About to give up. Will I be this size forever? :-(

24

Replies

  • 1KiwiChick
    1KiwiChick Posts: 479 Member
    Whatever you do dont give up!!! some things that have helped me....
    1/ - eat solid breakfast , decent morning snack,big solid lunch
    2- eat medium afternoon snack ( stay away from carbs) then light dinner salad/veges and protein (limited or no carbs)
    3- best time to work out is earlier in the day if possible no later than 7.30
    4- no food after 7.30pm
    5- cut out as much sugar as you can as it interfers with your bodies natural fat burning capabilities and make sure you log all sugar.
    6- watch your Posture !!! squeeze glutes, tighten core, stick out chest shoulders back !! BUT ALL MY PALS NO THIS ALREADY !!!
    7- eat pure fat and check labels as alot of higher fat foods are better than low fat as the low fat are packed with sugar which is worse.
    8- always do strength training before cardio
    9- change your programme every two weeks to a month to trick your metabolism.
    10- eat every 2-3 hrs smaller meals but often.
    11- drink 8 glasses water min or if training hard up to 12.
    12- eat whole grain brown bread (limit bread though) and rice
    13- LOG everything!!!
  • ChristyP0303
    ChristyP0303 Posts: 212 Member
    I worked with a trainer whom was a dietician 2x a week for a year.

    I am not doing anything different. I lost 75 pounds the first year, then the it just stopped. I kept plugging away at it through mid year last year. With 0 results, I went back to maintainence and stopped logging for a while. It was driving me crazy and I had to take a break. Then though Thanksgiving and Christmas, I gained 10 pounds back.! :-(
    Could you afford to see a dietician?

    My weight loss secret is heavy cardio - running, biking 9 miles, whatever.

    Sorry you're going through this. I know the feeling myself. Plateaus are hard to deal with.

    Are you doing anything differently now than when you were losing?
  • PikaKnight
    PikaKnight Posts: 34,971 Member
    Zig-zagging and changing your intake for a month isn't necessarily going to make huge differences, at least none that you'll see in that short of a period of time.

    Keep logging, calculate your BMR/TDEE, make sure you're eating enough, don't fall in for any of the "do the military/mcdonalds/hip-hop dancing diet" garbage.

    A caloric deficit should work, but you have to be patient with it. Maintenance may have changed for you, too... as could your BMR. Take your measurements currently, adjust accordingly, log everything, and give it more than just a month to see results.

    ^This!

    ^Definitely this!

    If you want, check out this link by MFPer Heliotsdan - It'll give you a detailed walkthrough (with pictures even) on finding your TDEE and calculating what you should be eating.
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12

    Or for a different version to figure out your TDEE, as well as some great advice...check out:
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/833500-what-do-i-do-common-sense-cliff-notes
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/844040-raspberry-ketones-for-the-rest-of-us


    Also, if you are worried about the calorie intake, I also suggest you read this thread that has numerous people who met their goals and are maintaining. Some for years and they also provide their calorie intake and how often they work out.
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/816542-let-s-hear-it-for-maintainenance


    For more information about fitness and nutrition, I highly suggest checking out and joining this group: (Read all the stickies. It's great information to know.)
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/10118-eat-train-progress
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/865230-resources-and-references


    Yes, this is can all be overwhelming and complicated , but you are more than welcome to ask questions on the post.
    One of the things that I have found that has been one of the best methods for me to get fit is to understand fitness. To understand where all these figures, etc come from.

    The good thing is once you get the hang of it - it is something you'll be aware of constantly and you'll get a better understanding about your eating habits.

    So I HIGHLY suggest making the effort to take every chance to educate yourself. Even if you don't end up going with any of these methods, calculations, etc - at least you understand what they are, where others are coming from, and maybe they will still be able to help you figure out what is best for you.

    And most of all..don't change after 2-3 weeks. Stick with it for a couple months! Also make sure you pick the right activity level. Don't pick sedentary because you think you'll lose faster.
  • sugboog29
    sugboog29 Posts: 630 Member
    I hit a plateau for 6 months and changed up what I ate and that seemed to spark something that got the weight coming off again. How much water do you drink a day? Also.....watch the fat content in foods! I buy low-fat or fat free...never full fat. Good luck
  • Pick one thing to change, and stick with it for a few weeks. It will take time for your body to catch up.

    Have your base calories that you need to lose based on the calculation here.

    You will need to eat some of those calories that your burning in order to fuel your body.

    If I were you, I would do the above, do cardio 5x a week , and strength train 2x a week. Make sure your using at least 1 day of rest. For me, I would die on the gym cardio machines. So I take to my bike instead for cardio. Interval training will work best.


    And I agree with others, you have to faithfully log, and measure to ensure your tracking the right calories. Its good that you have a HRM, that way your not over estimating your calorie burn.

    Also, I have found, that while dieting and working out, the balance between the need/hunger for food varies. Some days I eat more than others. So that may be something you want to pay attention to.
  • I don't have any advice for you, but just wanted to say that you have done so well and come a very long way by losing 65lbs. This must have taken enormous effort and willpower, so please don't give up now, you can work through this and come out feeling better. Good luck to you, stick at it and be very proud of your wonderful achievement so far.
  • ChristyP0303
    ChristyP0303 Posts: 212 Member
    I never know what activity level to check. I sit in a chair for my job getting up maybe 1-2 times per hour. I take the stairs to help with that. So because of this, I always choose sedentary.
    Zig-zagging and changing your intake for a month isn't necessarily going to make huge differences, at least none that you'll see in that short of a period of time.

    Keep logging, calculate your BMR/TDEE, make sure you're eating enough, don't fall in for any of the "do the military/mcdonalds/hip-hop dancing diet" garbage.

    A caloric deficit should work, but you have to be patient with it. Maintenance may have changed for you, too... as could your BMR. Take your measurements currently, adjust accordingly, log everything, and give it more than just a month to see results.

    ^This!

    ^Definitely this!

    If you want, check out this link by MFPer Heliotsdan - It'll give you a detailed walkthrough (with pictures even) on finding your TDEE and calculating what you should be eating.
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12

    Or for a different version to figure out your TDEE, as well as some great advice...check out:
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/833500-what-do-i-do-common-sense-cliff-notes
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/844040-raspberry-ketones-for-the-rest-of-us


    Also, if you are worried about the calorie intake, I also suggest you read this thread that has numerous people who met their goals and are maintaining. Some for years and they also provide their calorie intake and how often they work out.
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/816542-let-s-hear-it-for-maintainenance


    For more information about fitness and nutrition, I highly suggest checking out and joining this group: (Read all the stickies. It's great information to know.)
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/10118-eat-train-progress
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/865230-resources-and-references


    Yes, this is can all be overwhelming and complicated , but you are more than welcome to ask questions on the post.
    One of the things that I have found that has been one of the best methods for me to get fit is to understand fitness. To understand where all these figures, etc come from.

    The good thing is once you get the hang of it - it is something you'll be aware of constantly and you'll get a better understanding about your eating habits.

    So I HIGHLY suggest making the effort to take every chance to educate yourself. Even if you don't end up going with any of these methods, calculations, etc - at least you understand what they are, where others are coming from, and maybe they will still be able to help you figure out what is best for you.

    And most of all..don't change after 2-3 weeks. Stick with it for a couple months! Also make sure you pick the right activity level. Don't pick sedentary because you think you'll lose faster.
  • Annabelle555
    Annabelle555 Posts: 11 Member
    You must have done a whole lot right to lose 65 lbs. Congratulations for that. I feel stuck too. But the only other option is to let go and that will mean the weight goes up. Can't have that. We either fight the good fight or see our health deteriorate. You are doing well to not gain :)
  • Alohathin
    Alohathin Posts: 360 Member
    I concur with the poster above who suggested different exercises. Not just increasing intensity of the ones you already do. If you always do elliptical, try the stair climber, if you always go walking, try bicycling. Mix up your exercises so that you are constantly working different muscles.
  • Becareful with the low-fat or fat free products. They make it up somewhere, and it's usually sodium and sugars, which can be hurtful, as some people think they can eat more, because it's low-fat/fat free and reflected in the calories.
  • Apazman
    Apazman Posts: 494 Member
    If what you are doing is not working for you, perhaps its time for a change.

    one thing I have learned is that everyone has an opinion on the right way to lose weight. I think there are as many ways to lose weight as there are flavors of ice cream and perhaps the best thing to do is to keep trying them until you find the one that tastes the best to you.

    I came to this conclusion.
    Conventional methods work for conventional people.
    Maybe unconventional methods can work for unconventional people.
    Basically, everybody is different and ever BODY is different. If it works for you, then give it a try!

    I do fasting, I eat 1 big meal every day, this has worked FOR ME. It was a difficult thing to try with so many people telling me why it will never work. I just had to realize that people can be knowledgeable about many things, but they can never know as much as me when it comes to MY body and MY Life. You have to try new things, and the best thing about trying them is that you learn new things from them. Even if something doesn't work, you will probably learn something from it. :)
  • IronPlayground
    IronPlayground Posts: 1,594 Member
    I never know what activity level to check. I sit in a chair for my job getting up maybe 1-2 times per hour. I take the stairs to help with that. So because of this, I always choose sedentary.

    Even though you have a desk job, you have activity with your workouts. You should, at least, go with lightly active.
  • samantha1953
    samantha1953 Posts: 156 Member
    You don't say anywhere how tall you are and what weight you are aiming for. Many young people as yourself are striving for too low a body weight. If you are close to a healthy weight the last few pounds can be really stubborn.

    I noticed in you last diary you had 600 cals left on a 1500 day. That's too low. I agree with the other poster that said to eat your exercise calories and try to stay at the level suggested here.

    Good luck sweetie.

    From an older member. :)
  • katelynpelerson
    katelynpelerson Posts: 99 Member
    In your profile it says something about hypothyroidism. Have you talked to your doctor about that in conjunction with the weight loss?

    This same thing happened to my mom! I would definitely go get checked out, considering you haven't lost any weight in the past year. Good luck & don't give up!
  • Debbe2
    Debbe2 Posts: 2,071 Member
    Congratulations on the 65 pound loss. Can you check in with a registered dietician but first maybe a trip to your primary care physician to be certain it's not something common like thyroid etc.? Good luck!
  • tootoop224
    tootoop224 Posts: 281 Member
    I don't really have any advice, just wanted to tell you that you are a very strong person for sticking with this through such a long period with no results. If it were me, I don't think I would make it. I gotta think it has something to do with your thyroid. Remember, doctors aren't infallible. Push back on them and question their answers. Ask them to put you on meds to try to move the scale, get 2nd or 3rd opinions. You've come too far to go back now. Good luck and let us know how you make out.
  • Vincentsz
    Vincentsz Posts: 407 Member
    Whatever you do dont give up!!! some things that have helped me....
    1/ - eat solid breakfast , decent morning snack,big solid lunch
    2- eat medium afternoon snack ( stay away from carbs) then light dinner salad/veges and protein (limited or no carbs)
    3- best time to work out is earlier in the day if possible no later than 7.30 AM
    4- no food after 7.30pm
    5- cut out as much sugar as you can as it interfers with your bodies natural fat burning capabilities and make sure you log all sugar.
    6- watch your Posture !!! squeeze glutes, tighten core, stick out chest shoulders back !! BUT ALL MY PALS NO THIS ALREADY !!!
    7- eat pure fat and check labels as alot of higher fat foods are better than low fat as the low fat are packed with sugar which is worse.
    8- always do strength training before cardio
    9- change your programme every two weeks to a month to trick your metabolism.
    10- eat every 2-3 hrs smaller meals but often.
    11- drink 8 glasses water min or if training hard up to 12.
    12- eat whole grain brown bread (limit bread though) and rice
    13- LOG everything!!!

    THIS ALL DAY LONG!!!

    And Watch your carbs / FAT they are consistently high and Up your lean protein intake ( Tuna Chicken breast fresh fish!)

    And most importantly

    SWEAT HARD EVERYDAY! Preferably on a stair treadmill with weighted vest!
  • ChristyP0303
    ChristyP0303 Posts: 212 Member
    I am 5'3 and weigh 250 pounds. I am aiming for 175 at this point.

    The last diary entry is for today...I haven't had dinner yet. :-)
    You don't say anywhere how tall you are and what weight you are aiming for. Many young people as yourself are striving for too low a body weight. If you are close to a healthy weight the last few pounds can be really stubborn.

    I noticed in you last diary you had 600 cals left on a 1500 day. That's too low. I agree with the other poster that said to eat your exercise calories and try to stay at the level suggested here.

    Good luck sweetie.

    From an older member. :)
  • deevatude
    deevatude Posts: 322 Member
    u need to be netting ur BMR.

    ur BMR is not 1500 calories

    Learn ur numbers, bmr, tdee

    scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/
  • ontogeny
    ontogeny Posts: 10 Member
    Keep going!!! I am starting the Body for Life Challenge today, but I know that I might hit some stubborn pounds. If that happens, I plan to keep going going and going !!! Just keep moving :)
  • jesz124
    jesz124 Posts: 1,004 Member
    Zig-zagging and changing your intake for a month isn't necessarily going to make huge differences, at least none that you'll see in that short of a period of time.

    Keep logging, calculate your BMR/TDEE, make sure you're eating enough, don't fall in for any of the "do the military/mcdonalds/hip-hop dancing diet" garbage.

    A caloric deficit should work, but you have to be patient with it. Maintenance may have changed for you, too... as could your BMR. Take your measurements currently, adjust accordingly, log everything, and give it more than just a month to see results.

    Thank god you got some good advice on here. Please ignore silly advice about crash diets, cutting out major food groups etc.
  • xaMErica
    xaMErica Posts: 284 Member
    Try cutting your cheat days.. doesn't sound like much but it could help. You might need to see your dr.
  • BusyRaeNOTBusty
    BusyRaeNOTBusty Posts: 7,166 Member
    Your profile says you have hyperthyroidism. You need to work with your doctor to ensure that your thyroid medications are correct.

    Then calculate TDEE. Subtract 20%. Set your calorie goal to that. Eat about 100 grams of protein. Lift weights. Weigh and measure as much as possible.
  • If you haven't yet, go see an endroconolgist to make sure your thyroid is at the correct doseage.

    Do you eat all of your exercise calories back?
  • taso42
    taso42 Posts: 8,980 Member
    Consistency is key.
    TDEE-20%
    Start today. Do it for 6 weeks, then re-evaluate.
  • Guisma
    Guisma Posts: 215
    google up : lack of vitamins / calcium and weight gain
  • desiv2
    desiv2 Posts: 651 Member
    Edit: Actually, just pick one thing and stick with it. It doesn't have to be a specific 'diet' they all will work.


    I would also go see a doctor, they can refer you to a specialist, and you can get some good advice too.
  • Ramberta
    Ramberta Posts: 1,312 Member
    Don't give up!! You've already lost a lot of weight and should be proud of yourself for that accomplishment. The fact is, you have the rest of your LIFE to be healthy, so don't get discouraged that you've remained this size for just a year. You're 65 pounds lighter already! You've proven that you can make healthy choices and better yourself. As others have said, try not to mix up your calorie and exercise routines too much too frequently-- your body will thank you if you're regulated. Sleep schedule, eating schedule, workout schedule. It sucks for my nightlife, but once I started going to bed at 8 p.m. and waking up at 4 a.m. every day for my current job (as opposed to my bedtime ranging from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.), it was like suddenly the puzzle pieces clicked into place and I FELT so much better even though I hadn't changed anything else. And I know it's hard to log when you feel discouraged, but get back into it, and if you still feel like there's no positive progress after another month or two, take your food logs to a dietician or your doctor and ask for advice.

    Best of luck to you! :)
  • Rhonnie
    Rhonnie Posts: 506 Member
    You obviously know how to eat right and change your habits, you've lost a lot of weight (good job!!). Perhaps it is time to see a nutritionist before chasing "no dairy' "no gluten" "low this" "high that" type of advice. And before making any changes you probably need to start realing logging in your foods again - a couple hundred calories here and there can steak up on ya pretty quick.
  • Congrats on your weight loss! I also have hypothyroidism and trust me I feel your pain!