We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

What Am I Doing Wrong?

Dhellia
Dhellia Posts: 84 Member
edited December 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
Ok guys, I really need your help! Last year I lost 28lbs on LiveStrong.com and then winter came and I went to visit family for a month and gained about 3lbs back. However, since the fall I've been on this plateau I guess and I can barely loose any weight!

I haven't been eating the healthiest foods because my partner has been having dental surgery and can't eat so I haven't felt like cooking for just myself. But I have been staying at around 1200 calories.

And for the last 3 weeks I've been doing 45 mins of cardio 5 times a week. Before that I was doing cardio 3 times a week. Plus I walk 30 mins a day (to work and back). And in the last 3 weeks I've only lost 3lbs. I see lots of posts where people have dropped 50, 60, 70 lbs just by walking a lot... why can't this be me (insert pouty face)?!

I'm only 11lbs from being 'overweight' instead of 'obese.' What am I doing wrong or what can I do better to help me get to this mini-goal and beyond? Thanks in advance for your help, MFP people are always awesome!

Replies

  • Dhellia
    Dhellia Posts: 84 Member
    bump
  • AlaskaLily
    AlaskaLily Posts: 75
    Couple things:

    1) Figure out your total daily expenditure, i.e. how many cals does your body need just to survive and function...heart rate, breathing, etc. 1200 isn't enough for most people but MFP sets a lot of people that low when they want to lose weight fast! I would look into working with a nutritionist or reading online about daily expenditure. For example, mine is 1890 cals/day to function. I am 5'2'', 180 lbs. I eat around 1500 cals/day which is already giving me a 390 calorie deficit, plus my exercise. Bascially, don't skimp of fueling your body especially if you are fitting in all that cardio!

    2) Pick up some weights! Cardio is great, but build some muscle to help boost your metabolism and get that toned look while you lose the pounds. I actually rarely weigh myself, but go by fat% and inches lost. I am healthier and the same size that I was at 155 lbs, but I am 180 lbs with less body fat and more muscle!

    3) Don't expect to lose as much weight as others! Everyone's body is different! Losing 3 lbs in 2 weeks is AWESOME and natural. You didn't gain that weight overnight, don't expect to lose it overnight! I see 0.5 to 1 lb per week a huge accomplishment because I am making a lifestyle change, not racing to lose the most weight in the shortest amount of time!

    4) "I haven't been eating the healthiest." 80% is truly what you out in your mouth. Start there!!!!

    Hope this helps!
This discussion has been closed.

Categories