DISCOURAGED
Reaper1975
Posts: 6
I've been using this site and dieting now for about 9-10 weeks. I eat the 1600 calories I'm supposed to, visit the gym roughly 5 times a week (doing some work on the elliptical, a lot of treadmill walking, and strength training with the weights), gave up all soda - regular and diet, drink only water and tea (limited juice upon occasion), gave up all fast food, and everything else I've been able to think of and have read and the internet.
I HAVE NOT LOST ONE POUND - I AM STILL A 280 POUND FEMALE! Granted, I now have visible bicep muscles, my face is very noticeably slimmer, and I have lost 3" from the waist - 2" from the hips - 1" from the neck, and maybe have lost a size .... I HAVE NOT LOST ONE SINGLE POUND.
I'm tired of hearing the "muscle weighs more than fat". I try to motivate myself by reading success stories but get depressed when I keep reading about people having lost about 40-50 pounds at this point.
I HAVE NOT LOST ONE POUND - I AM STILL A 280 POUND FEMALE! Granted, I now have visible bicep muscles, my face is very noticeably slimmer, and I have lost 3" from the waist - 2" from the hips - 1" from the neck, and maybe have lost a size .... I HAVE NOT LOST ONE SINGLE POUND.
I'm tired of hearing the "muscle weighs more than fat". I try to motivate myself by reading success stories but get depressed when I keep reading about people having lost about 40-50 pounds at this point.
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Replies
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Nobody loses 40-50 pounds in 9 weeks without seriously screwing themselves up.
A number is just a number on the scale. Seriously, it sounds like you're doing great. Losing fat by slimming down, toning up, getting tighter and I would have to guess you feel a whole lot better on a regular basis.
Keep at it, you're doing exactly what you need to be doing. The scale will reflect that eventually, but the mirror and the clothing is much more rewarding anyway.0 -
A lb of muscle weighs the same as a 1lb of fat -- 1 lb.
But 1 lb of fat takes up more space than 1lb of muscle.
That is why you should take measurements of yourself and take front & back pictures -- because the scale does not accurately show the changes made by exercise.0 -
I HAVE NOT LOST ONE POUND - I AM STILL A 280 POUND FEMALE! Granted, I now have visible bicep muscles, my face is very noticeably slimmer, and I have lost 3" from the waist - 2" from the hips - 1" from the neck, and maybe have lost a size .... I HAVE NOT LOST ONE SINGLE POUND.
That's awesome! Who cares about the number on the scale? Does anyone see it but you?0 -
1.) Think about how long it took you to get to your current weight. It might to take that long to take it off.
2.) The inches you've lost - that's a great accomplishment, and not something to scoff at! Congrats!!! :flowerforyou: You notice you're getting smaller, so that means you're doing SOMETHING right. KEEP AT IT.
Maybe take a break off the scale for a while, and just take measurements. You'll see the changes there more dramatically than on the scale.0 -
It sounds like you need to eat more. You eat 1600 cals per day is that net calories after eating exercise cals back or no? I weigh less than you and eat about 1900-2000 cals a day and I'm losing weight. Try going to scooby doo fitness calculator to figure out your cal goal and add your activity level. I've been using their calorie recommendation and it's been working for me. Good luck.
P.S. You're seeing changes in your body which is awesome. I've only lost about 10lbs in 4 months. However, people are seeing changes in my body and my tummy is getting smaller. The scale isn't an accurate reflection of the changes taking place in your body. Take pics and measure yourself.0 -
I am in the same boat, Ive been doing this since jan 2013, I lost 11lbs at first and not a single pound since then and its been almost 2 months. I havent even lost an inch, unless i measured wrong to begin with. I workout everyday, cardio and strength training, i have adjusted my calories a few times and nothing works!~ But Ive gone down a size, my face is thinner and i can visibly see changes in my body...it makes no sense, and i was just at the urgent care and they said it wasnt my thyroid...But I just keep going hoping something will give0
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By your measurements, it sounds like you ARE DOING GREAT! Keep doing what you are doing. The scale will eventually show a change.0
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And your diary look likes what?. Open your diary so that we can give you the help you are requesting, otherwise it is your word against what you are actually inputting in your diary.0
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You're doing a great job! Throw that scale in the trash! lol0
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Losing inches is great; good on you!
Some of us have to build muscle before we can lose fat and see the numbers on the scale go down. True story. (I am one.)0 -
My sister was feeling discouraged recently because she hadn't seen much weight loss even though she was doing everything right. She didn't even realize she was dropping inches until she went to the store and was in her goal pants size! That's when she threw out the scale (metaphorically) and started tracking her progress using measurements, not weight. She seems much happier now! Your measurements show that you are doing something right. Rely on that!0
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At this point, I wish there was a message that comes up when posters post a message like this that says "Please re-read your post before submitting"
You're losing inches=You're losing fat=You're dropping sizes=You're looking NOTICEABLY SMALLER=Win.
A number on the scale is just that, a number.
It does not measure your body fat percentage (unless it's one of those fancy ones)
It does not measure your clothing size
It measures your body as a UNIT.
It measures your gravitational PULL at that certain time of day
It measures your water retention (which at any point can change drastically)
It measures your organs
It measures your POOP
Don't get discouraged on something that is OBVIOUSLY wrong if your measurements and body is telling you otherwise.
Trust what you see when you look in the mirror.
In other news, yes I believe you are eating too little. You're 280lbs, you're working out 5 times a week, and you're eating as much as I do. I'm 4'11" and I work out 3 times a week and i'm 170 lbs.
Recalculate your TDEE, Your BMR and your Daily Calories and stick to it.
Keep it up.0 -
don't be discouraged. I spoke to my doctor about this a month ago. He said to keep working at it, it will come with time. I have a thyroid issue but its properly regulated. I seemed to have stalled a bit on actualy weight lost HOWEVER I've lost inches and that is more important than what the scale says. Keep up the good work, its awesome that you've lost the inches you have!
Maybe set up some mini goals to keep you motivated, find a pair of pants or a shirt a size smaller that you would like to fit into, try it on once a week or every couple weeks until it fits. I've been using that as a source of motivation. I'm not saying go overboard and buy a new wardrobe but one item might help you see that all of your work isn't for nothing. Good luck with your goals, sounds like you're off to a great start! 0 -
Your measurements speak for themselves, scale be damned. Have you taken pictures? I have barely lost 12 lbs in the past like 7 months and the places I regularly measure (Belly and hips) have barely changed, but when I looked at pictures it made a HUGE difference.
Also, eat more. Google "TDEE" calculator. Find out what your TDEE (total day energy expenditure) is and then remove 20%. Eat back your exercise calories. Your body thinks there is a famine so its slowing your metabolism to save fat to preserve you from starving later.0 -
I actually do "eat back" whatever calories I spend at the gym -- usually around 300-500 extra. I eat the baseline of 1600 because that's what this very site calculated. I've been to other site that actually said I should be eating more like a baseline of 1900.
I have take some face pictures to track progress - I'll try to post them later. I need to start taking some body pictures I guess to go with it.0 -
Scoobysworkshop.com is aaaaawesome. To speak to what xMonroeMisfit said. I'm just barely over 5'3" and I'm taking in 1605 net calories a day. I set my own goals as to what my macros for the day are. I'm currently doing the Jamie Eason 12 Week Trainer. So far I'm almost 4 weeks into the trainer and I can tell I'm getting smaller, however scale weight? couldn't tell ya, I'm only weighing in at the end of every "phase" which works out to once a month. My first official weigh in is this weekend and I'm stoked. I know it's hard to give up the "scale weight is so important" thing. That's why I had hubby hide my scale for a while so that I could break its hold LOL.
For my final point, I'm going to quote... again:
A number on the scale is just that, a number.
It does not measure your body fat percentage (unless it's one of those fancy ones)
It does not measure your clothing size
It measures your body as a UNIT.
It measures your gravitational PULL at that certain time of day
It measures your water retention (which at any point can change drastically) **Added (Especially dependant on where you are in your cycle. Some women report a increase of at least 5 pounds d/t additional fluid retention at this time. Also to note that "weight" drops the day after their menses.)
It measures your organs
It measures your POOP0 -
I sent a friend request. Stay, just a little bit longer, sounds like you are on your way! )) 0
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At this point, I wish there was a message that comes up when posters post a message like this that says "Please re-read your post before submitting"
You're losing inches=You're losing fat=You're dropping sizes=You're looking NOTICEABLY SMALLER=Win.
A number on the scale is just that, a number.
It does not measure your body fat percentage (unless it's one of those fancy ones)
It does not measure your clothing size
It measures your body as a UNIT.
It measures your gravitational PULL at that certain time of day
It measures your water retention (which at any point can change drastically)
It measures your organs
It measures your POOP
Don't get discouraged on something that is OBVIOUSLY wrong if your measurements and body is telling you otherwise.
Trust what you see when you look in the mirror.
In other news, yes I believe you are eating too little. You're 280lbs, you're working out 5 times a week, and you're eating as much as I do. I'm 4'11" and I work out 3 times a week and i'm 170 lbs.
Recalculate your TDEE, Your BMR and your Daily Calories and stick to it.
Keep it up.
love this. i need a like button, and all your posts i've seen btw
anyone ever say you look like maggie gynlenhol? I'm sure i'm not spelling that right.0 -
I HAVE NOT LOST ONE POUND - I AM STILL A 280 POUND FEMALE! Granted, I now have visible bicep muscles, my face is very noticeably slimmer, and I have lost 3" from the waist - 2" from the hips - 1" from the neck, and maybe have lost a size .... I HAVE NOT LOST ONE SINGLE POUND.
You need to get your body fat weighed. Some fitness centers do this. They hook electrodes up to you & calculate lean mass & body fat. A couple of years ago I did this at my gym when we had a contest. I only lost 10lbs. & I was really bummed, then they remeasured my fat/lean ratio & I had lost 29lbs of body fat!! So find a Dr. or gym that does this for you & you'll feel a lot better about your progess.0 -
p.s. wanna see something motivating AND so dayum cool? Check out this chick. She lost weight in a not so healthy way, then got educated. Lifted some heavy weights and came back slimmer and looking hawt!
http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/
Oh. and her after picture is 11 pounds HEAVIER than her before picture.
You're doing an awesome job! Keep on truckin' lol 0 -
I do so much better when I don't pay attention to the scale. The scale only depresses me because it never says what I think it should. I do better focusing on NSV's (non scale victories). Don't let that stupid scale get you down, you're doing great! :flowerforyou:0
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Do you weigh and measure everything you eat?0
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Hummm...first congratulations on the inches you have lost! It is most important to stay focused on that positive.
You just might be tackling the struggle I have. My body was in a state of using sugar as fuel rather than fat as fuel.
Though you can choose "fat free" options, they are not sugar free. Sugar can have your body in a state that your hormones are unbalanced. Once I concentrated on eating foods that are low in sugar, my weight dropped instantly. I was shocked to research and find foods that were actually high in sugar (i.e. bananas, apples, whole wheat bread [not whole grain], granola bars, tomato based soups and sauces). Just my thoughts....I wish you all the best in your weight loss venture!!! Lorrie0 -
Hi there,
It took the scales approx. 14 weeks for me to start moving down after ditching the bad foods, documenting everything on MFP and going to the gym 5-6 times a week. I promise you it will be worth it if you stick with your weightloss goals.
I have lost 18kgs over the passed year and kept it off. Just think to yourself that the time will pass whether you decide to continue on your weightloss journey or not. Will you rather be proud of yourself this time next year or still sad with where you were at?
I can PROMISE you that if you persist you will not be disappointed this time next year. Hope this helps x0 -
Scales break. Or the battery makes it go wonky for months before it finally dies. Or they are so sensitive that it will give a false reading due to the uneven-ness of your floor unless you put it in the exact same spot each time.
Short point...scales suck.
Go with the inches lost, and the size down. That's true progress, and you're doing great!
I get more excited over over pulling that tape tighter or constantly pulling my jeans up because they're sagging than I do over a pound lost on the scale.0 -
Hey there,
I feel my friend, that we are in a similar situation. I have lost crazy amounts of body fat but go on a yo-yo cycle on the scale 2 -3 lbs. It is so frustrating! I def can relate to you. I am 5'8 and 216 Ibs. and stuck here. I began with 42% body fat at 230 and now at 33% body fat at 216 lbs. and not changing on the scale. I think I am eating under my calorie requirement for my wight and that is why this is happening. My next step is to join Weight Watchers for a couple of months to see if my numbers budge. Otherwise, I hate to loose money on something I am motivated to do on m own. To sum it up, I suspect the problem is, being in the 200's in weight our body needs at least 1,700 Calories to work efficiently. I am eating 1,210 calories a day now. I refuse to eat that much in a day! but if that is the case to loose more numbers we will have to submit. Let me know if this helps (:
Good Luck!
FIFI0 -
So? Is your goal to have a smaller number on the scale or to look/feel better? If it's the latter, then you're on the right track!I've been using this site and dieting now for about 9-10 weeks. I eat the 1600 calories I'm supposed to, visit the gym roughly 5 times a week (doing some work on the elliptical, a lot of treadmill walking, and strength training with the weights), gave up all soda - regular and diet, drink only water and tea (limited juice upon occasion), gave up all fast food, and everything else I've been able to think of and have read and the internet.
I HAVE NOT LOST ONE POUND - I AM STILL A 280 POUND FEMALE! Granted, I now have visible bicep muscles, my face is very noticeably slimmer, and I have lost 3" from the waist - 2" from the hips - 1" from the neck, and maybe have lost a size .... I HAVE NOT LOST ONE SINGLE POUND.
I'm tired of hearing the "muscle weighs more than fat". I try to motivate myself by reading success stories but get depressed when I keep reading about people having lost about 40-50 pounds at this point.0 -
You look better when you lose inches.
If you drop 5 pounds, great but an inch loss is going to SHOW.
I would MUCH rather see the inches go down.
We are so programmed to put so much stock in to that number on the scale.
I want to love what I see in the MIRROR, how I look and feel in clothing - *%$#@ the scale! It LIES!
Your results are amazing.0 -
Throw away the scale! If you can monitor body fat, muslce mass, and your jeans size, who the hell cares what your actual body weight is?Hey there,
I feel my friend, that we are in a similar situation. I have lost crazy amounts of body fat but go on a yo-yo cycle on the scale 2 -3 lbs. It is so frustrating! I def can relate to you. I am 5'8 and 216 Ibs. and stuck here. I began with 42% body fat at 230 and now at 33% body fat at 216 lbs. and not changing on the scale. I think I am eating under my calorie requirement for my wight and that is why this is happening. My next step is to join Weight Watchers for a couple of months to see if my numbers budge. Otherwise, I hate to loose money on something I am motivated to do on m own. To sum it up, I suspect the problem is, being in the 200's in weight our body needs at least 1,700 Calories to work efficiently. I am eating 1,210 calories a day now. I refuse to eat that much in a day! but if that is the case to loose more numbers we will have to submit. Let me know if this helps (:
Good Luck!
FIFI0 -
It sounds like you need to eat more. You eat 1600 cals per day is that net calories after eating exercise cals back or no? I weigh less than you and eat about 1900-2000 cals a day and I'm losing weight. Try going to scooby doo fitness calculator to figure out your cal goal and add your activity level. I've been using their calorie recommendation and it's been working for me. Good luck.
P.S. You're seeing changes in your body which is awesome. I've only lost about 10lbs in 4 months. However, people are seeing changes in my body and my tummy is getting smaller. The scale isn't an accurate reflection of the changes taking place in your body. Take pics and measure yourself.
I agree with this 100% and I WAS in your same boat. I exercise 6x a week and I work hard. Scale wasn't moving. I started eating 6 small meals a day, increased my water intake to 128 ounces minimum and I increased my calories per day. I lost weight 2 consecutive weeks in a row immediately. I can see my body changing.
Resources that have helped me:
1. Calculating my BMR and TDEE - http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/
2. Learning the importance of eating enough
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYi9xjIRvbY
3. Making the actual changes and sticking to them
4. Having tons of support and asking questions of others
5. Following Eat More to Weigh Less on Facebook (and there is a thread about it within the MFP Message boards)
Don't be discouraged for too long, girl. Be pissed and let it go. Make changes and you will see results!!0
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