Not even 1 pound in 4 months!

AFIMM

I am a 31 year old woman. I gained a LOT of weight with my pregnancy two years ago. A lot. Over 80 pounds. I quickly lost about 50 of it soon after my daughter was born. But that stubborn remaining 30 will not come off.

I work out 4-5 days a week, sometimes more, NEVER less. I typically burn between 400-500 calories a session. I run (well, jog), do the stationary bike and the nautilus machine. I also have a pretty active daily life, chasing after a toddler and living in a city (lots of walking).

I have been doing this since January 2nd.

I just started on MFP two weeks age, but have kept a food diary since January and KNOW I was burning enough calories to be losing 1-1.5 lbs a week.

I am the EXACT same weight I was when I started! Not any fluctuation either way. I am the exact same weight I was when I dropped those 50 lbs after my daughter was born. Exactly 167 (I'm 5'6 and want to be 137, my pre-pregnancy weight). I actually bought a new scale bc I was convined it was malfunctioning.

I have been to the doctor and had my thyroid tested, and supposedly it is functioning perfectly. Other than that the doctor was no help and couldn't tell me why I wasn't losing weight. I requested a referral to an endocrinologist and she gave it to me, but the appointment is not for another three months.

I am so frustrated. I feel like I have been working so hard and have really made those life changes you are supposed to, and I have nothing to show for it. I am discouraged! Why am I doing this? For a year I didn't exercise or monitor my diet and I stayed 167. Now, I am busting my butt and am still 167. Why??

I know the whole muscle weighs more argument, but I find it very unlikely that I would lose the exact amount of fat that I gained in muscle...

Anyone else had this happen or heard of it happening to anyone? Thanks for listening to my vent!

ladyraven68

you'll need to open your diary so peole can see what you are eating.

Lozze

You poor thing that must be SO frustrating.

Your diary is closed, if you could open it you would get much better advice.

How many calories per day do you eat?

AFIMM

Sorry about that! Newbie here! I opened it. Let me have it!

AFIMM

Sorry for multiple posts...
I eat 1510 now that I have joined MFP. Before, when I was doing it by myself, it was a strict 1200. I don't do cheat days, but I do like dessert. I try to keep it at a minimum though and only if it will keep me under the calorie limit.

Lozze

Still not open OP

kiters

Have you lost inches?

mountainmare

Have you taken measurements? Are you smaller than you were 4 months ago. With all the exercise you do maybe you should comcentrate on body fat % instead of just the scale. I hope some of the training experts join in because if you are exercising alot you may need to eat more (especially protein) to build more muscle to support your training.

bizgirl26

try incorporating more fruit and veggies into your diet. I dont believe all calories are equal and you have some junk food in there. Eating cleaner will get more results

tat2dmrsgrimm

I am 5'5" I weigh 271. My GOAL is 175. I am a large framed woman. Have you ever had your measurements done to see what size frame you have?

AFIMM

I just checked, it's open. Maybe it needed a minute to update?

I did not start out taking measurements, so I have no idea. Honestly, I thought it would just melt off. I was eating ice cream and pizza three times a week and overeating to the point of feeling yucky before. This was a huge change for me.

I did stop breast feeding in October. So, this may be a factor...

My clothes fit about the same. Some days they are looser and some not so much. I attribute that to water weight. My husband says he notices a difference, but I think he is just tying to be supportive. I have not heard it from anyone else.

RVfrog

I looked at one day and you ate 600 and some calories. That is why you are not losing. You have to eat food to lose.

MaryBowen27

Sorry for multiple posts...
I eat 1510 now that I have joined MFP. Before, when I was doing it by myself, it was a strict 1200. I don't do cheat days, but I do like dessert. I try to keep it at a minimum though and only if it will keep me under the calorie limit.

Were you netting 1200? (Calories eaten- calories burned =1200) or just eating 1200 either way?

Also how are you gauging how many calories your burning? Do you have a HRM you've entered your weight, age and heart into that is telling you? Or are you going by the machine and general numbers?

jonnyman41

having looked at your diary there seems to be a lot of cheese and not much in the way of fresh stuff. Maybe try changing the type of food you eat to more clean eating and see if that makes a difference. Your heart will thank you too. (PS I love cheese too and that, along with wine is my nemisis)

Lozze

OP I just did your BMR and TDEE from this website http://www.fat2fitradio.com/tools/bmr/

From that your BMR us 1546. BMR is how many calories you need to survive if you were in a coma. You are currently not eating that. If you're very overweight (which you are not, you're not far off getting into the 'normal' scale of BMI, as flawed as that method is) you can eat a couple of hundred under, but the closer you are to your goal weight the closer you need to be to that goal. That is the aboustle minimum you need to be eating.

Based on the website, for your level of activity you should be eating at 2193. I know that's a lot of calories so maybe even consider 1946 or 1698 (for the record I'm someone who is 226lb and I eat 1698.And am still losing weight regularly) If you choose to use this method (except if you choose sedentary) remember that your exercise has been built in so you shouldn't be eating exercise calories back.

Have you considered adding a weight routing to your exercise?

tbresina

I am a 31 year old woman. I gained a LOT of weight with my pregnancy two years ago. A lot. Over 80 pounds. I quickly lost about 50 of it soon after my daughter was born. But that stubborn remaining 30 will not come off.

I work out 4-5 days a week, sometimes more, NEVER less. I typically burn between 400-500 calories a session. I run (well, jog), do the stationary bike and the nautilus machine. I also have a pretty active daily life, chasing after a toddler and living in a city (lots of walking).

I have been doing this since January 2nd.

I just started on MFP two weeks age, but have kept a food diary since January and KNOW I was burning enough calories to be losing 1-1.5 lbs a week.

I am the EXACT same weight I was when I started! Not any fluctuation either way. I am the exact same weight I was when I dropped those 50 lbs after my daughter was born. Exactly 167 (I'm 5'6 and want to be 137, my pre-pregnancy weight). I actually bought a new scale bc I was convined it was malfunctioning.

I have been to the doctor and had my thyroid tested, and supposedly it is functioning perfectly. Other than that the doctor was no help and couldn't tell me why I wasn't losing weight. I requested a referral to an endocrinologist and she gave it to me, but the appointment is not for another three months.

I am so frustrated. I feel like I have been working so hard and have really made those life changes you are supposed to, and I have nothing to show for it. I am discouraged! Why am I doing this? For a year I didn't exercise or monitor my diet and I stayed 167. Now, I am busting my butt and am still 167. Why??

I know the whole muscle weighs more argument, but I find it very unlikely that I would lose the exact amount of fat that I gained in muscle...

Anyone else had this happen or heard of it happening to anyone? Thanks for listening to my vent!

Just opened your breakfast today, Sunday and 680 cals is way too much for breakfast and the stuff you had was very unhealthy, this right here could be your problem. You must be over on cals, the food is probably heavy, fattening things. I did not have the time to look back at your other days so maybe this is just a cheat day. Need fruits and veggies and cleaner items and having a 700 cal breakfast leaves you little else for the rest of the day. Smaller, evenly spaced meals would be better on your digestion and over all cal count.

AZKristi

Your overall calories look pretty good. A few ideas... Your protein and water intake both look really low and you are eating a lot of carbs. I am not advocating a low carb diet, but if your body is producing insulin to process carbs, the insulin prevents your body from removing fat from fat cells.

Try choosing carbs that have lower glycemic index (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glycemic_index). Try increasing your protein. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water, even if you aren't tracking it in MFP.

Read the section on Insulin and Lipid (Fat) Metabolism: http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/endocrine/pancreas/insulin_phys.html

jennifeffer

I'm seeing a lot of processed carbs in your diet but i only looked back one week. Instant oatmeal, tortillas, cookies, popcorn, pancakes. These are all things i love too but i had to cut most of them out. Up your vegtable and fruit intake and get some more lean protein in there. Fish, chicken or consider a protein shake in the morning if you are on the run. Good luck!!!

sl1ngsh0t

OP, I had the same problem after having worked out at the gym for 4 mos. It's your diet. Go back and cut out refined and processed foods. Less carbs and sugar. Cook more. Read your labels. Avoid soy and HFCS. Veggies and lean meats are great for you.

SierraElegance

I don't see you eating enough protein or fruits and veggies. You eat a lot of processed foods and carbs. I'm sure if you had your sodium and sugars showing on your food diary that both would be very high-- you should put those on so you can track them.

Take a look at my diary for cleaner eating. I'm 5'6" or so, and I'm 128 right now. My happy weight is 125, and I never thought I could be smaller than 135 or so!

I try to drink a gallon of water a day, and I don't drink anything else. I keep my sodium and sugar down. I've actually been having protein bars lately because of different things happening, but I prefer not to have those if possible either.

You aren't eating like you're trying to lose weight, honestly. But you need to make changes and stick to them as a lifestyle if you want to lose the weight and keep it off for good.

kungfuflyer

You should add a lot more strength training into your workouts. Strength training has been proven to burn more calories and fat then cardio alone.

Cris725

If you keep doing the same thing you'll get the same results. It isnt rocket science. Something needs to be changed. Try changing your diet and excercise habits and see if that works. Your body is too used to your schedule.

autumnk921

I would suggest (I am no expert) more water - I didn't see any logged. Also, you may want to monitor your sugars & add more protein - You need protein so you can repair your muscles as well as for other good reasons. My issue was/is sugar - cookies, candies, chocolate, etc. since I have cut most of that out I am starting to lose more....I noticed that you went over in fat a few times as well...Put your macros at carbs 40, protein & fat 30 each....Also, like I said before put sugar on your macros & watch that - even if you can't get below the suggested numbers for it at least try to lower it - It looks like you have the same issue as me there. Hope this helps...Best of luck!! Add me if you like & we can try to cut the sugars together!

jadelyndsey

I am a 31 year old woman. I gained a LOT of weight with my pregnancy two years ago. A lot. Over 80 pounds. I quickly lost about 50 of it soon after my daughter was born. But that stubborn remaining 30 will not come off.

I work out 4-5 days a week, sometimes more, NEVER less. I typically burn between 400-500 calories a session. I run (well, jog), do the stationary bike and the nautilus machine. I also have a pretty active daily life, chasing after a toddler and living in a city (lots of walking).

I have been doing this since January 2nd.

I just started on MFP two weeks age, but have kept a food diary since January and KNOW I was burning enough calories to be losing 1-1.5 lbs a week.

I am the EXACT same weight I was when I started! Not any fluctuation either way. I am the exact same weight I was when I dropped those 50 lbs after my daughter was born. Exactly 167 (I'm 5'6 and want to be 137, my pre-pregnancy weight). I actually bought a new scale bc I was convined it was malfunctioning.

I have been to the doctor and had my thyroid tested, and supposedly it is functioning perfectly. Other than that the doctor was no help and couldn't tell me why I wasn't losing weight. I requested a referral to an endocrinologist and she gave it to me, but the appointment is not for another three months.

I am so frustrated. I feel like I have been working so hard and have really made those life changes you are supposed to, and I have nothing to show for it. I am discouraged! Why am I doing this? For a year I didn't exercise or monitor my diet and I stayed 167. Now, I am busting my butt and am still 167. Why??

I know the whole muscle weighs more argument, but I find it very unlikely that I would lose the exact amount of fat that I gained in muscle...

Anyone else had this happen or heard of it happening to anyone? Thanks for listening to my vent!

If I were Jillian Michaels, I would say "Losing weight is a simple mathematical equation. If calories going in is less than the calories going out, you WILL lose weight"

You may be measuring quantities wrong, or under estimating the calorie content of some things. I know that when I took a few weeks of, I "guessed" the weight of my cereal, and out of curiosity I decided to see if the cereal I was putting in my bowl was actually 25g. It wasn't. It was 90g, approximately 200 calories more than I thought. Also, if you have set your daily needs as living a lightly active light style (e.g. on your feet all day) when in fact you actually sit down for a large part of the day too, this could affect how much you lose too.

Good luck! I would suggest you start logging, and you WILL lose weight!

MaryBowen27

One thing that was a red flag to me, is even though you've stayed at calories goal most days, you are over on fat A LOT. and going over on fat, is getting too much fat is getting too much fat. Get where I'm going?

Even if you're within your calorie goal, it doesn't mean too much if your eating fatty foods. Excess fat (and carbs) are stored as such. Fat. If you try to do a little less restaurant/processed food and replace it with some fresh home made things, You'll see a big difference.

Also it's better for the metabolism to each smaller meals more frequently. It's pretty average for your meals to go to 600-800 and the body has a hard time processing so much at once. If you spread it out, it will make a world of difference. Feel free to peep my diary to see what I mean.

Good luck!

AFIMM

These are all awesome questions! Thank you! If only my doctor spent the time asking me these things...

I was just eating 1200 either way before. I didn't really think about the "net" calories that MFP tracks. Those first days when I ate 600 calories were when I was adjusting to eating more once I joined MFP. I have since increased my intake.

I do drink a ton of water, but don't log that. That has never been a problem for me.

I do my pizza and cheese, cookies etc. But, I try to eat those in extreme moderation and balance them with health fats, fruits, vegetables etc. I know myself and if I say "no" to my favorites I will give up entirely. I think I have been able to make this huge change (for me anyway) bc I have been realistic, or at least tried to be...

I am not sure if I would be considered a larger frame woman. I am of Irish descent and have those curves, even when I am slender. But, I have never weighed over 140 before being pregnant and I don't feel comfortable at my current weight. My knees hurt and I feel sluggish. So, I have a feeling, that for me, my body is saying "you should be lighter".

bestbassist

Are you on antidepressants or other types of medication that can slow or stunt weight loss?

mfp_junkie

I don't see you eating enough protein or fruits and veggies. You eat a lot of processed foods and carbs. I'm sure if you had your sodium and sugars showing on your food diary that both would be very high-- you should put those on so you can track them.

Take a look at my diary for cleaner eating. I'm 5'6" or so, and I'm 128 right now. My happy weight is 125, and I never thought I could be smaller than 135 or so!

I try to drink a gallon of water a day, and I don't drink anything else. I keep my sodium and sugar down. I've actually been having protein bars lately because of different things happening, but I prefer not to have those if possible either.

You aren't eating like you're trying to lose weight, honestly. But you need to make changes and stick to them as a lifestyle if you want to lose the weight and keep it off for good.

I agree with this post. Your food choices, with all due respect, are not conducive to someone trying to trim a few pounds. Switch up the dinners with more veggies, salads and lean protein. Less processed food too. Drop the cookies, the frozen yogourt, the burgers, and substitute a piece of fresh fruit, low fat greek yogourt and grilled chicken.

Losing weight is a challenge, and I applaud you for coming so far. Good luck!

Lozze

One thing that was a red flag to me, is even though you've stayed at calories goal most days, you are over on fat A LOT. and going over on fat, is getting too much fat is getting too much fat. Get where I'm going?

NO, this is flat out wrong. Dietary fat does NOT turn into adipose (body fat)

ChristaFall

Too much fat, calories, and carbs..try cutting back your calories and see what happens :-)

LovelyNFit

You can kill yourself with exercise and burn 900 cal. but if you don't eat well and within your goal calories you will not lose weight.

I was burning 600 to 900 cal a day from August to March and NOT weight loss. April 17 started mfp and did not exceed my calories and lost 6 lbs in 1week.