A wee bit stuck

erialcelyob
erialcelyob Posts: 341 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Hi there,
So basically the weight I've lost has been a slow but continuous process since about July 2013, I was around 162lbs at 5"5 and I am now down to 133lbs. I'm still not at my goal, I want to not wobble! and I want to be slightly muscular too. I still have a belly and I've always had bigger thighs that still carry excess weight along with on my arms and I do have naturally big muscles too. But I seem to be at a slight standstill I'm really struggling to lose the last 5/7lbs or so that I plan to lose that could be my ideal weight.

I used to exercise quite a lot but over the Christmas holidays and what not that stopped majorly, but I began again beginning January and I normal go Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri and maybe Sat and rest Wed and sun. At the gym I would do 30 mins HIIT and then maybe about 20 mins weight lifting. I dedicate a day to different areas of my body.

I'm more not sure what I should really be eating or how many calories cos I lately figured out the 1200 I was on I was getting hungrier so I was going to gradually increase it, but again I don't know if this is right and how to go about it.

Was going to get a chat with the personal trainer in my gym but it seems he only has time for his elder clients with more money to spend, so I'm asking you all!

Please don't be mean, I've seen the forums here sometimes, I'm just looking for honest advice on how to improve or alter what I'm doing. My diary is open, although I've not yet logged in yesterdays food.

Claire :wink:

P.s. I don't log my water, I drink out a 800ml bottle (a very pretty purple one) throughout the day I fill it countless numbers of times

Replies

  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,178 Member
    That much weight loss in 6 months, and getting that close to target, it sounds awesome, not slow! It is different having 200 extra pounds to lose, and different when you are not that off your ideal weight to begin with. From what you describe, I would say forget weight loss as your main goal at this poitn, stop worrying about how fast you will lose, and focus on the fitness part. I would for sure up the calories to 1500-1600 for a while and see how it goes after a few weeks. Sounds like you have done more than great so far :)
  • Ninkyou
    Ninkyou Posts: 6,666 Member
    Your diary isn't open.

    But yes, you should be eating more than 1200 calories. I put your stats into Scooby's calculator, and with 3-5 hours/week of moderate exercise you should be eating at least 1700 calories.

    That being said, how do you measure your food? Are you weighing your food or using measuring cups/spoons or eyeballing? If you're not weighing your food already, I highly suggest you do so that you know how many calories you're really taking in and then adjust from there so you're eating an adequate amount for your activity level.

    http://scoobysworkshop.com/accurate-calorie-calculator/
    ^The calculator I used.
  • JennyKCarty
    JennyKCarty Posts: 457 Member
    I have similar stats and have increased my calories along the way. I lose on about 1500 net calories. Since you are close to your goal, I suggest changing your settings to 0.5lb week loss. I'll send you a friend request :)
  • erialcelyob
    erialcelyob Posts: 341 Member
    Thanks alot guys! My apologies it was open to friends only - it is public now :) Think I will follow advice and up calories and concentrate on fitness, I was always a bit concerned that it would make me put on but again I was worried about too little food hindering things.

    I almost always weigh and measure my food when I can (try my best with cup measures with a calculator cos I'm in the UK it confuses me.. :P
  • cheripugh1
    cheripugh1 Posts: 357 Member
    I honestly think you are doing really good... my daughter who lost like you, had to increase her calories she tries to keep them in the 1400 to 1600 max, normally about 1400 a day and continues to work out 5 days a week, so seeing her progress and from what I have read up on the subject, I'd say try increasing your calories and continue to work out, give it a couple of weeks and see if you start seeing it go down. Also make sure for your height and bone structure what your ideal wt. should be because your body will fight back if you are trying to lose too much! You might just need to firm up at this point.
  • SandyTrevor
    SandyTrevor Posts: 6 Member
    How about changing your approach to exercise and just maintain your food habits as is?

    I think going to the gym is useful for "beginning of program" heavy-duty weight loss with cardio and weight-lifting etc..., but have you thought of engaging in yoga and hiking along trails to help you lose that last 7 pounds.

    You can't imagine how yoga can help your body become prepared to change your metabolism to accept food in a more beneficial way, or how it can help you develop muscle mass...but yoga is helpful in both of these areas. Do just 3 hours a week. And then hiking in the woods along trails, helps get your metabolism up and gives you quiet time to be by yourself and reflect, to be alone to think about your body and how it is changing, allowing you to come "into your own" by spending time on your own. I find that at the gym there are so many distractions, looking at other bodies, talking to others members, listening to often loud and blaring music, which takes away from concentration on your targeted goals.

    If you are serious about losing those last seven pounds then get serious...do it for yourself, concentrate on yourself, exercise in alone time and do you yoga to find muscles you never thought you had.

    59164306.png
    Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter
  • erialcelyob
    erialcelyob Posts: 341 Member
    Thanks Sandy :) that's a good idea, I used to do a lot of hiking with my dad and he too is looking to pack a few pounds so yeah may try and get into that again. I've also been doing a little beginners yoga this week to try and get into it as it is something I've always been keen to try, especially to improve my flexibility
  • acogg
    acogg Posts: 1,870 Member
    We are weightloss twins! :drinker: I am now trying to ignore the scale (very hard) and put on muscle with a lifting program. I am taking in about 1500 calories per day, though I am older so my metabolism is not quite as high as yours.

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