This is not workin....

Miss_Alishia

I have been at this for a while... counting calories, working out, blah, blah... I have not lost a pound.. infact, I have put on two in the past week. I don't cheat, and even on my "days off" my husband and I have been doing something active. I am typically very lazy so the past month or so of steady exercise and dieting should be showing right?? The only thing I can think of that I might be doing wrong is I don't eat the calories I earn from working out... could this be hindering my weightloss? My theory was bigger deficit, faster weightloss but that theory is not working out... any suggestions???


Thanks,

Alishia

FitFabFlirty92

i would suggest trying to eat back at least some of your calories, to see if that makes any difference. Creating too large a deficit can stall your weight loss. But we won't know if it's something in your diet if we can't see your food diary, so you might want to open it up to see if anyone on here can help.

psuLemon

I have been at this for a while... counting calories, working out, blah, blah... I have not lost a pound.. infact, I have put on two in the past week. I don't cheat, and even on my "days off" my husband and I have been doing something active. I am typically very lazy so the past month or so of steady exercise and dieting should be showing right?? The only thing I can think of that I might be doing wrong is I don't eat the calories I earn from working out... could this be hindering my weightloss? My theory was bigger deficit, faster weightloss but that theory is not working out... any suggestions???


Thanks,

Alishia

Unfortunately, your theory does not account for hormones. Cortisol is a hormone that can protect body fat in cases of not receiving enough fuel. What is your work out routine? Also, what is your height, weight and job/lifestyle? We can run some numbers. But if you are like most women I know, it will be around 1700-2000 total calories if you are active.

lizziebeth1028

I have been at this for a while... counting calories, working out, blah, blah... I have not lost a pound.. infact, I have put on two in the past week. I don't cheat, and even on my "days off" my husband and I have been doing something active. I am typically very lazy so the past month or so of steady exercise and dieting should be showing right?? The only thing I can think of that I might be doing wrong is I don't eat the calories I earn from working out... could this be hindering my weightloss? My theory was bigger deficit, faster weightloss but that theory is not working out... any suggestions???


Thanks,

Alishia

How many calories a day are you netting? Severe calorie deficit does not necessarily mean faster weight loss, it can actually cause plateau's by slowing your metabolism down. If you open up your diary you'll get more helpful feedback :flowerforyou:

Miss_Alishia

I am 5'2 - med build - 166 lbs

I have a desk job but walk 3 times a day for 15 minutes at work and have been working out with the elliptical for 30 minutes at home. I eat 1200 cals a day.

Side note... I did stop using the Depo shot for birth control about a month ago...

Grognit

I am 5'3 - started out 2 1/2 weeks ago at 157.6 lbs. The first week I ate at 1200 calories and was starving to death so I looked around here found that roadmap post and calculated my bmr and tdee. I have now upped my calories to 1450, don't eat back my exercise calories (as I have made a deficit from my tdee) and have lost more weight than I actually selected here (I selected 1 lb a week here) and weighed myself Monday and was shocked to see 150.2

I was POSITIVE that eating anymore than 1200 would have me packing on the pounds but proof is...not so.

psuLemon

I am 5'2 - med build - 166 lbs

I have a desk job but walk 3 times a day for 15 minutes at work and have been working out with the elliptical for 30 minutes at home. I eat 1200 cals a day.

Side note... I did stop using the Depo shot for birth control about a month ago...

Based on that, I would suggest bumping your calories to 1600 calories total. You aren't far from a normal weight so you can't have an aggressive calorie deficit. If you eat 1600 total and not eat back exercise calories (already in TDEE) and set your macro's to 35% carbs, 40% protein and 25% fats, you should see better results. Also, if you can add resistance training or weight training, it will help fat loss.

Miss_Alishia

I am 5'3 - started out 2 1/2 weeks ago at 157.6 lbs. The first week I ate at 1200 calories and was starving to death so I looked around here found that roadmap post and calculated my bmr and tdee. I have now upped my calories to 1450, don't eat back my exercise calories (as I have made a deficit from my tdee) and have lost more weight than I actually selected here (I selected 1 lb a week here) and weighed myself Monday and was shocked to see 150.2

I was POSITIVE that eating anymore than 1200 would have me packing on the pounds but proof is...not so.

Congratulations!!! that's awesome! I am not starving... I am just, well, the same.... Maybe I will have a snack now and see what happens

jllove871

Depends on work outs! If you are lifting weights you will gain a few pounds, but your body will look better for it! Try to evaluate your exercise and see if you could be building muscle mass! That would actually be good, in the long run!

kelsgosse

How much salt/sodium are you eating? You could be retaining water

gpteran

I have know idea what you weigh, what you want to weigh... and by when you want to reach these goals. I can be "REAL" Boot Camp on you if you're really serious on getting results. I only work with those that are ready to make a commitment. If that really is you than PM me as soon as possible!

Best!
Patrick

psuLemon

Depends on work outs! If you are lifting weights you will gain a few pounds, but your body will look better for it! Try to evaluate your exercise and see if you could be building muscle mass! That would actually be good, in the long run!

It is very difficult to build new lean body mass on a calorie deficit. It's really only seen in a few situations; obese people, minimal noob gains and in some elite athletes. The increase in weight isn't muscle, but rather glycogen/water increases in order to repair your muscles.

brendacs21

I am 5'2 - med build - 166 lbs

I have a desk job but walk 3 times a day for 15 minutes at work and have been working out with the elliptical for 30 minutes at home. I eat 1200 cals a day.

Side note... I did stop using the Depo shot for birth control about a month ago...

Based on that, I would suggest bumping your calories to 1600 calories total. You aren't far from a normal weight so you can't have an aggressive calorie deficit. If you eat 1600 total and not eat back exercise calories (already in TDEE) and set your macro's to 35% carbs, 40% protein and 25% fats, you should see better results. Also, if you can add resistance training or weight training, it will help fat loss.

I agree. i started at 1200 calories as well and at 166-167 i am also 5'2. I didnt lose either, i got upset and quit. i have restarted and i lost 4 lbs right off the bat by doing the 1600 cal

love4fitnesslove4food_wechange

I am 5'2 - med build - 166 lbs

I have a desk job but walk 3 times a day for 15 minutes at work and have been working out with the elliptical for 30 minutes at home. I eat 1200 cals a day.

Side note... I did stop using the Depo shot for birth control about a month ago...

You're certainly not eating enough. Calculate your calorie needs using MFP. Set your goal to 1 pound per week, eat back exercise calories, and then report back.

jllove871

Depends on work outs! If you are lifting weights you will gain a few pounds, but your body will look better for it! Try to evaluate your exercise and see if you could be building muscle mass! That would actually be good, in the long run!

It is very difficult to build new lean body mass on a calorie deficit. It's really only seen in a few situations; obese people, minimal noob gains and in some elite athletes. The increase in weight isn't muscle, but rather glycogen/water increases in order to repair your muscles.

I never thought of that, never even knew that! Good information to know. How long can this last and should you do anything different in the beginning?

zachatta

I have been at this for a while... counting calories, working out, blah, blah... I have not lost a pound.. infact, I have put on two in the past week. I don't cheat, and even on my "days off" my husband and I have been doing something active. I am typically very lazy so the past month or so of steady exercise and dieting should be showing right?? The only thing I can think of that I might be doing wrong is I don't eat the calories I earn from working out... could this be hindering my weightloss? My theory was bigger deficit, faster weightloss but that theory is not working out... any suggestions???


Thanks,

Alishia

You are probably not being honest with how much you are consuming.

Miss_dannii

Open your diary

rml_16

I have been at this for a while... counting calories, working out, blah, blah... I have not lost a pound.. infact, I have put on two in the past week. I don't cheat, and even on my "days off" my husband and I have been doing something active. I am typically very lazy so the past month or so of steady exercise and dieting should be showing right?? The only thing I can think of that I might be doing wrong is I don't eat the calories I earn from working out... could this be hindering my weightloss? My theory was bigger deficit, faster weightloss but that theory is not working out... any suggestions???


Thanks,

Alishia

Need more info.

Define "a while." Open your diary so we can see what you're doing.

And are you on any kind of birth control?

Miss_Alishia

I am 5'2 - med build - 166 lbs

I have a desk job but walk 3 times a day for 15 minutes at work and have been working out with the elliptical for 30 minutes at home. I eat 1200 cals a day.

Side note... I did stop using the Depo shot for birth control about a month ago...

You're certainly not eating enough. Calculate your calorie needs using MFP. Set your goal to 1 pound per week, eat back exercise calories, and then report back.

increased cals to 1500 today... I will let you know what happens.

rml_16

I am 5'2 - med build - 166 lbs

I have a desk job but walk 3 times a day for 15 minutes at work and have been working out with the elliptical for 30 minutes at home. I eat 1200 cals a day.

Side note... I did stop using the Depo shot for birth control about a month ago...

Ignore my last post. It's probably the Depo. Give it some time to get out of your system. You shouldn't be gaining on that diet (IF you're being honest with your trakcing -- do you weigh and measure food?).

hellohappylisa

Honestly, I bet you're not calculating your servings correctly. And how hard are you pushing yourself on the elliptical? Are you really getting a workout or are you just moving? Last month of hitting it hard 3-4 days a week I lost an inch on each thigh.

Miss_Alishia

I don't count veggies in my calories... thoughts on that?

zachatta

I don't count veggies in my calories... thoughts on that?

Depends on portions, and what kind.

Ideally you need to count EVERYTHING that has calories,

drinks, snacks, anything

Miss_Alishia

I don't count veggies in my calories... thoughts on that?

Depends on portions, and what kind.

Ideally you need to count EVERYTHING that has calories,

drinks, snacks, anything

I eat basically the same thing everyday... before I started tracking here I was doing weight watchers so that is where the no veggie cals came from... so, I eat salad every day for lunch, I don't count the lettuce, mushrooms, tomatoes, cucs, onions... I count the dressing. I also have two "free" fruits a day - apple and peach.

zachatta

I don't count veggies in my calories... thoughts on that?

Depends on portions, and what kind.

Ideally you need to count EVERYTHING that has calories,

drinks, snacks, anything

I eat basically the same thing everyday... before I started tracking here I was doing weight watchers so that is where the no veggie cals came from... so, I eat salad every day for lunch, I don't count the lettuce, mushrooms, tomatoes, cucs, onions... I count the dressing. I also have two "free" fruits a day - apple and peach.

That is where you are messing up, the apple and the peach have at least 100ish cals a piece.

The veggies probably add up to 100+

300 you are not taking into consideration.

And if you drink anything with cals, coffee with creamer or or milk, that has to be added.

You are probably just consuming more than you think.

EDIT: Black coffee obviously has nothing, just simply saying creamer or milk or whatnot

rml_16

I don't count veggies in my calories... thoughts on that?

Depends on portions, and what kind.

Ideally you need to count EVERYTHING that has calories,

drinks, snacks, anything

I eat basically the same thing everyday... before I started tracking here I was doing weight watchers so that is where the no veggie cals came from... so, I eat salad every day for lunch, I don't count the lettuce, mushrooms, tomatoes, cucs, onions... I count the dressing. I also have two "free" fruits a day - apple and peach.

Keep in mind that while WW doesn't require you to count points for veggies, it is accounted for in the formula. So, while you aren't ACTUALLY counting them, you really are. Calorie counting works differently than WW in that respect. And you most DEFINITELY ought to be counting fruit calories if you aren't.

Miss_Alishia

I don't count veggies in my calories... thoughts on that?

Depends on portions, and what kind.

Ideally you need to count EVERYTHING that has calories,

drinks, snacks, anything

I eat basically the same thing everyday... before I started tracking here I was doing weight watchers so that is where the no veggie cals came from... so, I eat salad every day for lunch, I don't count the lettuce, mushrooms, tomatoes, cucs, onions... I count the dressing. I also have two "free" fruits a day - apple and peach.

That is where you are messing up, the apple and the peach have at least 100ish cals a piece.

The veggies probably add up to 100+

300 you are not taking into consideration.

And if you drink anything with cals, coffee with creamer or or milk, that has to be added.

You are probably just consuming more than you think.

EDIT: Black coffee obviously has nothing, just simply saying creamer or milk or whatnot

I just included EVERYTHING in my food tracker... its still only 1200 ish cals... is that enough? The ladies here are saying I should be eating 1600 or so?

zachatta

I don't count veggies in my calories... thoughts on that?

Depends on portions, and what kind.

Ideally you need to count EVERYTHING that has calories,

drinks, snacks, anything

I eat basically the same thing everyday... before I started tracking here I was doing weight watchers so that is where the no veggie cals came from... so, I eat salad every day for lunch, I don't count the lettuce, mushrooms, tomatoes, cucs, onions... I count the dressing. I also have two "free" fruits a day - apple and peach.

That is where you are messing up, the apple and the peach have at least 100ish cals a piece.

The veggies probably add up to 100+

300 you are not taking into consideration.

And if you drink anything with cals, coffee with creamer or or milk, that has to be added.

You are probably just consuming more than you think.

EDIT: Black coffee obviously has nothing, just simply saying creamer or milk or whatnot

I just included EVERYTHING in my food tracker... its still only 1200 ish cals... is that enough? The ladies here are saying I should be eating 1600 or so?

How could you be eating 1200 prior, include everything, and now be eating 1200?

Out of curiosity, what is your standing weight, before you get offended, I started weighing at 270 lbs.

EDIT: Your cals depends on your weight, if you are very overweight for your height (you know if you are) and you are

only eating 1200 cals, you are doing it wrong.

When i started cutting, counting exercise cals i would be eating 2700 (at 270 lbs).

Miss_Alishia

I don't count veggies in my calories... thoughts on that?

Depends on portions, and what kind.

Ideally you need to count EVERYTHING that has calories,

drinks, snacks, anything

I eat basically the same thing everyday... before I started tracking here I was doing weight watchers so that is where the no veggie cals came from... so, I eat salad every day for lunch, I don't count the lettuce, mushrooms, tomatoes, cucs, onions... I count the dressing. I also have two "free" fruits a day - apple and peach.

That is where you are messing up, the apple and the peach have at least 100ish cals a piece.

The veggies probably add up to 100+

300 you are not taking into consideration.

And if you drink anything with cals, coffee with creamer or or milk, that has to be added.

You are probably just consuming more than you think.

EDIT: Black coffee obviously has nothing, just simply saying creamer or milk or whatnot

I just included EVERYTHING in my food tracker... its still only 1200 ish cals... is that enough? The ladies here are saying I should be eating 1600 or so?

How could you be eating 1200 prior, include everything, and now be eating 1200?

Out of curiosity, what is your standing weight, before you get offended, I started weighing at 270 lbs.

hahaha! I am not easy to offend I weigh 166-167 ish. so the calories, I wasn't eating them all before, I was coming in under my calorie goal... and so when I added the lettuce and fruit it really didn't add much to it. Its just over 1200... you can look at my diary

zachatta

I don't count veggies in my calories... thoughts on that?

Depends on portions, and what kind.

Ideally you need to count EVERYTHING that has calories,

drinks, snacks, anything

I eat basically the same thing everyday... before I started tracking here I was doing weight watchers so that is where the no veggie cals came from... so, I eat salad every day for lunch, I don't count the lettuce, mushrooms, tomatoes, cucs, onions... I count the dressing. I also have two "free" fruits a day - apple and peach.

That is where you are messing up, the apple and the peach have at least 100ish cals a piece.

The veggies probably add up to 100+

300 you are not taking into consideration.

And if you drink anything with cals, coffee with creamer or or milk, that has to be added.

You are probably just consuming more than you think.

EDIT: Black coffee obviously has nothing, just simply saying creamer or milk or whatnot

I just included EVERYTHING in my food tracker... its still only 1200 ish cals... is that enough? The ladies here are saying I should be eating 1600 or so?

How could you be eating 1200 prior, include everything, and now be eating 1200?

Out of curiosity, what is your standing weight, before you get offended, I started weighing at 270 lbs.

hahaha! I am not easy to offend I weigh 166-167 ish. so the calories, I wasn't eating them all before, I was coming in under my calorie goal... and so when I added the lettuce and fruit it really didn't add much to it. Its just over 1200... you can look at my diary

Ok, well just try counting everything, and maybe up the cals a bit, although at 160-170 1200 is not necessarily far off, but probably a tad bit low.

Just do that for a month, and see what happens. You have to be HONEST about everything though, because if you cheat every other day, but "deny it" and then at the end of the month, you didn't lose. It wasn't "MFP not working" it was you not being honest.

I hope this helps.

mulderpf

The very first thing I noticed when I looked at your diary was a potato that was entered as a "medium" potato - which to me means, it was completely unmeasured and unweighed. It does appear like this with the rest of your diary too - "Tomato - 4 slices" - well, my slices might be thicker than the person who entered it, "Peas 2/3 cup" - how big is your cup? Apple "medium", Peach "large" and then it goes on - "Generic Tortias" + 1/4 cup of cheese. In fact many of your measurements are in cups???

Especially when it comes to anything with carbs or protein, I make sure that I am 100% sure I know what the weight is, because that is the only way to know exactly how many calories you are consuming. A cup of pasta means different things to different people and you will be very surprised how wildly different the amount of calories in a cup of pasta between people could be.

The other really dangerous thing I saw was salad dressing entered as tablespoons - seriously, you should rather measure it, because eyeballing it, you could easily be completely underestimating it. (Also, are you using and logging the same brands?)