Doing everything right (maybe), but not losing!

someobscurename
someobscurename Posts: 7
in Health and Weight Loss
Hi! I'm new to myfitnesspal, BUT, I have been exercising and watching what I eat for awhile now. I have lost 30lbs, but I can't get through the last 15 that I want!!

I run about 3-4 times a week, about 3 miles. Lift weights too. And I eat 300-400 below my TDEE.

I'm 5'1" and 136lbs. I have no idea what I'm doing wrong! I've been plateauing for months!! I've tried everything! Eating more, eating less, changing up my exercise.

Nothing is working! I'm not losing inches, I'm not losing weight. It's getting me super frustrated!! Help!

Replies

  • 30ismyyear
    30ismyyear Posts: 145 Member
    There are lots of ideas of how to break through a plateau, just google. (I'm not a professional and nowhere near where you are). I'd also think that in general, the scale isn't always right. Have you been tracking your measurements? Are you feeling more fit than before? Those can be better tools to determine your progress. Eventually the scale will catch up....
  • someobscurename
    someobscurename Posts: 7
    I can run farther and yes, I have been tracking my measurements. Almost the same. I maybe lost half an inch. but really, not good for the amount I've been working out.

    It's driving me crazy!!
  • kandyice1
    kandyice1 Posts: 48 Member
    Just curious, but since you've lost that initial weight have you recalculated your TDEE with your new weight? If not, it might be time to recalculate.
  • graciepecie
    graciepecie Posts: 135 Member
    Eat 2 days until a week (whatever you like or is working for you) your TDEE, then after those days eat 20% below your TDEE again. Most of the time this is getting your scale to move again.. good luck
  • rfreeland123
    rfreeland123 Posts: 2 Member
    I am definitely not a pro. But, I see that you are lifting weights as well. It has always been my understanding that muscle weighs more than fat. If you are only looking to tone up, maybe try lighter weights or try a week of cardio only and see what your results you get.
  • graciepecie
    graciepecie Posts: 135 Member
    Eat 2 days until a week (whatever you like or is working for you) your TDEE, then after those days eat 20% below your TDEE again. Most of the time this is getting your scale to move again.. good luck

    This often helps you break your plateu.
  • Tzippy7
    Tzippy7 Posts: 344 Member
    Im in such a similar situation ! I have about 10 lbs to go and i have been zigzagging between 132 and 127 since august ! ahhh im in better shape in terms of running but I have not lost any inches or weight. I have tried calorie cycling etc. I have tried increasing my calories. NOTHING is working. I started at 173 lbs so I know I am capable of this, I just have no idea what to do. Additionally, the fact that nothing is working has made me slack. :/
  • someobscurename
    someobscurename Posts: 7
    AGhhhh I've tried eating at my TDEE for a month too!! Nothing is working. I keep feeling like I'm working my butt off for nothing!!! Ugh.
  • someobscurename
    someobscurename Posts: 7
    Im in such a similar situation ! I have about 10 lbs to go and i have been zigzagging between 132 and 127 since august ! ahhh im in better shape in terms of running but I have not lost any inches or weight. I have tried calorie cycling etc. I have tried increasing my calories. NOTHING is working. I started at 173 lbs so I know I am capable of this, I just have no idea what to do. Additionally, the fact that nothing is working has made me slack. :/

    So frustrating. :( I know. It's really freaking annoying!!
  • ShannonECTD
    ShannonECTD Posts: 203 Member
    I am definitely not a pro. But, I see that you are lifting weights as well. It has always been my understanding that muscle weighs more than fat. If you are only looking to tone up, maybe try lighter weights or try a week of cardio only and see what your results you get.

    muscle does not weigh more than fat, it is more dense so it takes up less room.
  • xMonroeMisfit
    xMonroeMisfit Posts: 411 Member
    Eat 2 days until a week (whatever you like or is working for you) your TDEE, then after those days eat 20% below your TDEE again. Most of the time this is getting your scale to move again.. good luck

    This often helps you break your plateu.

    Agreed. Eat at TDEE for a week. Give your body a break (also, a recalculated TDEE) and then eat at 20% lower.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    Just curious, but since you've lost that initial weight have you recalculated your TDEE with your new weight? If not, it might be time to recalculate.

    ^^^This...

    Also, take a "diet break"...eat to maintenance for a couple of weeks and then get back on it. That broke the back of my plateau. Also, with 15 Lbs left (that's about what I have left) it's gonna go slower. Body is smart and wants to hold on to those fat stores...once you get within 10 Lbs, dial the deficit back to around 250 calories.
  • ShannonECTD
    ShannonECTD Posts: 203 Member
    Try switching up your exercise routine along with having some days where you eat less and some days where you eat more.
  • someobscurename
    someobscurename Posts: 7
    I have seriously done ALL of these things. I've tried eating at maintenance, I've tried different exercises, trying to switch up things. I've recalculated my TDEE since I've lost weight. Seriously! D:
  • carlom18
    carlom18 Posts: 174 Member
    what type of running have you been doing?
  • Iron_Feline
    Iron_Feline Posts: 10,750 Member
    I am definitely not a pro. But, I see that you are lifting weights as well. It has always been my understanding that muscle weighs more than fat. If you are only looking to tone up, maybe try lighter weights or try a week of cardio only and see what your results you get.

    No. you can only build or lose muscle - you can't tone it.

    You have to stick with one thing for a while to see how your body reacts - at least 4 weeks - 6 is better as it takes a while for your body to figure out something has changed.

    I suggest lift heavy - eat at just 10% below TDEE and stick with it for a good few weeks. Everyone says it is harder to lose those last few pounds. Take photos and measurements and also use those to measure progress. after 4/6 weeks reassess - more cals / less cals etc.

    Congrats on the weight you have lost - you've done really well, don't get discouraged - it can take time to figure out how your body will react. :flowerforyou:

    Edit I'm also a shorty - I've just started to lift heavy and I'm not weighing myself for about 8 weeks - I'm 5'1 eating around 1600 cals a day and I'm following new rules of lifting for women.
  • someobscurename
    someobscurename Posts: 7
    what type of running have you been doing?

    Nothing special. Different speeds 3-4 miles.
  • now_or_never13
    now_or_never13 Posts: 1,575 Member
    I am definitely not a pro. But, I see that you are lifting weights as well. It has always been my understanding that muscle weighs more than fat. If you are only looking to tone up, maybe try lighter weights or try a week of cardio only and see what your results you get.

    No.

    You cannot tone muscle. You may think you are when you lose the fat on top of the muscle and therefore you can see more definition but you cannot tone a muscle. I'm not sure why you suggest lighter weights as light weights will not provide any benefit muscle wise. You can either lose muscle or maintain muscle while in a calorie deficit... more often it's lose.

    You need to lift heavy weights at a surplus for any muscle to be built.
  • K_armfield
    K_armfield Posts: 23 Member
    I have been stuck since October. I took some time off and started back in Jan and still nothing is changing. It's frustrating. I feel your pain!
  • someobscurename
    someobscurename Posts: 7
    I have been stuck since October. I took some time off and started back in Jan and still nothing is changing. It's frustrating. I feel your pain!

    I've heard this stuff before and I've tried it, it's been like months of me trying different things. I am getting so tired of trying to fight through this plateau!
  • extraordinary_machine
    extraordinary_machine Posts: 3,028 Member
    Hi OP, sorry you're frustrated. I HIGHLY recommend this group: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/10118-eat-train-progress

    Sarah and SideSteel are very knowledgable about nutrition, fitness, etc. and are very willing to help steer you in the right direction.
  • carlom18
    carlom18 Posts: 174 Member
    what type of running have you been doing?

    Nothing special. Different speeds 3-4 miles.

    one thing you can try is HIIT. look it up on google if you don't know what it is. Another thing you can try is intermittent fasting, a few people swear by the results they get from doing it. GL :smile:
  • LiftAllThePizzas
    LiftAllThePizzas Posts: 17,857 Member
    I am definitely not a pro. But, I see that you are lifting weights as well. It has always been my understanding that muscle weighs more than fat. If you are only looking to tone up, maybe try lighter weights or try a week of cardio only and see what your results you get.

    muscle does not weigh more than fat, it is more dense so it takes up less room.
    When people say this, 99% of us can figure out that it means "by volume" because there is otherwise no basis for comparison and clearly "by weight" doesn't make any sense. So, sorry but yes, muscle (by volume) does in fact weigh more than fat. It's just a different way of saying it's more dense.

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