"It's SIMPLE! Burn more than you consume!" (B.S.)

bm99

I do appreciate the nasty and sarcastic responses, though! (by the way, that's my own sarcasm, in case you missed it) It serves to remind me why I rarely ever post to these forums. Such a nasty and unsupportive place. Honestly, I've never known a forum be so full of such nasty people in my life - and I've belonged to more than a few of them!

Please explain how you bettered this place when you start a thread solely for the purpose of telling everyone that they are full of *kitten* when they offer time-tested advice for weightloss. What kind of responses were you expecting?

:flowerforyou:

cheesy_blasters

I had really great results when I did interval training during a bootcamp. It's HARD (sprints to further and further distances, switching between pushups/jumping jacks/squats/weights). It might help get over the plateau. Even something like swimming is an amazing working out since it uses so many muscles.

I have never done Zumba so I don't know if it's high or low impact (I just know it's a dancey thing) but even incorporating a higher intensity workout (TRX- resistance training/cross fit/whatever) might help.

MeliciousGibson

Your body has adapted. That's what causes plateaus. You need to vary your exercise and cycle your calories to start losing again.

But, as you said, you don't care about my (educated) opinion, so you can just ignore this and keep sticking your fingers and your ears and saying, "Lalalalalalalala."

Your anecdote is not fact. Please stop spreading the wrong information and calling science a lie.

I've heard so many "educated" opinions, so excuse me if I simply don't want to hear any more of them. I happen to LIKE my fingers in my ears...they're just the right size!

I don't recall ever saying "science is a lie!" Reading further posts into this thread I saw a statement that "simple" facts tend to not be so "simple" once delved into - as I think this is a perfect example of. Therefore, what I was calling a lie was the fact that this is not as SIMPLE as it is stated!

I've talked to 2 different general practictioners and 3 different nutritionists (as well as 2 different certified personal/group fitness instructors) who all have different opinions. There is so much scientific information out there that contradicts so much OTHER sicentific information that to try to sort through it all is quite a daunting task. Please try not to take is personally that the opinion of one person (you) that I didn't happen to even know existed when I wrote this post doesn't impress me much at this point.

myfitnessnmhoy

As for varying my routine - the only thing I can do is ADD. I am a Zumba Instructor - I teach Zumba. There's only so much you can do with a Zumba format... So I can try to add strength training to one of the days I'm also teaching Zumba. This is a job, I can't just NOT do it.

In all of the exercise classes I've taken (admittedly not many, since I have little time for actual classes), the instructors show proper form once or twice, then spend most of their time walking around the room correcting form and/or offering individual encouragement.

But the point was not to try and tell you how to do your job. It was simply to say that, perhaps, since you do Zumba as a job, you are burning fewer calories on it than you think you are?

MeliciousGibson

I think they make lotion for the chaffing of nether-parts.

PLEASE tell me what it is, cause the itching has become unbearable.

Gold Bond medicated powder is supposed to work quite nicely, I hear! At least, that's what all of the ads on the TV claim!

cheesy_blasters

I also want to add that I find you guys (responders) hilarious. I personally find this site entertaining as hell.


(I have also found so much support and advice here so it may be more the approach you take when posting, then the other people here).

neverstray

Your body has adapted. That's what causes plateaus. You need to vary your exercise and cycle your calories to start losing again.

But, as you said, you don't care about my (educated) opinion, so you can just ignore this and keep sticking your fingers and your ears and saying, "Lalalalalalalala."

Your anecdote is not fact. Please stop spreading the wrong information and calling science a lie.

I've heard so many "educated" opinions, so excuse me if I simply don't want to hear any more of them. I happen to LIKE my fingers in my ears...they're just the right size!

I don't recall ever saying "science is a lie!" Reading further posts into this thread I saw a statement that "simple" facts tend to not be so "simple" once delved into - as I think this is a perfect example of. Therefore, what I was calling a lie was the fact that this is not as SIMPLE as it is stated!

I've talked to 2 different general practictioners and 3 different nutritionists (as well as 2 different certified personal/group fitness instructors) who all have different opinions. There is so much scientific information out there that contradicts so much OTHER sicentific information that to try to sort through it all is quite a daunting task. Please try not to take is personally that the opinion of one person (you) that I didn't happen to even know existed when I wrote this post doesn't impress me much at this point.

Alcohol is bad for you. Fact or no?

A glass of wine every night is good for the heart. Fact or no?

There are NO facts, only interpretations.

bleumanchu

I didn't see this concept mentioned yet, so I'll add to the discussion.

Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT). The nut-shell version is, that (as the name implies), we burn calories throughout the day when not exercising (I know, everybody knows this). There have been a few large studies (I have on in mind in particular, can't find it but will try to add it as an edit later) which show that people tend to burn fewer non-exercise calories on days they perform vigorous exercise than on days they don't work-out. This can lead to a person burning fewer calories total in a given day than they estimate they should. One thought is that you may be less active during your non-working time than you were prior to ramping up your activity. The types of activities which contribute to a person's NEAT can be as simple as getting up from the chair/couch more often, tapping your foot, etc. This is one of many factors that can make it difficult to nail down the exact number of calories in/out on a given day. Just something to think about.

ccllnply

Two things:

1. It is as simple as burn more calories then you consume. Or should I say, consume less calories then you burn. It's simply impossible to not burn fat by doing that. It's doing it right that people find hard. Unless of course you're starving yourself and you're body goes into "starvation mode". But even then it will take several days of eating far too few nutrients to do that.

2. People who tell you that you've hit a "plataeu" because your body has gotten used to doing certain exercises or from eating a calorie deficit are talking total bull**** and need to re-assess their knowledge. Again, it's almost scientifically impossible to eat less calories than you burn and not lose fat

MeliciousGibson

As for varying my routine - the only thing I can do is ADD. I am a Zumba Instructor - I teach Zumba. There's only so much you can do with a Zumba format... So I can try to add strength training to one of the days I'm also teaching Zumba. This is a job, I can't just NOT do it.

In all of the exercise classes I've taken (admittedly not many, since I have little time for actual classes), the instructors show proper form once or twice, then spend most of their time walking around the room correcting form and/or offering individual encouragement.

But the point was not to try and tell you how to do your job. It was simply to say that, perhaps, since you do Zumba as a job, you are burning fewer calories on it than you think you are?

I've been involved in a few of these classes as well, but that's just not me. I am consistently going as hard as I possibly can because I'm trying to keep the energy up. I wear a FitBit while I am doing Zumba and I am burning anywhere from 650 - 800 calories in a 1 hour period (according to the FitBit).

ElizabethRoad

I don't recall ever saying "science is a lie!"

Physics says if you burn more than you consume, you have to lose weight. You apparently disagree.

SassyCalyGirl

perhaps ranting to your own personal friends would have been a better choice-since your not looking for opinions or advice

pointless

MeliciousGibson

I also want to add that I find you guys (responders) hilarious. I personally find this site entertaining as hell.


(I have also found so much support and advice here so it may be more the approach you take when posting, then the other people here).

I have quite a few "friends" here that have also complained about the nasty responses they get when posting to the forums...it's commonplace for some people. Some of us just attract them!

Mindmovesbody

Your body has adapted. That's what causes plateaus. You need to vary your exercise and cycle your calories to start losing again.

But, as you said, you don't care about my (educated) opinion, so you can just ignore this and keep sticking your fingers and your ears and saying, "Lalalalalalalala."

Your anecdote is not fact. Please stop spreading the wrong information and calling science a lie.

HIGH FIVE!!!!

MeliciousGibson

perhaps ranting to your own personal friends would have been a better choice-since your not looking for opinions or advice

pointless

Probably - but then I wouldn't have given you something to point out that it was pointless, now would I?

senyosmom

I LOVE Zumba!

ramgi

I could tell you were just venting. I did Zumba for the first time last week Thursday. I loved it! I will try and go again soon:-) If you're already fit it gets tougher to continue to lose the weight.

MeliciousGibson

Two things:

1. It is as simple as burn more calories then you consume. Or should I say, consume less calories then you burn. It's simply impossible to not burn fat by doing that. It's doing it right that people find hard. Unless of course you're starving yourself and you're body goes into "starvation mode". But even then it will take several days of eating far too few nutrients to do that.

2. People who tell you that you've hit a "plataeu" because your body has gotten used to doing certain exercises or from eating a calorie deficit are talking total bull**** and need to re-assess their knowledge. Again, it's almost scientifically impossible to eat less calories than you burn and not lose fat

I'm not saying that I agree or disagree with anything you've said here - but THIS is exactly what I was talking about! Point #2 - the "plateau" thing - how many people have already stated that already in this thread?

Bunch of different opinions - and personalities!

(Too much fun!)

dynamicwon

Sorry but my guess is you are not eating enough . I went through the same thing and wasnt eating enough. I'm sorry I couldnt read all the post but you could wear an HRM if you are not to get an accurate reading of how many calories you burn teaching Zumba

bigd65

Actually it is that simple. But thanks for sharing your opinion I suppose.

^^^^^^ right on. enough said

skullshank

TheNewo

Alright...let's simmer down all....
I think we've all been frustrated a time or two in life.

Melicious, you're right. It doesn't seem simple at all. And everyone loses different ways, unfortunately the hard part is finding what is most effective for YOU in particular. Even more challenging is that something can change over time.
Whether or not anyone chose to put it nicely, but it does seem your body has adapted to zumba and it may help to shake things up.
zig zag calories, try weightlifting, change something about your diet that maybe hindering you (example switch to clean eating/non processed foods)
best of luck :flowerforyou:

psuLemon

It's called a variable. Your hormones, birth control, or medications can all affect your bodies ability to shed weight. Additionally, under consumption can provide similar affects. On top of that, people can be intolerant to certain foods (yeah allergies) and at some point, your body doesn't want to drop weight. You dont' appear overweight, so maybe your body is saying GFY, and I will not lose any more.



http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/fat-loss/why-big-caloric-deficits-and-lots-of-activity-can-hurt-fat-loss.html

pookeyism

Actually, what she said wasn't wrong - anymore than you were or were not.

If you wanna go "lalalallalalalala" how's about it ( as in go ahead) but don't call it science either way with limited facts.

And yes, 20 people could very easily generate 10 different results. The same person could generate different results from one weight loss to the next...

Age, race, fitness levels, muscle development, breathing isues, sleep patterns, types of food, developing hormonal issues, the amount of weight you have lost, and much more all contribute...off meds, on meds, colds, disease...it all an affect this.

Your body can burn fat (or muscle) but can hold on to nurtients, trace minerals, water and not all lipids go away, and the fat we burn can be stored in other ways - that is why you can continue to lose size and not lose weight.

GauchoMark

OK, I wasn't going to post to this, but I can't bear it anymore. I understand biologics are complex systems that can be difficult to completely define...

However, they can only "fool" the laws of physics for a short period of time. The 2nd law of thermodynamics (yeah, I said it) pretty much says that you can't gain weight unless you are burning less than you consume.

Your body (and your measurement systems) can fool it for a week, maybe two, or longer if your measurements are off, but over time, if you burn more than you consume, you will lose weight until you are out of fat reserves, then die. (don't go that far!)

For more info, look up the 2nd law of thermo and perpetual motion.

pookeyism

Well, while I was typing that several people said it in several good ways, enough said, guess-pose - 'kay???

tasinda_wechange

Oh I went through similar frustrations a couple of weeks ago. Came back to My Fitness Pal a month or so ago, aggressively started watching my cals, exercising every day. This time my husband decided to do it with me.

So in 2 1/2 weeks he lost *17 FREAKIN' POUNDS and I lose two for a day, then GAINED THEM BACK!

Frustrated doesn't begin to express my emotions.

I was in tears the day I stepped on the scale and saw I'd gained the measly two pounds back again. Why, I complained bitterly and loudly, WHY BOTHER? If I was fat (over 200 pounds) and sedentary and eating 3 to 4 THOUSAND calories a day (estimated) BEFORE coming back here, then cut back to 1200 or LESS cals and exercised a least a half an hour a day, at least 5-6 days a week, wouldn't I lose something? I mean, c'mon! As fat as I am? Not a pound lost?

I even checked the scale we have against the doctor scale at the gym; nope, my scale was accurate.

NO
FAIR!

But I kept plugging away because honestly, what else was I going to do with all the homemade healthy meals I'd frozen and written the exact calories on the ziplock bags and those mason jar salads I've grown to love, etc., etc.

I even love the walks now.

Now I've lost 5 pounds since I've come back. And although my weighing day is Friday, I can tell by my clothes I've lost even more.

It just took more than a few weeks for my body to react, I guess. Maybe your body is going through something similar and that's why it's taking longer. But you will lose eventually, there is no way it doesn't work, so I hope you keep at it.

UsedToBeHusky

perhaps ranting to your own personal friends would have been a better choice-since your not looking for opinions or advice

pointless

Probably - but then I wouldn't have given you something to point out that it was pointless, now would I?

Statements like this and all I hear is "Hi I'm a troll! And I just posted this because I knew it would piss someone off."

ccllnply

Two things:

1. It is as simple as burn more calories then you consume. Or should I say, consume less calories then you burn. It's simply impossible to not burn fat by doing that. It's doing it right that people find hard. Unless of course you're starving yourself and you're body goes into "starvation mode". But even then it will take several days of eating far too few nutrients to do that.

2. People who tell you that you've hit a "plataeu" because your body has gotten used to doing certain exercises or from eating a calorie deficit are talking total bull**** and need to re-assess their knowledge. Again, it's almost scientifically impossible to eat less calories than you burn and not lose fat

I'm not saying that I agree or disagree with anything you've said here - but THIS is exactly what I was talking about! Point #2 - the "plateau" thing - how many people have already stated that already in this thread?

Bunch of different opinions - and personalities!

(Too much fun!)

No offence, but if you don't like it, why did you bother posting? Are you just looking for it so you can complain about it?

As for the plataeu thing, what I said is pretty much common sense, or at least it should be

myfitnessnmhoy

I've talked to 2 different general practictioners and 3 different nutritionists (as well as 2 different certified personal/group fitness instructors) who all have different opinions. There is so much scientific information out there that contradicts so much OTHER sicentific information that to try to sort through it all is quite a daunting task. Please try not to take is personally that the opinion of one person (you) that I didn't happen to even know existed when I wrote this post doesn't impress me much at this point.

And if you talk to twenty more, you'll get at least thirty more opinions.

The problem is that the math is simple, but filling in the variables to feed that math is anything but simple in some fringe cases.

And since you exercise a LOT, and specifically a lot of repeat performances of the same exercise, you represent a fringe case that's hard to stuff into the averages like the rest of us sedentary little snowflakes. I go to my doctor, he can estimate the calories I burn sitting on my *kitten* all day very easily to within 500 calories. Hell, I don't even need a doctor to tell me that.

You're a tougher biological nut (not nutcase, that's a separate thread) to crack. You work out insane amounts, but since your muscles are so tuned to the specific exercises you do, I suspect in my unedumkated opinion that you already have too much of that you are simply not burning the calories you think you are any more, and they are slowly creeping down every day. When you got your certification in February, you were probably burning X calories, and now you are burning Y, where Y is significantly smaller than X.

Since you can't go by averages and there's really no good way to perfectly calculate caloric burn, you have to go by experimentation. Each experiment is going to take several weeks to a month, minimum, to show results. Changing more than one variable at a time might muddle the results by masking things that are or are not working. And, of course, since you've been doing the professional teaching for fewer than 6 months, the rules might keep changing on you.

Personally, having not seen your diary, I can't give you any advice that would be useful other than experiment, experiment, experiment. If your macros are not in balance, get them there, with a bias toward higher protein because that is used to build and maintain muscle. If your sugars or sodium are high, get them down. If you aren't drinking lots of water, start. All things that you probably know already.

Most of all, be patient. You're doing a lot of Zumba, and your profile picture is of an attractive, fit person. I don't know your current weight or your goal, or your body fat percentage, but you may be closer to an ideal weight than you think.