I just don't know

duckie611
duckie611 Posts: 10 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Hello all. I've been here a while, but mostly lurking. I never really felt like I needed to post, until now. I have no idea what is going on, and would really love any ideas.

Over the last 6 months I've lost weight veeeerrryyy slowly, which I've read is the way to go. I lost a total of 7 lbs, going from 121 to 114 (I'm 5'1"). I slack off a little over the holiday, and some time after, and gained 3 lbs. I thought, ok, thats fine, and started to exercise more consistently again.

Gained another pound.

Worried, I really honed in on my eating and exercised for the last few days. (walking at lunch and gym in the afternoon, burning, according to MFP, which has been decently accurate in the past for me, between 500-1000 calories a day) I didn't go to the gym yesterday as I was tired, and ate maybe an extra 100 calories.

Gained two more pounds.

I just don't even know. I thought the first few were water weight, so I've been drinking like a fish. Nothing. My clothes are tighter, and there is more jiggle. My fiber is good, so I don't think its that issue either. I'm not near or on my TOM. I just somehow managed to undo pretty much all my work for the last 6 months in a matter of 3-4 weeks.

So, thoughts? I'd appreciate anything really. My diary will be open for a little bit for this purpose.

Thanks in advanced. I know some people hate posts like this, but I'll take anything.

Replies

  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    Do you weigh and measure your food? Your sodium intake is very high. It's good that you're drinking plenty of water but that doesn't always solve it completely, especially with that high of an intake. I'd try to tweak some of your foods to see if you can lower that a bit - get in more fresh fruits and veggies.

    While you're not close to TOM, might you be ovulating? You can have similar symptoms during that part of your cycle as well.

    Have you increased the intensity of your workouts lately? Lifting heavier, running/walking/cycling farther faster, starting a whole new program, etc. This can also lead to water weight.
  • eldamiano
    eldamiano Posts: 2,667 Member
    Most likely... your food intake. This often supercedes any of the reasons you mention.
  • Ninkyou
    Ninkyou Posts: 6,666 Member
    I looked at your diary and saw alot of 'measurements'. Consider buying a food scale and weigh out your food. You're eating more than you think.

    Also, as for the 2 lbs weight gain you've had this week, it's likely water. You would have to eat a ton of calories to actually gain 2 lbs. It's probably water retention from your exercise.

    And lastly, MFP's database for exercise overestimates by alot. Sure, there's some things that a re relatively close, but more often than not, it's way over. In this case, only eat half of the calories back.
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    Worried, I really honed in on my eating and exercised for the last few days. (walking at lunch and gym in the afternoon, burning, according to MFP, which has been decently accurate in the past for me, between 500-1000 calories a day) I didn't go to the gym yesterday as I was tired, and ate maybe an extra 100 calories.

    Chances are based on the fact you are not using a food scale you are eating more then you think.
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/872212-you-re-probably-eating-more-than-you-think

    When you are gaining weight, exercising and you think you are eating at a deficet...chances are you are over estimating your burns and under estimting your intake.

    And to top it all off your calorie goal is at 1200...why? you should only need to lose about 5 lbs to be at the lower end of the healty weight range for you so 1/2lb a week is good.

    Without exercise based on your stats you could eat between 1300-1400 a day and still lose weight.
  • eldamiano
    eldamiano Posts: 2,667 Member
    Losing weight isnt rocket science.

    It amazes me the amount of people who come up with complex theories such as water levels, metabolism, cost of food, etc as reasons for not losing weight.

    It is 999 times out of 1000 down to net calorie intake. If you think that you have no problem here, you then need to be more strict and honest with yourself.
  • duckie611
    duckie611 Posts: 10 Member
    Thanks to those who have replied. I figured some of it was water, I've just never retained this much for this long.

    I do use a food scale. The measurement are there when there isn't a "grams" or "oz" option for the food. I just adjust the measurements (hence the 2.3 cups or the .575 cups) to make them more accurate.

    I find I maintain between 1300-1400 without excercise. That's just what it's been for awhile. I've always thought I should be able to eat more, but have done so with poor results.

    I will track my sodium better. Thanks again
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    I do use a food scale. The measurement are there when there isn't a "grams" or "oz" option for the food. I just adjust the measurements (hence the 2.3 cups or the .575 cups) to make them more accurate.

    Then you are choosing the wrong options. Choose the ones without the * infront of them and don't use the ones that start with Generic.

    Look for USDA values or non * ones and they always have oz and or grams. As well if it's not there create it for yourself. Look up the values online go find one in the database check the nutrional value say no it's not right edit put in correct values make notes of your edit and then it's in the are of your diary called "my foods"
  • duckie611
    duckie611 Posts: 10 Member
    I do use a food scale. The measurement are there when there isn't a "grams" or "oz" option for the food. I just adjust the measurements (hence the 2.3 cups or the .575 cups) to make them more accurate.

    Then you are choosing the wrong options. Choose the ones without the * infront of them and don't use the ones that start with Generic.

    Look for USDA values or non * ones and they always have oz and or grams. As well if it's not there create it for yourself. Look up the values online go find one in the database check the nutrional value say no it's not right edit put in correct values make notes of your edit and then it's in the are of your diary called "my foods"

    I had no idea about that. Thanks. And to think I've been logging confused for this long. Glad I learned something. :bigsmile:

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