I can't lose weight

It's not just about the calories. As has been pointed out, you really need to watch those carbs, and where you're getting them from. I hit a plateau, and it seemed like it didn't matter how much I exercised, I just couldn't seem to break it, until I started looking at my carb intake. I have now cut out all rice (I use barley instead), all sugar and all wheat. I don't do cheat meals, and I don't miss them. I stay away from potatoes and I limit my intake of bananas and other very sweet fruit.

Basically, I try not to eat anything with a glycemic index of over 55, except in my homemade protein drink (I don't use protein powder, but rather get it from dairy or other natural sources). I would recommend tracking down some information on glycemic index (Google is your friend here), and making some changes. If your insulin levels are all over the place, not only will your energy suffer, but it will be more difficult to lose weight. Since making these changes, I've started making progress again, and I feel so much better.

It's not just about the calories. As has been pointed out, you really need to watch those carbs, and where you're getting them from. I hit a plateau, and it seemed like it didn't matter how much I exercised, I just couldn't seem to break it, until I started looking at my carb intake. I have now cut out all rice (I use barley instead), all sugar and all wheat. I don't do cheat meals, and I don't miss them. I stay away from potatoes and I limit my intake of bananas and other very sweet fruit.

Basically, I try not to eat anything with a glycemic index of over 55, except in my homemade protein drink (I don't use protein powder, but rather get it from dairy or other natural sources). I would recommend tracking down some information on glycemic index (Google is your friend here), and making some changes. If your insulin levels are all over the place, not only will your energy suffer, but it will be more difficult to lose weight. Since making these changes, I've started making progress again, and I feel so much better.

Great advice. I just stick to 120g carbs and around 30g sugar. 1400-1700 cals. If my carbs creep up all weight loss stops. I had a 6 month plateau whilst I worked it a out! Big calorie deficits but too much carbs. I'm wondering if your body is the same?

Zara

It's not just about the calories. As has been pointed out, you really need to watch those carbs, and where you're getting them from. I hit a plateau, and it seemed like it didn't matter how much I exercised, I just couldn't seem to break it, until I started looking at my carb intake. I have now cut out all rice (I use barley instead), all sugar and all wheat. I don't do cheat meals, and I don't miss them. I stay away from potatoes and I limit my intake of bananas and other very sweet fruit.

Basically, I try not to eat anything with a glycemic index of over 55, except in my homemade protein drink (I don't use protein powder, but rather get it from dairy or other natural sources). I would recommend tracking down some information on glycemic index (Google is your friend here), and making some changes. If your insulin levels are all over the place, not only will your energy suffer, but it will be more difficult to lose weight. Since making these changes, I've started making progress again, and I feel so much better.

I admire your discipline but my lord I couldn't follow that plan. I think I eat rice at least 5 times a week, loads of bananas, 'cheat' on a regular basis. It's great if it's kick started your weight loss though, different strokes for different folks and all that :-)

Could be. I think the easiest rule of thumb is to not eat anything that's white in color, or anything that COULD be white, cause a lot of brown things are just dyed (obviously, organic should be safe, but I just prefer to take it all out). It's really amazing how fast you get over the sugar addiction.

I also recommend eating lots of superfoods, because more quality nutrition will naturally make you not want the bad stuff.

Also, everybody should check out a documentary called Hungry for Change. I don't know the policy on linking here, so just Google it

Anything white? That would include the sacred Greek yoghurt though. You would have to prize that from my cold dying hands before I gave that up!!

Yes you can

Care to elaborate on that then? I suppose you are the unique special snowflake exception to the rule? You eat ****, you look like ****. Not rocket science.

I read this as him responding to the OP. I've noticed many people don't often read past the first post.

He should learn to use the quote button then hahaha

He could've possibly posted a second after you... the norm is, if he is responding to any one or post beside the OP that is when he has to use the quotes. Just cause he posted after you doesn't mean you were the intended audience.

Write down what you eat, it may be that your portion sizes are not right. Also, it would show you if you are close to your cal target for losing weight, especially if you exercise as well.

When I decided to quit smoking and lose weight and get fit, I cut out chocolate and started running. I ran 5-6 times a week. I didn't control my calories heavily, but was eating around the 1800 mark I guess. I didn't lose a thing for a whole month.

Then I did two things - and my weight started falling off. I drank more water and cut my calories to 1200. Now 1200 isn't enough for some - thats the figure that works for me. The water caused me to lose 6lb in the first week. Teh restrictions on calories meant I lost 1-2lb per week.

I'm not saying my way is the right way, but since September I've lost 27lb, so it's right for me. If it isn't working, and you feel well, you are exercising enough, so look at the calories you are taking in?

Yes you can

Care to elaborate on that then? I suppose you are the unique special snowflake exception to the rule? You eat ****, you look like ****. Not rocket science.

I read this as him responding to the OP. I've noticed many people don't often read past the first post.

Indeed I was.

Whoa.

This is the first time that MFP has been successful for me in any major way, I've lost about a stone in the last month. The difference? Drinking lots more water, cutting waaaay down on processed foods (so lots of cooking dinner from scratch) and eating about half the amount of carbs that I used to. My calories are usually down around the 1200 mark Mon - Fri and then I splurge on the weekends. Apparently that's a good thing though - supposedly it wakes up your metabolism. At least that's what I tell myself! Maybe if you let us have a look at your diary for a few days we might be able to help?