What am I doing wrong? :(

I am just guessing but would say you are not eating enough. but I am no expert.

The way I'm going about it is by eating about half of the calories that I burn-- that way I feel that there is a calorie deficit but im still refueling my body. Another thing that really helps is setting mini-goals, having your long term goal of 30 lbs is great-- but I set goals like I will try to run 15 miles this week, or I will try to go for a 20 minute walk after each meal... It keeps the fact that I'm dieting more entertaining, i suppose.

I've been on MFP for 50 days now and I'm a bigger girl. If I do not eat my exercise calories... all of them, I don't lose weight. It took me awhile to figure this out but through trial and error I figured it out. Also, I do not lose weight eating 1200 cals/day no matter if I eat my exercise calories or not. I aim for about 1450/day and I lose... play around with it and see what works for your body. Use MFP as a guide.

One thing I noticed you stated in your comment is that you're eating 1200 calories per day or less. You should never go below 1200 calories per day, even if you don't exercise for that day. Your body can go into starvation mode. Also, the more you exercise, the more fuel your body requires. One of the reasons for exercise is to increase your metabolism to loose weight. So, yes, eat at least some of your exercise calories, because as previously stated, the more you exercise, the more calories you need to fuel the body.

And, like one of the other bloggers stated, go back to one pound per week. You have a better chance at keeping it off that way.

Good luck and don't get discouraged. I can go weeks without loosing a pound, then all of a sudden start loosing again. So hang in there and stay strong.

I know its disheartening and annoying to see the numbers climb/stay the same (and it always bugs me too and I'm used to it!!), but weighing is a bit like that. Here are some reasons why your body will show a gain:

you ate a salty (sodium) meal
you ate something processed (which is the salt/carb also)
you are due!
you are ovulating
you drank alcohol
your body is in starvation mode
you are constipated
you ate more carbs than you burned (carbs not used as energy gets stored as glycogen in the muscles with 3 parts water, thats what happens before it gets stored as fat, or released as energy)
your muscles are 'pumped' from exercise

That's all I can think of immediately, but sure there are more.....

Basically the body is 70% water so its weight fluctuates a LOT!!

Don't worry, it will regulate itself and you will begin to show permanent figures. Right now, your body is just getting used to the new regime so its all over the place.

Personally, I would stick with it for a couple more weeks. I dont really agree that 1200 cals isnt enough, but we are all different and our bodies react differently; everyone needs to experiment for themselves. Consistency and patienceis the key :drinker: 2 weeks is not enough time to assess your body, you need more like 2 months, but at least a month!

Oh! And you should measure too!! AND keep trying on a pair of jeans that are tight on you. Just to reassure you when the scales are being a B****!!

Good luck

I eat 8 to 10 small meals a day high in protein low in fat an salt and about 3 to 4 protein shakes mostly water and 2 cups of coffee in the morining.

When I'm training to get down to under 10% body fat it's 6 to 8 protein shakes and I up my protein intake and depending on how hard the workout is I eat 12 times a day. Our bodys have not caught up to the times and we store Carbs and fat, you have to train your body not to store, if your not hungry you'll burn more.

Stay healthy

Thanks for all the great advice! I think I am going to try a couple different things and see what happens. I am gonna try to stay postive and keep trudging along!

YAY!! That's a brilliant attitude hun. Weight loss is nothing but a roller coaster ride, I dont know anyone that sails plainly on this sea! The main thing is you stay aboard and ride the waves...........:bigsmile: :laugh: :flowerforyou:

Now your talking this sailors language Don't forget all the great ports visits

totally agree with all the other posts! Lots of wise advise. The way you spend your calories is really important. and eating enough which is what they all have said. You can't work your body to death and starve it and expect to lose weight. You've got to trick it in to thinking it isn't starving and that things are ok. THEN, you got to be a bit patient with it as it is all science and sometimes, even at age 21, things can get in the way! PATIENCE and PERSISTANCE is the key to losing your weight. Remember it's a lifestyle NOT a quick fix! Best wishes!