Stalled out
cfregon
Posts: 147
So my weight loss has essentially been stalled out since October/November.
No significant gains or losses, just a couple pounds up and down like normal depending on the time of the month.
November is when I started running (I was averaging around nine miles per week). December I continued doing so (but probably closer to 6 miles a week running, and a lot of cycling). At the time I wasn't eating many of the *exercise calories* back, but average intake was 2000-2200kcal a day. Ideally, with my anal retentive tracking and the extra exercise I should be seeing at least a slow steady decrease in weight or measurements. My clothes aren't fitting looser, and the scales is stalled. My BF% has stayed steady as well at 34%.
My TDEE on running days is calculated at ~2700, non running days at ~2300, and my BMR is ~1800.
Still, no change, if anything I've been on average a pound up. I tried lowering my calorie intake to around 1700 for about three weeks (running days I'd eat 2000 still) and that didn't show any change...none. I know to see if something is working out you need to give it time, but at a deficit like that I should have seen *something*. I do do strength training, not just cardio- at least once a week, I know it's not a lot, I hit the weight room for about an hour. Twice a week I do at least an hour of running or cardio, but usually do closer to two hours.
Should I try eating at maintenance for a little while to reset? Also, is it worth checking with my doctor on why this might be an issue? My entire adult life I've been heavier, even when I was cycling ten miles a day in college and eating fairly well, my lowest weight hovered around 198. Just this last week I've really felt hopeless about it. This has been a long plateau and a lot of hard work that I have nothing to show for.
My diary isn't the cleanest in the world, I have junk days (especially a lot this last week or so, since school started), but I record everything, and my days if they aren't always under, equal out to still be a deficit over the week. I make sure to stay within my macros fairly well. the worst thing on there is what looks like a bunch of taco bell- but this is the closest estimate I have to the little home kitchen place on the corner (better than TB, but still not the best habit).
I guess I'm just looking for some advice and encouragement. Please be kind but honest in your replies guys.
Would even investing in a pedometer to account for my activity levels help? Is there the possibility that I'm not eating enough (This doesn't seem like it's possible at 2000kcal) for my activity levels?
This seems like an awfully long stall with so much work and dedication. Is there an end to it? A point to me still trying so hard? Do I need a break? So frustrated.
My diary is open, and I must note I don't record all of my exercise here, I tend to use another program for that. Likewise I already use a HRM for my calorie burns rather than relying on machines of MFP.
I'm 26, 5'6.
SW 256, current weight is around 208-209.
No significant gains or losses, just a couple pounds up and down like normal depending on the time of the month.
November is when I started running (I was averaging around nine miles per week). December I continued doing so (but probably closer to 6 miles a week running, and a lot of cycling). At the time I wasn't eating many of the *exercise calories* back, but average intake was 2000-2200kcal a day. Ideally, with my anal retentive tracking and the extra exercise I should be seeing at least a slow steady decrease in weight or measurements. My clothes aren't fitting looser, and the scales is stalled. My BF% has stayed steady as well at 34%.
My TDEE on running days is calculated at ~2700, non running days at ~2300, and my BMR is ~1800.
Still, no change, if anything I've been on average a pound up. I tried lowering my calorie intake to around 1700 for about three weeks (running days I'd eat 2000 still) and that didn't show any change...none. I know to see if something is working out you need to give it time, but at a deficit like that I should have seen *something*. I do do strength training, not just cardio- at least once a week, I know it's not a lot, I hit the weight room for about an hour. Twice a week I do at least an hour of running or cardio, but usually do closer to two hours.
Should I try eating at maintenance for a little while to reset? Also, is it worth checking with my doctor on why this might be an issue? My entire adult life I've been heavier, even when I was cycling ten miles a day in college and eating fairly well, my lowest weight hovered around 198. Just this last week I've really felt hopeless about it. This has been a long plateau and a lot of hard work that I have nothing to show for.
My diary isn't the cleanest in the world, I have junk days (especially a lot this last week or so, since school started), but I record everything, and my days if they aren't always under, equal out to still be a deficit over the week. I make sure to stay within my macros fairly well. the worst thing on there is what looks like a bunch of taco bell- but this is the closest estimate I have to the little home kitchen place on the corner (better than TB, but still not the best habit).
I guess I'm just looking for some advice and encouragement. Please be kind but honest in your replies guys.
Would even investing in a pedometer to account for my activity levels help? Is there the possibility that I'm not eating enough (This doesn't seem like it's possible at 2000kcal) for my activity levels?
This seems like an awfully long stall with so much work and dedication. Is there an end to it? A point to me still trying so hard? Do I need a break? So frustrated.
My diary is open, and I must note I don't record all of my exercise here, I tend to use another program for that. Likewise I already use a HRM for my calorie burns rather than relying on machines of MFP.
I'm 26, 5'6.
SW 256, current weight is around 208-209.
0
Replies
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no support?0
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I would take a week off and eat at maintenance, as you suggest. I was stalled for about six weeks before I started losing again. I took a week at maintenance and dropped 5 pounds. Weird... but sometimes you just have to shock your body a bit. After that, I started training HARD and the weight started to come off more steadily.
You're not the only one and you won't be the last... but there are lots of us who have been through it and who are going through it now. Just remember: at least you're not GAINING.0 -
I think I would just start crying if I were gaining (either weight or inches). Then I really would probably just throw my hands up and give up.0
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^^^This recently worked for me. I had stalled out for 7 weeks even though I was working out hard six days a week and was always under my cals for the day. Someone suggested taking a week off from exercise and eating at maintainence for a week. I thought it was crazy, but I tried it and week later I was 4lbs lighter when I got back on the scale. It's worth a shot, Good luck!I would take a week off and eat at maintenance, as you suggest. I was stalled for about six weeks before I started losing again. I took a week at maintenance and dropped 5 pounds. Weird... but sometimes you just have to shock your body a bit. After that, I started training HARD and the weight started to come off more steadily.
You're not the only one and you won't be the last... but there are lots of us who have been through it and who are going through it now. Just remember: at least you're not GAINING.0 -
It sounds scary, but taking a solid week off and going at maintenance can't hurt either, given I don't take it as a ticket to free eating everything. Should I eat at the TDEE for non exercise days...2300 since I'll still be running around at work, or at my sedentary TDEE around 2000?0
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When I used to run 15-20 miles a week and do HIIT, I would go a month or more with no weight loss. Usually, it ended with me getting sick and I would not exercise for a week and not eat literally whatever I wanted but just ate freely when I was hungry. Usually, doing that I would drop 4-5 lbs in that one week. Sometimes, I think our bodies freak out and hold on to the weight and we need to back off for a little then get back at it. Sadly, I cannot run like that as of yet due to a possible auto immune disorder but I hope to get back at it.0
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I have been considering taking a week or two off from logging and just exercise when I feel like it and just eat when I'm hungry. I'm so back and forth- some days I don't feel like eating but force myself to the calorie goal, and others I feel like I'm starving and have to resist over eating. Thanks guys for the replies.. I'll try this starting tomorrow I think. I'll try to be healthy, and I'll still log in, but I won't track my eating- I'll just make good choices and only eat when hungry. We'll see where that puts me in a week or two. Thanks again. Hope this jumpstarts me.0
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Fingers crossed! We're all here for you if you need us!0
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