Plateau Frustration!

cassienewquist

Hello all, and thanks in advance for any advice!

I have been stuck at the same weight for over a month now, with only a one pound weight loss last week. My calorie intake is 1400-1800, trying to stick closer to 1500 and eat healthy, clean foods. I have changed up my exercise even more, addingin the couch 2 5K program in addition to elliptical and curcuit training the other days. I am getting frustrated, the only motivator is that I feel I am getting stronger, and gaining endurance. I also am a borderline diabetic and have elevated cholesterol, so I have to make changes before I need medications to control these issues. Please help! I also drink 80-100 ounces of water daily.

cassienewquist

bump

onedayatatime12

Have you taken measurements? Your scale may not have changed, but you might have lost inches!

conniemaxwell5

If you open your diary people could take a look and maybe give you better feedback.

tanashai

Kinda hitting the same problem so I have to forcibly change my thinking. Have I lost many pounds of late? no, BUT, my clothes fit better, I feel more confident and I can walk farther and faster without tiring myself out. Sometimes you have to kick the scale to the curb and focus on other aspects of weight loss such as trying to walk farther every day or push towards a bigger goal like taking part in a marathon. Then the weight loss becomes incidental.

I have to take my own advice too, so I know the frustration!

my2kin04

I feel your pain, seriously. I started my diet and exercise back 3 weeks ago, I did good the first week; I lost 6lbs. But ever since (last two weeks) I have not seen any changes! What the heck.:sad: :brokenheart: :explode:

Valakira

Let me remind you of something. In the goals posted on your profile, your response to WHY YOU WANT TO GET IN SHAPE is this: "MY HEALTH!! A fit, well exercised, and well fed body will be stronger and last longer!! I say no thank you to high cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension!! "

The scale is a notoriously poor indicator of health. If you are feeling stronger, healthier, and have more endurance this is a positive indicator. It can be frustrating to see that scale stay where it is at, but it is so unreliable, what with the fluctuations that happen so much in our own body weights on a daily and weekly basis, dependent upon water intake, bowel movements, and monthly cycles etc. I think for you, the best indicator of good health is seeing your labs return to healthier levels and the peace that might come with knowing you won't have to go on expensive medications to control diabetes or hypertension in the future.

Whipppets

So you sound like you are doing everything right. I was between 170-173 for 2 years and then
for some reason I think adding some more strength and less cardio kickstarted a 5 lb loss and a 4 percent body fat
shrinkage.

Nishi2013

I feel your pain, seriously. I started my diet and exercise back 3 weeks ago, I did good the first week; I lost 6lbs. But ever since (last two weeks) I have not seen any changes! What the heck.:sad: :brokenheart: :explode:

Have lost 50lbs in last year. BTDT. First week is always the greatest because mostly its water weight. Then the loss could be sporadic. Secret is not to lose heart and patience. 3 weeks is not sufficient time.

kayaksara

I think you have to measure...I have to measure...and I haven't. I had a slow month too with only 1 pound lost. I felt stronger and my clothes felt the same or maybe a little better. Then when I put on a short sleeved shirt with a little elastic around my arm (bicep area) and I went to adjust it because I always hate the elastic mark it leaves on my arm and realized the elastic was no longer even touching my arm! I was AMAZED!!! Don't worry about the scale or even plateaus. Even though I want to be at my goal weight NOW, it's not a race. It's my life day to day from now on. Good luck! :flowerforyou:

BonnieFife

Hitting the same problem right now, it's pissing me off no end lol, & not sure what to do :explode:

cmcollins001

Hello all, and thanks in advance for any advice!

I have been stuck at the same weight for over a month now, with only a one pound weight loss last week. My calorie intake is 1400-1800, trying to stick closer to 1500 and eat healthy, clean foods. I have changed up my exercise even more, addingin the couch 2 5K program in addition to elliptical and curcuit training the other days. I am getting frustrated, the only motivator is that I feel I am getting stronger, and gaining endurance. I also am a borderline diabetic and have elevated cholesterol, so I have to make changes before I need medications to control these issues. Please help! I also drink 80-100 ounces of water daily.

You aren't in a plateau since you lost a pound last week. Basically, if I understand this, you had a slight stall for a few weeks, then lost a pound last week. You changed up your exercise which will change some things, but overall, I would say you're pretty much on track. Stick with it for a while longer and see what happens. If you can't handle the numbers on the scale not moving, then stay off of it for about a month and track with clothes, pictures and measurements.

Above all, you're going to have to be patient and relax. Track correctly, stay within your goal range and exercise...the weight will come off.

cassienewquist

You all are so right! I know I need to be patient and focus on my health, not my weight. I also do feel good about having more strength and endurance. My clothes still fit the same, however, which bums me out. I am mostly scared of gaining or giving in and having that Arby's burger I've been craving. You know, the King's Hawaiin Roast Beef and Swiss? LOL

I work at a clinic, within view of the scale, so yeah, I get on it every morning. I know my weight fluctuates with fluids, bm's, food intake, etc. I will stick with it and change my focus more to my health, not my weight. I refuse to give up, no matter how long it takes!!

p.s. I opened my diary for anyone that has suggestions there. I know it isn't perfect, but thats the result of living on a budget and cooking for others. And time. My menaces!!

cassienewquist

thanks!