Weight Loss Plateau?.. Or so I think

onedayatatime12
onedayatatime12 Posts: 577 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
So I was at 150 lbs a few months ago, after modification of my lifestyle, I'm now down to 131.2 lbs this week. Last week, I was 131.6 (and that was after I hit a plateau). But, I think it may have been because I exercised less this past week, even though I consumed less calories to accommodate for the lack of exercise? o.0 Or is that not possible?

Thing is, I'm seeing loss in inches, but I'm not going down much in numbers, and I want both!

I've always been 120ish pounds at my ideal weight, and I never had to put in any effort to keeping there- but I STILL had a belly then! :/

So now I want to go back to being a 120ish pound girl with a more toned, lean body.

Should I do more weights (3-4x a week) and tone down on the cardio? I want to get down to that weight consistently, and I want to see a difference in my body, which lately I haven't been. So advice on how to restructure my caloric/exercise regimen? Thank you. :)

Oh by the way I'm 5'8".

Replies

  • onedayatatime12
    onedayatatime12 Posts: 577 Member
    Bit of help on this one please? Haha :tongue:
  • diannethegeek
    diannethegeek Posts: 14,776 Member
    There are a lot of things that could be going on here and I'm no expert, but I'll tackle a few of them.

    First, you're at an age where you may have undergone a late growth spurt. It's possible that your goal weight is just not attainable anymore and you may need to think about body composition above and beyond the number on the scale.

    Second, your diary is closed. Weight loss and body composition is 80% about the diet. How much are you eating?

    Third, has it only been a couple of weeks with no change? That could easily be water weight caused by sodium, stress, hormones, exercise, etc. Our bodies hold onto water for a number of ridiculous reasons and that could be masking any fat loss that's happening.

    More weights, less cardio, and a reasonable caloric deficit are all good ideas. But be prepared for a long fight. Even if you can get down to your goal weight you're down to the last few pounds to lose. Your body won't let them go easily and it may take a while before you see results at this stage.
  • BaconMD
    BaconMD Posts: 1,165 Member
    You're 5'8" and you're worried about being 131lbs?

    Stop focusing on the number on the scale, and worry only about being healthy and fit - how you feel is far more important than a few digits, especially when you're already a normal weight for your height.
  • csalata
    csalata Posts: 13 Member
    I agree with Bacon MD...Your weight is ideal for your height. More weights build muscle (don't worry you won't bulk up) and in return burns fat. Pilates is ideal for a toned and lean body. Good Luck on your journey!
  • onedayatatime12
    onedayatatime12 Posts: 577 Member
    Thank you for the responses everyone!

    And yes, I had a late growth spurt- it was only two to three years ago. I used to have 35-45-20 Carb-Protein-Fat, but once I reached a plateau I switched over to 45-35-20 carb-protein-fat. I will lift more for sure, and do bodyweight exercises to tone the rest. I'll also cut back on cardio! I'm definitely not worried about bulking up-that's not like my body type- I just want to feel better (I want to be long and lean like I used to be, but this time, with a trimmer waistline).

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