Help! what am I doing wrong?

I have been counting my calories for 6 weeks now and started exercising about 5 times a week doing cardio for 30 minutes, I am doing some strength training and yoga in addition to that. I am at a desk all day so I am sedentary but working on moving around more during the day, my job is stressful but I feel that I have made a huge improvement not to turn to food as comfort, I stay under my calories everyday and the first week I lost around 10 pounds but since then I am bouncing back and forth between 3 and 6 pounds so I've lost a total of 13 pounds as of right now. I'm not giving up, I want to be healthier but I have a lot of weight to lose and would appreciate any advice anyone can give me as to what I might be doing wrong!

Replies

  • ladynocturne
    ladynocturne Posts: 865 Member
    Height , weight, and age?

    How many calories are you eating?

    How many calories are you typically burning exercising?

    What is your food diary pin number?
  • KarenisPaleo
    KarenisPaleo Posts: 169 Member
    Your diary is "locked with a key"

    We have no idea what you're eating.
  • nomeejerome
    nomeejerome Posts: 2,616 Member
    Maybe overestimating? Holding onto water because you started exercising? People are going to need more information to give you appropriate suggestions.
  • doc0c
    doc0c Posts: 3
    Generally, weight loss is not "rapid", especially when exercising.
    The first pounds that dropped off are probably water weight, and now you're seeing a more "normal" downward fluctuation in weight.
    Normal people, doing normal things, do not lose weight like the contestants on Biggest Loser.
    Setting realistic goals is key in the journey. I am guilty of wanting my weight to drop off overnight, but there is no such thing as a magic weight-loss pill.

    Now, if I may add another suggestion, instead of looking at the numbers on the scale, would you be willing to take body fat measurements instead? Usually that number is the one that tells the story. The scale has no idea if your x amount of pounds is muscle, fat, or air ;)
  • alhb1017
    alhb1017 Posts: 11 Member
    Ok I unlocked my diary for anyone who wants to see it. I am eating between 1200 and 1400 calories a day. I was doing the couch to 5k and I really enjoyed jogging but have hurt my foot and leg and my doctor suggested I not run at all anymore at my weight which at the time was about 305. So now I am doing the biggest loser cardio workout which has 3 levels of cardio about 5 times a week.
  • T0FatToB3S1ck
    T0FatToB3S1ck Posts: 192 Member
    Bump for later. Same problem.
  • lawkat
    lawkat Posts: 538 Member
    First of all, people are probably going to tell you to eat more. Second, there is a lot of processed foods. I see little to no fruits and vegetables. I can't imagine that would really fill you up. You don't have to eat salads all the time, but try adding in some salads and a variety of fruits. Nuts are also a great source of good fats, but have them in moderation. The magazine Cooking Light is a great source for low calorie recipes that taste good.
  • First off...DON'T GIVE UP!! If this is a minor set back let it be just that a minor set back. Your body may be in "starvation mode" if you are not eating enough. Eat the recommended calories per day so you body has fuel to function. Not eating the necessary calories will make your body think 'I don't know when the next fuel is coming so I better hang on to this.' If you have begun weight training, however minimal, you are gaining muscles and turning the fat you are burning into muscle so that's a good thing. Just don't give up, look toward the end goal and pay more attention to your clothing getting more loose fitting and not so much the beastly number on the scale.
  • mamacita721
    mamacita721 Posts: 194 Member
    How are you calculating your calories burned? If you are using the MFP calculator you may be over estimating your burn. Get a heart rate monitor it will give you a more accurate result.

    Also, good job on logging everything even if it is not the best, most healthy choice. You are holding yourself accountable. Try to lose some of the high sodium, processed foods. Add more veggies and whole grains and healthy fats.

    Be patient. Keep doing the next right thing and you will see results.

    Good luck.
  • jetlag
    jetlag Posts: 800 Member
    You've lost 13 lbs in 6 weeks and want to know what you're doing wrong??
  • DeeC01
    DeeC01 Posts: 70 Member
    13lbs in 6 weeks is amazing progress.
  • tartsul
    tartsul Posts: 298 Member
    in addition to what others are saying, i'd say get a food scale and measure EVERYTHING. when i got mine, i was amazed at how horrible i was at estimating portion sizes. plus it can really come in handy for measuring things like uncooked pasta, avocado, etc, which really add up fast if you estimate incorrectly.
    besides a food scale, use measuring cups and spoons as well. i was shocked when i actually measured out 1/2 c of rice.

    and try cooking more foods for yourself, don't just eat packaged/processed foods. that way, you have way more control of what goes into your food. someone mentioned cooking light as a source of tasty, healthier recipes. i totally agree!
  • dnunny70
    dnunny70 Posts: 411 Member
    I've been doing this for 45 days and I've lost almost 10 lbs. My problem is I know one week is a lose, the next a gain...just how my body cycles. I'm 276 and eat 1880 calories, you might be eating too little.
  • alhb1017
    alhb1017 Posts: 11 Member
    Thank you so much for all your advice! Maybe I am just expecting too much as far as how much I should should've lost. I definitely will start doing the things you all have suggested.
  • dnunny70
    dnunny70 Posts: 411 Member
    I've been doing this for 45 days and I've lost almost 10 lbs. My problem is I know one week is a lose, the next a gain...just how my body cycles. I'm 276 and eat 1880 calories, you might be eating too little.
  • sarahrbraun
    sarahrbraun Posts: 2,261 Member
    you may not be doing anything *wrong*.

    I haven't lost anything in about 6 months, but my body composition has changed quite a bit. My legs aren't super defined, but I have obvious quads and hamstrings with very little jiggle. My arms and shoulders have some really nice definition.
  • I suggest taking measurements, and not using the scale at all. Scales are misleading, but keeping a record of inches lost can be better encouragement to keep going.
  • sharleengc
    sharleengc Posts: 792 Member
    I agree with the food scale. I thought I was pretty close when I was guessing but I was WAY off! What you think is a 4oz serving is probably double that.

    An HRM is great too. I've discovered that if I keep my workouts around 20 mins, MFP is fairly accurate guess. But the longer I workout, the farther apart MFP gets from my HRM. So, I use MFP in a pinch but HRM is much more accurate.

    Also, I think you should probably eat more. At you're weight and height is unrealistic. I don't think that's even enough to cover what you burn in a day by just being. So, I'd definitely up that a bit.
  • ahavoc
    ahavoc Posts: 464 Member
    Wait, you had a McDonalds Ice Tea, but a home made cheese burger? Are you sure? Because if you had a McDonalds cheeseburger the calories, fat and sodium will change.

    If you really want this to work, you have to be honest when you do your food diary. Not to us, but to yourself.

    Also, you should try eating 5 smaller meals throughout the day. Never eat carbs without a bit of protein.

    And it's only been six weeks. If you are working out a lot, you are replacing flab with muscle. Don't give up, keep going, and eventually the fat will start melting off because muscle burns more calories and helps to keep your metabolism high.

    Talk to us six months from now if you plateau.
  • nsemrau
    nsemrau Posts: 23 Member
    I'd like to echo everyone here: you're doing a great job so far, so don't give up! Think of it less as a weight-loss race and more of a lifestyle change. Your weight will adjust accordingly with your lifestyle change.
    Also, good job tracking everything; that's a perfect place to start. My dietary advice also falls along the same lines as others. You may want to start to slowly adjust the types of food you're eating. For example, eat more chicken, turkey, and fish instead of beef. Eat more fruits instead of processed sugar. Eat more vegetables and beans and move away from grain. These small changes have worked wonders for me.
  • nsemrau
    nsemrau Posts: 23 Member
    Feel free to peek at my food diary for some ideas. I tend to eat 5 small meals instead of three, though. This helps me stay at a happy place all day. I'm never really hungry, nor am I ever "stuffed."
  • smantha32
    smantha32 Posts: 6,990 Member
    I have been counting my calories for 6 weeks now and started exercising about 5 times a week doing cardio for 30 minutes, I am doing some strength training and yoga in addition to that. I am at a desk all day so I am sedentary but working on moving around more during the day, my job is stressful but I feel that I have made a huge improvement not to turn to food as comfort, I stay under my calories everyday and the first week I lost around 10 pounds but since then I am bouncing back and forth between 3 and 6 pounds so I've lost a total of 13 pounds as of right now. I'm not giving up, I want to be healthier but I have a lot of weight to lose and would appreciate any advice anyone can give me as to what I might be doing wrong!

    13 pounds is good for 6 weeks. I think your expectations might be unrealistic.
  • DanniB423
    DanniB423 Posts: 777 Member
    I have lost the same in about the same amount of time, and I feel good about it! I have a lot to lose but 13 lb in 6 weeks is 2 lbs per week, which is in the healthy weightloss range.
  • alhb1017
    alhb1017 Posts: 11 Member
    Yes actually that entry is correct for the cheeseburger. I had no intentions of eating a cheeseburger or drinking tea. Tea is one thing I am really trying to stay from and this is my second glass in 6 weeks. My coworker and I were having a rough day and I wasn't going to get much of a lunch so she stopped by this little place and got me a cheeseburger which would be similar to something you would make at home and a tea from McDonald's because before I started this I would have tea everyday. I couldn't say I can't eat that and hurt her feelings she was only trying to be nice.
  • nsemrau
    nsemrau Posts: 23 Member
    Yes actually that entry is correct for the cheeseburger. I had no intentions of eating a cheeseburger or drinking tea. Tea is one thing I am really trying to stay from and this is my second glass in 6 weeks. My coworker and I were having a rough day and I wasn't going to get much of a lunch so she stopped by this little place and got me a cheeseburger which would be similar to something you would make at home and a tea from McDonald's because before I started this I would have tea everyday. I couldn't say I can't eat that and hurt her feelings she was only trying to be nice.

    Unsweetened iced tea (or hot tea) is not bad for you at all. Quite the opposite, actually - tea has been shown to be beneficial, especially the green varieties. It's a fantastic substitute for sodas and other high-calorie drinks.
  • whitebalance
    whitebalance Posts: 1,654 Member
    o.O
    You've lost 13 pounds in 6 weeks and you think something is wrong?
  • victoriahunt93
    victoriahunt93 Posts: 18 Member
    There is nothing wrong with Iced Tea, but if you're talking about a McDonald's sweet tea, they are PACKED with sugar and calories. Instead of feeling like you have to give up things that you enjoyed before (like tea), you should try to find healthy substitutions for them. For example, if you used to buy sweet tea everyday for the caffeine and sugar, try making your own. You can brew a huge batch of tea at home, cool it in the fridge, and use it all week! Sweeten it with Splenda or Truvia (which have no calories), and take it with you in a travel cup when you leave the house. You can also buy jugs of tea such as Arizona Green Tea or Arizona Diet Blueberry Tea. These are delicious option that have only 0 - 5 calories per serving.

    You can apply this substitution philosophy to almost everything you eat. Use fat free sour cream wherever you would use mayo. Use sugar free jam instead of butter on toast. Use egg whites wherever you would use eggs. Snack on oyster crackers instead of chips. Shop around for brands and varieties with the LOWEST calories when you grocery shop. Check the nutrition facts on a restaurant's website before you go so you know what to order. Reward your progress with non-food rewards such as a manicure or some shopping. Etc.

    The most important thing to remember is that you are doing this for YOU. If you skip a workout, or binge eat, it only hurts YOU. Using sites like this for support and publication is a fantastic tool to keep you accountable, but just remember that it all comes down to you changing your life. Nobody can do that for you. You can go to bed every night either feeling proud and healthy, or guilty and ashamed. Try to make EVERY day an 'on' day. You deserve to wake up and go to sleep every day feeling like a million bucks. Good luck! Feel free to contact me if you're interested in anymore tips!