I think I'm doing something wrong :(

amandaheverly

Hey guys, I'm hoping someone can take a few minutes to look over my food logs and tell me where I'm going wrong. I've made a huge effort to eat veggies, fruits and complex carbs while dropping most of my bad habits. (I even exercised... a few times!). I have yet to lose even a pound though so I'm definitely messing up somewhere. I'm new to this whole healthy eating lifestyle and while I'm not in a hurry to lose the weight (I would like to simply learn to eat healthy and hope the rest will follow) it's still frustrating to see no change. I see different opinions everywhere I look on how many calories I should be taking in... and I'm starting to suspect I'm not eating enough.

Any and all opinions/ help will be greatly appreciated!

-Amanda
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/food/diary/amandaheverly


Note: Not sure if it shows up on my diary but I'm a 5'7'' female weighing 205. Sedentary lifestyle for the most part (programmer at work, programmer at home )

crazyguitarmom

the exercising really helped me alot i do zumba and walking and as soon as i started the weight started to come off quickly i have lost 44 lbs so far keep the faith and keep at it it will start to come off

tammys_changing

You should add the sodium tracker to food journal. It can be a real eye opener how quick you can go over your daily amount allotted.

lbaileyjohannsen

You should add the sodium tracker to food journal. It can be a real eye opener how quick you can go over your daily amount allotted.

Yes and then change the allotted amount from 2500 to 1800. 2500 is waaaay too much.

ETA: Unless you are matching the amount of potassium you eat. Which most people don't.

cartrat

it looks like you're eating a lot of simple carbs--i see a lot of sandwiches, burgers, pizza, taco shells... try cutting down on those. or if you simply can't, switch to whole grain or wheat. since i didn't see any specified types of bread, i'm assuming it's all white flour. also, i'm seeing you eat out a bit. lots of prepared foods have hidden sugar in them and we all know what happens to sugar in our bodies...

you can do it!

amandaheverly

I actually dont eat out much, but sometimes I have to put in estimations (my husband is a chef). As for burgers I'm pretty sure I've only had one burger (cheeseburger) and one Black bean burger in the few weeks I've been tracking. I'm not sure where the sandwich is but I dont eat those either. It's possible that bread was logged to go with the kale soup? Taco shells were with the spinach wraps, I'm still trying to figure out what I can replace those with (170 calories!!) I did have a moment of weakness with the pizza last weekend That's all me.

I'll start watching the carbs for sure, and I've already changed my sodium settings!

jsj024519

you're not eating enough

spicyginger2006

are you eating all of your calories everyday??? i have to leave some, and if i eat all mine and dont exercise, I dont lose a dang thing. i stay the same. maybe try leaving an extra 200-300 calories at the end of the day

CrazyMidget611

but sometimes I have to put in estimations (my husband is a chef).

I didn't peek at your diary, but estimations can really hurt you. Most people (myself included!!) will really underestimate what they eat. I personally have to weigh and measure EVERYTHING, otherwise, I have trouble.

PS - Super jealous of your chef husband! I want someone to cook for me lol

therealangd

If you are using estimations, then that's probably where your issue lies.

Use the recipe section to record what he's making.

If the food item you are eating is not in the list, then add it yourself. Don't make substitutions.

If you don't have a weight scale then get one. Eyeballing portion size is usually wrong.

You need to be as accurate as possible.

dodihere

I pulled up a month prior to today's date and there is no diary from a month ago. Just to let you know I started over a month ago 1200 - 1400 calorie and exercise diet and haven't lost weight, but I feel fabulous. Give it time. Don't give up.

spicyginger2006

ps. you are not eating enough. try eating smaller meals and def. add more fruits and veggies into your meals. good luck!

melaniecheeks

"sandwich" could be "subway"

erickirb

Try eating 100 % of your calories, most days you are under, well under.

BetsyG130

IMHO, too much sugar/carbs, and not enough protein. Try and eat as much "real" food as possible (avoid processed foods). Try making lean protein the focus of each of your meals, and compliment it with a leafy green veggie or fruit. Aim for > 100 grams of protein a day (minimum). Replace yogurt with plain greek yogurt or cottage cheese, for example.

Good luck.

Iceman1800

Where did those numbers come from. Waaay too many carbs and essay too little protein

amandaheverly

Ok, I definitely misspoke on this one. I dont say "Hey , that looks like its about like this chicken salad i've found on the search". Instead I have to put in each darn ingredient (he tells me portions) and then divide that whole total by the amount of the food I ate. Kale soup is the perfect example. I had to take all the ingredients for the soup, then divide by how many cups it made. I guess that's very close but since I know it's not exact I call it 'guessing'

MerBear1FL

LaTortilla Factory has whole grain wraps for 50 cals. They have different flavors if you are craving something more creative!

LuneBleu85

Agree with everyone.
Lowering my sodium has helped me a lot

dovesgate

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12

robinhardysmall

I would also try to eat all of your calories each day- they seem to fluctuate quite a bit. I met with a nutritionist and she has me on the same amount of calories each day~ whether I exercise or not and it really seems to work. and yes- the sodium - that's a tough one for me but eating out can really up the sodium levels which retains water which then shows on that stupid scale!

Feel free to add me as a friend if you want to look at my diary or just need a little support. Good luck on your journey!!

amandaheverly

This is good, I'll definitely put this on my 'changes' list. More protein, less carbs. I have to admit I definitely never realized just how much bread I consumed on a daily basis!! What an eye opener...

Also the sodium tracker was a great idea, especially if it's true that sodium makes you hold onto water weight

ntarrence

Do not estimate...if at the least measure everything the first few times so you can get a visual on what that portion size looks like and go from there. I know that working out is maybe the hardest to work in to the diet but it works...and walking I think is the easiest to get used to. I walk 5 miles a night and now learning...but learned that even 20 minutes of increasing your heart rate 3 times a week is a huge plus. I think sometimes it takes a little to get started but once the weight loss begins and you keep up the routine..it just gets easier.

amandaheverly

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12

You're my new favorite person.

hottiebikerchick

looks like a Yo-Yo between days of not enough calories and too much sodium one day and too many carbs the next- find a consistent medium and you will succeed!

minkakross

I'm wondering if your entries are correct, I mean just an obvious example is the use of black beans you keep using the dry entry which is the hard uncooked bean and I just can't imagine you are eating them hard and crunchy out of the bag. For that matter while you seem to have "healthy" kale soups and shakes, and some fruit snacks, the in between looks like fast food and take out which are abnormally high in sodium and simple carbs, I also suspect they just inject extra calories into that crap as I can always make it at home for less. You might also try reviewing your calorie goals based on your activity level, the general rule is if your not losing you are either eating at your maintenance level thus eating too many calories to lose or your not moving enough.

LoraF83

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12

You're my new favorite person.

Definitely read this - I was about to post this link!!

olee67

Looks like you may be under eating in two different ways. #1, you are having too few calories most days. Based on your height and weight your TDEE is about 2000 calories a day. Eating at 1500-1600 should net you a 3500 calorie deficit each week for about a 1lb loss. You are also eating too few meals each day. Eating only 2 or 3 times a day may cause your body to want to store some food for energy use later in the day. Eating too few meals and too few calories creates kind of a double cross. You eat too many calories that your body can immediately use at the time of the meal, so, it holds on to some for later when it "needs" it. Simply eating 4 or 5 meals a day will help keep your body using the food you eat as energy and not need to store any. The two added meals could be as simple as a protein shake or a handfull of almonds. Simple snacks can just keep that metabolism burning.

Next... STAY AWAY FROM PROCESSED FOODS! Not only do they contain bad fats, but, a slew of sodium and a list of things that you can't even pronounce. Need a quick lunch and Subway is your best option? Bring a chicken breast from home, grab a 6" veggie with mustard and add your own chicken. Eating whole foods are not only better for you, but, will give you more things your body need and keep your feeling fuller longer.

How much water are you drinking? Fruits and Veggies? Any way you can add exercise?

AliandTrev

Definitely watch the sodium. I have been surprised at how much sodium some foods have. I always thought I did good on that especially since I never add any extra salt to things. You can easily swap out the bread your currently using for something different. I personally like the Sara Lee 45 calorie&delightful Wheat w/honey. When we have hamburgers or something similar that requires a bun I like to buy Healthy Life 80 calorie Wheat buns. Make sure your drinking enough water too.

DMW914

Are you drinking any water at all or getting enough water in for each day? I just didn't see you log that in. Water is a part of that weight game changer too, it will help your body filter out toxins and hydrate otherwise you'll retain water weight gain and suffer from dehydration & loss of energy.

Linda_Darlene

I'll go look and be back with you!