READY TO GIVE UP...

HoLLyZ82

So, I started out and lost all my weight...around 35 lbs. I went from 163ish down to 125 ish, I leaned out and had great muscle definition and dropped to a 17.5% BF. Well, the last few months (8 months) I have not lost anything, Im talking pounds or inches IN FACT im now gaining weight and inches despite my hardest efforts of lowering my calorie intake and still doing all my heavy lifting and cardio. Im SO bummed and feel like I shouldnt be here offering my advice to all my awesome MFP friends because in reality I dont know whats even going on with myself. I feel helpless.

Im sluggish, down and not my happy self, I have had a missed period (sory if TMI) which came the following month and now waiting on it again, my knees hurt, im hungry but look bloated constantly.....Where is my mojo? I feel I have tried everything...changing my routine, changing my diet, changing to maintenance for a week, higher calories, lower calories, no cardio, lots of cardio... you name it, and Ive tried it but to no avail.... I feel I am failing and losing everything I have worked for in the past.

I wear a bodybugg and my TDEE is never under 2100 for the day...it usually is around 2400 but can range upwards to 3000 depending on how active I am. (usually only on super exciting weekends when Im working in my yard all day, clean house, then gym time, shopping, and perhaps some golf Right now im allowing myself 1600-1800 calories a day. STRICT...doesnt matter my exercise. Im doing this from the advice given to me from a trainer on here. It was suggested that my Bodybugg doesnt work for me. Im lost....I started this new "diet" last saturday and guess what? Ive gained weight since then too.

Anyways, it feels good to get this out. My main objective is to say Im sorry to the MFP people that have PM'd me with no response from my end. Im in a slump and dont know how to offer advice at this time. Sincerely- Holly JZ

SuperAmie

Awh Holly, It happens... I am not a pro and I havent been physically doing this for a long time but I have been looking into it and researching for awhile... I think you have just hit a slump... which happens to EVERYONE... The period thing sounds like its stress... stress can do some weird things to our bodies...
Make sure your eating clean (sounds like you are).. Try and focus on your mood... its all surrounded by it. Mood is everything.. For a little bit, focus on making your mood better you know?? Dance, or read or even go to a spa and relax.. de-stress yourself...

NewFitKeri

Holly, you know I adore you. I"m starting to think that with the missed period, the sluggishness, etc you may have some underlying health issue going on...may be something smaller like hypothyroidism which you can medicate or something else. I think you should go in for a battery of test @ the Dr's. And be your own advocate sweeti--tell them you know you're not yourself and something is wrong...

As always I am here for you

ma34113

what?!?! no you cant stop you are my inspiration!!! even if you are not currently losing you are still in amazing shape and that way better than most!

psuLemon

What are you trying to accomplish? At some point your body will stop cutting fat and stop losing weight. I am sorry but I didn't find where you said your goal was.

HoLLyZ82

thank you girls... this is becoming very frustrating is all. some days are better than others. today isnt one of those days. love you guys.

sedosher

I am by no means an expert, but I think your body is satisfied where you are now and might be looking to maintain. I also think you are stressed and that is adding to your issues, you are putting too much pressure on yourself. Also, have you talked to a doctor about your problems? You probably need to and they can run tests to make sure it isn't something medical...that would be my first stop. And try to stay calm and know it isn't the end of the world and cut yourself some slack...you've have come so far and accomplished so much, try and remember that! HUGS

farm_mamaX9

Could you be pregnant? Have you taken a test? That would be my first suggestion. If it is negative, then go to the doctor and get your hormone levels checked. Have you looked into adrenal fatigue? Are you stressed about something? Cortisol is the stress hormone and it causes weight gain. (Sorry if I'm telling you something you already know.) Or maybe you just need to take more breaks between exercising. Exercise can be a form of stress too, so your body could be in survival mode and hanging onto whatever it can get.

HoLLyZ82

What are you trying to accomplish? At some point your body will stop cutting fat and stop losing weight. I am sorry but I didn't find where you said your goal was.

sorry, i was down to almost 125ish and since then have slowly (over 8 months) been gaining weight despite all my efforts. today i weighed 139lbs. i want to be at 125 and have all my definition back and my inches back down. Despite all my efforts I just keep gaining.

EthanJeremiahsMama

what?!?! no you cant stop you are my inspiration!!! even if you are not currently losing you are still in amazing shape and that way better than most!

Agree 100%!!!

mrsknotts

certainly not an expert but I bet it feels good.just to voice your frustration. I think maybe seeing the doctor could really help.

nammer79

Don't give up and you look amazing and have done great things already for your body. I'm sure it have its ups and downs just hang in there and know you have your friends that support you

HoLLyZ82

Could you be pregnant? Have you taken a test? That would be my first suggestion. If it is negative, then go to the doctor and get your hormone levels checked. Have you looked into adrenal fatigue? Are you stressed about something? Cortisol is the stress hormone and it causes weight gain. (Sorry if I'm telling you something you already know.) Or maybe you just need to take more breaks between exercising. Exercise can be a form of stress too, so your body could be in survival mode and hanging onto whatever it can get.

no pregnancy. positive on that one. Getting a blood panel done has been suggested and will most likely be my next step.

JenAiMarres

Holly I know your frustrations...I too am up 14 lbs since FRICKING JANUARY...It sucks I get mad I feel fat I wanna cry sometimes. Bu t seriously doll when I took that pic yesterday I had NO IDEA that is what my body looked like...NONE! I know you take pics, but i think your body has been so great for so long possibly you are numb to how gorgous and how killer insane looking you are..( LOVVVVVVVVE your new pic btw...and EVERY single pic you ever post!)

I dont really have much advice because I JUST DONT KNOW. When i hear things about TDEE and BMR my head spins...all I know is that when I used to eat 1200 calories of lean pockets and red vines a day I weighed 120 lbs...now that I eat healthy I weigh 132...your body is a MACHINE. you are a machine...and I meant every single word I told you this morning. I wouldnt be here without you.

I know you wont give up...its not in you to give up...but im glad you got some shiz of your chest.

I love you!

psuLemon

What are you trying to accomplish? At some point your body will stop cutting fat and stop losing weight. I am sorry but I didn't find where you said your goal was.

sorry, i was down to almost 125ish and since then have slowly (over 8 months) been gaining weight despite all my efforts. today i weighed 139lbs. i want to be at 125 and have all my definition back and my inches back down. Despite all my efforts I just keep gaining.

Based on your diary, I would think you are under eating, especially if you are only eating 1700 calories. Two things, if your TDEE is over 2400, then most of the weight has to be water related as you can't gain fat unless you are eating more food than your TDEE. Now if you have some hormonal issues, that could affect it. And since you missed a period, your body might not be responding well to having such low body fat. Also, I have notice, you eat a very low fat diet which is another thing that could affect your cycle. Based on running the numbers you should be around 2100 calories a day and I would suggest eating a lot more fat (around 50g). Keep in mind your body is struggling to hold onto the body fat and wants more as it's the quickest source of energy, so under eating forces your body to find ways to conserve calories.

JDMPWR

Im telling you Holly. the period part makes me think I am right and I really don't want to be.

I think it's hormonal. Start eating without a deficit for a month.

Just my 2 cents though.

DixiedoesMFP

Chin up, hot stuff! No matter what's going on right now, you are still inspirational to everyone. Bodies are complicated....that's what makes them so cool!

Please have some bloodwork done. All of your symptoms point towards hypothyroidism.....and no matter how right you are doing everything, you need a pill to replace the hormone you are lacking.

HoLLyZ82

Holly I know your frustrations...I too am up 14 lbs since FRICKING JANUARY...It sucks I get mad I feel fat I wanna cry sometimes. Bu t seriously doll when I took that pic yesterday I had NO IDEA that is what my body looked like...NONE! I know you take pics, but i think your body has been so great for so long possibly you are numb to how gorgous and how killer insane looking you are..( LOVVVVVVVVE your new pic btw...and EVERY single pic you ever post!)

I dont really have much advice because I JUST DONT KNOW. When i hear things about TDEE and BMR my head spins...all I know is that when I used to eat 1200 calories of lean pockets and red vines a day I weighed 120 lbs...now that I eat healthy I weigh 132...your body is a MACHINE. you are a machine...and I meant every single word I told you this morning. I wouldnt be here without you.

I know you wont give up...its not in you to give up...but im glad you got some shiz of your chest.

I love you!

we's like peas and carrots. love you too girl and thank you SO much. i know im not going to give up but it crosses my mind...a lot just because I dont know what to do. thanks again doll.

hadl0032

Hang in there Holly! As everyone else has said, you look fantastic, and our own eyes never see what everyone does. But....it is more important to FEEL fantastic, so if you feel like crap, I would start with the blood work, and go from there. I dont have insurance but have been thinking about getting all blood work done, basically an all-around physical, including a re-examination of my birth control and other meds.... I want to FEEL my best too, and at many times i dont.

Stop worry about it the weight and inches so much and just live your life, and maybe your stress levels will go down.

PS: I dont ever hear you talk about going, but my Yoga classes are one of my very favorite ways to clear my head. They are relaxing, yet challenge your body in ways that you dont when lifting weights and running...maybe check it out!

xoxo-Stacia

HoLLyZ82

What are you trying to accomplish? At some point your body will stop cutting fat and stop losing weight. I am sorry but I didn't find where you said your goal was.

sorry, i was down to almost 125ish and since then have slowly (over 8 months) been gaining weight despite all my efforts. today i weighed 139lbs. i want to be at 125 and have all my definition back and my inches back down. Despite all my efforts I just keep gaining.

Based on your diary, I would think you are under eating, especially if you are only eating 1700 calories. Two things, if your TDEE is over 2400, then most of the weight has to be water related as you can't gain fat unless you are eating more food than your TDEE. Now if you have some hormonal issues, that could affect it. And since you missed a period, your body might not be responding well to having such low body fat. Also, I have notice, you eat a very low fat diet which is another thing that could affect your cycle. Based on running the numbers you should be around 2100 calories a day and I would suggest eating a lot more fat (around 50g). Keep in mind your body is struggling to hold onto the body fat and wants more as it's the quickest source of energy, so under eating forces your body to find ways to conserve calories.

thank you...i was curious about this but like I mentioned, i have tried everything so I thought, " what the *kitten*, I will try this too." on a side note, I have recently tried to eat more healthy fats ( just started the last couple days).

HoLLyZ82

Im telling you Holly. the period part makes me think I am right and I really don't want to be.

I think it's hormonal. Start eating without a deficit for a month.

Just my 2 cents though.

I know...do you suggest that eating at maintenance will "fix" the hormones or will I need to do that and bloodwork? or just start with the food? im kinda hungry

theprices

all of what all the other girls said but i did want to add ~ not only have you been an incredible inspiration to me on the fitness level, you have made me laugh and smile almost every day! its HARD to be fit, its HARD to be sexy, and its HARD to do it the right way ~ But YOU have done all of these things, and kept it light, funny, and that's what I think is the most important thing....not to take it too seriously....!? maybe give yourself a break?

and PS ~ i totally agree with JB regarding your pictures...every single one i see is like HOLY ****-N-BALLS, that woman is AMAZING!

XO

psuLemon

Im telling you Holly. the period part makes me think I am right and I really don't want to be.

I think it's hormonal. Start eating without a deficit for a month.

Just my 2 cents though.

I know...do you suggest that eating at maintenance will "fix" the hormones or will I need to do that and bloodwork? or just start with the food? im kinda hungry

Eating at maintenance could be good to relieve some stress from your body. As a deficit is stress.

JenAiMarres

not only have you been an incredible inspiration to me on the fitness level, you have made me laugh and smile almost every day! its HARD to be fit, its HARD to be sexy, and its HARD to do it the right way ~ But YOU have done all of these things, and kept it light, funny, and that's what I think is the most important thing

WORD!

fitbum19

Kepp your chin up! See a doctor....maybe a nutritionist.....perhaps you aren't eating enough? Or maybe you just aren't eating the right foods for you? but it sounds like you should get checked out.

I am sure it will all straighten out. :-) You are still beautiful and VERY inspirational!

DixiedoesMFP

Eating at maintenance will "fix" cortisol, leptin, etc.
It will not "fix" TSH.

Bloodwork. And eat. Lol.

JDMPWR

Im telling you Holly. the period part makes me think I am right and I really don't want to be.

I think it's hormonal. Start eating without a deficit for a month.

Just my 2 cents though.

I know...do you suggest that eating at maintenance will "fix" the hormones or will I need to do that and bloodwork? or just start with the food? im kinda hungry

This sounds VERY counter intuitive but I would suggest eating normally, your body has to "reset" so to speak. I know thats what I did then after a while I started to feel normal again and I was back at it. I eat much more now at am at 190, stronger and bigger then I was previously at 190 yet my clothes fit better then how they fit when I was 180 last year.

JDMPWR

Eating at maintenance will "fix" cortisol, leptin, etc.
It will not "fix" TSH.

Bloodwork. And eat. Lol.

THIS!

graysmom2005

What are you trying to accomplish? At some point your body will stop cutting fat and stop losing weight. I am sorry but I didn't find where you said your goal was.

sorry, i was down to almost 125ish and since then have slowly (over 8 months) been gaining weight despite all my efforts. today i weighed 139lbs. i want to be at 125 and have all my definition back and my inches back down. Despite all my efforts I just keep gaining.

I agree with this. I have a BFM and my TDEE is usually around 2700-3000+ many days (fitness instructor). I'd eat more. Like around 2000 for awhile and see if that helps. You may be sluggish because your body is hungry and tired. I'd give it a go. I really think it would work.
Based on your diary, I would think you are under eating, especially if you are only eating 1700 calories. Two things, if your TDEE is over 2400, then most of the weight has to be water related as you can't gain fat unless you are eating more food than your TDEE. Now if you have some hormonal issues, that could affect it. And since you missed a period, your body might not be responding well to having such low body fat. Also, I have notice, you eat a very low fat diet which is another thing that could affect your cycle. Based on running the numbers you should be around 2100 calories a day and I would suggest eating a lot more fat (around 50g). Keep in mind your body is struggling to hold onto the body fat and wants more as it's the quickest source of energy, so under eating forces your body to find ways to conserve calories.

thank you...i was curious about this but like I mentioned, i have tried everything so I thought, " what the *kitten*, I will try this too." on a side note, I have recently tried to eat more healthy fats ( just started the last couple days).

kirst2501

im with these girls babe. u have been SO inspiring on here to not just me, but alot of girls. u have transformed your body, which is no small feat! take a little from what the other s have all said. my opinion? its all about the quality of the food u eat, not the quantity. so yes, drop your calories like u have been, but still think about whats IN the calories u DO eat. dont give up honey, this is just your mind playing tricks on u. and definately go see your GP about the underlying issues in regards to missing your period. i went without mine for 10 months, and that was due to the depo provera shot, but i still had my hormone levels checked fortnightly until AF paid a long overdue visit again last month. hugs to u and i hope u can work through this, we are all here to help and support u doll xox

missym357

Please go to the doc and get checked out. It really sounds like a hormonal thing- thyroid perhaps, especially as you are not feeling like yourself. You truly are an inspiration to so many. This is a blip in the road and you will figure it out and come out that much better, hun!! Giving up is not an option!