where am I going wrong?

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So far, I've been very happy with my weight loss--for the most part. But for the last 3 weeks I haven't been losing any weight--in fact I've gained. Before the weight gain I was down to about 154 lbs. Now it seems like every day I fluctuate between 156-158. I thought it was maybe because I was about to start my period, but I've started that and the weight is staying the same. I haven't been going over my calories. I work out for about 1 hour a day and I incorporate weights most of these days. I wear a heart rate monitor so I know that I'm not overestimating the calories burned. What gives? Has my body got used to the calories I'm eating? Should I eat fewer calories? Should I eat more calories? I'm on the guided plan for 1 lb a week and i'm consuming 1310 calories. I'm afraid to take them even lower but I find it very frustrating to go three weeks and only manage to gain weight. Any thoughts as to what I'm doing wrong?

Thanks

Replies

  • holly333
    holly333 Posts: 24 Member
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    So far, I've been very happy with my weight loss--for the most part. But for the last 3 weeks I haven't been losing any weight--in fact I've gained. Before the weight gain I was down to about 154 lbs. Now it seems like every day I fluctuate between 156-158. I thought it was maybe because I was about to start my period, but I've started that and the weight is staying the same. I haven't been going over my calories. I work out for about 1 hour a day and I incorporate weights most of these days. I wear a heart rate monitor so I know that I'm not overestimating the calories burned. What gives? Has my body got used to the calories I'm eating? Should I eat fewer calories? Should I eat more calories? I'm on the guided plan for 1 lb a week and i'm consuming 1310 calories. I'm afraid to take them even lower but I find it very frustrating to go three weeks and only manage to gain weight. Any thoughts as to what I'm doing wrong?

    Thanks
  • dogwdots
    dogwdots Posts: 146
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    You might be exchanging fat for muscle. You should see if you are losing inches and if your clothes are fitting better.
  • yoginimary
    yoginimary Posts: 6,783 Member
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    I'm not sure you're doing anything wrong. It happens to everyone. Just keep going and it will come off again.

    You could always try boosting your cardio workouts. Make them harder - either through interval or cross-training.
  • MindyLouSmith
    MindyLouSmith Posts: 6 Member
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    I agree with the fat to muscle....have you tried measuring yourself? Good luck, you are doing better than me! :tongue:
  • holly333
    holly333 Posts: 24 Member
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    Thanks for the ideas...I'm certainly not going to stop but it can just be so frustrating. I take it none of you think I should cut more calories then?
  • catlover
    catlover Posts: 389
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    I experienced a similar situation and decided to change WHAT I was eating, not how much. I carefully evaluated the kinds of food items I was eating and opted to go to only one fruit item and two grian/starch items a day--replacing them with a little more protein and a lot more vegetables. Not only do I feel better, but the scale dropped 5 pounds last week and I didn't work out nearly as hard as I have been in the past. I don't personally advocate any kind of low-carb, low-cal, or low-fat food plan, but the change worked for me. The funny thing is, the switch did not cause a deficit in the carb category as carbs are in everything--fruit, dairy, vegetables and I acutally came closer to my goals by eating more vegetables and fewer breads, pastas, potatoes, etc.