Getting discouraged! :(

annieheavrin

So, here is my ordeal! Until the past few days, I was only eating between 700-800 calories per day. I also work out every morning running 3 miles, lifting weights (6 mornings a week) and teaching Zumba classes two nights a week, so I'm definitely burning calories each day. My first week with MFP, I lost 6.6 (that was a week and a half ago). Since then, I haven't lost any more weight at all. I realized a few days ago, I probably should up my calories to 1,000 since I am working out hard core each day and eating healthy on top of that. But, I have seen NO change in the scale since that first initial drop. I lost 70 lbs a year ago and now I want to lose another 30 but the scale is NOT BUDGING! I am seeing a difference in my body & my clothes... but please, why isn't the scale moving down!! I'm not going to stop but I'm feeling discouraged! Any advice? Thanks a bunch!

Kymmu

hang in there eat only clean food, it wiil happen.

MaximalLife

So, here is my ordeal! Until the past few days, I was only eating between 700-800 calories per day. I also work out every morning running 3 miles, lifting weights (6 mornings a week) and teaching Zumba classes two nights a week, so I'm definitely burning calories each day. My first week with MFP, I lost 6.6 (that was a week and a half ago). Since then, I haven't lost any more weight at all. I realized a few days ago, I probably should up my calories to 1,000 since I am working out hard core each day and eating healthy on top of that. But, I have seen NO change in the scale since that first initial drop. I lost 70 lbs a year ago and now I want to lose another 30 but the scale is NOT BUDGING! I am seeing a difference in my body & my clothes... but please, why isn't the scale moving down!! I'm not going to stop but I'm feeling discouraged! Any advice? Thanks a bunch!

You are going to fail with this approach.
Just follow the MFP program, and you'll be fine.
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.
This is how MFP works
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/help/faq/3-how-does-myfitnesspal-work

And Tips for Newbies
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/470367-tips-for-newbies

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.
Log in those exercises to your MFP exercise diary.
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!

annieheavrin

Thanks everyone! And, I wasn't trying to eat that low of calories, but I basically was only eating veggies/fruits/lean meats, so it wasn't adding up to much. But, I'm going to try to eat more of them to add some more calories each day to hopefully eat 1,000 everyday.

lewandt

Everything i have read says to never go under 1200. Try upping yours to at least 1200 and see if that helps.

SergeantSunshine_reused

You need way more than 1,000 calories.

annieheavrin

I really appreciate everyone's feedback! Every word helps!! Thanks so much!!

MarCarCas

I'm pretty new to MFP, but from what I understand your body needs at least 1,200 calories a day to function. I've been eating from 1,400 to 1,500 a day with light exercise and I am losing weight right now.

tbresina

Way too low calories, not healthy and counter productive...........

Jack_A

Don't give up, you're doing great! Muscle weighs more than fat and because you work out so often you will be developing more muscle mass. This is probably the reason the scale isn't budging , also if you're eating too few calories your metabolism will slow down and loosing weight becomes more difficult so make sure you eat sufficient calories to keep up with your awesome work out regime.

annieheavrin

You guys are awesome! Thanks for all the encouragement! Makes me feel like eating more calories is what I HAVE to do and just keep working out like I have been & like I love to! The positive feedback is awesome!!!

ChristineDiet

Everything i have read says to never go under 1200. Try upping yours to at least 1200 and see if that helps.

Agree. Good luck. X

Spurrowell

The first weight loss was water, Stick with it and that scale will move again.

beautyreaps

I agree with MaximalLife.

1000 calorie simply isn't enough, especially since you're working out. Your performance at the gym will suffer if you're under fed; you just won't have the energy to exert. Also, you've only been on here for less than a month and the first week is always a significant drop for most people. If you want to lose those 30lbs, you'll need to do so moderately. You've got less to lose, so it'll take more effort (you gotta fuel up do give that effort). Up the calories, add in a rest day in the week and don't pressure yourself to lose the weight so quickly; that's not a healthy weight loss. I'm sure you want results that'll last, right? You can do this.

Good luck.

kallieklein

I would say your probably converting your fat to muscle. That's a great thing!! For evey pound of lean muscle you gain, you burn an additional 50 calories a day! The reason the scale isn't moving is because muscle weighs more than fat, that's why your seeing a change in your body but not on the scale!!! Keep up the hardwork! I agree you should up your calories a bit, because to hold on to the muscle you have to eat more protein. Try a low-calorie protein shake that has whey protein in it! I buy the one at CVS pharmacy, its cookies n cream and only 140 calories. I really like it, and I read in a book that protein increases your metabolism by 20%! Good luck, I'm on a similar endeavor myself!

Jipples

My guess is that with all of your activity, 1000 cal is still low. You can try it for a bit and see what happens. But my guess is that you aren't eating enough.

ETA: I see max answered......what he said.

annieheavrin

You guys have definitely convinced me to up my calories. It's going to be hard at first but I think after a while I can do it. I like the idea of a protein shake, my husband even agreed I'm probably not getting enough protein. I guess in my head it's like, why would I up my calories when I want to LOSE weight - even though the reasons make sense, it's still hard to do! lol

baxgilter

Everyone gave great advice and said all the right things. Just another note, your body absolutely is in what alot of people call "starvation mode". You think the least amount of calories you eat the more weight you loose quicker. It works for a little bit but then your body says "whoa" and hangs onto every calorie you consume. Results equals no weight loss, plus you arent eating the proper nurients and your vital organs are suffering as a result. You don't see that part on the scale, but trust me it is happening. Been there done that. Plan out your days to eat minimum 1200, and at least half your workout calories. Ive lost 80 pounds on my weightloss journey and these are the things Ive learned and that have worked. Feel free to add me. Good luck!

- JoAnna

cmeade20

If you're running and lifting six days a week you need a hell of a lot more calories. I suggest buying a heart rate monitor so you can track what you burn each day. You don't really want a deficit more than 500 calories daily your metabolism will get too slow.

annieheavrin

I have a heart rate monitor & it's my most prized possession! Whenever I work out in the mornings, or for Zumba, I always burn at least 1,000 calories. So I think that's why my calories aren't working for me. When I run and lift weights, its around 1100 usually for 70 minutes at least of exercising. Then around 800-1100 for Zumba.

cmeade20

Oh wow than I would at the very least double your calories if you're burning that much

annieheavrin

Yeah, that's what I'm gathering! haha! I used to have a regular heart rate monitor just the watch but then I recently upgraded to one with a chest strap and I feel it's more accurate! But, yes I basically kick my own *kitten* every morning in the gym! Totally worth it, but as I stated, getting discouraged on the scale. Hopefully with the help from all of you guys, I'll up my calories & see a difference on the scale!!!

ShrinkRapt451

I have a heart rate monitor & it's my most prized possession! Whenever I work out in the mornings, or for Zumba, I always burn at least 1,000 calories. So I think that's why my calories aren't working for me. When I run and lift weights, its around 1100 usually for 70 minutes at least of exercising. Then around 800-1100 for Zumba.

Okay, here's some simple math that I'd like you to consider.

1. You're taking in 700-800 calories a day.
2. You're burning AT LEAST 1000, sometimes 2000, calories in a single day, just from exercise.
3. You burn extra calories just by being alive and walking around, and other normal daily activities.

You are NOT gaining muscle. Gaining muscle is hard. It requires a calorie surplus, LOTS of protein, heavy weight lifting, and time. None of which you are providing it. Your body is burning it for fuel, and your metabolism has slowed to a crawl.

If you lost 70 lbs, then you used to eat a rational amount of calories. (Heck, you ate a lot more than a rational amount of calories, but I'm wondering if you were sedentary then.) Somewhere along the line, you convinced yourself that less was better.

It's not.

With those calorie burns, you SHOULD probably eat enough calories to maintain your former weight, just so you can safely lose to your goal. I'm guesstimating, but here's another thread that can help you out:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/447397-my-plateau-nutrition-story-learn-from-my-mistakes

And please, fat is not the enemy. Grain-based carbs are not the enemy. Slowly reintroduce them into your diet. That's how you manage to hit higher calorie numbers without eating a whole chicken a day.

piccolarj

Yes I agree with the ones who say you need to eat more. I made the same mistake when I first started and I really regret it so learn from others mistakes. Even if you doubled your intake to 2000 calories and burn off 1000 a day you are essentially giving your active body only 1000 calories to function off of. If you burn that much a day you could easily take your calories up to 2500 a day and still lose weight. Please don't starve yourself thin. Your body will thank you for the fuel and reward you by going stronger and longer in your workouts!!

ryanherbert

You are going to fail with this approach.
Just follow the MFP program, and you'll be fine.
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.
This is how MFP works
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/help/faq/3-how-does-myfitnesspal-work

And Tips for Newbies
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/470367-tips-for-newbies

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.
Log in those exercises to your MFP exercise diary.
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!

^^ Absolutely spot on. Your metabolism has slowed to a crawl with that input-output equation

Set your loss goal to 1lb per week, log all your exercise and eat all your cals!

My guess is that you should be eating > 2000 cals per day, and this will put you on the right path to losing that weight.

Your body is nothing more than a machine. It needs fuel.

MaximalLife

Thanks everyone! And, I wasn't trying to eat that low of calories, but I basically was only eating veggies/fruits/lean meats, so it wasn't adding up to much. But, I'm going to try to eat more of them to add some more calories each day to hopefully eat 1,000 everyday.

Again, you will fail doing this.
I am not trying to be negative or unkind but truthful.
Please reconsider, and just follow the MFP recommendations.

I linked it above.
Good luck.

littlesis412

You already realize that you need to be eating more calories so I won't repeat that. I will, however, suggest ways to up it that you may like. You said you've being eating lots of fruits and veggies? Try adding peanut butter. It's extra protein, healthy fat, and calorie dense. Hummus is good too. (Plus they're added flavor.) I think someone mentioned protein shakes. Milk is also very good for you and and easy way to add calories. Um, what else... Nuts in general, bananas, raisins, fruit juice, yogurt, pasta, whole grains, etc.

It sounds like you are very dedicated to your weight loss so it may sound counter productive to eat more. But adding a few things in can really make a difference overall without seeming like a drastic change at the time. We're not saying go down a Big Mac to get some calories. But at this point you say the scale isn't moving at all so what have you got to lose but pounds? And congrats on your previous loss. Good luck!

pinkita

Yes, please eat MORE! It's counter-intuitive to think more food = weight loss, but it's true! And a lot of people have a big loss in their first few weeks... don't expect big losses after that. Slow and steady is better for long-term success.

Also, I just came off a 5-6week plateau... I had a dietitian I work with look at my food log, and she said I needed more food. She calculated my resting metabolic rate (which you can also calculate here on MFP) and she told me to never eat less than that. It worked.

You made a good decision by joining MFP and posting your question. Lots of supportive people here!!

Good luck!