Where am I going wrong

lorraines123 · July 2010

Hi Girls,

Im really down in the dumps... ive been eating really well for the past 3 weeks, walking 50 minutes a day, going to the gym 3 times a week and just got weighed yesterday and I only lost 3 lbs in 3 weeks... im really losing the motiviation now... where am I going wrong guys. My eating habits have totally changed and im so so disappointed...

schnarfo · July 2010

dont be disappointed - you have started to lose so your on your way! have you checked that you have entered all your activities into MFP and eaten some of those calories? Is your normal daily activity level set to the right level? Doesnt really matter seen as though you are losing. It took me 4 months to lose 16lbs so dont stress, youll get there

StuAblett · July 2010

I hear you, but this kind of thing happens from time to time. When I get in a rut, or hit a flat spot like this, I try to do something to kind of bump start my progress again. I cycle, so I'll plan a really long ride etc to get me going.

A couple of things, are you checking your BMI? The scale we have at home calculates it when I weigh myself, and recently my weight was stuck too, for about a week, no weight lose, and I am on a 1500 calorie a day diet that I do stick to (Thanks MFP!) and I cycle a lot so I was having similar problems, but then I noticed that while my weight had not changed, my BMI had gone down.

The only other thing I can think of is are you drinking enough water? I find when it is HOT and HUMID out like now (I live in Tokyo Japan) I need to seriously increase my intake of water.

Stick with it and hang in there, you are doing everything right, you body just has to catch up with you!

Cheers!

sharonuk10 · July 2010

3 pounds in 3 weeks is right.. 1 pound a week is a good way to lose weight. If you take it of slowly it will stay off. So don't lose hope. You are doing a great job!!!

beautyqueen1979 · July 2010

First of all - great job on three weeks worth of walking, going to the gym and most importantly seeing a change in your eating habits!:flowerforyou:

Sometimes weight isnt the best indicator of how much yo are losing. You may have started to put on muscle weight because of all the exercising, but are losing 'fat' weight - but this doesn't show up on scales. Have you thought about tracking your measurements? I track everything - legs, hips, waist, arms etc and I am only measuring these once a month to see inches lost, rather than solely relying on weight.

Also, the less you have to lose, the longer it can take to lose it. HOWEVER! I would say that 3lbs in 3 weeks is pretty average for a good, controlled weight loss that you will be able to keep off. I personally am aiming for 1lb a week on average and I am trying to lose 60lbs.

Other folks who have been on their journey here at MFP may be able to offer you more seasoned advice

You have done really well - just think of all the positive changes you have made in your life in the last three weeks. You will do it! Keep it up and you will get there! :flowerforyou:

sifu33 · July 2010

Ur on right track, I posted last week, that altho I had put on a lb in a week, Id actually lost 2" off my body. So the scales are not the best indicator of losing weight. Stay on track, take heart from the support you receive here and keep motivated, The way I see it, even if you lost nothing more, at least you are eating better and have a healthier lifestyle, these things are very important.

lorraines123 · July 2010

Thanks so much guys you've really lifted my spirits... I think I may not be drinking enough water, I live in Ireland so the weather aint hot... though we havent had a bad summer... I have lost inches everywhere put I think im concentrating so much on the scales, it may be true what they say, scales are for FISH....

Cheers guys xx

baggins706 · July 2010

1. Exercise with more intensity or exercise harder

For example - If you can't lose weight walking at 3 mph then try walking faster at 3.5 mph or try walking up a hill to increase intensity.

2. Do a different exercise at least every 3 weeks...

If you've been doing the same exercise everyday - then over time... YOU & YOUR body will get used to the same exercise you're doing and you'll burn less calories making you lose less weight.

3. Do your exercises longer

Basically - If you're not losing weight anymore by walking for 30 minutes... Then you need to start walking for 45 minutes

4. Do your exercises more often

Basically - If you're walking 2 times a week and not losing weight... Then you need to start walking 3-to-5 times a week or walk everyday and another way you can break out of your weight loss plateau is to...

5. Workout twice a day

If you have time... You can workout twice a day to increase your metabolism by working out in the morning on an empty stomach to burn more fat and then working out again in the evening!

6- Try switching up your meals as well your foods and fitness routine, it keeps the body wondering and allows for a more steady weight loss

SHBoss1673 · July 2010

set your expectations.

first things first, with 8 lbs to lose, any loss you see in 1 week will be extremely small, you just don't have the body fat reserves to have big losses.

Second, make sure your deficit is small, 1/2 lb a week should be about it.

Third, have patience, for someone without a lot to lose, you have to give your body time to change, 1 week isn't enough, heck, 1 month is really short at that point.

And lastly, while exercise is a very good thing, and a requirement for a healthy body, it's not the reason you will lose weight. Think of exercise as a helper for weight loss. Sort of like a vitamin supplement is for meeting your nutrient needs. Your eating habits and calories will be the major way you lose weight, especially when you have so little to lose. Stick with it dear, you'll get there, but it will take time, and patience.

-Banks

IsMollyReallyHungry · July 2010

You are doing really great for your size! 3 pounds in 3 weeks is 1 pound a week. That is what is recommended actually. The chances of keeping it off is better. Chin up you are doing really good! Keep up the good work!:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

mandikaye · July 2010

Have you taken your measurements? Sometimes your measurements will go down but your weight won't go down so much when you first start because you're building more muscle.

antiadipose · July 2010

like everyone said, 3lbs in 3 wks sounds GREAT!
if u lose weight fast, it wont be long before u hit a plateau AND it could creep back on u!
1lb a week is great.

maybe try to extend ur walk?!
but seriously, stop stressing! cheer up! UR ON UR WAY!

congrats.

Behavior_Modification · July 2010

I don't think you have anything to be disappointed about. 3lbs in 3 weeks is not something to overlook. It also is not just about the scale. The scale is just one measuring tool you should have for yourself. But think about how you FEEL now compared to how you felt 3 weeks ago too. Personally, I struggle big time with the scale. It can be very unmotivating when the scale doesn't tell you what you feel you deserve to see, but you are doing exactly what you are supposed to be doing to gain a healthier life and that is wonderful! Stay good to yourself, you're doing a great job!

lesley1981 · July 2010

I'd be stoked if I lost 3lbs in 3 weeks

I'm in Ireland too, and admittedly, the weather is pants and wlking in the pouring rain isn't really that nice.... I have jit a plateau recently, but I've been taking my measurements and I'm losing inches rather than lbs :bigsmile: you should try it... you could be very surprised

Where am I going wrong

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