This is starting to get old!

catcardoso

Are you getting enough quality sleep? If not, the hormones in your body can wreak havoc on your metabolism. And stress, cortisol is a diet killer. If you can, you need to make sure that you are taking time for yourself (and not always time to be at the gym working out).

anulle2009

I know you want to see the scale move, but I was wondering if you have been measuring to see if you've lost inches.

I took my measurements the other day and I did lose an inch from my arms, waist and thighs from the last time i took them which was back in october

Babe, that's great! If you're working out close to 5 times a week, incorporating boot camp nonetheless, you are going to have periods where you're losing weight, then maybe not so much. Keep measuring yourself......in any event, try not to get discouraged; because if you stop doing what you're doing, I can GUARANTEE that you won't lose for sure. My advice would be to keep plugging along.

Thanks!

naturerunner

Another thing to watch is what you are drinking. Cut out all pop, juice (even fruit juice) You would be surprised how many calories you can consume in liquid form. And the quickie frozen meals gotta go. They are just empty calories.

allaboutfamily

great posts

Grlnxtdr0721

First off, congratulations! You need to remember that muscle weighs more than fat. Just because you aren't seeing results on the scale, doesn't mean your body isn't reacting to your workouts. Maybe try mixing up your workout schedule--like, take different classes at your local gym on different days. Your body will remember them, but it is great to mix it up for reasons such as boredom or to push yourself. Also, have someone take your measurements. Or, if someone already has, have them check again. Sometimes we won't see the results on the scale, but they are there. I would go out on a limb and say that you are building muscle mass and losing inches, just not seeing it on the scale.

anulle2009

I just took a quick peek at your diary and honestly cut out the soda! I was having trouble losing weight and I quit drinking soda and lost 5 pounds right away! And don't eat so many of those easy frozen meals. You don't have to go organic, I don't buy organic ever, but you should cook more! There are lots of great and easy recipes out there that are low in cals and much better for you then frozen meals!

I have been bad on the soda lately.Normally I am pretty good and I have cut back a lot. Thanks! I just took a look back the week and thank you for bringing that up because I didnt even notice!

EmCarroll1990

Hey you! You've lost 54 lbs! You should be proud of that, and keep that amazing momentum going. Don't stress out about it not changing recently. Keep your hard work and determination going. The scale WILL move, I promise you that.

SeaChele77

STOP or at least reduce the processed foods. You don't have to eat purely organic to eat healthy. Increase your greens (peppers, spinach, celery, cucumbers, etc.) and fruit. Stay to the outside of the market - fruits, veggies, meat, cheese/dairy. The only aisles I ususally go down are for juice and beans!

REDUCE carb intake and up protein intake. Try to keep your carbs under 100 per day. Basically get rid of bread and rice for a while! Also reduce your sugar (added sugar) intake.

Eat or drink protein after every workout (apx 15-20g w/in 2hrs of working out)

INCREASE your water intake. At the bare minimum you should be drinking 90oz of water a day.

To jump start - you may think about a cleanse. If you can't afford to "juice" you can buy 100% juice and V-8, make your own blend and only drink for 1-3 days!! Then slowly start eating (meaning 2 drinks and lunch; then breakfast, lunch and juice drink) and very very slowly bring back in carbs. I cleanse once a month and I usually lose 3-5lbs, 2-3 of which is water....but I can usually net a pound or two loss!

Good luck. Don't get discouraged. You can do it!!

Dragonwolf

It would help if you opened your diary to the public so we can see what you're eating and how much.

Some general rules, though -

Make sure you drink enough liquids - plain water isn't the only thing that counts here, but you shouldn't be getting all your liquid from soda or milk (both of which are high in calories)

Make sure you log drinks, too. Most drinks have quite a few calories that you may be taking in and not realizing it (8oz of 2% milk is 122 calories, a 20oz bottle of soda is around 300 calories)

Eat back at least half of your exercise calories - If you don't have a heart rate monitor, it's easy to overestimate how much you burn, but MFP already calculates deficits, so if you work out and don't eat back at least some of that, you may be putting yourself at too much of a deficit, which can make it harder to lose weight.

Eat more protein and less carbs - MFP recommends a pretty high number for carbs and a pretty low number for protein. Try playing with your numbers a little to increase your protein goals. Carbs are great for long-distance runners and people that walk or bike ride everywhere, but not so hot for the rest of us.

Limit processed foods - They tend to have a lot of salt in them, and in the case of a lot of the "diet" foods (especially the "snack bars"), a lot of sugar. Neither of which are great for weight loss. I can't even look at the frozen dinner section without getting sick anymore, because all I see is salt when I look at them.

Buy more produce - It doesn't have to be organic (and if you do want to switch to organic, you don't have to go "cold turkey", you can always phase things in and out as money and taste allows), but fruits and veggies are going to give you vitamins and minerals that you can't get elsewhere, and they tend to be lower in calories than most other foods.

Read labels! - In general, the fewer ingredients on the processed foods you do buy, the better. Also, if you can't pronounce everything on it, it's a good candidate to consider swapping out. Some people have also found that reducing and/or eliminating things like gluten (found largely in wheat-based products, such as most breads), MSG, or high fructose corn syrup to have all-around benefits, including weight loss.

Eat 5-6 small meals a day - Eating small meals, or healthy snacks in between meals, can help keep you from getting too hungry and then over eating, which will help keep you within your daily allotment.

Talk to your doctor - They can do two things. 1. They can test you for things like insulin resistance (pre-diabetes), gluten intolerance, or thyroid issues, all of which can make it difficult to lose weight. 2. Refer you to a nutritionist, who can provide you with 1 on 1 guidance for how to change your diet in a way that will be effective for you.

rc630

Your exercise diary says you burned about 350 calories for 45 minutes of what's just listed as "cardio"
Are you sure about the number? Since I don't know what cardio means, you might consider walking to be cardio and not be burning as much, or you might be straight running for 45 minutes and be burning way more. I would either use a heart rate monitor or look up the calories burned for your specific cardio and your specific pace from multiple sites, and use an average of those to estimate your burn. That way you can know how much you need to eat back. I would also suggest doing strength training (I don't eat back/count calories burned for that even though I do 30+ minutes of it when I work out).

Another problem is that you have a date by which you "HAVE TO" lose the weight. While it's great you have a goal in mind, the body is not a perfect machine and doesn't always work like that. The only deadline you should have for fitness is making good choices TODAY, and then repeating that. It's not worth the stress to set a deadline; If you eat right and exercise right, you will reach your goal, and whatever day that comes will be the right day.

dtucker4403

Don't lose hope. You have lost a lot already. Stick to it. Are you noticing a difference in how your clothes are fitting? Do your muscles feel tighter. You may be gaining muscle mass which would weight more, but make you look and feel better. Ignore the scale for awhile and concentrate on how you are feeling and how your body is looking. Also, make sure you are listing your calories burned through exercise properly. I think this website tends to overestimate calories burned through exercise.

FitLayne

Hi! I found that at a certain point when I was working out (swimming & water aerobics) very regularly 3-4 times a week - 45-75 minutes each workout that for quite a while my weight plateaued but I was still losing sizes! I'm in a size 16 and sometimes a 14 which feels great.

On the other hand I've started paying more attention to food - focusing on portion sizes and adding vegetables - recently because I'd like to loose another 20 pounds this year. Hope this is helpful.

LauraRose03

Also, I know if I eat too few calories, or even just slightly too much, I won't budge. I'll stay stabilized around a certain range and will not leave it until I eat just the right amount of calories, and a bit extra if I exercise a lot. I am steadily losing as a result. The last couple weeks I was going over by 200-500 a night--still not NEARLY as much as I used to eat, but still more than MFP suggests, and I didn't lose an ounce. I went back to eating the right amount and immediately dropped 2, so perhaps this is part of your problem if you do that as well?

This is what I go through to a T!!!! I was also going over 200-500 last week and I gained (not a lot, but still....frustrating). So now I stay as close as humanly possibly to MFP's calorie goals, I don't eat my exercise calories, and Im starting to lose again

vim_n_vigor

1. You do not look gross. Your body is yours and that is special. Embrace yourself for who you are at all times, not for what you can or will be.

2. You do not NEED to be a certain weight by a certain date. You would LIKE to be a certain weight by a certain date. There is enough stress in life without adding to it.

3. You don't need to buy frozen meals or go organic. There are steps in between. Try making your own frozen meals at home. They can be cheaper and you can control what goes into them. When a company packages a product, it must have at least what they say it has on the label. They often add extra to keep from getting fined. This can add hundreds of calories a week to what you are eating.

4. Relax and enjoy your life. You can rock a little black dress now.

Oh yeah - enjoy your trip to Vegas!

Grlnxtdr0721

Also, if you HAVE to drink soda (and I am guilty of this because I have to have caffeine, but can't stand coffee), drink diet. I am a huge dr pepper fan...so I have limited myself to one 12 oz can a day. The sodium from soft drinks will definitely hinder you when trying to lose the weight.

anulle2009

Your exercise diary says you burned about 350 calories for 45 minutes of what's just listed as "cardio"
Are you sure about the number? Since I don't know what cardio means, you might consider walking to be cardio and not be burning as much, or you might be straight running for 45 minutes and be burning way more. I would either use a heart rate monitor or look up the calories burned for your specific cardio and your specific pace from multiple sites, and use an average of those to estimate your burn. That way you can know how much you need to eat back. I would also suggest doing strength training (I don't eat back/count calories burned for that even though I do 30+ minutes of it when I work out).

Another problem is that you have a date by which you "HAVE TO" lose the weight. While it's great you have a goal in mind, the body is not a perfect machine and doesn't always work like that. The only deadline you should have for fitness is making good choices TODAY, and then repeating that. It's not worth the stress to set a deadline; If you eat right and exercise right, you will reach your goal, and whatever day that comes will be the right day.

I do use a heart rate monitor so I know my cals burn it correct. I listed it as Kettlebell Cardio but MFP just put in Cardio That why it looks funny.

kjmace

Are you weighing and measuring everything or only going by sight? I know if I get stuck I bring out the measuring cups and spoons and just check that I'm not eating more then I think I am. I think this is a good thing to do about once a month if not every day. Keep up the good work.

WendiH76

Try to start cutting out the frozen processed foods. If you eat bread go for something that has more whole grain in it. There are alot of easy options that are not all that expensive. You do not have to go all organic. Try Tuna in a whole wheat wrap with some veggies on it. It is a cheap and healthy lunch. Do start logging your sugars, they can kill any weight loss. The premade frozen meals have a lot of sodium and other sutff that can mess with your weight loss. Don't give up though, you just need to changes some things up, you will get there and you will look great in that little black dress!!!!

tsornoza

I started my journey a week and a half ago. I though by having a smart ones I was doing good for lunch, then reading all this, I see I'm putting my weight loss in danger. Thanks for this great advice. I am afraid of the scale. I decide to weight myself on week 4 of my journey. I really don't want to be disappointed by the scale. Good luck with your journey. feel free to add me.

anulle2009

Are you weighing and measuring everything or only going by sight? I know if I get stuck I bring out the measuring cups and spoons and just check that I'm not eating more then I think I am. I think this is a good thing to do about once a month if not every day. Keep up the good work.

I do measure what I have. I have a scale and I use my measuring cups. I appreciate everyone's input, it has been very helpful. NO MORE FROZEN DINNERS!! I am going to add sugar to my logging also.

Alisha_countrymama

Try cutting your carbs by half for a week.

Bikini27

I say get rid of the processed foods as they contain a lot of sodium. You don't have to be organic, just do more cooking. I hated cooking ,as I live alone, but started to do it again.I hated chicken, now eat it constantly, I also bought a crock pot and found low calorie recipes which taste great. Also, I haven't eaten pizza, rice, white bread, cookies , cake since I started. I gave up alcohol. When I want to "cheat", I realize I would rather be thin. My weight loss is so slow, I am older, have thyroid and other issues. If I can do it so can you. Don't give up.

^^^^THIS 110%
I, too, am not big on cooking (I come from a family of foodies that cooks *all* the time, I'm just an avid eater) but when you focus on items that are fresh (doesn't have to be organic, but you can also check out the local Farmer's Markets) and don't come with the "Diet" "Fat Free" "Low Carb/Fat/Cal" you lose the weight. Sodium is a HUGE factor in processed foods, but you can avoid this by simply making your own meals. Use as much fresh food as possible, lots of spices, easy on the salt, and you'll be golden!

bcattoes

I would suggest eating less carbs and more protein and fat. Less bread and pasta and more whole grains like brown rice or oats. I'm not talking "low carb", but if you are near or over your carb goal most days and consistently under on protein and fat, you may need some adjustments. Protein and fat will keep you full longer.

And add more fresh veggies. They really aren't that expensive if you choose wisely. Staples like carrots, onions and celery are generaly affordable. Buy others when they are on sale. Organic is good, but not necessary. If organic is too expensive just get what you can afford and enjoy. Or buy frozen or canned vegetables.

If you switch your focus to healthy nutrtiously balanced foods, rather than "diet foods" you may find more success and more satisfacition with your diet.

Good Luck!

iuangina

I would cut out the regular soda. I totally understand the need to drink something other than water, but I would suggest you swap out our regular soda for diet or even green tea. I know that when I stopped drinking regular soda I dropped 5 lbs really fast (my husband dropped 10 lbs when he stopped). You body doesn't do anything with those empty calories so the most difficult thing to quit is going to be the sugar. I would suggest getting the sweet fix from a whole food...like apples, bananas, etc.

kasrentz

I'm a registered nurse and I would highly recommend getting your thyroid checked. If you have hypothyroidism it could be causing your weight loss issues. Yes, weight loss can slow down and processed foods, etc. are not good but it sounds to me like there must be something else going on.

Jipples

Okay, I looked at your diary, and what I will say is, although you are apparently staying within you're calorie allowance, you're not exactly eating clean. So my advice would be to make 100% certain that you are logging your portions correctly. Because of what you're eating and drinking, it would not take much at all be somewhat drastically over if you aren't logging the correct portion sizes. Just something to think about.

athearenee

Hey...Hang in there..and Mix it Up...


Try a different type of "burn"...maybe Pilates or Yoga....

Alternate your types of workouts and days of work outs and give your body rest to catch up...

*when I was working out like a crazy woman (Zumba in the mornings, Gazelle (yes that ancient thing) afternoon and night, as well as cooking and cleaning all day...my weight loss slowed way down....wtf?

2 Problems There... I wasn't eating enough calories & my body couldn't catch up...so my metabolism..slowed down. CRAZY, Right?
The second I ate more and put 2 to 3 "no exercise" days back into the routine....I started losing again...

REMEMBER... Weight is a number... Made up of Muscle & Fat --- Soooooo all that exercise might just be building muscle in place of the fat.....but muscle looks better anyway... How do your clothes fit???

A Dress or Swimsuit will have a Size on it...based on the shape of your body... not a "weight".

oh, also...Try to eat Raw, whole foods...Veggies and High Fiber Fruit, and TRY to stay away from processed foods...
I know is sounds like preaching....but truthfully...your body needs to detox..... You will know what's in your meals if you make them yourself.....

Good Luck!!

anulle2009

I'm a registered nurse and I would highly recommend getting your thyroid checked. If you have hypothyroidism it could be causing your weight loss issues. Yes, weight loss can slow down and processed foods, etc. are not good but it sounds to me like there must be something else going on.

I have had my thyroid check. I had it done about 4 months ago. So my thyroid I know is good.

wannabehealthy1980

Everyone here is right, its those frozen boxed dinners that are probably holding you up. I used to live on them, and then realized that 2 dollars for a frozen spaghetti dinner, or 5 dollars for a box of whole wheat pasta, tomatoes and seasonings. I would make a huge amount of homemade sauce, then split it into tupperware containers and freeze them. For less than 10 dollars I would have at least 10 frozen spaghetti dinners I loved so much. I actually save 1.00 a meal that way.

I started cooking turkey burgers, and putting them on whole wheat buns and freezing in containers. I basically make all my meals on Sunday and freeze them. Just like eating frozen meals you love, but cheaper and they don't have 1800mg of sodium

jchrisman717

Agree with the above poster. I knew from the way I felt that I was doing something wrong even though by logging it looked like I was doing everything right. I started actually measuring again, and yep - suddenly what I was logging as 1 serving was actually more like 2 or 2 1/2. And that salad that I thought was "pretty healthy" at lunch when I sat down and actually figured the calories in it was more like a 550 calorie lunch - not the 250 or 300 I was logging it as. Also, you might find the post on refiguring the goals in MFP that another member posted this morning. I'm going to try it that way for a month and see what happens. Also, yest the processed foods make a huge difference. I went on the Jay Robb Fat Burning Diet about 3 years ago and he advocates eating clean, whole natural foods and I was really surprised at how much processed foods I was eating. I followed his plan and it really wasn't that hard to change to whole foods even eating out - a chicken salad and a baked potato from Wendy's was right on his plan. Now I'm trying to get back on that wagon again!!