Not losing weight

rlw0031

Hello,

I have been wanting to lose 15 pounds forever...last year I finally lost 5, I was doing spike diet where you cycle calories and I working out 3 times a week, cardio and lifting. Over the holidays I gained that back and then some and now my weight will not budge. It took me months to lose that 5 pounds. I eat between 1000-1500 daily and work out 5 days a week. I have a cheat day per spike diet on the weekend. I am so confused and frustrated...I don't really have idea how to lose weight. I know what I am supposed to do and feel I do it most the time and my weight just stays the same. It doesn't seem to matter...I keep telling myself I will eventually lost but this has gone on for years...can anybody help? the only thing I can think of is too much sugar? I drink coffeemate in my coffee a couple times a day and I began drinking a whey protein shake with a cup of frozen fruit in it.

JessHealthKick

you are not eating enough by the looks of it! I have written this many times I feel now, but here we go...

1. The amount MFP gives you already has a deficit. If it's a small amount you want to lose, then you need to lose it SLOWLY so aim for 0.5 pounds a week
2. As mentioned, it shows a deficit already. This means you NEED to eat back the calories you use from exercise. Don't do this, and you'll just be losing muscle and starving your body of fuel it needs to function well
3. Make sure you're eating whole foods. Get rid of processed junk, stop making excuses, just do it! Only buy things from the outside of the grocery - aisles are full of all the processed stuff.
4. Be patient and stick to it as much as you can!

I had a baaaddddd night last night, gave in to my white wine and pudding, and had no choice for lunch and was stuck with some greasy American burger (didn't finish it)... so you know, we are all human. But at home I make sure to eat close to 100% whole foods.

Drink plenty of water as well, this is vital

edit: as an example, I eat 1400NET a day, so I really end up eating 1800+cals as I lose 400+ from exercise most days!

Janey142

i have the same problem. my goal weight is around 8st but i can only ever get to 8st 12 then i gain again. takes ages to get back to 8st 12 then i gain again. feel like giving up sometimes.

rlw0031

Thank you Jessica. I did lose .5 a week before and am now doing the same thing and nothing for months. I can try eating back the calories again but I have done this and it doesn't seem to matter...I do not mean this in an offending manner...you look very young...I am 36 and have had a couple children...just wondering if my metabolism has changed being older.

JessHealthKick

Thank you Jessica. I did lose .5 a week before and am now doing the same thing and nothing for months. I can try eating back the calories again but I have done this and it doesn't seem to matter...I do not mean this in an offending manner...you look very young...I am 36 and have had a couple children...just wondering if my metabolism has changed being older.

yeah of course it depends. How much are you netting a day usually though?

I have hypothyroid, a hormonal thing which is surprisingly common in women, and I find I do all these things that others do yet have no loss. It makes my metabolism much more sluggish and from what I've read, I'm more reactive to carbs apparently. I have found reducing carbs, and being sure to eat super healthy has helped a lot!

If you haven't seen your GP in a while it's probably best to go get a blood test and get them to check your thyroid hormones, just in case.

JessHealthKick

but yeah I am about 5kg (10ish pounds) from my goal weight, but it feel impossible! I am working on muscle gain a lot right now as this will help shape better

HSingMomto7Kids

I do not really recommend cheat days but that is just me. Just count it into your calories although it is okay to go over sometimes. Wonder if that will help! You can do it!

FluffyMcNutter

Try reading this. http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/937712-in-place-of-a-road-map-ver-3-0

It's pretty much what Jessica was saying and it also addresses your concerns that your metabolism may have slowed down. It's almost a completely different way of looking at weight loss from what you've been trying, but since that hasn't been working, you have nothing to lose right? So, try to go into the thread with an open mind. Good luck.

symonspatrick

Exercise is for physical fitness. Cutting down on your calories is for losing weight. You will lose weight if your calories are low enough. There is no magic solution, we have to eat less calories or burn more calories while still eating the same. Some people feel comfortable with eating less calories and some would rather exercise more while not increasing their calorie intake. You have done it before and you can do it again. Today is a new day.

rlw0031

FluffyMcnutte, I will read...

Symonspatrick...my net calories is 1000-1400, just how low do I need to go? I have literally been trying to shift 15 pounds for years now. I will lose 5 and gain it back...all I read is contradictory advice, eat more you are slowing your metabolism, eat less...confused here, which is it?

girlsjustwanna

Jessica talks much sense! Follow what she says and you should lose weight steadily. And definitely build muscle as it eats away calories like nothing else!

rlw0031

Thanks I will try to eat more again I guess...