you weigh yourself you should also have a pair of pants or a "target outfit" to try on at the same time, because the scale does not always reflect the hard work you are putting in. I use a pair of jeans that I want to wear again.,.. so I try them on right after the scale...and there you can ALWAYS feel a difference if you are losing

Also, I noticed that you do not track sodium in your diet, nor sugar... these are two things for women that can sure become a barrier. Maybe add those items and see if that helps... because although the calories are low... the sodium might be WAY too high, making you retain water... etc.. etc..

Just don't give up...and don't put all your self-esteem on what a scale number produces!

kylee_marie

okay i looked at your diary. you are eating out way too much!i would change your settings to also monitor your sodium. a lot of the stuff you are eating is VERY high in sodium. make sure you are drinking a lot of water to flush that all out. While you are staying within your calorie range (which i still think is too low, i would up to around 1500-1600) you need to make sure that the food you are eating is healthy. I know it is hard when you have a busy life but believe me, that was my biggest "lifestyle" change. I still eat out but i mainly try and cook/prep ahead of time. If you need any tips or anything feel free to add me! Good luck

sneezles

Looked at your diary and you a lot of processed foods which are heavy on the sodium. You might want to add sodium to your daily tracker in your diary. You need more veggies for starters.