no weighloss in 6 weeks. please advise

I have not lost weight or inches since Halloween.

I added countable gym time this week.

My job is in maintenance, specifically wastewater treatment. Very active job, lots of walking involved.

I am 37, female. Weight is 175. Height 5'6 3/4". Waist 32, hips 42.

Upped my calories nearly a month ago in accordance with the roadmap thing. No weightloss.
Diary open. Advise. Also. Had one bad day foodwise about a week ago. That was the day I nearly gave up.
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Replies

  • hope516
    hope516 Posts: 1,133 Member
    bump hope you find an answer :)
  • Danilynn1975
    Danilynn1975 Posts: 294 Member
    Anyone?
  • jsdholland
    jsdholland Posts: 77 Member
    maybe try going back down to what you were doing before you upped your intake? Perhaps you put yourself into maintainence mode...not everyone reacts the exact same way.
  • Danilynn1975
    Danilynn1975 Posts: 294 Member
    1440 is maintenance level? Really?!!!!!
  • DanaDark
    DanaDark Posts: 2,187 Member
    So many recent days with calories under 1000...

    It takes time for the body to get used to the newer intake. But I'd imagine you'd be seeing something going on in the 6 weeks.

    How do you have MFP set up? Weight loss goal per week, what did you enter as your activity level when calculating your TDEE? Do you exercise (and if so, have you been logging it, I don't see anything except 1 calorie from exercising here and there).
  • SonyaCele
    SonyaCele Posts: 2,841 Member
    i eat about 1400-1500 and i would not lose weight if i wasn't adding 2+ hours cardio each day , and even with all that cardio i'm only losing 1 to 2 pounds a week. I think 1440 without cardio would be maintenence for me.
  • jzammetti
    jzammetti Posts: 1,956 Member
    I have not lost weight or inches since Halloween.

    I added countable gym time this week.

    My job is in maintenance, specifically wastewater treatment. Very active job, lots of walking involved.

    I am 37, female. Weight is 175. Height 5'6 3/4". Waist 32, hips 42.

    Upped my calories nearly a month ago in accordance with the roadmap thing. No weightloss.
    Diary open. Advise. Also. Had one bad day foodwise about a week ago. That was the day I nearly gave up.


    I see your calories are set at 1400 per day. I plugged yoru info into fat2fitradio.com BMR calculator and this is what I got:

    Harris-Benedict Formula


    There are a few different methods to calculating yourbasal metabolic rate (BMR). One of the most popular, developed in the early 1900's is called the Harris-Benedict formula. Based on this formula, your current BMR is 1557 calories.


    How Many Calories Should I Eat?


    Based on your goal weight, the following chart was generated. The chart shows the number of calories that you should eat on a daily basis to reach your goal weight. At Fat 2 Fit Radio we advocate eating like the thin, healthy person that you want to become. The calorie levels you see in the chart are not extreme, but they do create that all important caloric deficit that is required to get you to your goal weight in a safe manner. Once you reach your goal weight, you will continue eating the same number of calories for the rest of your life to maintain that weight. You'll never be on a diet again.

    Based on how much activity you do on an average day, the calories in the right column will be the number of calories that you will be able to eat at your goal weight. If you start eating those calories right now (eating like the thinner you), you will eventually become that thinner person. As you get closer to your goal weight, your weight loss will start to slow down. It is OK to eat a few hundred calories less per day (200-300) to speed up your weight loss at this point.



    Activity Level

    Daily Calories



    Sedentary (little or no exercise, desk job)

    1868



    Lightly Active (light exercise/sports 1-3 days/wk)

    2141



    Moderately Active (moderate exercise/sports 3-5 days/wk)

    2413



    Very Active (hard exercise/sports 6-7 days/wk)

    2686



    Extremely Active (hard daily exercise/sports & physical job or 2X day training, i.e marathon, contest etc.)

    2958


    NOTE: Please remember that this calculation is just a guideline. Your metabolism may be higher or lower based on the amount of lean muscle you have. Use these numbers a a starting point and tweak them up or down based on your weight loss or gain. It may take a couple weeks to get your exact calorie level.


    My guess is you are in between lightly and moderately active so I would say 2300 calories a day to maintain your current weight. Your estmated BMR is mid-1500's, which means you are not eating enough to maintain healthy organ function - the reason you are not losing weight.

    So, if you maintencance caloreis are 2300, you would deduct 20% or so to get your deficit = 1840 calories per day for nearly a pound a week of loss. You could drop another 100 to 1740 per day for a pound every week. If you use this method, do not eat back exercise calories as they are already factored in. I tried this for 30 days with no sclae and got off a 4 month plateau and lost 2 pounds in 30 days (I am really close to my goal).

    You should try to up your calories again, in my opinion. You can do this!!!
  • PikaKnight
    PikaKnight Posts: 34,971 Member
    Continuing off of what Jzammetti was saying - you need to eat more.

    And if you want to figure out for yourself the way Jzammetti did - check out this link by MFPer Heliotsdan - http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12

    It'll give you a detailed walkthrough (with pictures even) on finding your TDEE and calculating what you should be eating.

    Also, if you are worried about the calorie intake, I also suggest you read this thread that has numerous people who met their goals and are maintaining. Some for years and they also provide their calorie intake and how often they work out.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/816542-let-s-hear-it-for-maintainenance
  • Melo1966
    Melo1966 Posts: 881 Member
    You are still eating too little. When I was eating too low too long my weight-loss stopped until I upped my calories past my BMR 1,300 did not do it and I eat my exercise calories including for extra walking. Also I upped my protein to around 100g the default amount on here is way low. Do you track fiber and water these are important too.
  • Danilynn1975
    Danilynn1975 Posts: 294 Member
    My pedometer logs me at 4 to 5 miles daily walking only on the job.

    My goal is set at 1.5 pound a week. I put in light active.
  • JanelleG0122
    JanelleG0122 Posts: 323 Member
    I also went like 6 weeks without losing any weight. It was frustrating, but I was thinking about it and I was stressed. The first thing is don't give up! This is a lifestyle change and it's not worth it to give up. I'm 5'2 - 180 - and 24 years old. When I eat 1100-1200 cals a day I have been losing weight, I recently increased my cals from about 1000, which some people may get all psycho over, and that is on them, but I know what works for me. If I eat over 1400 cals a day I will maintain my weight. You are a little taller though so your body may be different. I had to mix things up, Do 3 days of 1100 or so and then do one day of 1300 and then go back to 3 days of 1100...sometimes your body wants a little bit of fat. Make sure you are drinking enough water. I am up to trying to get about 6 bottles a day at 20 oz bottles...and that also seemed to kick the weight loss in. After changing up water in take and going back and forth in cals I have lost almost 4 lbs in the last two weeks. Good Luck in everything and I hope you can get over your plateau as well
  • Danilynn1975
    Danilynn1975 Posts: 294 Member
    My pedometer logs me at 4 to 5 miles daily walking only on the job.

    My goal is set at 1.5 pound a week. I put in light active.

    I really do not want to gain any back. It took from July to lose the 34/35 I have lost. I added in gym this week. Can barely move I am so sore. I get exercise isn't an overnight cure, if I am not losing on 1440. Why would I lose on more calories. That doesn't make sense. Per roadmap I logged my exercise at 1 cal.
  • WaterBunnie
    WaterBunnie Posts: 1,371 Member
    Eating what the site tells me to works for me. I've recently adjusted my goal down to 1.5lbs a week to make it easier to stick to since I would otherwise be eating 400 cals less a day than what I was on when I started here in March and I found I was having to chop too much out.

    I would try going back to basics and trying what the site would give you, making sure you eat back your exercise, and see where that leaves you.
  • hifromjamers1984
    hifromjamers1984 Posts: 300 Member
    I agree with the other posters. I work a very active job too and my trainer told me that 1700 calories is the absolute minimum I should be eating to lose weight. Anything less would put my body in "starvation mode" and I wouldnt lose any weight. So up the calories is also my answer too. Any change up your workout too. Making some changes and upping the calories might be just what you need to bust through this platue.

    Good for you getting into the gym. It hurts now but just imagine what your body will look like once you reach your goal weight! That is what is keeping me motivated. Keep going...trust me it gets better.
  • Danilynn1975
    Danilynn1975 Posts: 294 Member
    1 gallon minimum a day. Fiber and protein high.
  • sandradev1
    sandradev1 Posts: 786 Member
    Hi,

    I am 5ft 6in and weight is 173lbs. I do 30 DS for 20 mins a day (260 cals) and otherwise do nothing but normal daily activities. You say you are following the Road Map which I am also doing. Are you sure you have the right figures? My BMR is around 1400 and my TDEE is 2010. My calorie goal is suggested as 1600 and I am losing a steady 1lb per week. (had previously eaten 1200 for a while and stalled).

    Did you use the spreadsheet set up by Heybales? The link is:

    https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Amt7QBR9-c6MdGVTbGswLUUzUHNVVUlNSW9wZWloeUE

    Just to clarify using this idea. You eat at your TDEE rate - a deficit of up to 20%, but should ensure that you stay above your BMR.

    I would try the spreadsheet above or even go through Dan's Road Map again just to make sure that you are using the correct numbers.
  • Derpes
    Derpes Posts: 2,033 Member
    Have you had an annual physical or blood work drawn recently?

    For some people calcium levels are an issue - a talk with your physician might be in order to see if there is any one think causing it.
  • tricelive
    tricelive Posts: 93 Member
    How about decreasing your calories. Sometimes you have to find your own system that works for you. Trying cutting back on carbs. Do a two week South Beach or Atkins induction or stay between 50-100 grams carbs a day, under 20grams will get you ketosis and you can lose up 15lbs in 2 weeks, but u will have to watch your consumption of carbs after. Try juicing, shake it up a bit.
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,427 MFP Moderator
    I have not lost weight or inches since Halloween.

    I added countable gym time this week.

    My job is in maintenance, specifically wastewater treatment. Very active job, lots of walking involved.

    I am 37, female. Weight is 175. Height 5'6 3/4". Waist 32, hips 42.

    Upped my calories nearly a month ago in accordance with the roadmap thing. No weightloss.
    Diary open. Advise. Also. Had one bad day foodwise about a week ago. That was the day I nearly gave up.

    Something isn't adding up with your calculations with the roadmap. Either you under estimated or were off because if you are very active, because without exercise, I have you no less than 1800 calories. I would say you need to eat more.
  • Shas2228
    Shas2228 Posts: 187
    Hmm...

    Are you counting your cooking oils too? (I apologize if I didn't notice that part).

    I suggest eating entirely different things to shock your body. You and I eat around the same calories but our diets are different.

    One of my favorite breakfasts is 1 whole egg plus 3 egg whites with salsa and 1 piece of wheat toast.

    There could be a slight possibility perhaps your body is allergic to something you are eating (even if you don't know it). I'm not diabetic but I can't have too much "sugar" or it stops my weight loss. (Same with dairy). I stick to sugar free and fruits... or very low sugar. One of my favorite sweet snacks is Atkins dark chocolate royal protein shake, only 1 gram of sugar (score) and a bunch of protein.

    Omit any and all white breads/pasta/rices and swap for wheat and brown rice... I also limit my carb intake. (Boo, I love carbs)

    My only other suggestion is after changing your "diet" and introducing new foods... try a different work out routine (speed walking is proven to be most effective for women with weight loss)... if all else fails, hit up the Dr for blood work to make sure there aren't any hormonal changes (Possible pre-menopause... you never know).

    I'm sorry babe. Hope you find something that helps you get through this plateau.
  • chicadejmu
    chicadejmu Posts: 171 Member
    I have almost your identical stats (a few years younger and a few pounds lighter). I can lose weight eating between 1730 and 2000 calories per day. But I do have to exercise to be able to eat at the higher end of that spectrum (however, I have a desk job).

    Something else to consider - change up your exercise routine. Add strength training, even if it's just from a home workout video like Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 or 30 Day Shred.

    Also, something else I've seen as a suggestion is to eat some foods that you don't normally eat instead of eating the same thing all the time. I didn't look at your diary but most people do tend to eat the same foods all the time.

    Hope that helps!
  • Maybe wear a pedometer at work to really see how much you are walking to readjust your calorie intake, and try a completely new exercise that sollicits different muscles (i.e. go jogging or swimming if you've been biking, etc..).
    And look back at how far you've come, instead of falling back into your old habits.
    I had lost 20 lbs last year, have regained 6, but am now on board again to get rid of the last 30! Don't give up! we can do it!
  • FifiLaPhue
    FifiLaPhue Posts: 20 Member
    Hey,

    I gained 4 lbs in one week keeping calories at the MFP recommended 1270 per day. Was completely fed up and discouraged.
    Took a look at the Nutritional COMPOSITION of the low cal foods I was eating.

    Found to my surprise that I was eating WAAAYYYY too many carbs.

    I cut my Carb intake in half and am now, a week later about 1.4 lbs lighter.

    It is possible that with all the exercise and calorie cutting you are still using your check book of easily available fat stores instead of your fixed deposits in order to pay for the energy you use to keep alive and do your daily work.

    I suggest you stop throwing more money into the check book and DEPRIVE the body of enough 'ready cash" so that it is FORCED to go into the Fixed Deposit Savings Account for any spending it has to do.!

    That is how I explain it to myself WHY I have to cut carbs. Unless I do, the body is always going to have a checkbook or CC to use for expenses. When the checking account is empty, it has to go to the Long Term Savings account.

    CUT CARBS in HALF and see what happens.
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,427 MFP Moderator
    Maybe wear a pedometer at work to really see how much you are walking to readjust your calorie intake, and try a completely new exercise that sollicits different muscles (i.e. go jogging or swimming if you've been biking, etc..).
    And look back at how far you've come, instead of falling back into your old habits.
    I had lost 20 lbs last year, have regained 6, but am now on board again to get rid of the last 30! Don't give up! we can do it!

    She does, she walks almost 5 miles daily. She need to eat more.
  • Danilynn1975
    Danilynn1975 Posts: 294 Member
    blood work is fine. Doctors say I am fine, just had a full physical, work makes us do that. No medications beyond the occasional Alieve or Tylenol.

    just recently added back grains. to "shock the body" as I see here in the forums all the time.

    I eat ZERO candy, cakes, cookies, chips, ice cream. diary is open, you can see that.

    I DO wear a pedometer at work today before lunch I logged 3.7 miles walking.

    Most all of my foods with the exception of meat are eaten either raw or boiled with ZERO cooking oils, when those are used they are calculated by a FOOD SCALE and Measuring spoon.

    I have tried following along with the roapmap thread. It is hellishly more confusing than any tech manual I use on a daily basis.

    I was eating at 1200 calories a day. Co-Workers said I was a raving B. while following that.

    From what I can see there is no consensus or way to go about this.

    Poke hope and pray. and/or develop some sort of eating disorder by going even lower than I was July through October, Or the Inverse of that is to Gorge myself until I puke. Because seriously I don't know what to do or listen to anymore.

    If this is maintenance and where my body wants to be despit where I want to be, I guess so be it. Thanks for the confusion and well meaning advice.
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,427 MFP Moderator
    Hey,

    I gained 4 lbs in one week keeping calories at the MFP recommended 1270 per day. Was completely fed up and discouraged.
    Took a look at the Nutritional COMPOSITION of the low cal foods I was eating.

    Found to my surprise that I was eating WAAAYYYY too many carbs.

    I cut my Carb intake in half and am now, a week later about 1.4 lbs lighter.

    It is possible that with all the exercise and calorie cutting you are still using your check book of easily available fat stores instead of your fixed deposits in order to pay for the energy you use to keep alive and do your daily work.

    I suggest you stop throwing more money into the check book and DEPRIVE the body of enough 'ready cash" so that it is FORCED to go into the Fixed Deposit Savings Account for any spending it has to do.!

    That is how I explain it to myself WHY I have to cut carbs. Unless I do, the body is always going to have a checkbook or CC to use for expenses. When the checking account is empty, it has to go to the Long Term Savings account.

    CUT CARBS in HALF and see what happens.

    Cutting carbs will just alter your gylcogen stored.. aka less water weight. And ultimately, fat loss is what people want because that is long term success. Even if you eat high carbs on 1200 calories, it's not a enough food for an active person, which she is. And many people fail because of hormones that prevent weight loss due to under eating.
  • lizziebeth1028
    lizziebeth1028 Posts: 3,602 Member
    Looks like your calorie goal is 1441 a day? That's low especially if you're not eating back your exercise calories. I think you need to recalculate. Someone with your activity level should probably be hitting about 1800 if you're going to eat back your exercise calories.
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,427 MFP Moderator
    I ran the numbers for you. Start at 1800 calories alter the macro's and give it a month.
  • AliciaStaton
    AliciaStaton Posts: 328 Member
    Hi that was me a month ago I stayed the same and it was annoying. I took some advice from my MFP friends and changed things up a bit, didnt go off too off track, just changed some of my meals and that worked for me. Hope you find the solution :bigsmile:
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,989 Member
    I have not lost weight or inches since Halloween.

    I added countable gym time this week.

    My job is in maintenance, specifically wastewater treatment. Very active job, lots of walking involved.

    I am 37, female. Weight is 175. Height 5'6 3/4". Waist 32, hips 42.

    Upped my calories nearly a month ago in accordance with the roadmap thing. No weightloss.
    Diary open. Advise. Also. Had one bad day foodwise about a week ago. That was the day I nearly gave up.
    Continue. Some plateaus take a couple of months to break.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition