Body changing but not losing weight

DizzyLinds

Hiya,

Been on here ages and am just feeling I'm not progressing how I should be according to my lifestyle, diet and exercise habits. Last year and for many years before id eating very low carb/fat//protein and do a lot of cardio (running/bodypump/spinning/aerobics), couple of hours a day 4-5 days per week. I did find myself very tired, sore joints etc. I am a PE teacher so my days can be active or not so much depending on what I'm teaching.

So since Jan I've upped all of my protein, fats (good ones) and changed to lifting heavy and doing more HIIT instead of long cardio. I exercise 5-6 times per week, am 4ft 11 and currently at 56.8kg...I used to be closer to 53kg. I drink 3-4 litres of water per day and measure basically all of my foods. I am trying to eat according to my TDEE -15% but leave a deficit during the week so I can have a treat meal normally on a sat night, and maybe alcohol. I'm finding that my weight is increasing and although people say about losing inches I've lost an inch off my waist but have gained on my hips and thighs.

I'm feeling pretty frustrated now as I really don't know what to do. Help anyone?

Eleanorjanethinner

Goodness, are you sure you actually need to lose weight? I'm not an expert (and it sounds like you would know more than me, being a PE teacher) but I've heard it gets very hard to lose when you're close to or on a healthy weight.

All I'd suggest would be eating less calories for a few weeks and seeing how that goes.

Good luck!

DizzyLinds

It's not just the weight, I'm confused why my inches aren't coming off still

cfloresmt

Intermittent Fasting. If you are on a low carb diet, it will make it much easier to get into it. If not, try a detox diet, but IF is really the way to go. Fat melts off. Check out reddit.com/r/leangains for some info.

It is not for everyone, but for people hitting a plateau and struggling to reach the form they want, it seems that it helped loads.

Edit: what youre gaining is partly muscle, which would explain the drop in waist and increase in thighs. Start calculating body fat percentage, bone mass and muscle %. base yourself on those numbers, not weight.

DizzyLinds

I've looked into IF but I'm not sure if it's the way forward with my lifestyle

sloanie1

Hey there! firstly congrats on doing such a great job! I'm 5 foot 2 so not much taller and we weigh the same...:o) I recently broke through a 7 month plateau!!! EEeeeKKKkk!!! how I kept going I don't know! I was getting so pissed, I like you work out like a trojan, I am a healthy eater, I tried IF, zigzagging, eating more, eating less, lifting heavier, more cardio, cardio only, weights only...you name it I did it and nothing changed!! LOL after researching and starting with a trainer I set myself a 40day clean eating challenge, no dairy, no bread, no alcohol, no processed food, no fruit, lost of fish, egg whites, green veggies, almonds and pure veggie protein shakes.....WOW did I break through BUT retained all my muscle I had been building for 20months! I lost 7cms off my waist, 3.5kilos, 4cm off my waist, 1.5 off thighs, 1cm off my arms, 3cms off my chest......I don't weigh myself (threw the scales out 12months ago and the best thing I ever did!, but my trainer weighed my just for interests sake) so it was a TOUGH challenge!!! BUT I loved the results, so something has to change, what it is is up to you but this is my experience, consistency is the key, yes I've had my ups and downs BUT I NEVER give up! EVER!!!! I'm not where I want to be yet by any means but I will be in the next 3 months and thats a promise, I hope this helps!! xx

DizzyLinds

The above sounds great and you are powering through. However, I don't think I could do what you're doing for 40 days. I eat pretty clean as it is. Yes I do drink on the weekend and have my treat meals but cutting out fruit and dairy (mine is mainly Greek yog) I eat fish and seafood most weekdays as well as eggs, fresh poultry and veg. I need this to be something I can maintain for life that compliments my lifestyle and social life and my sanity! Does it really require me to stop alcohol and fruit to lose a few pounds and inches? Is it really that strict?

sloanie1

Dont worry I totally get it and like I say it as TOUGH but only an experiment, the way I look at it once I get to my goal I can then be a little flexible, but the short answer is YES from my experience, I like you eat healthy and I do love my wine too!!! (actually I'm having one now!) now what I did isn't maintainable and I wouldn't want to eat like that forever but it also wasn't a fad diet, like I said I maintained my muscle if I didn't I would say it was water weight.....and you may not have to do 40 days, maybe just commit to 2 weeks to see if it makes a difference, its based on what body builders eat for comps, boy did I have a new appreciation for what those people go through, they are totally committed! but do what is right for you..:o)

DizzyLinds

Thank you for understanding my previous comment...you could have really bitten back there! I do have a couple of weeks where I don't drink then something comes up ( being a single girl doesn't help!). My fruit consumption really is mainly berries which are very low carb. The dairy of yoghurt helps me to keep my protein nice and high. I don't eat much cheese products or cream. If you can take a look at my diary that would help.

DizzyLinds

Bump because I'm needing all the info I can get!

JosieRawr

bump because I don't have any helpful tips and am new on my journey.

psuLemon

I have a feeling you are affected by something you are eating. Right now i am trying the paleo diet (fruit, veggies, fish and lean meats). This is something to consider. I know it may be tough but it allows for a few cheat meals.


Also, the daily chocolate might be affecting you.

DizzyLinds

My diet is very paleo most days. I eat a lot of fish, lean poultry, veg, eggs and some fruit. I have some lowish carb/high protein bread occasionally...not everyday. My carbs are generally around 100g or less. You can see this in my diary. I generally allow one treat meal per week.

I don't eat a whole chocolate bar everyday! I eat 3-4 squares (thumbnail size) which are 70% dark chocolate. Does losing weight mean giving up the 70 calories that this is and that I also fit into my macros?

NurseJodies

I'm overweight now, and I can tell you without a doubt that fad diets work. But It has never gotten me anything except temporary results.

I love that you are striving for a permanent healthy solution. Stay committed to this. You will be healthier and more stable in the long run. Have you thought about talking to a nutritionist? I know my insurance covers it. Perhaps yours does as well. They will evaluate your needs, your goals, and give you a healthy plan to acheive those goals.

DizzyLinds

I can't stop eating chocolate...I'm not overweight and I eat clean most days and I feel it's a bit of a shame to not be able to be healthy, slim and happy if it means giving up certain small foods that are in moderation.

I want to be a good role model to the girls who I teach at school and eventually to my own kids if I ever have any! I'm not a believer in fad diets as they are not long term and you end up cutting out food groups your body will crave.

In the uk we have the NHS system so dont think nutrition is covered by this!

psuLemon

My diet is very paleo most days. I eat a lot of fish, lean poultry, veg, eggs and some fruit. I have some lowish carb/high protein bread occasionally...not everyday. My carbs are generally around 100g or less. You can see this in my diary. I generally allow one treat meal per week.

I don't eat a whole chocolate bar everyday! I eat 3-4 squares (thumbnail size) which are 70% dark chocolate. Does losing weight mean giving up the 70 calories that this is and that I also fit into my macros?

Its hard to say what is affecting you. I know based on our discussions in the past that you eat pretty healthy. Ever get tested for allergies ; more in particular wheat/gluten? I still have a feeling its the drinking. Even though its occassional, it still seems to be weekly.

If its not that then i would almost wonder if you are either not eating enough or if there is too much cardio involved. Really at this point, its going to be trial and error. Maybe for a month you give up all gluten (including beer/ hard liquors ) and see if there is progress. Or maybe for 30 days you give up all alcohol.

That is what i would suggest for next steps

DizzyLinds

I've had intolerance tests done and I'm fine! The lady said maybe to reduce my dairy but that's it. Nothing was significantly highlighted. I defo know the alcohol on the weekend doesn't help, I'm trying hard to reduce the amount I have when I'm out. Im not really doing that much cardio now...it's usually 10 mins HIIT after my weights (heavy) and maybe a longer HIIT session on my non lifting days.

Poss I need to be eating more still...it's so hard to know what it is!!

TavistockToad

Thank you for understanding my previous comment...you could have really bitten back there! I do have a couple of weeks where I don't drink then something comes up ( being a single girl doesn't help!). My fruit consumption really is mainly berries which are very low carb. The dairy of yoghurt helps me to keep my protein nice and high. I don't eat much cheese products or cream. If you can take a look at my diary that would help.

I totally understand what u mean as well... But I guess it depends what u want more? I would love more definition in my stomach, but I know to do this I would have to eat more clean and probably up my strength training to get my bf% down... But I am quite happy with my routine right now and like my food so I don't think I could do something as strict as sloanie did!

Helloitsdan

Since summer kicked in I fluctuate from 135-140.

As long as you are progressing in your strength and your measurements go down a little every week then youll be fine.

Youll be surprised when the whoosh happens.


I stagnated for a long time then one day i lost 4lbs.
Funny thing that it happened after a 4500cal binge of pizza and ice cream.

Isnt science fun?!?!?

DizzyLinds

My 'prob areas are my thighs...they just seem soooo big! My tummy is pretty flat and some definition. Just want my hips to slim down...I'm a typical hourglass shape. I do a lot of heavy lifting on my legs and all over really.

I'm heading on holiday to Florida in a couple of weeks so i will be out of sync diet wise as I really want to enjoy some treats.