I can't figure out the magic number...

So here is my journey so far. I started logging...really logging in November. I had figured out my TDEE was 2045, and with the deficit I should have been at around1600. I had eaten 1200 calories forever. I started slowly upping my calories...to 1400...then to 1600...then to 1800 and eventually by February I was at 2000. I had started the NROLFW, and was lifting 3 times a week. About a month ago, I decreased my calories to 1600 again, and life got busy, so because I was unable to get to the gym as often, I started working out at home to you tube videos...doing 30 -40 minutes a day 4 times a week. (Jillian Michaels, etc.) Through all of this my weight has remained mostly the same. I have fluctuated within 5 pounds, but never went below 130. My measurements dropped slightly...half an inch in waist, half an inch in hips.

I am so beyond frustrated to say the least. I cannot for the life of me figure out my "magic numbers". I eat relatively clean...log everything, and drink only water...all the time. I occasionally will have a glass of wine..but I always log it. I hate that I have to track every piece of food I put into my mouth, just to have no results. It's not worth it. I don't want to live like this. It's excruciating. There has to be a better way to live "normally". Eat what I want on certain days, and not have to worry. Does anybody have any suggestions? I am seriously open to just about anything at this point. I just want to lose 15-20 pounds. I want to feel better in my body, and want to wear shorts for the first time in 6 years this summer without feeling gross.

What am I missing? I feel like I should have shown some progress at this point...right?

Replies

  • Live4theLift
    Live4theLift Posts: 329
    Inches = progress. If you can't figure out something that will work for you try IF. Seems to do wonders for some and there are different variations so you can chose what works best for you.
  • justjenny
    justjenny Posts: 529 Member
    Sorry to sound dumb...but what is IF?
  • nenyo999
    nenyo999 Posts: 21
    IF=Intermittent Fasting. I think there's a group for it here. Search for it and all the best!
  • justjenny
    justjenny Posts: 529 Member
    Thanks. I'll look into it.
  • mycupyourcake
    mycupyourcake Posts: 279 Member
    Inches = progress. If you can't figure out something that will work for you try IF. Seems to do wonders for some and there are different variations so you can chose what works best for you.

    Does IF work b/c it cuts calories or is there something else that happens metabolically or hormonally?Anybody know?

    Jenny look up leangains.com also marksdailyapple.com

    Most people who do IF follow the paleo way of eating.