Can someone look at my diary right now?

ironanimal

I'm frustrated and scared of my weight loss stalling. My goal is 1740 calories per day. I normally eat around 1500 or so but then go to the gym and burn off 500+. I'm still very overweight so I burn huge amounts at the gym. I am using a heart rate monitor so I know it's pretty accurate. My food intake today was decent as far as calories go however, I have tons of calories left but I'm not hungry. My net calories for today is 1168. I try to eat back my exercise calories but I'm not hungry. Sure I can eat a bunch of empty calorie snacks to get me to my calorie goal, but that seems counterproductive. Any advice?

Consuming "empty calories snacks" is not counterproductive. I have no idea why you would think that. Please avoid the shenanigans posted by some members that "processed" and "high sodium" foods are bad for you somehow. Almost 99.9% of the people on here have no clue about sodium.

First, it doesn't not make you retain a ton of water. If sodium is relatively stable throughout your diet, you will not retain more water. Water retention only happens when someone goes from very low sodium to very high.

Second, sodium will not necessarily raise your blood pressure. There are some people who are sensitive and there's an easy way to test for it. Manipulate sodium intake and check blood pressure. Sometimes I consume over 7-8g and my BP is 108/65 or something around that.

Also, despite the common advice given in this thread, processed foods won't inhibit fat loss. Furthermore, consuming "healthier" foods will not make you lose more fat. It would be wise to try and eat more micronutrients, though.

There's one awesome rule that reigns supreme: KISS - Keep it simple, stupid. Don't overcomplicate things. Just hit your calories, your macronutrients, and eat some vegetables. Please don't get overly concerned with nonsense such as "healthy fats" and "complex carbs."

Honestly, I would cut out the Lean Cuisines. Tons of salt and virtually nothing good for you.

Who cares if there's tons of salt? Read above on sodium.

1. Go into your settingss and add a few things to track. Track your sugar grams, sodium and your fiber. Sugar will completely mess up your weight loss. Try to stay in range of the recommended range for sugar. Just looking at your choices I can guess you are WAY over on sugar.

2. Reduce your simple carbohydrate intake. Add the calories in healthy protein and complex carbs like fruits and veggies.

(1) Sugar won't mess up your weight loss. That's just false.
(2) Simple carbs, complex carbs, or whatever, it makes no difference, I promise you this.

Also, please see my post about sodium.

'm not an expert at this at all, but that sodium is a killer....it's hard for me to stay away from it also....

Sodium is not a killer.

You also should be eating 6 small meals a day

No, she shouldn't. I fast and eat 3 meals a day and I'm extremely successful. Many people don't eat frequently and they're fine. Meal frequency is extremely overrated.

would also suggest adding 1 or 2 more snacks in your day... I think someone else suggested doing 6 'mini' meals as well... which is good bcs you should be eating every 2-3hrs anyway to keep your body at a constant level.

That's simply not true.

All of this is correct.

bnelly55

I've gotten a lot of great advice from this thread. Thank you guys. My gym offers a free personal training session so I may take advantage of that and at least get a good weight routine set up.

LeenaRuns

After looking at your diary, I think I would change these few things:
1) Lower your carb intake. Frosted mini wheats-not so good. lean cuisine-not so good. Maybe try Kashi Go Lean cereal.
2) Maybe, just to change it up a little, instead of eating 3 big meals, eat 6 smaller meals. Spread your calories out.
3) More fruits and veggies.
4) And don't be afraid to eat your excercise calories, you earned them!

I hope this helps! And don't get discouraged, you are doing a great job. Plataeus are gonna happen, it is just the way it is.

This!