Very discouraged!

angella_zumba

I have been working out for 7 months and have only lost 1 pound... I don't eat a lot and I run, spin and do strength training...I do have some days or a day when I do eat too much, but not everyday!!! I am 44 so that may be the problem!

sweetptgrl

Sometimes you have to eat more then what you think you should. If you eat too little, your body stores everything vs burning calories. Also, have you tried taking measurements? Sometimes you don't loose weight because you are actually gaining muscle (it weights more). Try taking waist, hip and neck measurements and comparing them in 2 weeks or so. You might find you are making more progress then you think.

drizzella

Have you had your hormone levels checked lately? I know that several months back, I had some issues with my hormone levels and it turned out this was causing me issues. So, basically, all my working out and watching what I ate was causing me to simply maintain my weight. Once, I got that regulated, then I started to lose weight. Sad, but true, being a woman, our hormones and age can affect our weight loss. And also, I agree with sweetptgrl, sometimes, if you don't eat enough calories, your body thinks you are starving yourself so it clings to everything it can.

mallred76

I'm so sorry, it is so frustrating when you work hard yet see no results. Don't give up!

First: Take a look at your food. You have to make sure that you eat enough calories or your body will hang on to that fat. I hit a plateau, increased my calories and started loosing weight again. Also, all calories are not created equal. You need to be sure that you are eating clean. Whole foods is best. Healthy fats are important and make sure you are getting enough protein. I changed my macros to 40% carbs, 30% protein and 30% fat. I also try to limit sodium.

Second: Workout on a consistent basis. Add it some HIIT workouts. (High Intensity Interval Training) Do 10-15 HIIT then run or spin for 30 minutes 4 days a week. Also, lift heavier weights with lower reps. That is the only way to build muscle and muscle will speed your metabolism.

Honestly your diet will make the most difference. I was in a car accident a couple years ago and gained 30 lbs in 6 months. I couldn't workout because of my injuries, but was able to lose the first 20 with just diet alone. Clean diet, focus on that and I'm sure you will see results.

Good luck!

mallred76

Have you had your hormone levels checked lately? I know that several months back, I had some issues with my hormone levels and it turned out this was causing me issues. So, basically, all my working out and watching what I ate was causing me to simply maintain my weight. Once, I got that regulated, then I started to lose weight. Sad, but true, being a woman, our hormones and age can affect our weight loss. And also, I agree with sweetptgrl, sometimes, if you don't eat enough calories, your body thinks you are starving yourself so it clings to everything it can.

Ditto to this, regulating any hormone imbalances would be vital.

Delia_Jane

Have you had your hormone levels checked lately? I know that several months back, I had some issues with my hormone levels and it turned out this was causing me issues. So, basically, all my working out and watching what I ate was causing me to simply maintain my weight. Once, I got that regulated, then I started to lose weight

I am in my 60's and had the same thing happen, I waited 5 months without losing a pound, but lost inches, before I checked everything and found after leveling hormones I had to lower my calorie count radically. Then I lost my pound a week. Keep active.

carrie_eggo

I'm so sorry, it is so frustrating when you work hard yet see no results. Don't give up!

First: Take a look at your food. You have to make sure that you eat enough calories or your body will hang on to that fat. I hit a plateau, increased my calories and started loosing weight again. Also, all calories are not created equal. You need to be sure that you are eating clean. Whole foods is best. Healthy fats are important and make sure you are getting enough protein. I changed my macros to 40% carbs, 30% protein and 30% fat. I also try to limit sodium.

Second: Workout on a consistent basis. Add it some HIIT workouts. (High Intensity Interval Training) Do 10-15 HIIT then run or spin for 30 minutes 4 days a week. Also, lift heavier weights with lower reps. That is the only way to build muscle and muscle will speed your metabolism.

Honestly your diet will make the most difference. I was in a car accident a couple years ago and gained 30 lbs in 6 months. I couldn't workout because of my injuries, but was able to lose the first 20 with just diet alone. Clean diet, focus on that and I'm sure you will see results.

Good luck!

^^^Pretty much this ^^^

You need to make sure you are eating AT LEAST 1200 calories a day (should probably be more IMO). We can't see your diary but you said you don't eat a lot. MEASURE/WEIGH everything you can to make sure it's accurate. Eat back most of your exercise calories. Make sure you pay attention to coming in close to your macro-nutrient (carb, protein, fat) goals as well. I think 40%/30%/30% is a good ratio.

cramernh

It would make things better advice-wise if you had your diary open for viewing... sometimes the things you are currently eating (or lack thereof) can contribute to no weight-loss happening....

MostlyWater

Get out your tape measure or fat caliper to measure your progress. The scale is only one tool to measure success. Are you getting stronger? Can you hold plank longer or have you increased the amount of weight you can bench press?

JeSuisPrest

Sounds like you've already got some great advice. But the key could be in your comment about "not eating much". I too suspect you aren't eating enough. Open up your diary so we can better advise you.

jplucheck

Sometimes you don't loose weight because you are actually gaining muscle (it weights more).

1 lb of muscle does not weight more than a 1lb of fat, a pound is a pound just less mass or leaner

cramernh

Sometimes you don't loose weight because you are actually gaining muscle (it weights more).

1 lb of muscle does not weight more than a 1lb of fat, a pound is a pound just less mass or leaner

Exactly.
1lb of fat takes more room to fill in the body than 1lb of muscle...hence the 'you look leaner'

carrie_eggo

Sometimes you don't loose weight because you are actually gaining muscle (it weights more).

1 lb of muscle does not weight more than a 1lb of fat, a pound is a pound just less mass or leaner

Exactly.
1lb of fat takes more room to fill in the body than 1lb of muscle...hence the 'you look leaner'

You can't GAIN MUSCLE in a caloric deficit.

LuciaLongIsland

I have been working out for 7 months and have only lost 1 pound... I don't eat a lot and I run, spin and do strength training...I do have some days or a day when I do eat too much, but not everyday!!! I am 44 so that may be the problem!

Please make an appointment with an endocrinologist. I did. I also only lost 10 pounds in over 3 months. Yes, my thyroid is not functioning properly but it is hyperthyroid, so I should be losing. In the beginning, I ate 1200 calories, lost nothing. Back to a second doctor who said eat less. I did, I lost, minimal exercise. Meanwhile, I was being bombarded with people telling me I was starving, eat more, yadda, yadda. I went to a third doctor, highly recommended by OTHER DOCTORS. SHE examined all my blood work, was totally thorough, even consulted with me for a good 20 minutes. i explained my frustration, told her about this site. She said, as difficult as it is, based on my age, my metabolism, the fact that I am unable to exercise too much, due to a bad hip, to eat 1000 calories a day. I said what about starvation mode? She said, it takes a long time for that to happen and it was not ann issue for me. I saw her 2 days ago, edited my profile and closed my diary. Your Doctor is the expert. I know people are trying to help, but the bottom line is SEE A ENDOCRINOLOGIST..Please.

tcmcgregor

It would make things better advice-wise if you had your diary open for viewing... sometimes the things you are currently eating (or lack thereof) can contribute to no weight-loss happening....

Or may want to take your diary to a nutritionalist or a naturapath. They can look for foods or food combinations that are working against you. They can also add foods or suppliments that help fill voids that start to appear as we get older.

Sometimes even thought we are eating the right amount of calories we aren't getting the right amount of nutrients. This gives the body the same reaction as starvation. Also sometimes even though we are getting the right calories and the right nutrients we are taking in foods that we are intollerant to (perhaps glutten, lactos, molds, yeasts, etc) and the bodies reaction will be to retain water, trap toxins to fat, and slow the metabolism to slow absorbtion.

Finally they can help regulate the digestion process which is a big deal in health and in weight loss.

Good luck and keep tracking to your weight loss goal!

rileamoyer

It would make things better advice-wise if you had your diary open for viewing... sometimes the things you are currently eating (or lack thereof) can contribute to no weight-loss happening....

This ^^^ Also, take your measurements regularly, judge your strength, body tone, ability to increase your work outs (weight or time) all of those figure into making you healthy, not just the scale numbers (even though I do obsess on them now and then myself). Keep it up and good luck. PS: you might check into having a body scan done at your health clinic to accurately measure your body fat % - they are not very expensive. Then do a follow up 6 months later to see your progress.

Gunff

Sometimes you don't loose weight because you are actually gaining muscle (it weights more).

1 lb of muscle does not weight more than a 1lb of fat, a pound is a pound just less mass or leaner

Exactly.
1lb of fat takes more room to fill in the body than 1lb of muscle...hence the 'you look leaner'

You can't GAIN MUSCLE in a caloric deficit.

first - whoever brought up that muscle and fat weigh the same, don't be a jerk. We all (Including you) know what they meant by that and correcting is just being mean.

2nd - I'm pretty sure you can gain muscle while in a deficit, just not much.

http://exercise.about.com/od/weightloss/f/losefatgainmusc.htm

jmxxiiii

Talk to your doctorto make sure your thyroid is functioning like it should, and make an appointment with a dietician to go over your diet! I know your frutration!

Tambos44

Me tooo! I am getting very discouraged and I just started MFP?? ? ?
I'm having a hard time trying to find time to work out! I walk a lot but I don't feel that, that is enough. I think I will do better after the holidays.
But, as for you......Keep up the good work...It will come off. Remember we didn't wake up one day over weight, it gradually came on and it is gradually coming off!
I am having an AWFUL time with will power right now.....I know I can do this, I need to get my mind set on....
Stay positive, you will reach your goal!
As for me....I need a whole lot of prayer.

LuciaLongIsland

www.livestrong.com/article/40551-lose-weight-after/

Losing weight over 60 is much different then losing weight when you are younger. I hope you read this.

JeSuisPrest

Me tooo! I am getting very discouraged and I just started MFP?? ? ?
I'm having a hard time trying to find time to work out! I walk a lot but I don't feel that, that is enough. I think I will do better after the holidays.
But, as for you......Keep up the good work...It will come off. Remember we didn't wake up one day over weight, it gradually came on and it is gradually coming off!
I am having an AWFUL time with will power right now.....I know I can do this, I need to get my mind set on....
Stay positive, you will reach your goal!
As for me....I need a whole lot of prayer.

Patience!!! This is not a race or a contest. One day at a time! This is a lifestyle change!

LuciaLongIsland

Bob Greene has been Oprah's personal trainer for years now. He has had a long experience in the field of health & fitness. Also he is known for the fact that his weight loss tips are not very rigid and hard to follow. They easily get merged in your daily routine and help you get that dream body.

Here are some tips from Bob Greene for weight loss for women over 60:

· Initially one must understand that weight loss for women over 60 must be slow & steady, not a rapid one. It is a vulnerable age that puts you to risk of many ailments including chronic ones like cardio vascular and diabetes.

· This also implies that one should not take any chemical diet supplements as they have innumerable side effects.

· Now first they should do is to get done a complete medical check up. Some times the weight gain is due to certain diseases, so you must be aware of those & use any weight loss diet accordingly.

· Next, take a balanced diet. Take 6 short meals well on time and do not avoid them. Take lots of fibers, proteins & vitamins. Avoid trans-fat and excess of carbohydrates. Avoid proteins after the afternoon meals.

· Drink lots of water, at least 10 glasses per day.

· For women over 60, weight loss can become easier with natural diet supplements like acai berry and resveratrol. Both these diets are also known for their anti aging benefits.

· Take lots of raw fruits & vegetables in your daily routine. Avoid red meat and in place of them have lean proteins.

· Majorly avoid sugar. In stead use honey & apples. For flavoring the food in place of spices use cayenne pepper, lemon, honey and low sodium salt.

· Do not smoke. Avoid alcohol. You may take some sips of red wine, as it has rich reserves of resveratrol. But it also shoots up the blood sugar levels. So its better to avoid that as well.

· For their over all fitness & weight loss the women over 60 must also go for a walk every morning and before they sleep in the nigh



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2275520

1CrazyFlower

I've been on weight watchers since last June and my starting weight was 345.4 pounds and now I am down to 297.4 pounds. Weight Watchers really provides the education required never to leave me frustrated and I'd recommend it to anyone, especially if I can do it! I just started tracking my food water and exercise on here too and burn off more than I consume and it has made all the difference in the world. I eat the minimum points plus 2012 and burn off more calories than I consume to jump start weight loss. Good luck to you and don't get frustrated and if you do, turn it into positive motivation Dr.Oz has tips for weight loss at any age as well

mlb929

Have your hormones checked. I couldn't lose any weight until I found out my estrogen and cortisol levels were way too high.

tomomatic

You can always open up your food diary. Let's see what's in there. The folks on my buddy list are always willing to give me feedback on what I've been eating.

Also, keep an eye out for sodium. I was stuck at a plateau for a while and couldn't lose anything until I increased my water intake and reduced my sodium. I still have bad days but I was really surprised at what kind of impact it was having.

Good luck.

carrie_eggo

Sometimes you don't loose weight because you are actually gaining muscle (it weights more).

1 lb of muscle does not weight more than a 1lb of fat, a pound is a pound just less mass or leaner

Exactly.
1lb of fat takes more room to fill in the body than 1lb of muscle...hence the 'you look leaner'

You can't GAIN MUSCLE in a caloric deficit.

first - whoever brought up that muscle and fat weigh the same, don't be a jerk. We all (Including you) know what they meant by that and correcting is just being mean.

2nd - I'm pretty sure you can gain muscle while in a deficit, just not much.

http://exercise.about.com/od/weightloss/f/losefatgainmusc.htm

Ok, ok......in the very beginning maybe one can gain muscle in a caloric deficit. She said she's been at it for 7 months. :frown: I'm just tired of people suggesting this as a reason why someone isn't losing.

Strobins05

Talk to your doctorto make sure your thyroid is functioning like it should, and make an appointment with a dietician to go over your diet! I know your frutration!

^^^ I second this! Keep being active with your workout routines and eating enough balanced meals per day. After you know more about your body you can then plan a better workout and meals to lose the weight. You are doing a great job and staying the course, keep it up! :flowerforyou:

JulieF11

I know what you are going through! I've been there!

When I used to be part of Weight Watchers, I would pretty much starve half the week, before weigh-in and then eat way too much on the day I weighed in (after the meeting of course) and the day after, and I actually followed the plan for two days. I was exercising too. It was so frustrating when I couldn't see the scale move. I was miserable for five of the seven days! I came to realize that what I was doing wasn't working. I had my thyroid checked and to my dismay, I was normal.

When I made the decision that I was indeed going to make it work, to really get it right, is when I started tracking everything that went into my mouth all seven days. On some days, I realized I wasn't eating enough and on others I ate too much. Because I decided to trust the amount of calories I was allotted, I ate them all. I had to force myself a few times since I wanted to lose fast, and by golly, I wasn't hungry. But I needed this to work... and my old way of knowing better than the experts, didn't work. I realized eating all the calories each day, kept me from being starving, so I stopped the urge of over-eating other times... Now I still wanted to eat from a full bag of potato chips (instead of weighing each serving)... a full bag seemed so un-intimidating. However, I stopped that too. I weighed everything. I didn't even have a real "food scale" I used a postage meter scale. But it worked.

You may not have this issue, but I also had to deal with the reasons I desired unhealthy foods and what I'll call "frenzy" eating. I had to trust myself that I was strong enough to make good decisions regardless of what problems were thrown my way. I used to have a habit of just "not thinking" about ugly thoughts. Now I ravage them, take any lessons I can learn from them, and then make decisions about what I want to do next. I don't bypass any negative thought that pops in my head. When I started doing that, I started trusting myself more, and feeling like I was in the drivers seat of life. I also started to desire healthy foods. I'm not sure why that is, but it worked for me.

Anyway, there are odd reasons your efforts may not be fruitful... like thyroid disorder. But far more common is the answer that is more frustrating... ourselves. We miscalculate the amount of food we are eating, we don't count the sugar and/or cream in our coffee, we guesstimate our calories wrong, we forget to write everything down, a "frenzy" eating episode sabotages an entire week of discipline, etc...

You are on your way to success now. You have tapped into the most valuable source you could imagine... a group of people willing to share their successes and failures. I think of it like this... it took me many trials before I got it right. I'm no longer morbidly obese, but that's because I am in remission. If I let up for even a week, I start to feel the effects of unhealthy eating in my body. In fact, that's where I am right now... But since I never gave up, and this time I caught it before the scale or my clothes reminded me... I'll consider that a "win".

NeshBeMe

Maybe you've gained muscle, which is heavier than fat. Don't get discouraged. Have you taken your measurements to see if you've lost inches? Are you refueling your body after a good workout? There's many reasons for the scale numbers but stay focused, it will happen!

cramernh

Maybe you've gained muscle, which is heavier than fat. Don't get discouraged. Have you taken your measurements to see if you've lost inches? Are you refueling your body after a good workout? There's many reasons for the scale numbers but stay focused, it will happen!

Sorry youre wrong. Muscle does NOT weigh more than fat... 1lb of fat is 1lb of muscle - they weigh the same. Lean muscle mass takes less room than fat

JeSuisPrest

So glad you opened your diary Angella....but give up the fast food! Do your own cooking it's much healthier! You either aren't logging in everything or you aren't eating enough!!! You've only been a member since December 2011, that's only a few weeks. Follow the program, eat your calories, give up the fast food and I am fairly certain you will lose weight!!!!