So discouraged

I agree with the sodium counts. Your initial loss was probably water weight and your gain is probably water weight.

Stay hydrated and watch your sodium intake.

If I go over 3000 mg, I am sure to gain a pound or five.

@sophie I am watching my calories, or did you not look at my diary. I don't get to sync my fitbit but I log all my food as I eat it. MFP shows that I never go over my calorie goal.

And that is the problem! I checked your diary and most days you don't eat enough. Below goal? That's a MFP myth, that you'll be doing better if you eat under. Just because they mention it on your news feed, it doesn't mean it's good. You're starving your body and it's coming back to hit you straight in the face Eat what you are supposed to eat. You're already at a deficit, respect your body. Also, try maybe less processed things. Most of your meals seem to be ready made. Cook a bit? Make it fun Best of luck!

I don't think that you need to eat more. Even if there were such a thing as "starvation mode," you look like you are always above 1200. It's hard to lose weight eating at restaurants a lot. Once in awhile is fine, but nearly every day makes it hard, unless you do subway or a salad bar and are careful of the dressing.

I only looked at a few days of your diary, but I didn't see many fresh fruits or vegetables. I try to eat some of them every day, even though they aren't my favorite, just because they help fill me up, and also they don't have sodium....which will make you gain water weight.

I'd say the most important piece of advice i have is ALWAYS EAT BACK YOUR EXERCISE CALORIES. I know this sounds silly, and it took me a long long time to listen to folks but you need to have a NET OF AT LEAST 1200 CALORIES or your metabolism drops like crazy.

That means that if you eat 1,440 calories but burned an extra 300, you were below 1200 NET (1440 - 300 = 1140)

It seems you're usually right over the 1200 mark but maybe you're over counting your calories?

I just know there have been times when I was super close to my 1200 every day and didn't loose anything - i added another 100-200 calories a day and I was golden.

Also, I swear by water.

but don't get discouraged! i'm sure you'll get there!

Don’t be discouraged changing unhealthy eating habits can be difficult and is a work in progress. I encourage you to try new exercises; aquatic aerobics burns lots of calories, a fitness class and bike riding. If you use work out DVD’s mix them up if you have difficult workouts also have easier ones. I use walk away the pounds 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 miles walk it’s my go to video. If I am tired I can push through and does a 3-4 mile walk.
If you have any stresses find a positive outlet for them; if you can build a support system to help you in this journey. Love yourself today in the body you’re in today stay in the fight. Remember you’re a worthwhile person whether you a size 6 or size 36 don’t let your size define you. Weight loss should be about getting healthy and feeling better. Good Luck……

Have you tried adding watermelon and cantaloupe to your meals? I think they are sort of secret weapons. You can eat a lot and get real full for very few calories, but lots of fiber and vitamins! Maybe also try drinking lots of water. I need to be better at the water myself. But it's easy does it, one day at the time for all of us who struggle. Don't get discouraged! Just decide that you are glad to be eating more healthy foods and being more active. Those are great changes!!!

I have to watch sugar intake because I'm diabetic. In order to incorporate more fruits and veggies into my 'diet' (i hate that word) I researched filling fruits with low sugar content. Answer? Berries. Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries etc. For example, a medium strawberry has only 4 calories. A favorite snack is low fat greek yogurt with those three berries I mix in (real berries, not the fruit-in-bottom types of yogurts). Tastes so yummy and very good for me but low calorie. If I need to add calories I use Honey flavor greek yogurt instead of plain with a no calorie sweetner. This little snack fills me up, the yogurt = protein, and I get great benefits from the fruit i.e. antioxidents from the blueberries. With your milk allergy I don't know if this combo will work for you, but at the very least, you can eat small handfulls of these fruits. Keep some in baggies in the fridge and then when you have to go out, you'll have a great snack to take with you that both you and your son can enjoy that will be much healthier.

I also ate fried chicken a lot at buffets and there are better items in a buffet. You just have to eat them. Baked chicken is a start. Fish is great for you, etc.

I also agree with tossing your scale. (personal scale, not food scale as someone else mentioned). It is much easier on the mind if you don't focus on lbs but focus on how you feel and how your clothes fit. Add in some strength training (you can do this with just your body weight) and you'll feel better.

For the confusion on whether or not to eat back your exercise calories, it depends on what method you use. There's tons of links in here already on what the differences are between the MFP method (eating back your calories) and the TDEE method (calculating calories based on activity lvl and then eating that amount of calories every day regardless of whether or not you work out). It took me a long time to wrap my head around 'eat more to lose' too. It works though. Think of it this way, the more you burn the more fuel you need.

Good luck on your journey and don't get discouraged by the scale. It really isn't anyone's friend. Mostly it's just an evil minion playing mindgames with you to sabotage your goals. :flowerforyou: