I would love some thoughts on this please

Laurenluv
Laurenluv Posts: 43
in Health and Weight Loss
Hi everyone,

I have been overweight since I was 6, not hugely overweight but I've been up and down. My highest weight was 200 lbs and now I am 170. I have been between 160 and 170 for years now. I was on weight watchers for a while and now I am here. I am having a very hard time losing even one pound! I eat my 1200 cals a day which consists of healthy foods and a few treats here and there. I exercise daily, about 30-50 min of moderate cardio a day. I stop myself from snacking at night and drink water or tea instead. Both my husband and mom have been surprised at how it is just not coming off as I am really trying hard. I watch these inspirational videos and look at progress pictures of people who have been successful and I just get disappointed in myself as it is just not happening for me.

Sometimes you need another set of eyes to look at your situation and point out what changes should be made. I'm thinking it's something that I cannot see. I guess I am asking if anyone has ever been in the same boat and somehow found something that worked?

As of right now I feel discouraged because it's hard work, and when there is no payoff, it gets frustrating really fast.

Thanks to all who read this and respond.

Take care!
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Replies

  • agonzalez1112
    agonzalez1112 Posts: 6
    You should have blood work done to see if you have a thyroid condition. My friend had the same issue and it was her thyroid.
  • DancingMoosie
    DancingMoosie Posts: 8,619 Member
    Open your diary so we can see what you are eating and what type of workouts you are doing:)
  • boatsie77
    boatsie77 Posts: 480 Member
    open your food diary
  • CooperSprings
    CooperSprings Posts: 754 Member
    You could try really stepping up your work out routine. Also, I agree with the thyroid thing.
    A long time ago my doctor told me that with my body type she wouldn't want me being less than 160.
    Maybe you're most healthy at the weight that you've stayed at?
    Just talk to your doctor. They'll definitely have the best advice. =]
  • Laurenluv
    Laurenluv Posts: 43
    Thanks everyone, I did recently have blood work done and my thyroid is fine. How do I open my food journal?
  • Vorenus85
    Vorenus85 Posts: 112 Member
    Thanks everyone, I did recently have blood work done and my thyroid is fine. How do I open my food journal?

    Go to Settings>Diary Settings and set your diary sharing to public.
  • PepperWorm
    PepperWorm Posts: 1,206
    How tall are you? What kind of job do you have? What's your activity level like?
  • ryry_
    ryry_ Posts: 4,966 Member
    Questions.

    How long eating at 1200 a day?
    How long to get from 200 to 170?
    Do you weigh your food or guestimate?
    Do you have a cheat day/meal where you don't log and eat whatever? If so, how often.
    Are you doing a strength training routine?
    How many days a week of cardio?
    Is your diary now open?
  • Chokis
    Chokis Posts: 131
    1200 calories is not enough for your body weight and for the amount of workouts you do. Sorry, but yes, you need to eat more!
    The standard advice here would be to figure out your calories: TDEE - 20%.
    http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/
    There are plenty of other calculators on the internet.
  • carmenteacher
    carmenteacher Posts: 3
    You might want to speak with a dietitian or your doctor and see if you are eating enough calories to meet your body's needs and to lose weight. Also do you do any type of strength or interval training. It can really transform your body.
  • Helloitsdan
    Helloitsdan Posts: 5,564 Member
    >>>>>IMPORTANT!!! To get your numbers right please visit---> http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/974889-in-place-of-a-road-map-short-n-sweet<---read the instructions. I lay everything out to help you have a true fat burning diet.<<<<<<<

    Feel free to PM me if you need any help.
  • AlongCame_Molly
    AlongCame_Molly Posts: 2,835 Member
    1200 calories is not enough for your body weight and for the amount of workouts you do. Sorry, but yes, you need to eat more!
    The standard advice here would be to figure out your calories: TDEE - 20%.
    http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/
    There are plenty of other calculators on the internet.

    this. You are not eating enough.

    I suggest eating 10-20% below your TDEE, scaling back a little on the cardio and incorporating some strength training into your exercise.
  • IrishSandy
    IrishSandy Posts: 10
    When my progress stalled, my doctor told me to add strength training. It didn't make sense to me, but I did, and things started moving again. Best wishes.
  • MyChocolateDiet
    MyChocolateDiet Posts: 22,281 Member
    I'm just here for the hat. When you figure this out, and get to goal weight OP and it's too big for you... can you mail it to me? I'd love to wear that around town so people can stop thinking I'm from some exotic place befriending me and then acting like I tricked them into being my friend.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
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  • urgravity01
    urgravity01 Posts: 14
    Hello,

    If you want to get your weight loss goal then try to use the best Weight Loss meal plans that are most effective for you. Running and cycling are the best ways to lose weight. If you start running then you see effective results after a short period of time. Cycling is also best for you to lose weight.

    Thanks and Regards,
    Ashley
  • Laurenluv
    Laurenluv Posts: 43
    thank you for your replies. I do not have a strength training routine, I would like to but don't really know how to go about finding one. I am 5'6 to answer another question. As for the 1200 cals being too little, if I eat more, I will gain, simple as that. I think my metabolism is crap and eating more is not going to help me lose. I get the logic, but I think that some people are different, and from what I have experienced, for me to lose weight, I definitely cannot up my food intake.

    I will open my food journal for people to take a look and give me some constructive criticism on. I really do appreciate you all taking the time to reply.
  • mimieon
    mimieon Posts: 182 Member
    Maybe eating so little calories for your height and weight has damaged your metabolism. You could get your BMR professionally tested, to see whats up, and perhaps find a good endocrinologist that can help look at how to improve your metabolism. It also may be worthwile to start strength training to boost your metabolism.
  • Chokis
    Chokis Posts: 131
    It will take some time for your body to boost your metabolism. Yes, you've damaged it by eating so little, but it's never too late to make it better.
    I don't know how can anyone survive on 1200 calories a day. Especially if you're going to start adding strength training! Eat MORE, for goodness sake!
    What is your height and your age?
    Have you even tried figuring out your TDEE with one of those calculators? What number does it say you should be eating?


    I don't know your age, but I plugged in the rest of the numbers (weight, height, sex) in the calculator and I put age 35 (not sure if it's close or not). Just your BMR is 1534. That's the calories your body needs just to breathe, brain to work, heart to pump blood, etc. You're eating WAY BELOW your BMR. You need to start eating more ASAP! No wonder you're not losing weight.
    You should be eating around 1800-1900 calories a day (when you work out).
  • amyloutoyou
    amyloutoyou Posts: 37 Member
    I just came back to sane eating and exercise. I find that the fitbit really helps me be honest about my exercise and it integrates with MFP. You are not that far from your goal weight and those pounds come off slowly.
  • getting_fit86
    getting_fit86 Posts: 128 Member
    I would definitely consider getting your thyroid checked out.
  • janinealfke
    janinealfke Posts: 93
    Hi,

    I have had weight loss surgery and have learned a ton about nutrition in the last year. In that diet you are on how many grams of carbs are you ingesting in a day? It should be under 100g for a normal person (which I am not...I have to eat 30g of carbs or less) Carbs turn to sugar, sugar makes your body produce insulin and then you are hungry again. I eat a high protein, low carb diet. Maybe it's your carbs?? I don't see anything else you're doing wrong. 1200 calories with exercise should be good enough. Do you have a thyroid issue? or PCOS? Those things can create problems losing weight for people. I have hypothyroid and until it was in balance losing was hard for me too. PCOS makes it tough. I know a lot of people who have issues there too. As your medical doctor for a referral to a nutritionist or talk to a trainer at the gym....If it's not carbs, I am clueless....sounds like you are doing everything right!!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, AND BEST OF LUCK!!!

    Janine Alfke
  • bacitracin
    bacitracin Posts: 921 Member
    resistaaaaaance.
  • Banya7
    Banya7 Posts: 11 Member
    Its possible you're at a plateau also. Those are hard to overcome but not impossible. You need to shock your system. Try new workouts. More intense. Adding strength training. Maybe smaller meals more frequently. Like every 3 hours?

    It'll happen. Don't get discouraged!!:wink:
  • Chokis
    Chokis Posts: 131
    I don't know your age, but I plugged in the rest of the numbers (weight, height, sex) in the calculator and I put age 35 (not sure if it's close or not). Just your BMR is 1534. That's the calories your body needs just to breathe, brain to work, heart to pump blood, etc. You're eating WAY BELOW your BMR. You need to start eating more ASAP! No wonder you're not losing weight.
    You should be eating around 1800-1900 calories a day (when you work out).
  • jmadams111
    jmadams111 Posts: 145 Member
    If your metabolism "thinks" you are starving at1200 calories it needs to kick started:
    1 - weight training routines can be googled on the internet, or somthing as simple as push ups, sit ups squats and chin ups will help.
    2 - eat right before or after eating
    3 - eat spicy foods
  • sparkyiz
    sparkyiz Posts: 1 Member
    Lauren,
    I was in the same boat as you a decade ago. I went from 185 to 160 in 6 months before plateauing. It took another 6 months to reach 150 and 9 more months to reach my ideal of 140. (I'm also 5'6"). I fluctuate those last 10 lbs. more than I care to admit, but I'm human.
    It sounds like you need some strength training. Muscle burns more calories than fat. If you have access to an RD, go see one. Lots of grocery store chains have them. Make sure you're getting the right ratio of carbs, fats, & protein. Fat burns in a carbohydrate flame.
    You also might need to kick your workout up a notch. Try some interval training first thing in the morning, like jumping jacks for a minute followed by an 8-16 rep set of some light weight training. 7 minutes of this in addition to your regular routine can make a world of difference in kicking up your metabolism.

    Also, make sure you're not underestimating your food intake. Use an inexpensive food scale for at least a week to get a grasp of true portion size. Also, try using the salad plate instead of the dinner plate.
  • msladydove
    msladydove Posts: 33 Member
    I would suggest going to the doctor and let them do some blood work just to be sure that there are no serious conditions going on. This would help you to find out what kind of diet that would best suit YOUR needs. I have a thyroid problem and cholestrol problem amongst some other health issues so I am having to little by little put in place a tailored diet and excerise program just for me. Above all, I have found it less frustrating when I have stopped trying to do what everyone else is doing on their diets and excersize programs because I can only do what my health and body injuries allows me to do. I have a healing hip from a hairline fracture and a pin in my left knee that I have to consider too, so trying to keep up with everyone else can ctually bring mre harm to my health and body...... So I suggest the same for you by visiting your doctor first before seriously dedicating yourself to weight loss. Hope this helps :)
  • adugam52
    adugam52 Posts: 1
    I would say look at your salt intake, how much water you are drinking (are you drinking enough) and also as far as exercise try muscle confusion. Don't do just one type of exercise on the same days each week. For example if you are on the treadmill every day, try spin class one day, pilates or yoga another day and then run or use the eliptical another day. Sounds like your body wants to stay at a set point so trying this may shake things up a little bit. Good luck!
  • cebreisch
    cebreisch Posts: 1,340 Member
    I'm currently at 250, and started at 376. I have been overweight my entire life as well. I'm actually logging things on MFP, and then converting that info to WW points, and it's worked (except for the last 3 months when I was recovering from surgery, going on vacation, and had a brain spasm).

    I've found that when my weight's not coming off like I want it to (or expecting it to) it's usually because I'm not "being real" about my logging (or being to lax about it) and what I'm really having to eat. I tell myself I need to log "down to the condiments".

    The other thing I've realized is that it also happens when I start having "crap" food like fried food or I've quit having healthy snacks or lean/healthy proteins - the "quality" foods. Also, make sure your Macros/TDEE are within the range for your height and weight....1200 calories might be too low.

    Further, at least with me anyway, it's been more about what I've put in my body than what I do with my body. Meaning, what you eat is more important than the exercise. Exercise is great, and it helps you get toned and be healthy - yes. However, it's like putting cheap gas in your car and it starts knocking until you put better gas in it. I once put Chevron gas in my car. The car started knocking and when the weather turned cold overnight, the gas line froze. I had been using either BP or Shell....and never had those issues when I put gas in from one of those places. (Not trying to put down Chevron - just relaying an experience I had.)

    Someone suggested going to a doctor and getting bloodwork done. That might not be a bad idea. There are lots of things that can interfere with weight loss efforts. Hormones, insulin resistance, thyroid...just to name a few.

    It is hard work, and it is VERY frustrating. AND it takes time. Stick with it. You'll get there!

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