DISCOURAGED!!!

April1974coburn

Maybe I am being ridiculous but I am so discouraged this morning and could really use some inspiration. I started in the beginning of January 2012 at 171 and this morning 6 weeks later am 168.8. I go to Zumba 3 to 4 times a week, given up pop all together and been on track for my calories and still really not seeing movement. Should I be discouraged or is this all in my head?:sad:

jenniet04

Are you getting enough calories? MFP is notorious for putting women on 1200 calories, but you need to be eating back your exercise calories as well. Make sure you are getting enough protein (close to 100g a day) and drinking lots of water. You are off to a great start!! I've been averaging 1/2 lb a week since I started and while it can be frustrating, at least you are still losing. You may also want to consider doing some circuit training DVDs like Jillian Michaels or strentgh training if you belong to a gym or have stuff at home. Building muscle will help increase your metabolism and you need to use weights to do that.

lizard053

Getting discouraged is normal. For some people, weight loss is painfully slow. You didn't gain it all over night, you can't expect to lose it overnight either!

Make sure you are drinking lots of water. Zumba is a high energy exercise, so you need to stay well hydrated for that! Water weight will go down if you drink plenty of water too. Helps keep bloating down to a minimum also.

Finally, add some resistance/weight training. You'd be surprised how much that helps with weight loss!

223730

Don't give up! I had to start eating more in order to start losing weight. Sounds strange, I know, but the body stops burning the pounds if you operate at too low of a calorie deficit. And remember that the scale is not your friend! It lies!! I have only lost 5 ridiculous pounds since I started actively working out. My clothes tell the whole story, while the scale only tells one side. I am wearing pants that I haven't been able to zip in 3 years. I can wear a 34 bra instead of a 36. Those are the little things that help me stick my tongue out at the scale instead of letting it bring me down!

usafbeach

Also, this board is for Success Stories. Your post would be better received in the "Motivation & Support" board.

April1974coburn

I was hoping to hear from successful people to help me be successful....sorry

VinaAnderson

Try not to be discouraged. I'm not one of those people that lose weight quickly. I agree that maybe some strength training might help and try to change up your routine. Sometimes that makes your body work harder which my help increase your weight loss.
If you stick with it, so will I. Be strong!

rykacalla

I had the same issue, and I'm also a Zumba freak. Sounds kinda crazy, but make sure you're eating ENOUGH calories, and flushing your system with water. When I increased my caloric intake, the weight began to come off again! Good luck

Shevaun619

Definitely do NOT be discouraged! First off, congrats to you for making a decision to become a healthier you and then putting your thoughts into action. I absolutely LOVE Zumba and it's a great form of cardio so keep doing what ya love. However maybe you should incorporate strength training as well because lifting weights actually burns more calories than cardio alone does. I do Zumba twice a week and strength training 3-4 times a week. I have lost about 25 pounds and I definitely feel and look more tone than I did before. Maintain your calorie goal by eating clean. And don't forget to drink your water! I hope this helps a little. Don't give up...you got this :flowerforyou:

Pocket_Pixi

2 words.... measure and pics

taso42

killagb

Stick with the plan, don't under-eat. Remember we have water and poop weight that can make us vary quite a bit, so just stay the plan and again...don't under eat! Make sure to eat AT your calorie goal, not under it.

Twyla123

I know for me if I don't drink my 8 plus glasses of water a day I do not see the scale moving. Also have you taken your measurement as well? This is a better way to track your changes then to use the scale alone. It will happen - you have shocked your body and it isn't sure what to do.

Ifly4free

Don't get discouraged. It took me 5-6 weeks to lose my first lb. I actually gained a couple of lbs before I lost anything. I hit my goal two weeks ago, and I'm so glad I didn't give up. It made me so mad to gain those 2 lbs when I was working so hard, too hard probably. It made more determined to not give up.
Keep it up..your hard work will payoff in the end.

Tracy

Sabresgal63

I was hoping to hear from successful people to help me be successful....sorry

Don't be sorry...........he's just being mean! He could have at least offered you something positive or just left the post when he saw the message wasn't what he wanted to see.........People are getting really rediculous on here............who cares where you post something..........we are all here to help one another..........Good luck sweetie and for what its worth......I agree with the other posters....I think you may have to up your calories:bigsmile:

savdbygrac

Really? Kick someone when they're down?



Never be afraid to ask for help! Motivation, ideas, or solutions! Even if you post it "in the wrong place", post anyway! If you have a problem where a thread is posted, take it u with MFP, not the one who posted it! Friend me April!

infamousmk

A half-pound a week is no small feat -- it's better than gaining! Open up your diary, make sure you're eating enough and doing strength training, and dont' give up!

I haven't lost a pound since Thanksgiving. I'm still here bustin' *kitten*.

vbontheriver

OMG my story is the exact same, what's up with that, when you get on the scale and mine goes up i feel like crying. it is so disappointing. then others come along but back for one week no exercise and lose 4 pounds????? if you get a good answer let me know. in the mean time i started tracking on this website. we shall see if it helps!

hpynh2o

Don't panic.

If you're keeping good track of intake and exercise, and you're operating at a deficit as outlined by MFP, the weight will fall off.

It just takes time.

Ignore the scale for a few weeks. Don't be tempted by its shiny spinning dial. Get out a tape measure to keep track of your measurements instead. Look at your clothes to see how they're fitting.

Take a minute to celebrate the fact that you can exercise longer and with greater intensity. You're doing great things for your heart, metabolism, strength and endurance. Exercise has dramatically lowered your risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and more.

Good luck!
John

kesteele

Hi Feel free to add me, I started January 1 2012 at 238ish and I now weigh 236.3....I'm just a really slow loser...

twistedge

I find it helps to start doing searches on calories and weight loss, etc.. whatever area that's got you down. It's subtle, but it can help to get your head back in the game.

Based on some of the comments here, it might be worth doing some reading on "starvation mode". There is a common belief that getting too few calories can undermine your weight loss. There is certainly some truth to this, but serious daily reductions in calories threaten your health more than your metabolism.

If your body normally burns 1700 calories per day and you take it to extreme starvation mode (not something that happens overnight), you 'might' slow it down to 1500 calories. (10% reductions were the extreme cases).. If you only consume 1200 calories your body still needs to burn something to get those other 300. It may sound complicated, but this is how it works.

May63

i have been at it since November and maybe 3 lbs lost. my family says i am looking good losing inches. have you taken measurements.
keeo pushing and yes add weights

meaneyz

You do not need to be sorry! You are reaching out and that's what matters. And it looks like your post has been well received here. Good luck to you!

maryjay51

i cant see your food diary to see what and when you are eating.. however sometimes it just doesnt come off quick as we want.im in the same boat as you . last year i went months without the scale moving .. found out that i lost a size in clothes though going from a 16 to a 14 and i lost 8% body fat according to my physician when they took blood tests..

mimonde18

I saw a Dr. Oz show and he had some expert on who says he's a firm believer of weight training. Maybe start adding some weight training to your exercise routine. Good Luck!

I too started to lose weight but I fell off the wagon and I'm struggling to get back on.

tford260

Dont be discouraged! I've lost close to 15 pounds since I started in Early December but there were long stretches where I didint lose any weight at all. Eat frequent small meals to manage your blood sugar and drink lots of water. I try and exercise 3-5 times a week for one hour at a time, mostly cardio.

KristyGirl8

Weight loss takes A LONG TIME! Don't be discouraged... you just have to be PATIENT. As long as you're measuring your portions and logging everything you eat, you WILL lose weight. Our bodies want to hang on to every pound... it's a survival instinct. Your body is just going to take some time to know that you aren't starving, and then it will let the pounds go. Often, I won't lose for 3 weeks, and then a lb will come off.. For some inspiration, look at some of the success stores here. One of my fav girls went from 200 to 125, but it too TWO YEARS. We all want quick fixes, but it just doesn't work that way. Also, push yourself to do something active every single day... even if it's just an extra 30 min walk after dinner.

JMun

Don't be discouraged.
As mentioned by many previous posters switch up what you're currently doing.

I'm 34yrs old. 5'5 and started at 238lbs

When I first started out I was eating 1650 calories a day and exercising (with a HRM) 200-400 calories 5 days a week. I didn't start eating my exercise calories back until I gradually began to lower my intake calories.. which I brought down to 1350.

Eat more (if you're close to 1200 calories daily). Increase your cardio. Seriously consider investing in an HRM and my golden rule A CALORIE IS A CALORIE! Doesn't matter how small or how insignificant it may seem, if it enters your mouth log it. You can do this

Mainey13

So I guess the next question is: how many calories (if not the 1200 that MFP recommends) does she have to eat? 1500?

gsmith32953

000Debbie000 - Great comeback in support of our MFP friend. I agree , who cares where you post something, we are all here to support each other. I've always been the type thats it's hard to lose weight. But for sure, weight training mixed with cardio is the best mix for weight loss. Believing you have to eat to lose, is hard to believe, but oh so true. It took me a long time to believe it. Great job everybody on your dedication and hard work!!!!!!

KristyGirl8

Also, try making your food journal public... you'll be more accountable if you know people are looking!