Only losing weight when I'm NOT counting calories?

annmarie0226
annmarie0226 Posts: 3
in Health and Weight Loss
I counted my calories for 3 months, netting around 1300-1600 calories a day. I eat a pretty low sodium diet. I exercised probably 4-5 times a week with cardio and strength every day. I lost no weight at all, but I lost an inch off my waist and a couple inches off my legs. Early September, I started to not eat as clean and I didn't keep count of calories. I probably ate 200 or 300 calories more than usual and exercised twice a week . Within 2 weeks I lost 3 lbs, and an inch off my waist. Is this normal?

Replies

  • Gwennie60
    Gwennie60 Posts: 19 Member
    I don't know what your stats are but maybe you were under eating for your size and your calorie burn? Maybe your sweet spot is a little higher? For me, I find that I have to eat more than I thought (I am 4' 11" and 42 years old) and I need to eat between 1400 - 1800 cals before my body will consistently drop weight. I also have to watch my balance of macro nutrients. If I am not getting the proper balance of protein, fat, carbs ... my body will not be very cooperative.

    Maybe try adding cals to your clean eating diet and see if that helps you lose while eating better? If you think you are taking in more fats, try adding some good fats to your diet and see if that help (or carbs, or protein ... you get the idea ... ?) ... that way you can continue with your weight loss but still be eating clean? Just my two cents ... what works for me ... might not be what works for you, however. =) Good luck!!
  • deathend
    deathend Posts: 6
    "Probably" isn't the same as knowing. It sounds to me like you ate around the same amount of calories but didn't realize it because you weren't stressing over it. The 3 month routine sounds better actually because if you lost no weight but lost inches of fat that means you GAINED muscle.

    Remember, weight is meant as a guide line and not everything. There are some guys who weigh 200lb+ that are almost pure muscle and there are people who weigh on the low end of healthy BMI yet are skinnyfat. If you are losing inches, feel lighter and have more energy then you are doing it right regardless of what the scale says.
  • annmarie0226
    annmarie0226 Posts: 3
    I hit a plateau in both weight and inches for all of August though! I knew I was gaining muscle before, but I saw no progress last month. Also, I know I was eating more because I did log for a couple days but not as often, so approx. 200-300 calories more. Maybe I need to change my workout plan a bit more?
  • annmarie0226
    annmarie0226 Posts: 3
    I really do need to start eating clean again! The problem was that I was becoming really restrictive and obsessive, so some days I wouldn't meet my requirements because I wouldn't allow myself to eat certain things. I need to find a balance I suppose
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