Bit of a problem, requesting help. Please read.
Replies
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I think the biggest thing you need to do is not compare yourself to others. Everyone is different and everyone has different requirements needed to help them lose weight. Everyone burns a different number of calories doing the same exercise so don't go off of what someone else burns.
I know it can be hard to do but you need to find out what works for you. That may be upping your calories, it may be doing LESS exercise...it make take a little bit of time so play around with it, just make sure that anytime you make changes, you're giving your body a week or two to adjust to the changes before you say it doesn't work. This won't happen instantly and if you really only have 2lbs left...they always say the last are the hardest.0 -
I wish I could find these pictures of people that have posted themselves at your weight, then they gain 5-10lbs of muscle by lifting weights and look transformed. Lifting weights is what you need to do not hours of cardio but you also need to eat more. I bet if you eat even 200 more calories a day you would feel so much better and get more protein in.
Cardio is not going to change your shape like lifting weights will. Cardio will build endurance and burn calories.
Good luck at your Dr's
And thanks for the You Tube link, going to check it out more this weekend0 -
first of all, if your goal is 125 and you're at 127, you need to give yourself a break. You want to lose two pounds, not 100.
At 5'7" your ideal body weight would be (around) 135.
I find it hard to imagine that you have a huge saggy stomach.
So my hunch is that you are just way too hard on yourself.
I can't see your diary so I don't know what you're eating, but what's your calorie goal? How long have you been working on this?
but bottom line- that definitely sounds like too much exercise to me. 30min + 90min + 45 min walk every single day?
And not getting your period could be (but isn't necessarily) a bad sign.
If you haven't talked to a doctor, I'd recommend it. You may have a hormone issue. You may have a psych/body image disorder (hard to say without pictures). (you may want to google Body Dysmorphic Disorder and see if it sounds like you). Or you may be perfectly fine- but just being harsh on yourself.
I'm all for being healthy and having your ideal body- but you also need to have healthy expectations, and go about it in a healthy way.
I don't mean to be harsh and negative- but I suspect you're being overly hard on yourself. You're 18! Too young to be overly stressed and obsessed with dieting, especially when you're already at a normal (even low-normal) weight.
The be fit in 90 program is actually only 35 minutes long.0 -
You should probably CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR and explain what you did here and let them give you some suggestions. Also they can tell you if there is another reason why you don't feel so well.
I am no expert so this is just my 2 cents. If you are miserable then you definitely need to change something. I looked at your food diary and it doesn't seem extreme to me, except when you factor in all of the exercise you listed below you are not feeding your body enough to give it the energy it needs to accomplish all of these workouts.
When I was your age (many moons ago) I was very active. I used to run 4 days a week, play basketball or tennis almost everyday and in the summer swim everyday. Golf on weekends, skiing in the winter, you name it I did it. I also worked out, sometimes twice a day(my run or athletics would be one of those times) I was pretty cut. I felt great, but I was also eating twice what you are. I also was a person who needed 9 hours of sleep a night to feel my best. When you are young sometimes you do need more sleep, everyone is different.
I agree with gothic........ If you are 5' 7" then you are already on the low end of the healthy weight for your height. You may want to consider just maintaining your weight and sculpting your body. Your muscles need enough protien to repair themselves when you are working out a lot. My typical breakfast back then was 2 fried eggs, toast with butter, homefried potatoes with garlic and onions or a large bowl of oatmeal, orange juice and milk. I am serious, I could down that no problem. I didn't eat like that all day, but breakfast was big for me. I also got plenty of lean protien the rest of the day.
I was in great shape until my early 30's when health problems changed that. I guess my point is everyone is different, but you really need to find a balance that isn't wearing you out or you will not be able to make fitness part of your long term lifestyle.
OK so maybe that was more than 2 cents, more like 5 cents.
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First Point: You really should be asking a TRAINED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL these questions. A good majority of us here are not experts, but are on the same weight loss journey as you are.
Second Point: You might be overworking yourself. Have you consistently being doing all of that exercise the whole time? Perhaps your body is too conditioned to what you are doing. Maybe you need to change it up, and rest a little bit. I have had trained medical professionals (in a weight loss research study through the University of Pittsburgh) tell me multiple times that what calories you put into your body matter more than what you expend out. Perhaps eat at or under your calorie goal and cut back a little on the exercise? Don't over eat, though.
Third Point: Our bodies get fit much faster than our minds. What you see in the mirror and process in your mind is completely different than what reality actually is. It's a cruel trick. I still think I'm a 240+ fat girl even though I'm less than 200 pounds now. Also, from personal observation, I've noticed dramatic mood/emotion changes in people that have lost a lot of weight. Sometimes in their personality. I've had friends (and even in my own family) get thin and then divorce their spouse. Crazy.
Lastly: I'm the same height as you and I'd give ANYTHING to be even 150 pounds. I could safely say you probably are doing alright.
I did talk to my doc. about 3 weeks or so, I just wanted to know what everyone else thought, I am kind of shy, so its a bit easier on here... I won't immediately loss most of my muscle (Or lack there of) If I cut back on exercise will I?0 -
You sound reeeeealy stressed out.
Take a week off. Get your brain off your weight (especially since at your height/weight you don't "need" to lose any).
Think about your goals and then start a more stress-free plan the following week. Maybe just dump those cardio programs and start weight training. It does not sound like you enjoy doing these videos.0 -
just break up \m/0
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First Point: You really should be asking a TRAINED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL these questions. A good majority of us here are not experts, but are on the same weight loss journey as you are.
Second Point: You might be overworking yourself. Have you consistently being doing all of that exercise the whole time? Perhaps your body is too conditioned to what you are doing. Maybe you need to change it up, and rest a little bit. I have had trained medical professionals (in a weight loss research study through the University of Pittsburgh) tell me multiple times that what calories you put into your body matter more than what you expend out. Perhaps eat at or under your calorie goal and cut back a little on the exercise? Don't over eat, though.
Third Point: Our bodies get fit much faster than our minds. What you see in the mirror and process in your mind is completely different than what reality actually is. It's a cruel trick. I still think I'm a 240+ fat girl even though I'm less than 200 pounds now. Also, from personal observation, I've noticed dramatic mood/emotion changes in people that have lost a lot of weight. Sometimes in their personality. I've had friends (and even in my own family) get thin and then divorce their spouse. Crazy.
Lastly: I'm the same height as you and I'd give ANYTHING to be even 150 pounds. I could safely say you probably are doing alright.
I did talk to my doc. about 3 weeks or so, I just wanted to know what everyone else thought, I am kind of shy, so its a bit easier on here... I won't immediately loss most of my muscle (Or lack there of) If I cut back on exercise will I?
You're worrying about the irrelevant. You haven't had your period in 5 months and you're worried about losing some LBM because you're not doing 30DS? Your priorities are off.
My advice is this, in addition to seeing your doctor:
Bring your calories to TDEE/maintenance for 2 full weeks.
Take 1 week off of exercise completely.0 -
Looking at your foods I would think you need to eat more if you are exercising as much as you say.
For some reason though, I feel like I should be exercising MORE because I see people on here burning a TON of calories...
They may be burning more because they weight more.... your young and don't weight much now... eat more healthy food and don't compare your burn. If you want to be toned...lift weights, do pilates, and those types of workouts.0 -
IMO you don't need to lose any more weight
I think that what you really want is not to lose 2 lbs but to lose some fat and gain some muscle, for that you should eat maintenance calories and start lifting weights
but if you really want to lose 2 lbs, then I would recommend setting mfp for maintenance now, eating all the calories - also exercise calories until you get your period back.
also drop 30 days shred for now. 30 minute of exercise every other day + walking is enough. (30 day shred- the author recommends doing it every other day!, marketers sell it as every day program)
also, if your period is not back next month and you go to specialist, make sure to tell them how little you have been eating as most likely this is the cause of lack of period.
once you have your period back set mfp for losing 0.5 lbs per week, and eat all the exercise calories back. look into resistance training, resistance training will help to get that toned look most of girls is after0 -
You sound reeeeealy stressed out.
Take a week off. Get your brain off your weight (especially since at your height/weight you don't "need" to lose any).
Think about your goals and then start a more stress-free plan the following week. Maybe just dump those cardio programs and start weight training. It does not sound like you enjoy doing these videos.
The be fit program is actually quite a bit of dumbbell training (I have 10 pound ones, and am looking into getting some 15 pound) With cardio on some days.0 -
First Point: You really should be asking a TRAINED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL these questions. A good majority of us here are not experts, but are on the same weight loss journey as you are.
Second Point: You might be overworking yourself. Have you consistently being doing all of that exercise the whole time? Perhaps your body is too conditioned to what you are doing. Maybe you need to change it up, and rest a little bit. I have had trained medical professionals (in a weight loss research study through the University of Pittsburgh) tell me multiple times that what calories you put into your body matter more than what you expend out. Perhaps eat at or under your calorie goal and cut back a little on the exercise? Don't over eat, though.
Third Point: Our bodies get fit much faster than our minds. What you see in the mirror and process in your mind is completely different than what reality actually is. It's a cruel trick. I still think I'm a 240+ fat girl even though I'm less than 200 pounds now. Also, from personal observation, I've noticed dramatic mood/emotion changes in people that have lost a lot of weight. Sometimes in their personality. I've had friends (and even in my own family) get thin and then divorce their spouse. Crazy.
Lastly: I'm the same height as you and I'd give ANYTHING to be even 150 pounds. I could safely say you probably are doing alright.
I did talk to my doc. about 3 weeks or so, I just wanted to know what everyone else thought, I am kind of shy, so its a bit easier on here... I won't immediately loss most of my muscle (Or lack there of) If I cut back on exercise will I?
you won't lose muscle mass if you take a week off. really, you need to relax your body. for a week or two. and maybe eat a little more. do you celebrate thanksgiving? if you do, enjoy yourself. enjoy food. but don't go crazy!0 -
You are just not giving your body enough fuel/food to function....that about sums it up.
You really must eat more, that's why you're feeling so exhausted and fed up......your body is running on empty.
Eat a normal healthy well balanced diet, increase your cals. I would suggest weightloss is not what you need right now, but a greater understanding of food and how your body works is.
Look after and love yourself x
This ^
Try not to think of it so much as eating more... think of it as fueling your workouts. Your muscles need fuel to build and repair before they can look toned. Give them something to work with pre-workout then give them something to recover with post-workout. These shouldn't be huge meals before and after, just a good healthy snack to surround your workout.
Also I don't see a huge amount of iron rich foods in your log so when you go to your doc, ask him/her to check your iron level. It's one of many things that can make you tired. My doc checked my iron level because he was concerned I might be getting too much iron since I do take supplements... turned out my iron was right smack in the middle of the range it should be in... but where would it be without the supplements? As an endurance runner, probably quite low.0 -
You may need to up your calorie intake if you are exercising that much...that could be the main reason you are not seeing progress and feeling so run down. When you burn off more than you take in your body goes into starvation mode(sounds odd but true) Also have you had any blood tests run recently...if you are that run down you may be lacking something...possibly anemic or some other deficiency. I'm glad your doc is taking the no period thing seriously. It can also be caused by your body not getting enough nutrients. Eating wise you are doing well as far as healthiness of the food you eat consistantly. Also you could try and take a couple days off any exercising and let your body rest then start again. This could be what your body needs right now. An hour and a half a day isn't too much for most people especially when you have been working out for awhile but you can still burn out.0
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I can see that you clearly are not eating enough. I can also say that when our bodies get to a healthy weight, sometimes they are happy there, and don't want to let go of anymore. If you want to change your body composition focus on weight lifting. I would consult with your family doctor before anything though because when a woman is missing her period that warrants looking into things. It could be a number of different things, like working out too much, not eating enough, too low % of body fat, etc. Just go find out.0
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Honestly, you're probably not seeing the changes you are expecting because you are already in great shape... you just aren't seeing how good you really look.
I'm your same height weight and I work out a lot... feel best when I can work out like 3 hours a day, but I don't have that kind of schedule. I do about 90 minutes a day... And if I go below about 1800 calories a day I feel so horrible that I want to die... when I'm just maintaining my weight, I eat well over 2000 a day. It's fine to work out a lot, but if you don't eat enough, you will run yourself into the ground, and end up feeling horrible, tired, and sick all the time despite your "healthy" lifestyle. I did this exact thing for years.
To "see" results, you need to eat more, and change up your workout routine, and change your focus. When you change your focus to feeling good about your body and what it can do, you're going to start seeing how good it really does look, and you're going to end up a lot healthier and stronger.0 -
I didn't see the no period for 5 months part.
Go to the doctor immediately. Also eat maintenance until you figure out whats wrong with your body that you are not having periods.
This really isn't something to mess around with if you want to have children some day.0 -
*Not an expert*
Looking through your diary, you appear to be eating between 800-1200 calories a day and not eating back your calories burned through exercise. Toned abs seem to come from a combination of working out the muscles, feeding your body enough to allow your muscles to get bigger, and dropping body fat percentage. My guess is that you are not eating enough.
Granted, I'm in the eat at least your BMR camp. It seems about half of the forum thinks that's a horrible idea and half thinks it's the best thing ever. Take your pick, but I would say you are under eating, and your muscles aren't going to get bigger (having a "toned" look means you can actually see your muscles, which means they need to be bigger than what they are now).
Will doing the same program that I am doing (Maybe even a bit less) But upping my calories, help me to get more toned?
may help, but there is posibility (given you didn't have period in 5 months) that your body is really damaged and simply upping your calories 200 or 500 won't work. Evercise less, eat maintenance calories, make the period the priority right now.0 -
I didn't read all of this... just through the first 2 points. I read all the information I needed there. I looked at your diary, and for what you say you are working out... YES... you are overdoing it. You either need to eat a lot more... or exercise a lot less. And, I would say you need to do a little of both. Your muscles need a little time to heal after major workout days. You obviously aren't giving them any time to heal. Even Jillian (from 30DS) recommends resting a couple of days from her workouts... and trying different things. I would only do 1 of those major exercises a day.0
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I think this got lost in the slew of posts.
Staci's a beast and looks awesome:
http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/
And look at what she eats...0 -
I think if you like working out that much, you can continue to do so, just eat more (1500 MIN, 1800-2000 would be better). However, more exercise does not necessarily equal better results. There is only so much your muscles will change and and only so much fat you can lose in a certain amount of time, no matter how much exercise you do. If you *like* doing these programs, continue, but cutting back won't really affect how much you lose or gain. I'd recommend 3 days of strength training and 3-5 days of cardio a week for the best results...and you don't really need to do more than 30 minutes a day/0
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Take some time off and do something fun that is not concerned with this issue - get some space to just be. Do something you enjoy or maybe some hatha yoga (relaxation and breath - based).
I get the feeling you feel like you do not know how to feel happy and associate your previous weight somehow with that.
Sounds like you have accomplished a great deal though, and maybe yes, time to see a nutritionist or doctor. Maybe even a therapist (this is NOT a slight - I see one and it's very helpful).
Think not just of the weight and way you want to look - but how do you want to FEEL? The total picture of your life, does it include feeling miserable? You deserve better.
And again congrats on all your hard work it sounds like you just need a little perspective and a slight adjustment. Don't starve yourself! It is not sustainable! Trust me I have gone to both extremes and neither place is where you want to be.
Good luck and have a happy holiday!0 -
oh wow. I'm not a girl.
but, first you really need to change your attitude on food and what its for. You sound like someone on the verge of an eating disorder. See your Dr, for real.
To be Toned the only way is going to put on more muscle, and for that you need to eat a surplus. And lift weights.
Cut the cardio stuff down and see if you can get a day or two of lifting in, there are tons of women lifting stuff on here.
Balance out eating right, cardio and strength training.
Also, just get more comfortable in your body, that will come with age.0 -
Yes seems like you are working out too much. Reduce to hour a day. Throw in a day (or two) to rest. Do you take vitamins? You may want to increase lean protein intake. Add BCAA or Glutamine. Your body is experiencing fatigue hence the depression.
I started working out 9 months ago and saw true definition only after 4 to 5 months. It will come ss you lose BF.0 -
First - love the profile picture.
Please remember that most of the people who are burning a ton of calories - they are at a much higher body weight than you are. The heavier you are, the more calories you will burn for the same activity level. Don't compare yourself with someone who weighs more than you, it's not a fair comparison.
I took a look at your diary, and for the amount of exercise you are doing, you really are not eating enough. That's most likely why you are tired.
Next point... You should consider getting into bodyweight strength training, and then lifting weights. At your size, you are at a good weight - sounds like you just want to change your body composition, and cardio alone will not do that for you. If it was me, I would trade the 30day shred for strength training.
I agree with all the comments on here so far. At 18, 5'7" and 127 pounds, you are very slender. You probably have no extra fat to lose.
In your situation, I would certainly agree that you are not eating enough, and burning even more thru your exercise. That is why you are so tired. You shouldn't be at a weight loss calorie deficit at this point. Your macros look good to me, on the days you actually ate at 1200, Since you asked for suggestions, I would suggest you slowly up your calories and cut back a bit on your exercise until you start having more energy.
Weight training exercises will help you build the muscle and get the 'tone' you are looking for. But you have to feed your muscles to do that. It is next to impossible to build muscle while eating at a calorie deficit, unless you have a lot of stored body fat to pull from, which you don't have.
The upside is that 1) You are at a good healthy weight to start with, and 2) you definitely have the drive and determination to get it done!0 -
First Point: You really should be asking a TRAINED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL these questions. A good majority of us here are not experts, but are on the same weight loss journey as you are.
Second Point: You might be overworking yourself. Have you consistently being doing all of that exercise the whole time? Perhaps your body is too conditioned to what you are doing. Maybe you need to change it up, and rest a little bit. I have had trained medical professionals (in a weight loss research study through the University of Pittsburgh) tell me multiple times that what calories you put into your body matter more than what you expend out. Perhaps eat at or under your calorie goal and cut back a little on the exercise? Don't over eat, though.
Third Point: Our bodies get fit much faster than our minds. What you see in the mirror and process in your mind is completely different than what reality actually is. It's a cruel trick. I still think I'm a 240+ fat girl even though I'm less than 200 pounds now. Also, from personal observation, I've noticed dramatic mood/emotion changes in people that have lost a lot of weight. Sometimes in their personality. I've had friends (and even in my own family) get thin and then divorce their spouse. Crazy.
Lastly: I'm the same height as you and I'd give ANYTHING to be even 150 pounds. I could safely say you probably are doing alright.
I did talk to my doc. about 3 weeks or so, I just wanted to know what everyone else thought, I am kind of shy, so its a bit easier on here... I won't immediately loss most of my muscle (Or lack there of) If I cut back on exercise will I?
You're worrying about the irrelevant. You haven't had your period in 5 months and you're worried about losing some LBM because you're not doing 30DS? Your priorities are off.
My advice is this, in addition to seeing your doctor:
Bring your calories to TDEE/maintenance for 2 full weeks.
Take 1 week off of exercise completely.
^^totally this.
-see your doctor
-eat at maintenance for a few weeks
- IF and only IF your doctor says its OK to lose more weight, return with a very small deficit, strength train and cut the cardio.
Although, you say you saw your doctor 3 weeks ago. What did they say?0 -
Does anybody know any ROUTINES for toning with body weight and dumbbells? Preferably on you tube? I know a lot of different exercises, but no routines.0
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Definitely consult a doctor. You are on the lower end for your height/weight and burning a lot of calories in exercise. You may actually be in starvation mode instead of being in that fat burning zone. Good luck!
Is 250 a day really a lot? I actually don't know if this is the correct number. For 30 day shred, I always just put in 150 calories, don't know if this is too much or too little. I see some people burning as much as 250 on 30 day shred per their HRM (I want to get one, but don't have money at the moment.)
So, you need to eat more...you should probably be eating no less than 1500 calories a day. At 5'7 127, you are in a healthy weight range, so you shouldn't be focusing on weight loss, but toning and muscle gain. Focus on eating more protein, and strength training, not just cardio. Your abs will only show when you have gotten to a body fat % low enough for them to show, and that isn't going to come from cardio, but from strength training.0 -
Does anybody know any ROUTINES for toning with body weight and dumbbells? Preferably on you tube? I know a lot of different exercises, but no routines.
Go get a kettlebell, they aren't very expensive, and google kettlebell exercises.....I think that will really help.0 -
Does anybody know any ROUTINES for toning with body weight and dumbbells? Preferably on you tube? I know a lot of different exercises, but no routines.
Go get a kettlebell, they aren't very expensive, and google kettlebell exercises.....I think that will really help.
The thing is, I would like full routines, so I know I am not missing anything...0
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