Advice needed!

n_gal87
n_gal87 Posts: 85 Member
edited January 1 in Health and Weight Loss
I've been doing MFP seriously for a little over a month now, in total I've lost about 7 lbs., but in the first two weeks I was down more than that and have gained some back. I go the gym 6 days/week and spend an hour on the elliptical, generally I burn 600-700 calories. I think I eat pretty healthy and I track everything! The last few days I've been down so I've cheated a bit (ice cream, a few M&M's) but each day I was still under my calorie goal.

I know I haven't been at this long so if its just a matter of waiting I can do that, but I want to know before I spend months eating and exercising the same if its something I'm doing so I can fix it sooner rather than later. Any suggestions, tips, advice anyone could give me would be appreciated!

Replies

  • icimani
    icimani Posts: 1,454 Member
    The best advice I can give is hang in there!

    You've lost more than a pound a week and that's right on target for healthy weight loss. "Cheating" a bit but still coming in under your calorie goal is great and shouldn't hurt you at all. You might think about shaking up your gym routine a bit. Maybe try some other cardio and I know some here will tell you to ditch the cardio and start lifting. Have you been keeping track of your measurements? I know that when I seem to hit a weight plateau I still lose inches and that keeps me going.

    Plateaus happen and they can be very frustrating but hang in there, keep working at it, and you'll see some progress.
  • amrita0286
    amrita0286 Posts: 75
    I agree with the above advice. Slow and steady definately wins out in the end. You're doing great when it comes to weight lost and I'm sure if you stick with it you'll see the results you want to see. The trick is just not giving up :)
  • michellekicks
    michellekicks Posts: 3,624 Member
    Don't cheat. If you eat it, log it. The only way you can make accurate decisions is to have accurate information. Log everything. It's okay to go over here and there, but own it. Write it. Look at it. See how it impacted what you're doing. Over time you'll find what works. But be diligent.

    Use measuring cups and a food scale. When in doubt, weigh it. Be accurate. Don't eyeball it. Use the brand names in the database where possible. The mobile app has a barcode scanner; use it. Log everything.

    That's my advice FWIW. You will learn as you go. Don't set specific weight goals - you can't control how slow or fast your body burns the fat. Just commit to your calorie goal, your macros if you want and regular activity. Tweak your program from there. Leave time between changes to see what the outcome is. A few days isn't enough.

    The first few lbs were water weight. It's normal to lose up to 5 lbs or so the first week. After that it will be down to 1-2 lbs if you're doing it in a healthy way. Once you're close to goal, it will be slower than that.

    Hang in for the long haul...
  • n_gal87
    n_gal87 Posts: 85 Member
    Thanks, all! I think sometimes I need to remember how heavy I was when I started, I look at the scale and the number still seems so high, but thats probably because I haven't mentally registered what my highest weight really was. I still think of myself as being 175 so when I see a number higher than that I'm disappointed. I guess I'll just have to keep at it, I'm not going to wake up having lost 70 lbs. over night...
  • mary659497
    mary659497 Posts: 484 Member
    congratulations on your weight loss.
  • vzryder
    vzryder Posts: 129 Member
    The best advice I can give is hang in there!

    You've lost more than a pound a week and that's right on target for healthy weight loss. "Cheating" a bit but still coming in under your calorie goal is great and shouldn't hurt you at all. You might think about shaking up your gym routine a bit. Maybe try some other cardio and I know some here will tell you to ditch the cardio and start lifting. Have you been keeping track of your measurements? I know that when I seem to hit a weight plateau I still lose inches and that keeps me going.

    Plateaus happen and they can be very frustrating but hang in there, keep working at it, and you'll see some progress.


    I agree, you have done well, as slow and steady is more sustainable in the long run , rather than lose a lot only to regain it. that is what breaks your spirit, hang in and if you wish to add me as a friend I am only too happy to give and receive support, motivation and inspiration:)

    Good luck, you can and already are doing it, go girl!

    Pat
  • katevarner
    katevarner Posts: 884 Member
    May have lost a lot of water at the beginning and now you are retaining it again. And don't trust the calories burned on the elliptical. They usually measure way higher than you are actually burning. You have a lot of processed foods in your diary, and those are usually loaded with sodium which makes you hold onto water weight. Try to cut out the crackers and eat fruit or veggies instead.
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