No loss - eating too little, or should I wait it out?

autniccole

So, since I started really paying attention to what I put into my body, I've been pretty steadily losing weight. I started really being conscious of things and logging all my food around March 22nd. Since then, I've lost about 20 pounds (total loss of 30 pounds from my starting weight last fall.)

Anyway, I weighed myself this morning (a day earlier than usual, just because I wanted to see how I've been doing) and my weight hasn't budged from last week. Now, I am aware that any number of things could be affecting my weight - from sodium intake to hormones to how blue the sky is today - but I can't help but be a little bit discouraged, and wonder if I am doing something wrong.

I log my food religiously. Anything that passes my lips goes into my food diary. I weigh and measure portions and eat clean when I can. When we do eat out, I usually try to make healthy choices (save for a slip-up with some pizza early this week.) I haven't binged, and while I did go over my calories once this week, I haven't been extremely "naughty."

However, I have started a new workout routine, consisting of 20 minutes of cardio 6 days a week, as well as weight training (3 sets of 15 reps with 5 pound weights, various strength training exercises. Nothing too over-the-top, but it is an increase in activity, for sure.) I have changed my "lifestyle" in my diet and fitness settings from "sedentary" to "lightly active" and it did increase my allowed calories, but I have also used an online TDEE calculator as well, and it gave me a number MUCH higher than what I am getting on MFP. According to the calculator at http://www.fitnessfrog.com/calculators/tdee-calculator.html, I need to eat around 2600 calories/day, whereas MFP gives me around 1400 + exercise calories.

I guess, all of this information (probably tl; dr) leads me to my question - am I not eating enough? Increasing to 2600 calories seems like WAY overkill and honestly, scares me to death. Should I wait it out at 1400-ish calories (plus exercise calories) for a few more weeks and see if there's movement, or should I change things up now? Any advice?

My diary is open, if you want to take a look! But don't get judgey about the fast food this week! It's been a busy never-at-home kind of week!

jzammetti

One week is not enough to judge on...

But, I would suggest you use the TDEE method - take 20% from your TDEE and eat that amount every day. It oftentimes works out to about the same weekly intake as the MFP method...but you get to eat the same number of calories every day instead of lower on non-workout days and a bunch more on workout days. I prefer to eat the same amount every day as it is easier to plan - and on days when I run 11 miles and burn 1500 calories...I would never be able to eat all those calories back on top of my regular daily intake.

singer201

A new and more intense exercise routine can make your body retain water (weight) as your muscles repair themselves, and should be temporary. As long as you are continuing to account for exercise in your calorie goal, you should be good. Keep everything the same for a couple more weeks and see what happens.

TomWRussell

I put my vote in for waiting it out. Maybe split the difference between MFP and TDEE so far as intake. You've been doing so good. Don't let one week discourage you. Sometimes the body has to shift gears.