Thoughts on not losing weight? Comments appreciated :)

horseryder77
horseryder77 Posts: 224 Member
edited January 10 in Motivation and Support
So a bit of a question/problem here.

I'm 5'4''. The lightest I've ever been has been about 130 lbs (I think... my old scale was never super accurate) and it was right before I ran my half marathon.
Last year, I got lazy and put on weight. I also injured my foot, (plantar fasciitis) so I have been unable to run very much. When it's not -15 degrees out, I can run about a mile at a time very slowly, but I can't do much more than that till it gets warmer and I can actually slowly work back into running/heal my foot.

So now, my brand new digital scale that tells me body fat percentage, BMI, calories, water weight, and all that fancy stuff, says (as of today) I'm 148.8 lbs.

But. I've been working out for going on 4 weeks now. Big difference here is I've incorporated strength training.
5 days a week, I've been doing cardio for 30 minutes, then strength training. I can now do SO many more tricep dips than before, I can lift so much more, and I really feel myself getting back into shape and I've got oodles of energy! I feel fantastic!
I track my food every day (I keep forgetting to push complete each day... but I do it..) but I'm almost ALWAYS under my calorie suggestion.

But the number on the scale doesn't budge.
If it was 135, 140 I might be more understanding. But almost 150? Hm.

I also used to wear a size 2 before I put on extra weight, and I'm still having trouble getting back into those jeans.

So. should I keep doing what I'm doing? I really am enjoying the strength training. For cardio I'm doing Jillian's workouts (I change it up- but right now I'm really into the kickboxing cause it's super awesome cardio).
Should I up my calories?
I do a whey protein shake after every workout that incorporates strength.
I am getting definition back.

But almost 4 weeks in and no weight loss? And the biggest thing is not being able to get back in my jeans yet..

Am I being impatient? Just stick with where I am and hope for the best?

Thoughts appreciated!

Replies

  • kerriotto
    kerriotto Posts: 93
    How much are you eating?
  • Koldnomore
    Koldnomore Posts: 1,613 Member
    You have less than 20 lbs to lose. You won't be seeing it 'melt' off you. If you get .5/week you will be doing well. I'd be willing to bet you are under eating but your diary is closed.. so.. If you are eating less than about 1800 calories working out 5 days a week you probably want to read a few things.

    Start here: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12
  • horseryder77
    horseryder77 Posts: 224 Member
    I am eating about 1390 a day
  • ShannonECTD
    ShannonECTD Posts: 203 Member
    You have less than 20 lbs to lose. You won't be seeing it 'melt' off you. If you get .5/week you will be doing well. I'd be willing to bet you are under eating but your diary is closed.. so.. If you are eating less than about 1800 calories working out 5 days a week you probably want to read a few things.

    Start here: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12

    ^^^ this

    since you don't have much to lose it's going to come off slower. Focus on heavy lifting and start measuring rather than relying on the scale. You're also gonna want to up your calories.

    Theres a photo floating around some where of a girl who weighs 123lbs in one photo and 137lbs in another. She looks NOTICEABLY smaller and more defined in the photo where she actually weighs more.
  • abbyrae1
    abbyrae1 Posts: 265 Member
    I"m in a similar boat, weight doesn't come off quickly for me but I'm only looking to lose about another 17lbs. Keep track of what you are eating, keep working out. You will build muscle with the types of workouts it sounds like you are doing, so that will ultimately make the scale creep down slower but it will speed up your metabolism.

    Make sure you have a healthy mix of proteins, good fats, and carbs. I recently started loosely following the Paleo diet, so basically what I did was eliminate all processed foods (no deli meats, chips, crackers, etc), if there is an ingredient on the label i can't pronounce, i don't buy it, I have almond milk instead of dairy, very little cheese, no artificial sweeteners, diet sodas or other diet/fat-free/sugar-free foods and I have lost 11lbs since the middle of December. It has been working for me and I think part of it is due to the fact that my body is working more efficiently with less garbage foods.

    I think that your calorie intake is at a good amount, but if you keep working out, make sure you are getting enough protein, this will definitely help you through your workouts. Hope the foot heals up soon!
  • horseryder77
    horseryder77 Posts: 224 Member
    Wow, these are incredibly helpful! Thanks!
    I am in the middle of reading that post (the link posted by Koldriana) and it's really helpful.
    This does make a lot of sense... and I saw a picture similar to that of a girl that looked noticeably different after being a little heavier! I know that muscle is denser than fat, so this makes a lot of sense.

    I might need to up my calories.. I think that's a good idea. I like how the poster said that once he uped his wife to 2000 calories, then the weight started coming off. It makes sense! And to abby-very good suggestions :) I definitely do eat well, and I've taken quite a few nutrition/exercise physiology classes.

    Funny enough, none of them really talked about weight loss other than just doing a calorie deficit.
    I'll start upping my calorie intake (in a healthy way, of course.. tonight I'm making grilled chicken.. YUM!) and see what happens.
    Thanks so much for the advice- it's really appreciated!

    Any other ideas are still welcome! Or any personal experiences :)
  • sleibo87
    sleibo87 Posts: 403 Member
    I was wondering the same thing but I am only 4'11 So I just don't know If I should be eating more. Doesn't seem to be working for me. I only have about 11 to goal.
  • Koldnomore
    Koldnomore Posts: 1,613 Member
    I was wondering the same thing but I am only 4'11 So I just don't know If I should be eating more. Doesn't seem to be working for me. I only have about 11 to goal.

    Yours should be closer to 1250 - 1300 not including exercise because of your height. IF you work out 5 days a week too then you're probably closer to 1600 (depends on your workouts). You are one of the few people that probably could eat 1200 + exercise on this board.
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