I'm about to give up

You have to be eating over your maintenance. You must be getting calories from something that you are unaware of.

Unless you have a thyroid problem you are eating too many calories.

u might not be eating enough.
the body metabolism slows down if it doesnt have enough calories.
or u may have reached a plateau.
try a different exercise like yoga, pilates. These reduce stress.

I need advise. I used to be in good shape and exercised all the time which allowed me to eat anything I wanted. I got married and can't commit to the gym as much anymore. I've gained 20lbs in 5 years. I can't seem to lose the weight unless I do something drastic like Atkins and yes I've attempted hcg but always gain The weight back. In the past 4 months I started running again and was doing good ...not losing but feeling great. Plus I did vinyasa yoga 1-2x a week. I lost nothing! Then I got sick and haven't been running since. I've since started hot yoga and have been going to a vinyasa flow class 3x a week. I actually feel heavier. I'm counting calories and yes do have the odd day where I'm over my 1500 calories. Why can't I lose? I don't even know what to do anymore. Any suggestions??

First off, don't quit!! Secondly, let me say that I can relate on some level. Once I got married things changed. Not because I stopped caring about myself, but we went into business together. And not only that, we started taking people under our wing, teaching them a trade as well as taking them into our home to give them a leg up. Once a year, we take in someone new till they get on their feet. Investing in people can be very rewarding, but there are times we get the slap in the face. So, I started drinking like a sailor (hard liquor), to deal with the stress of time and money lost, and in taking such huge risks with our very livelihood. Put on 40lbs in 4 years time!!! Thankfully, I carry my weight well, but nonetheless, I do feel it. And it's not healthy. Finally, I heard about MFP and made myself make changes for the better. People come and people go, and shi* happens, but I only have this one body to live in.

Listen, I don't know your height or frame size, but I suggest eating 1200 cal/day. And then listen to your body...if you need more due to hard core exercise ect. Also, it takes time in the beginning for some of us to see weight loss reflect on the scale. But if you are eating at a reasonable deficit, and exercising, your clothes should be getter looser. Remember, it takes time as your body is changing from the inside out...rearranging here and firming there. Stick to it!!!!

check your BMR and make sure your cals are over that and under TDEE. Sleep more (try a herbal). Drink more water. Take measurements. and DO NOT give up. Even if you only lose 5 lb in the whole year at least you're healthier xx

I don't want to discourage yoga because it's so good for us in so many ways, but there's some evidence that yoga actually lowers one's metabolism (check out the book "The Science of Yoga").

We can give you all the advice in the world but until you open your diary we can't really see what you're eating. I agree that barring a thyroid or other medical issue you are most likely eating too mych