No weight loss, please help, new to the forum

gawj1512

Hi, I had my 3rd baby 6 months ago. I had lost 36lb 3 months later, but with some family problems put 11lb back on.
In the new year, I started again, lost 7lb straight away (in the first 10 days) but in the last 14 days, despite extremely healthy eating, no cravings, lots of walking FAST I have lost NOTHING more. I am heartbroken. What am I doing wrong? I am calorie counting using some basic food combining principals and walking 2miles at a 4mph pace about 3-4x a week. I have 3 kids, so never a dull moment, busy on my feet a lot but maintaining 183lb and no budge.

ladyraven68

If you open up your diary people will be able to look at it and hopefully give you some advice.

gawj1512

Thanks, just made it public to view and look forward to comments

gawj1512

Anyone

gawj1512

Well thanks for your help then

busyPK

I honestly think you need to be eating more. I would set you goals to 1 or 1.5lbs per week and MFP should give you more calories to eat each day. Also, be sure to log your exercise calories burned because you should be eating those calories back to NET at least 1200 calories each day. Be sure to drink at leat 8 cups of water per day. Other than that, just give it time.

Venus2011

Also look at inches lost and not just weight lost. For 2 weeks I did not lose a pound but today I lost 1.5 pounds. The good thing is you are exercising and using the food diary. Make sure you get your 8 cups of water in per day. And chart your walking/exercise in. Happy journey:bigsmile:

gawj1512

I do chart my exercise when I get time to do any. The thing is, I am also self-employed, working from home, running a home, mother to 3 young kids AND carer for my sick father... not getting a great deal of time here to exercise! I want to do more, just not sure what I can fit into the tiny amount of spare time I have without going insane.

busyPK

I do chart my exercise when I get time to do any. The thing is, I am also self-employed, working from home, running a home, mother to 3 young kids AND carer for my sick father... not getting a great deal of time here to exercise! I want to do more, just not sure what I can fit into the tiny amount of spare time I have without going insane.

The good thing for you is diet is a big part of losing weight, exercise is just extra (and toning later on). Focus on your eating and just add in little things here and there with exercise (take stairs instead of elevator, run around playing with your kids, etc.

gawj1512

When am I gonna see some weight loss? I've been very strict. I fill up on fruit, which on Slimming World is a free food, despite fructose content. Others would say limit fruit because of fructose! Dieting is very confusing. I tend to fill up on what SW consider 'free foods' whilst still trying to come in under 1400 cals a day.

gawj1512

Really surprised at the lack of responses, when similar posts have so many more responses, I am guessing people are just stumped and cannot find a reason for my lack of weight loss.

jobie4153

I finally lost 1 pound today....after not losing anything since January 16th!!! Hang in there and try not to be discouraged!

gawj1512

Congrats, well done

redkim615

You may want to have your thyroid checked at the doctor. If it isn't working correctly then you will have trouble losing weight no matter how hard you try. The problem is usually easily fixed with medication.
Hopefully that is not the case, but if you don't have any trouble with getting a quick check-up then that's what I would do. Stress can also hinder weight loss because it raises your cortisol levels.
Check out these links for more info:

http://stress.about.com/od/stresshealth/a/cortisol.htm

http://www.thyroid.org/patients/brochures/Thyroid_and_Weight.pdf

I am just pointing this out because your food diary looks good and you say that you are doing moderate exercise...so really, you should be losing weight. Don't let my post alarm you, this problem affects a lot of people. Take care and I hope things look up for you soon.

gawj1512

You may want to have your thyroid checked at the doctor. If it isn't working correctly then you will have trouble losing weight no matter how hard you try. The problem is usually easily fixed with medication.
Hopefully that is not the case, but if you don't have any trouble with getting a quick check-up then that's what I would do. Stress can also hinder weight loss because it raises your cortisol levels.
Check out these links for more info:

http://stress.about.com/od/stresshealth/a/cortisol.htm

http://www.thyroid.org/patients/brochures/Thyroid_and_Weight.pdf

I am just pointing this out because your food diary looks good and you say that you are doing moderate exercise...so really, you should be losing weight. Don't let my post alarm you, this problem affects a lot of people. Take care and I hope things look up for you soon.

I do have to wonder if it's cortisol related, since I am under a hell of a lot of pressure lately. When I dieted back in October, I lost 10lb in the first 2 weeks, then nothing for 3wks, then 2lb in the 5th week then all the problems started and I piled 11lb back on by Christmas. In the new year I lost 7lb in 10 days. So it's not my thyroid because I can lose, but this sudden lack of losing weight could be cortisol related, I concur with that. Thank you for replying x

chickadee2586

I'm a newbie, down about 7 lbs, but I've tried to limit my carbs this week and have noticed a difference just on the day to day level. Right now I aim at about a 40/30/30 ratio. I like it thus far.

A quick look at your diary shows you're eating a a lot of carbs. Try the 40/30/30 and see how I works?

gawj1512

I'm a newbie, down about 7 lbs, but I've tried to limit my carbs this week and have noticed a difference just on the day to day level. Right now I aim at about a 40/30/30 ratio. I like it thus far.

A quick look at your diary shows you're eating a a lot of carbs. Try the 40/30/30 and see how I works?

Hey, ok, what's 40/30/30? Can you give me an example please? Thanks x

Swanson83

I had the same problem when I started! I lost 7lbs right away and it took me close to 4 weeks so see the scale move at all. I had to keep going though because this time around my husband had decided to join me on my get healthy course. I have three children so I have the baby weight packed on.
Just hang in there...trust me I KNOW it sucks to step on that scale and not see any movement but give it time just keep going with it. This really does work. I have only been on here since October and I have lost 12+ pounds (I had lost more but took a vacation and now I am trying to lose the 5 that I gained).

gawj1512

I had the same problem when I started! I lost 7lbs right away and it took me close to 4 weeks so see the scale move at all. I had to keep going though because this time around my husband had decided to join me on my get healthy course. I have three children so I have the baby weight packed on.
Just hang in there...trust me I KNOW it sucks to step on that scale and not see any movement but give it time just keep going with it. This really does work. I have only been on here since October and I have lost 12+ pounds (I had lost more but took a vacation and now I am trying to lose the 5 that I gained).

Thank you! You're doing great! I am going on my vacation in 2 weeks time but really am going to try so hard to keep up the dieting and swim every day for half an hour... I MAY have the odd treat, but not alcohol

BuceesNana

I noticed you haven't logged your exercise. Remember that you need to eat more if you are exercising a lot.

MaximalLife

Really surprised at the lack of responses, when similar posts have so many more responses, I am guessing people are just stumped and cannot find a reason for my lack of weight loss.

We get weary of saying the same thing.
You're engaging in total self sabotage.
Are you exercising? And why are you eating so little?
You are going to fail with this approach.
Starvation diets don't work.
Why?
Because if your calorie deficit is too great you can easily suffer from
loss of muscle mass (slows down your metabolism) and impaired general progress.
You have to find what is right for you but you also need to remember that your body
is a machine and without the right type and amount of fuel there could be problems
either with loss of muscle, loss of energy, less weight loss/plateaus, etc.

Stick with the MFP recommendations.
Getting healthy and fit is actually very simple but it's just hard work.

Just get started by going into settings to Update diet/fitness profile.
Set your goals for 1 lb weight loss per week.
NO MORE!
And eat lean meats, low fat dairy, nuts, whole grains, fresh fruits and veggies.
Do both cardio and resistance exercise.

AND EAT BACK YOUR EXERCISE CALORIES!
Remember, this is not a race, and you can reach your goals if you stick to a good plan as recommended on this site.

You have many people here ready to lend support, answer qustions and discuss any challenges.
You can do this.

All Is Possible!

mamatonine

I am having a hard time losing too, and I think it is because I am following a fad diet (slim fast type thing). I am going to try to balance things out more, eat more of a variety and plenty of protein and good fats. It would be hard for me to exercise with no protein, I run out of energy when my blood sugar goes up and down too much and fruit does that to me if I eat a lot of it. I hope you get some good help here, I will be taking notes for myself too!

bodyjammin85

In a nutshell, eat more food but less fruit!

Eating lots of fruit can be a negative thing, especially the high sugar ones like bananas and grapes. I am a weightwatchers patron and fruit is also zero points but it's not to replace meals, just to curb cravings and as a healthier alternative to chocolate. Choose low GI carbs (wholewheat rice/pasta/sweet potatoes etc.), lean proteins (skinless chicken breast, turkey breast, tuna, protein shakes) and healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, flaxseed oil etc.). Have lots of small meals a day, and as you are a busy person try to make, prepare or cook as much in advance as you can.

As for ratios (40/30/30) this is just a way to keep check on the content of the food you eat, not just calories. Of your daily calorific intake, 40% of your calories would be carbs, 30% would be protein and 30% would be fat.

I'm looking to lose 3 stone and i'm 5ft 3in, i use a ratio of 40/40/20 and a net intake of calories of 1200. I eat 6 times a day and sometimes i struggle to eat enough if i don't keep organised.

rachrach66

Sometimes stress slows weight loss and it seems you have a lot on your plate. Try and switch up your exercise routine as well. I would suggest buying Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred video and get the kit too! That way you have the video, the mat, and a set of 3lb dumbells. With the video I lost weight and maintained it. Good luck to you!

MaximalLife

I honestly think you need to be eating more. I would set you goals to 1 or 1.5lbs per week and MFP should give you more calories to eat each day. Also, be sure to log your exercise calories burned because you should be eating those calories back to NET at least 1200 calories each day. Be sure to drink at leat 8 cups of water per day. Other than that, just give it time.

^^^^^
THIS
Your body is an amazing machine, it adapts to all types of situations......even starvation......when you don't eat enough calories your body thinks that it is starving.....to adapt to this situation your body will hold on and store more fat.......If your weight jumps up and down rapidly that's probably a sign of a slowed metabolism......fixing the problem is a challenge but it can be fixed........First do the opposite of starving yourself.....eat!! This let's your body know that it's not starving and it won't hold on to fat.....you must eat regularly......from day to day and a couple of hours in between meals........this will put the process in reverse

gawj1512

I noticed you haven't logged your exercise. Remember that you need to eat more if you are exercising a lot.

I am logging what I do, which isn't much as I don't get the time. I walk 2 miles at a rate of 4MPH roughly 3-4 times a week.

gawj1512

Really surprised at the lack of responses, when similar posts have so many more responses, I am guessing people are just stumped and cannot find a reason for my lack of weight loss.

We get weary of saying the same thing.
You're engaging in total self sabotage.
Are you exercising? And why are you eating so little?
You are going to fail with this approach.
Starvation diets don't work.
Why?
Because if your calorie deficit is too great you can easily suffer from
loss of muscle mass (slows down your metabolism) and impaired general progress.
You have to find what is right for you but you also need to remember that your body
is a machine and without the right type and amount of fuel there could be problems
either with loss of muscle, loss of energy, less weight loss/plateaus, etc.

Stick with the MFP recommendations.
Getting healthy and fit is actually very simple but it's just hard work.

Just get started by going into settings to Update diet/fitness profile.
Set your goals for 1 lb weight loss per week.
NO MORE!
And eat lean meats, low fat dairy, nuts, whole grains, fresh fruits and veggies.
Do both cardio and resistance exercise.

AND EAT BACK YOUR EXERCISE CALORIES!
Remember, this is not a race, and you can reach your goals if you stick to a good plan as recommended on this site.

You have many people here ready to lend support, answer qustions and discuss any challenges.
You can do this.

All Is Possible!

I have changed my settings to 1lb a week now.

I set it at 2lb a week thinking that ok and I was just following what myfitnesspal told me to do, which was stick to 1200 cals a day. I don't really think I can afford to buy any more food than what I buy/eat, so not sure how to get up to 1600 cals a day on fruit and meat etc. I already ran out of fruit and it's only Tuesday, I did my weekly shop on Sunday, whoops! Need to grow some stuff I guess!

LorinaLynn

Also keep in mind that weight loss is not as straight forward and dramatic as it is on the Biggest Loser. Seven pounds in ten days is HUGE. Even if you don't drop another pound in the next two weeks, that's still an average of about two pounds a week, which is also a big drop.

There will be weeks you'll lose, and weeks you don't. Give it time.

Also, if you're breast feeding, be sure to allow yourself extra calories to compensate. Do a search for breast feeding in the food diary (yeah, odd place to have it!)

And remember that losing weight isn't supposed to feel like punishment. Not every bite of food that goes into your mouth has to be lean meat, fruit or veggies. You can still have pasta or bread or rice. If money is a concern (and when isn't it?!) stock up on frozen vegetables in bags. A typical meal for me is chicken breast (I only buy when it's on sale for $1.99 a pound) some some kind of sauce or marinade, with a bit of pasta or rice, and a big pile of frozen veggies that go with the marinade. IE, "Italian Blend" veg with a lemon-garlic marinade, bow tie pasta, chicken and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Or... "Oriental Stir Fry Blend" veg with Teriyaki marinade, brown rice, and chicken. I chop up the chicken and saute it with the veggies, and only dirty two pots/pans. Inexpensive, healthy and delicious.

MaximalLife

Really surprised at the lack of responses, when similar posts have so many more responses, I am guessing people are just stumped and cannot find a reason for my lack of weight loss.

We get weary of saying the same thing.
You're engaging in total self sabotage.
Are you exercising? And why are you eating so little?
You are going to fail with this approach.
Starvation diets don't work.
Why?
Because if your calorie deficit is too great you can easily suffer from
loss of muscle mass (slows down your metabolism) and impaired general progress.
You have to find what is right for you but you also need to remember that your body
is a machine and without the right type and amount of fuel there could be problems
either with loss of muscle, loss of energy, less weight loss/plateaus, etc.

Stick with the MFP recommendations.
Getting healthy and fit is actually very simple but it's just hard work.

Just get started by going into settings to Update diet/fitness profile.
Set your goals for 1 lb weight loss per week.
NO MORE!
And eat lean meats, low fat dairy, nuts, whole grains, fresh fruits and veggies.
Do both cardio and resistance exercise.

AND EAT BACK YOUR EXERCISE CALORIES!
Remember, this is not a race, and you can reach your goals if you stick to a good plan as recommended on this site.

You have many people here ready to lend support, answer qustions and discuss any challenges.
You can do this.

All Is Possible!

I have changed my settings to 1lb a week now.

I set it at 2lb a week thinking that ok and I was just following what myfitnesspal told me to do, which was stick to 1200 cals a day. I don't really think I can afford to buy any more food than what I buy/eat, so not sure how to get up to 1600 cals a day on fruit and meat etc. I already ran out of fruit and it's only Tuesday, I did my weekly shop on Sunday, whoops! Need to grow some stuff I guess!

I seriously doubt a few hundred more calories will break the bank.
Just think of how wonderful you are going to look in time.
You can do this, and things are going to change for you.

Again, good luck!

Manda_H

fill up on veggies, not the fruit. Fruit is higher in carbs. If you are breastfeeding you must allot for it. You must eat... eat more. When my baby was young and I was nursing him I never dropped below 1600 in consuming or t would affect my milk. I lost weight even at 1800 cals a day. My struggle now is that i dont eat enough either as I am breastfeeding a toddler and he takes a lot from me... (i feel like all i do is eat!) but I will gain weight if i try lowering my cals cause my body starts going into starvation mode. Good luck! i know it sounds backwards but you gotta eat if you want to lose

gawj1512

I'm not breastfeeding, just so you know, but do have a very stressful demanding little princess that stops me from eating most times as she takes up a lot of my day.

Lucky for me, I love veggies, I don't really like meat though. Fish is ok I guess. I LOVE pasta, I could eat that every day! Is it just regular white pasta, or does it have to be wholewheat pasta?