decent nutrition, lots of exercise. STILL Gaining weight!

Hi there! Sorry your diary is not open so can't view it.

Are you using a reliable HRM with a chest strap? You don't look very big and your burns for 45 minutes of walking or running look really high. If you're eating those back could be a big part of your issue.

I would change your macros to a lower percent of carb intake. I personally have mine set to 40% carbs, 30% fat and 30% protein. I lose 1-2lbs a week. I'm working out 4-6 times a week and it works good for me. I would do more brown carbs (brown rice, whole grains etc).

Do you weigh and measure all your food. That is another common mistake is estimations, you could be consuming more (or less) than you thought if you aren't measuring and weighing your food.

Having the same problem and it is driving me crazy!

Yes, it's got a chest strap and when I burn those calories I'm pushing myself into a 12 or 13 minute mile in 115 degree weather, I'm definitely burning calories. Also, I push a 4 person stroller with over a 100lbs of kids in it up hills part of the way. That's something the MPF app does not take into consideration. I weigh around 155lbs and am 5'6".

Heat will affect the perceived exertion, however, it does not affect calorie burn. If you read the link above, heat is one of the factors that affects a HRM accuracy. Yes, you will burn a bit more pushing more with the stroller but it is still a high burn.

ETA - how do you measure your food?

I suggest giving it some more time. I bet your gaining muscle. If your pants are fitting more loosely, then I think your doing fine.

Hey there!! I have been in your shoes, as far as "doing all the right things and not losing/gaining". I think the likeliest culprit is what others have already in some form another mentioned. And you may not want to hear it!!! You are probably giving yourself more credit in exercise than what your body is really burning. I have used a variety of monitoring devices to measure my burn rate and no matter what I use, MFP over-calculates compared to what my HR monitor or Bodymedia (a device that measures HR as well as skin temp and other factors to know what was burned up) calculates by 50-300 calories per workout!!! It's so sad. Heartbreaking really...but since I've been manually entering my calories from the bodymedia device's idea of my burn, I've been finally going down in weight. Finally!!! After years of trying to figure this out. Since you eat back the calories, which is fine, you can see where this would cause problems, especially if the particular exercises you are doing are the most inaccurately configured ones on MFP. MFP burns may be appropriate for 'some', but like others have said, if you are only in need of losing 10-15 lbs, you aren't burning that many calories. Also, to allow for a little extra error of measurement, don't eat back ALL the calories MFP tells you can you can eat back. Most ppl on here say to eat back only 50% or a little more, to be super super safe and to make sure you are energized enough. If you start feeling hungry or woozy, eat something light to help. And see how that goes! Of course, be sure your food input is correct too. Don't underestimate any foods. GOOD LUCK!!!!!! And PS...I know my ticker says "0 pounds lost" but I'm down about 13 lbs now. My ticker is set from 2 years ago, haha and I didn't have the heart to add the extra weight I'd gained. 1 more lb. and I can start showing a loss on the ticker.:bigsmile:

I was going to say the same thing about your sodium and carbs...Also if you look at your diary over time adding cals verses workouts your more of at a maintaining standpoint...that might be why the bouncing with the same 5 pounds..might be time to rev it up and change things..but you look great and kudos to you!....maybe try something like Insanity or P90X...

I think at this point if you started weight training, you are going to start shrinking fast. It seems to me like the exercise you are doing (pushing a heavy stroller) is building muscle and that's probably why you are gaining and losing the same 5 pounds. Looking at your diary, some days you do great and other days, not so good. I think you should ditch the bread and cereal and up your calories to at least 1500-1600. You have to be consistent day in and day out. My advice....add lean meats and vegetables and you won't gain fat. With a few tweaks in your diet and weights, you will start building serious muscle and shrinking in size. Forget the scale. Measure only.

When I started weight training I was a size 8-10 and a year later I am a size 2. I increased my calories and started heavy lifting. Don't give up!!! Change it up!!!

My diary is open if you want to take a look at my diet and exercise.

I agree with getting a scale first thing. It makes a HUGE difference. You're probably underestimating some things too, so no I don't think you have to starve yourself. Another option is to use TDEE-20%.