Discouraged

BNA_Mommy

Lately I have been feeling very discouraged lately. I signed up and started going to the gym about 2 months ago, I go 5-6 times a week for anywhere from 45mins-1 1/2 hrs (depending on my schedule). I work with a trainer about once every 2 weeks to learn new weight training exercises. I try to increase my water intake, and am doing fairly well logging my food intake. But I have barely seen any results. I have lost a 1/2 inch here, an inch there, but nothing significant. Weight wise and clothing wise, I am the same. I feel like giving up.
I know my food choices aren't always the greatest. I know I'm not sticking to my 60g carbs limit.
I had gastric bypass surgery almost 5 yrs ago, and I'd lost over 100 lbs. I wasn't exercising nearly as much as I am now but I was losing weight fast back then. I got pregnant, had twins, gained 30 lbs with the pregnancy and lost it all within a month or 2 after birth. But over the last 3 yrs, I've gained back that 30 lbs. I know I'm nowhere near the size I was before surgery, and I don't plan to ever get that heavy again. But I have become so discouraged with the lack of results.
I do the treadmill and stair machine for 30-45 minutes a day (combined). I do free weights focusing on my arms and legs (lots of loose sagging skin from my initial weight loss). I do planks and crunches for my abs.
I am glad I found MFP, but just wish I had results.

yarmiah

Results are the ultimate motivator for sure, but know that your exercise habits are making you healthier and extending your life!

What made this final and lasting journey different for me, is that I didnt allow myself to focus on the scale, instead making the choice to exercise and eat healthier for a better life. Finding the right trainer and his help with my eating habits is when I started to see difference in my body shape, and subsequently the scale.

As far as my diet changes(that worked for me) was portion control, and swapping out more protein for simple carbs. Also limiting my carbs in the late afternoon seemed to help as well. It was hard at first, but now I have no problem meeting his target for me of 100g or protein a day. Typically I have eggbeaters and turjey sausage(or canadian bacon) for breakfast, chicken breast or tuna salad for lunch with lots of veggies, and a lean protein with and more veggies for dinner. Snacks include cottage cheese, greek yogurt, fruit and nuts. Cutting out the simple carbs(like chips, crackers, white bread) really helped with cravings- pretty much eliminating those items from my diet eliminated the cravings for them at all.

Keep at it! You have already invested so much to a healthier you! Be patient, be smart and you will reach your goals!