Maybe my 100 pound weight loss goal was too ambitious

How many calories do you eat on a typical day?

Normally around 1350. I save my exercise calories for my pizza day on the weekend.

I have become very articulate in my calorie counting...I weigh almost everything except for things that give the calorie count for each thing such as a slice of bread or cheese sticks.

Before I cook a recipe I weigh and measure the ingredients as I add them. After cooking I reweigh the finished product and determine what my portion size is.

On weekends...especially Sunday I give myself some extra calories...maybe closer to 1450...sometimes 1500.

I have averages losing weight at a rate of 2lbs a week....I am pleased with that.

What's going on that you need extra calories on the weekend?

This can become a quick slide down.(and up the scale) I would suggest that you look into Overeaters Anonymous. Those of us who overeat have all kinds if reasons in our head regarding why it's ok to eat too much on occasion. Listen to some podcasts online and attend some meetings.

Unless the OP is very short (5ft or under) then 1500 calories probably isn't too much, especially 1-2 a week if the other days are 1350, and especially if she's 70 lbs overweight. If she's consistently weighing, measuring, and logging her food, this calorie goal is perfectly reasonable.

OP- 30 lbs in 4 months is totally healthy and reasonable rate of loss. I don't think anyone has asked yet: how long have you been stalled? If it's just 1-3 weeks...wait it out. Loss isn't linear, sometimes it's nothing for a few weeks, sometimes it's more than you expect. If it's been a month, then yeah, something needs tweaking. You have to think of it this way: this isn't about losing 70 more pounds and then going back to the way things used to be. You have to change your eating FOREVER if you want to get to and maintain your goal. So, even if nothing happens for a few weeks, in the long run, that's nothing, this is for life.

The "FoodGod" didn't direct their comments to the OP...they were directed toward me for saving some of my burned calories toward me because I save some for the weekend so that I can have a couple of slices of pizza on the weekend.

I am 5'6"...age 61...SW 246 (or at least that is what I weighed when I first got on the scale...I was heavier but wouldn't weigh)...GW 145...CW 200. I am 1lb away from seeing Onederland...4lbs away from being half way there. For some reason...and as soon as I get over the shock of eating 1500 calories one day a week qualifying me for "Overeaters Anonymous" I will probably understand that "FoodGod" is merely deflecting their own issues on to me.

I think there are many people that are afraid of eating...afraid that they will not be able to control themselves. I have learned throughout this process not to let food control me...I choose what I want to eat...and when I want to eat it...and how much.

Oh well...we each have our issues...for me it was not having control of my life...letting events in my life convince me that I was not worth living a full and happy life.

Each pound that I have lost has been one less excuse that I have for not living the life that I deserve.

I had a total of 100 pounds to lose the weight. I started by going 15 pounds at a time. With each 15 pound goal I have, once I lose 15 pounds, I reward myself with a small reward. maybe a new outfit, just something to award myself with my winning. I also every other Friday, I go and have a meal of what ever I want. If I want a friend chicken dinner, that's is what I have and it seems to keep me on my toes and stops my body from saving the fat. I seem to lose more weight doing it this way. Good Luck

YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

30 lbs in 4 months is an amazing accomplishment. You made it through Thanksgiving, Christmas and New years. These are all HUGE in the world of weight loss. There are so many things in our everyday lives that tempt us in the wrong direction, every time you make a good choice for you, is a mark in the win column. You are obviously doing something right.

I put this together a while back. It seems to have helped some folks. It worked for me and tons of others.

1. don't trust the initial setup that MFP provides. If you put in the wrong/inaccurate information, it'll tell you to eat an amount that may not be applicable.
2. Make sure you eat enough.
3. Figure out what works for you and is sustainable/healthy/long term.
4. avoid fads. don't buy in to any "Hey, try the twinkie and vodka diet"
5. Don't cut out anything now that you don't plan on literally giving up forever.
6. GET A FOOD SCALE. Weigh everything. No, seriously.
7. Get an HRM with a chest strap. You'll at least have a better idea of what you're burning. It'll be more accurate than the generic info in the exercise database.. and even more than the cardio machines. This is great for steady state cardio (run/walk/etc)
8. Don't go balls out. You'll burn out. I see 300 lb people show up here, instantly start working out and cutting their intake SEVERELY... trying to cut out all of their carbs at once.. whatever. Take it slow. Figure out how much you need to eat FIRST in order to lose.. then incorporate exercise.
9. Don't cardio yourself to death.
10. Take the information on the forums with a grain of salt. A lot of people that have been here for a while.. and have been successful, may seem jaded. They give out GREAT advice day after day, only to be met with people that refuse to listen.
11. Eat real food. Not diet food. Not "low fat, sugar free, now without X." It's easier to get/find/count.
12. don't set time restrictions.
13. measure yourself weekly. Don't just weigh. Measure and take pictures.
14 BE PATIENT.
15. Avoid forum topics that have "1200" in the title. It's just full of butthurt. Lots of it.
16. This isn't a game, it's about changing your lifestyle. Do that.

pretty much that.

...and don't fall into the "1200 calorie" vertigo of suck because of:

the typical MFP users does this:
1. I wanna lose weight, let's try MFP.
2. OH! Wow, it tells me I can lose 2 lbs a WEEK? AWESOME!
3. I just sit at a desk when I'm not working out, I guess I'm sedentary.
4. MFP tells them 1200 calories, and they don't even eat that.. then they work out on top of it.. creating an even bigger deficit.
5. Lose a lot, fast, brag about 1200 calorie success.
6. Come back in a few months trying to figure out why they're dizzy, tired, not losing weight.
7. Get on the forums, ask why they aren't losing.
8. Get two responses (I eat 1200 and lose) (I eat 2200 and lose)
9. Argument ensues about who is right.

Now. That being said. These threads happen hundreds of times per day. Most times, and I mean really.. seriously.. 95% of the time.. people get the 1200 number because they don't put the right information in when they set up the account. There are a great number of people that are trying to help. I'm one of 'em.

I'm a hardcore advocate of actually finding out what works for the individual.. by means of other calculators, averages, time, practice, and patience.

Blanket prescriptions of 1200 calories "because it worked for me" is more harmful to the generic new user than the "figure out what you need to eat." Unfortunately, one is a LOT easier to type.

Find out what you need: http://scoobysworkshop.com/accurate-calorie-calculator/

also, STOP ASKING OTHER PEOPLE HOW MUCH THEY EAT! They aren't you. It doesn't matter if someone else can lose on a certain amount. You're losing on what you're doing, you're just impatient.

Ok, MFP, I need a pep talk. I am feeling a little frustrated with my weight loss. I have been doing this for over 4 months and I still feel just as lost and unsure of myself as when I started. I am thinking that maybe my goal of 100 pounds is too ambitious and I don't have the strength, knowledge, skills to get there. Maybe 30 pounds is all that I have the ability to achieve and i need to just focus on maintaining what I have. I am still obese and for my health to be optimized, I need to get off another 70 pounds. I have read everything there is to find about caloric intake, exercise, cardio versus strength training and the more I read, the more confused I get. I see many people reach their 100 pound goal, but for some reason, I am starting to think that I am different and not capable of achieving it. The method that I used to lose the 30 pounds no longer seems to be working. I just need a pep talk. Especially from you guys who have managed to meet aggressive goals. I am not giving up, I am not stopping. I just don't know if I am doing this right. I am doubting myself because my results are not forth coming. I would like to print out your positive responses and hang them on my mirror to help keep me motivated. I love my MFP community and I am hoping you guys can talk me through this. UGH!!!

Patience, persistence, and consistency is what it takes. It can be done. here's my story:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/ihad/view/my-thanks-to-the-man-of-steel-407835

Given the dieting history described in your profile, it seems like it would particularly help to focus on building sustainable habits that will stick with you in the long run.

What are you doing now for diet and exercise, and what have your results looked like over time? Your results so far look good. Have you been losing consistently? Have you recently stalled? What is the issue? What makes you think you're different and not capable?

The advice trogalicious provided above is a good place to start. This link is also a good read to help focus your thinking: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

When I first started out and finally became successful, I didn't set a goal. I just kept doing what I was doing and eventually I got to where I am now. I had 90 pounds off total at one point. I have gained back a little bit, but I don't give up. I have lost focus many times and have taken the long road, but I am still in the game and I will succeed. I WILL NOT gain back this weight. I will keep working hard and staying focused even if it is just to maintain. Just keep doing what you are doing and eventually you will get to where you should be, or want to be. Give it time. It took me 2 years to get to my best.

In all the management and leadership training that I have had, they always say you should make LONG TERM and SHORT TERM goals. I think you should consider that same with your weight loss journey. Losing 100 is TOTALLY doable, HOWEVER, I think it is safe to say that none of us gained all our weight overnight, therefore, we won't lose it overnight either.

Set a goal for the next 1 or 2 weeks...the next 30 days...don't worry about the 100. It will happen all in due time. YOU GOT THIS!!!

I put this together a while back. It seems to have helped some folks. It worked for me and tons of others.

1. don't trust the initial setup that MFP provides. If you put in the wrong/inaccurate information, it'll tell you to eat an amount that may not be applicable.
2. Make sure you eat enough.
3. Figure out what works for you and is sustainable/healthy/long term.
4. avoid fads. don't buy in to any "Hey, try the twinkie and vodka diet"
5. Don't cut out anything now that you don't plan on literally giving up forever.
6. GET A FOOD SCALE. Weigh everything. No, seriously.
7. Get an HRM with a chest strap. You'll at least have a better idea of what you're burning. It'll be more accurate than the generic info in the exercise database.. and even more than the cardio machines. This is great for steady state cardio (run/walk/etc)
8. Don't go balls out. You'll burn out. I see 300 lb people show up here, instantly start working out and cutting their intake SEVERELY... trying to cut out all of their carbs at once.. whatever. Take it slow. Figure out how much you need to eat FIRST in order to lose.. then incorporate exercise.
9. Don't cardio yourself to death.
10. Take the information on the forums with a grain of salt. A lot of people that have been here for a while.. and have been successful, may seem jaded. They give out GREAT advice day after day, only to be met with people that refuse to listen.
11. Eat real food. Not diet food. Not "low fat, sugar free, now without X." It's easier to get/find/count.
12. don't set time restrictions.
13. measure yourself weekly. Don't just weigh. Measure and take pictures.
14 BE PATIENT.
15. Avoid forum topics that have "1200" in the title. It's just full of butthurt. Lots of it.
16. This isn't a game, it's about changing your lifestyle. Do that.

pretty much that.

...and don't fall into the "1200 calorie" vertigo of suck because of:

the typical MFP users does this:
1. I wanna lose weight, let's try MFP.
2. OH! Wow, it tells me I can lose 2 lbs a WEEK? AWESOME!
3. I just sit at a desk when I'm not working out, I guess I'm sedentary.
4. MFP tells them 1200 calories, and they don't even eat that.. then they work out on top of it.. creating an even bigger deficit.
5. Lose a lot, fast, brag about 1200 calorie success.
6. Come back in a few months trying to figure out why they're dizzy, tired, not losing weight.
7. Get on the forums, ask why they aren't losing.
8. Get two responses (I eat 1200 and lose) (I eat 2200 and lose)
9. Argument ensues about who is right.

Now. That being said. These threads happen hundreds of times per day. Most times, and I mean really.. seriously.. 95% of the time.. people get the 1200 number because they don't put the right information in when they set up the account. There are a great number of people that are trying to help. I'm one of 'em.

I'm a hardcore advocate of actually finding out what works for the individual.. by means of other calculators, averages, time, practice, and patience.

Blanket prescriptions of 1200 calories "because it worked for me" is more harmful to the generic new user than the "figure out what you need to eat." Unfortunately, one is a LOT easier to type.

Find out what you need: http://scoobysworkshop.com/accurate-calorie-calculator/

also, STOP ASKING OTHER PEOPLE HOW MUCH THEY EAT! They aren't you. It doesn't matter if someone else can lose on a certain amount. You're losing on what you're doing, you're just impatient.

+1
QFT

As you probably already know...I am a footbal enthusiast...I also have more than 100 pounds to lose.

I'm treating each 10 pounds lost as a First Down...

During this weightloss game, I'm sure there are going to be days where it feels as though I've thrown an interception, and/or may have possibly fumbled (caused some type of turnover); however, I'm determined to keep possession...I'm not ready to punt, or kick-off (relinguish control) to the opposition (excuses, negativity, self-doubt, setbacks, stalled weightloss, etc.).

Reach ten First Downs...and I have a TOUCHDOWN!!! There is no delay of game (the timeclock isn't going to expired)...however long it takes, I'm striving for the Touchdown

We (the newbies) have our cheerleaders (our friends on MFP); our coaches (those experienced w/ successful weightloss). We are the players and the referees...we get to play this game (and not watch from the sidelines). Let's make some good calls (decisions) to gain positive yards. Every First Down gets us closer to the END GOAL. It's our ball (journey)...

Are you ready for SOME FOOTBALL?!?!?

If it makes you feel any better, I think everyone has periods where they get tired of watching what they eat and wonder if the whole thing is worth the effort. Those of us with less to lose get frustrated because we don't lose at a faster rate, and those with more to lose get frustrated because their goal seems so much farther away.

Try to find the fortitude to soldier on. Those feelings fade when you hit unexpected goals. When you drop a size, or when a stranger pays you an unexpected compliment that you can attribute to your loss. When you are able to move more, do more, feel more confident in yourself (this one takes the longest). All of those things are coming up for you. Don't miss out on them :flowerforyou:

The method that I used to lose the 30 pounds no longer seems to be working. I just need a pep talk.

Your body adapts, try changing things up.. If you are running/walking try swimming.
If you doing P90X do Insanity.
If you work out only at nights, work out morning and night at have the time.
Instead of focusing on 100 lbs, or 70lbs or even 30lbs.. just focus on the first 1lbs or 2lbs.

Sometimes focusing on the big number can be overwhelming. This is what has made me give up, only to restart over again.

I focus on small things I have accomplished to keep me motivated. I also recommend changing up the routine a bit, do a workout you have never done before (or rearrange it). Eat a "healthy" food you never tried for a month.

I agree with the other posters. 30 lbs in 4 months is amazing. Don't look how far you have to go, look back and think how far you've come. I have been doing WW for the past 2 yrs and have lost 70 lbs but I have been stuck between 180-185 since June. Financial reasons finally forced me to quit WW but I refuse to give up the fight. I too have an ultimate goal of 100 lbs but what I do is post pics on FB for every 25 lost. Set yourself up for success by giving yourself smaller, more manageable goals and you'll see yourself where you want to be in no time.

As others have said, 30 pounds in 4 months is fantastic!! That's an average of 1.74 pounds per week!! Even if your goal is 2 pounds per week, that's not too far behind. I would highly recommend you do this averaging for your own sanity, it especially helps on those weeks (or even months) when the weight starts coming off so slowly or you completely stall. Each month is about 4.3 weeks. So 4 months would be 17.2 weeks, 30 / 17.2 = 1.74 pounds per week.

When I started out in 2010, I can tell you, it was a bit scary to face the fact that I had about 100 pounds to lose just to get to the top of the healthy weight range for my height. I freaked out a bit! Then I took a deep breath and got over it because I knew that it would take time and that kind of pressure is what got to me in past weight loss attempts. What's the big rush?? I've been at this for 4 years now and I'm still not quite to goal but I'm getting closer all the time and most importantly, I am WAY more healthy and fit than I have been in over 20 years. THAT is what's important.

Set small goals. Be proud and celebrate all of your accomplishments. And most of all be patient.

Best of luck!

Just continue on with what you have been doing. Thirty pounds is a good amount to lose in that period of time.

Try not to look at the total amount as others here have advised. Break it up into manageable amounts, mini-goals.

You are doing great!