Ways to stop the cycle

alanaosu

I'm having a bit of an issue. I can get really into my food and exercise for about 21 days at a time and then I seem to always have a few days/week of doing nothing and over eating. I've gained and lost the same 4-5 pounds for the past 9 months.

I'm obviously sabotaging myself but I can't work out why. I'm not hugely overweight. I'd like to drop no more than 20 pounds or 9% body fat. The best I can offer is that after 3 weeks of killing it I get pissed that I haven't seen more of a result and then think 'sod it' and eat/drink what I like and take a few days off.

Frustrating!

_Chantel_

Sounds to me like you are going a little to Gung Ho on yourself for those few weeks and it is too strict for you to maintain. Perhaps you should up the allowance a bit so that you will be more likely to stick with it. Another thing to think about is if this coincides with the beginning of your menstrual cycle. Also, I would suggest looking at other measures besides the scale. Perhaps buy a scale that tells you more than pounds so you have other numbers for encouragement or calipers for measuring body fat. Maybe even get some, hips, waist, neck measurements with a tape measure to compare as well. Sometimes the scale doesn't change but the firmness does. Good Luck!

janeinspain

Take it slower and don't look only at the weight-loss. Enjoy the clothes feeling looser on your body, the energy you feel. Try lifting weights - it will sculpt your body really nice. Try to cut down the carbs, especially the bread, potatoes, rice and pasta - it will surely help you feeling satiated for longer periods of time and reduce cravings. Up your protein instead - meat, fish, eggs, Greek yogurt - at least 1 g of protein / kg you weigh - will help feeling satiated, will prevent muscle loss and actually help you increase it (really slowly).
Good luck!