One step forward, two steps back???

sarahisme18
sarahisme18 Posts: 574 Member
in Motivation and Support
I'm frustrated because even if I have one day a week that I splurge on things that doesn't fit into my calorie plan or miss a couple of workouts, I gain back a pound or two that took me a week or two weeks to lose in the first place!!

Does this happen to anybody else? Am I doing something wrong? I'm trying to eat 1200-1300 cal per day, even with an 1 to 1 1/2 workout, trying to eat super clean, doing Zumba and pilates 4-5 days a week...

I've had issues with my thyroid, wondering if maybe that is still causing a problem... but my levels have been good the last few times I've had them checked, so IDK????

Replies

  • 2tryharder
    2tryharder Posts: 31 Member
    That's funny because I have used the exact same words to describe my entire weight loss process. Even if I didn't deviate from my plan, I lost every pound at least 3 times. I finally hit my weight loss goal (the last pound took almost a month with going up and down and I didn't cheat at all) and when I went on "maintenance" and upped my calories by 300/day I immediately lost 3 lbs in one week.
    Just stick with it! Record your weights and when you look at the weight loss chart and see the gradual prgression down, it will make those "up" days not seem so bad. Everyone will say it's water weight, etc. but I know when that number is higher it doesn't matter if it's water, fat, muscle, or what...you want that number going down!
  • sarahisme18
    sarahisme18 Posts: 574 Member
    I was wondering about that—maybe I'm not eating ENOUGH calories?
  • lizziebeth1028
    lizziebeth1028 Posts: 3,602 Member
    I took a look at your diary and in general there is a lot of inconsistency. Days you didn't log, days you are over your calorie goal, some poor food choices. If you want to succeed you have to fully commit especially someone like you who does not have a lot of weight to lose. Those last few pounds are the hardest to come off!! If I were you I would -

    *Log everything, every single day, down to the last bite
    *Ditch one or two days of the pilates and add some serious strength training
    *Don't be afraid to up (yes I said UP) your calories. 1200-1300 is not enough or sustainable for most people (do some research on the forums of 'eat more to weigh less, it works)
    *get enough protein 85 to 100 grams
    *make sure the exercise calories you're burning are accurate? do you have a hrm?

    Just a few suggestions:flowerforyou:
  • sarahisme18
    sarahisme18 Posts: 574 Member
    This is great—THANK YOU for taking a look and making suggestions! I really appreciate the honest feedback! :flowerforyou:
  • Mellie289
    Mellie289 Posts: 1,191 Member
    My weight is constantly going up and down a few pounds each week, but the overall trend is going down, and that's all that matters. The fluctuations are typically water weight from hormones, or most times... SALT!!! On the days I splurge, I usually end up getting something that knocks my sodium levels out of the park, and it's off again a couple days later after I've gone back to normal. Don't worry about fluctuations -- look at the long term trend. If you are really and truly staying in a deficit the days you think you are, the splurge days couldn't possibly pack on an extra pound unless you are gorging yourself. Remember that it takes a surplus of 3500 calories to add a pound of fat. Do you think you are coming close to that or that the food choices could be affecting your water retention?
  • kelseyhere
    kelseyhere Posts: 1,123 Member
    try to up your calories a bit. i was stuck in this cycle for a while, and i finally figured out i was just HUNGRY. i was binging on the weekend after depriving myself all week. i've recently upped my calories from about 1,600 daily to 2,100 daily. haven't gained an ounce and i feel so much better!
  • sarahisme18
    sarahisme18 Posts: 574 Member
    I think the choices I make when I do splurge are definitely affecting my water retention—for sure!! I try to limit myself even if I do splurge, but I definitely don't feel as lean and clean when I do splurge. I think upping my calories will help—I've noticed a few times I get headaches, feel really clumsy, and can't concentrate that well—thought it was just because I was tired, but someone mentioned that I might not be eating enough.

    I also think the other suggestions of REALLY being consistent about tracking, adding strength training, using my HRM, and if I eat more calories and protein I won't feel deprived and lead myself to binging! Thanks everyone, this is GREAT!!! Love the community here! :)

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