Not losing but sticking to calories and exercising :(

tinawharrison

Throughout the month of January I lost 15lbs...
February, I've been doing the same things but only lost 2lbs so far
This really getting me down, anyone else struggling like this?
I stick to my calories and I box 3-4 times a week for 30 minutes and try and fit in a couple of 60 minute walks!
MFP says I should be losing 2lbs a week but for the last 3 weeks I've only lost 2lbs in total
Help please...

almonds1

someone else asked the same thing

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/498106-plateau-hater-so-close

BIGJIMMYU

That's the key right there! Your plateau will break eventually! Sometimes just a little tweak in your diet can do it. I began steaming asparagus 2 to three times a week with my dinner. Next thing you know, BOOM! I began losing again.

ianpye

Are you measuring yourself? another way to see progress

sandown12

some people have a day off to shock theyre bodies or trick them you maybe eating too low so have a day off (not mad) it may trick your body?

MrsBlobs

I'm not even sure this is a problem at all. You lost 15lbs in january! That is a huge loss in one month, give your poor bod a chance to get used to it and settle down. If you average your weightloss since Jan to today it is actually a little over 2lb a week loss. Don't give up, so long as you are in deficit and not by too much it should pick up - but take heart in the fact that, as I said, on average you have lost about the equivalent of 2lb/weekto date

caramkoala

Well done for sticking with it and reaching out instead of quitting. Try shaking up your diet or your exercise routine if you want, or just keep on trucking. Your body will get with the program again.

tinawharrison

Thanks for all your encouragement guys, It's just so disheartening when you're trying so hard. I had a treat day last week to try and do the shock approach but seems it didn't do the trick! Quitting just isn't an option as I want to adopt a young child and to do so in the UK i've been told my BMI has to be under 30 It is 34+ at the moment!

BIGJIMMYU

My wife and I adopted two little sisters! Wow was it ever worth it too! You'll love it!

fang19423

Check your inch loss !!

I've set myself a 30 days fitness challenge and I am now at day 21. I have been eating within my calories and exercising 6 days a week for no less than 40 minutes but sometimes more. Anyway, after one week I had gained weight, now at day 21, I have lost just under a pound - I kid you not, but the upside is that I have lost 17 inches from various areas of my body.


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fang19423

Thanks for all your encouragement guys, It's just so disheartening when you're trying so hard. I had a treat day last week to try and do the shock approach but seems it didn't do the trick! Quitting just isn't an option as I want to adopt a young child and to do so in the UK i've been told my BMI has to be under 30 It is 34+ at the moment!

You can do this just keep going - and good luck with the adoption.


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Ladyiianae

I actually DO have a "spike" day. Every Sunday. I don't count calories and I have anything I want and I don't go to the gym (I will go for a walk outside if the mood strikes me). I write it all down so there is SOME accountability but I don't count the calories and this has helped me a ton!

NorseMaiden

I'm in the same boat. Over the past 6 or so weeks I've lost 19 pounds. They flew off at first and then last couple weeks have been a trickle. I'm just going to stick with the program and see where it gets me. I'm sure things will pick back up for you once your body realizes that your in this for the long haul. Changing up your menu or exercise routine might give you a boost. Good luck to you and Don't give up.

tinawharrison

My wife and I adopted two little sisters! Wow was it ever worth it too! You'll love it!

I've fostered for 9 years but now I want to be a forever mummy, I've been waiting for a social worker for 4 months but I need to shift this weight!!

KBreezy76

All very good advice above, just mix up your workout every few weeks and you should see the loss again. And yes I did read somewhere that a "cheat" day will jump start your body!! Good luck and stay encouraged!!! You are doing great!!!

BIGJIMMYU

you will do it! I can tell already you will and I just met you!

arewethereyet

I remember my second month vividly. I was crying because after 8 wks my body had stopped letting go. One of my friends said to eat all my calories for the day, then a bowl of icecream. :sick:

Icecream is not a trigger food for me, which is why we picked it. The phone call to her 1/2 way thru was hilarious, because I was :sad: ..........my brain thought it had gone over on calories, but it had not. I logged and then ate the extra 500 fat and sugar calories.

2 days later, Plateau gone!!

You can do this. Please give it time. Be patient! It will work.

(BTW I can lose no more than 1/2 a lb a week:grumble: . Took me a year to lose 36 pounds-so don't fret!! )

craignev

My wife and I adopted two little sisters! Wow was it ever worth it too! You'll love it!

I've fostered for 9 years but now I want to be a forever mummy, I've been waiting for a social worker for 4 months but I need to shift this weight!!

It sucks that you can be a foster carer for so long and not 'fit in' to qualify for adoption.

tinawharrison

Wow! And you stuck to it! I've decided not to get back on the scales til the end of my second month and then i'll measure too so I can see inches and not just weight loss! Thanks again everybody, I feel better now

tinawharrison

My wife and I adopted two little sisters! Wow was it ever worth it too! You'll love it!

I've fostered for 9 years but now I want to be a forever mummy, I've been waiting for a social worker for 4 months but I need to shift this weight!!

It sucks that you can be a foster carer for so long and not 'fit in' to qualify for adoption.

It's disgusting isn't it! I've fostered 3 teenage boys all the way from coming to me to going to university, but no, too fat for a 3 years old!

needlework

Don't concentrate on the scale too much. Go by how your clothes fit and how you feel. I have seen a lot of posts out here where people don't use their scales any more or concentrate mostly on inches lost. You'll be fine. Hang in there.

olong

Are you measuring yourself? another way to see progress

I agree! Seeing measurements change is rewarding -- but only measure once every 3-4 weeks. Also, pay attention to your endurance levels... are you able to go a little farther or faster that last week? Can you lift a little more than before? All this shows progress even when the scale decides to remain silent.

tinawharrison

Are you measuring yourself? another way to see progress

I agree! Seeing measurements change is rewarding -- but only measure once every 3-4 weeks. Also, pay attention to your endurance levels... are you able to go a little farther or faster that last week? Can you lift a little more than before? All this shows progress even when the scale decides to remain silent.

Thanks, I think i will definitely start measuring! I need to be able to stay away from the scales too as it's getting me down!

ReinventingLisa

You situation sounds similar to mine a few years ago. Back in March 2009, I had lost 10lbs in a week by diet and exercise. For the rest of the month I lost 2lbs for a total of 12lbs. I could not lose any weight until almost May 2009. However, I noticed in that time that I was losing a massive amount of inches and decided to try a different size of jeans at the store. I had dropped 2 sizes but no weight! That made me happy.

Now from my understanding is that it's your body adjusting to the weight loss. It was rather quick for me to lose 12lbs in a month, even 10lbs in that first week. But once I realized that I was still "losing" and that it might not show up on the scale.. I just kept what I was doing and the scale eventually started moving again.

I didn't try shocking my body in the first few weeks after my losses, but I just ate my eating plan and exercised. I waited until almost 2 months before I had a day of eating to shock my body. The reason why I waited two months is because I was losing inches so I wasn't truly at a stall. You could try a meal or a day to shock your body but I think it's too early to do that. I waited two months because it seemed counterproductive for me. Now, I've learned that my body likes to lose weight this way.. a ton of weight in a month, then a month or so of a pause then that cycle will repeat.

SilverStrychnine

Quitting just isn't an option as I want to adopt a young child and to do so in the UK i've been told my BMI has to be under 30 It is 34+ at the moment!

What is their reasoning for requiring you to have a maximum BMI? It seems a bit discriminatory to me.

tinawharrison

Thanks, 73lbs! Wow, that's amazing!!
I guess what's making this harder is the fact I've lost it all before and put it back on!
I lost 60lbs and than had heart surgery, twice, ended up with a pacemaker, gave up smoking and put 47lbs back on in 9 months! This time it isn't coming off like it did last time
I will persevere!

ask4itall

Concur. Measuring weight doesn't tell the whole story. You may be trading fat for muscle. I personally take body measurements & check my body fat weekly...and of course... document everything.

Also...taking weekly photo's in a swim suit is a great visual way to see your progress (yes...I do this too).

Good luck!!!


http://www.facebook.com/fitwithfig

Are you measuring yourself? another way to see progress

Articeluvsmemphis

you're not doing anything wrong, assuming you're eating enough calories and drinking plenty water, 15lbs is not typical weight loss every single month, my highest pounds lost in a month was 10lbs, the lowest, maybe 0-4

tinawharrison

Quitting just isn't an option as I want to adopt a young child and to do so in the UK i've been told my BMI has to be under 30 It is 34+ at the moment!

What is their reasoning for requiring you to have a maximum BMI? It seems a bit discriminatory to me.

Obesity brings health issues that may prevent you being around long term and these kids have already suffered enough upheaval and loss... That's the answer I got!

RAFValentina

Quitting just isn't an option as I want to adopt a young child and to do so in the UK i've been told my BMI has to be under 30 It is 34+ at the moment!

What is their reasoning for requiring you to have a maximum BMI? It seems a bit discriminatory to me.

Obesity brings health issues that may prevent you being around long term and these kids have already suffered enough upheaval and loss... That's the answer I got!

I kind of get that, plus means you'll hopefully set a good example to the kids, however is a bit harsh for someone with a lot of love to give...anyways re OP... you'll get there, you just can't expect the same big drops in weight every month am afraid... slowly but surely wins the race and keeps you winning. In other words, lose it slow, it'll be healthier and will stay off better assuming you maintain an active and healthy lifestyle - nutrition/physical activity.

Good luck.

Fit_Forever25

I am no expert but I would say that its very very normal and happens with everyone..
Try changing your diet and routine..
Our body is way too smart than what we think.. if we eat and workout same for more than 2 weeks it gets used to it and stay happy in that shape and size.
Try changing your diet and change your workout regime every 2 weeks. It will surely work!