Is this normal?

MrsKosal

I've been doing MFP for the last 35 days. I've lost 5 inches total from my midsection. I feel strong and better in general, but have only lost 4 lbs. Then I'll gain one of two per day and fluctuate depending on the day. I am not at a weight where I am close to maintaining or even at my healthy range. I am currently 156-159 depending on the day, and UGW of 130-135. I feel like for as hard as I am working out and following this calorie plan of 1200, that I should be losing more. Any thoughts? I am used to counting WW points, so this time around with calories, I just feel frustrated and starting to get discouraged.

PinkEarthMama

YOu've lost FIVE inches. That's HUGE.

I don't have any idea how tall you are, what sort of exercise, etc, so i can't really tell you anything else.

MrsKosal

I'm 5'6. I do intense cardio classes 60 min at a time, 2 days per week. The other days I do 60 min cardio w/ alternating legs and arms days. I take 1 day off.

MrsKosal

I lost 2.5 in the waist area and another 2.5 in the love handles.

tuffytuffy1

You have done a great job in just 35 days, I've only lost 12 pounds in 9 months, lol I would incorporate heavy weight lifting instead of a couple of your cardio sessions, that will reshape your body and burn more fat than just cardio alone will burn.

ktkennelly

You have done a great job in just 35 days, I've only lost 12 pounds in 9 months, lol I would incorporate heavy weight lifting instead of a couple of your cardio sessions, that will reshape your body and burn more fat than just cardio alone will burn.

This:
I agree I have started adding more weights to my routine as well as weights to my cardio. And the weight has been coming off about 2lbs a week since I have been REALLY trying to lose my extra weight

PinkEarthMama

Are you eating back your exercise calories? If not, START.

Your body needs fuel.

artadvocate3

Sometimes you lose inches, not pounds. Remember, fat weighs less than muscles. If you are exercising and gaining muscle, that may account for the weight fluctuation. But an awesome job still!

micheledemetroff

You should try eating clean, no processed foods, no sugars, white bread, white pasta, white rice, etc. Try to eat foods closest to their natual state..You may not be eating enough calories. Whole wheat, whole grains, fiber, protein. You should be eating six times a day to boost your metabolism. Limit your fruit intake to two times a day...Hope this helps!

MrsKosal

Thank you! I definitely need to try to eat less processed food. I've already switched to whole grains with everything, and only do 2 fruits a day. I get plenty of protein as well. And yes, I do eat back my workout calories to make up for the deficit.

wells0707

I think inches are way more important than pounds. Sometimes I feel really frustrated because in the beginning I lost 10 pounds in 2 months and now its going slow. I have learned to take pictures every month or two and it keeps me motivated even though the pounds aren't coming off. Taking pictures lets you see the difference in the areas that you don't measure also.