Not losing weight; Help!

michaeladuke
michaeladuke Posts: 23
in Health and Weight Loss
I am new to this site. I was previously on weight watchers, and was losing 2 lbs a week steadily without excersize. I started ProjectME last week, so I quit my WW subscription and have been using this site to track my food instead. I keep my caloric intake at 1200 or under per day, drink my water, take my supplements, and work out for 30 min 3x a week (im new to working out). I was expecting at least a 2 lb weight loss (as I haven't really changed my eating habits from WW, except subbing Herbalife protein shakes for 2 meals a day) and I haven't lost a single pound!

Sorry for the long post... but does anyone have advice?

I'm 5'9, 167lbs, if that helps with anything. Again i'm a newbie here!

Thank you all in advance!

Replies

  • Jenn_Hann
    Jenn_Hann Posts: 8 Member
    What calorie budget does MFP give you? If you are only eating 1200 calories a day and then working out, you aren't eating enough. You earned your exercise calories, so you should eat them.
  • neveragain84
    neveragain84 Posts: 534 Member
    I am new to this site. I was previously on weight watchers, and was losing 2 lbs a week steadily without excersize. I started ProjectME last week, so I quit my WW subscription and have been using this site to track my food instead. I keep my caloric intake at 1200 or under per day, drink my water, take my supplements, and work out for 30 min 3x a week (im new to working out). I was expecting at least a 2 lb weight loss (as I haven't really changed my eating habits from WW, except subbing Herbalife protein shakes for 2 meals a day) and I haven't lost a single pound!

    Sorry for the long post... but does anyone have advice?

    I'm 5'9, 167lbs, if that helps with anything. Again i'm a newbie here!

    Thank you all in advance!

    Okay:

    First, 1200 calories or less isn't healthy or sustainable. Try upping your calories. Not eating enough leaves you open to binge-eating, dizziness, etc. Along with that, make sure you're eating enough protein. If you have entered anything into the food diary, open it up for us to take a look at.

    Second, make sure you are measuring/ weighing EVERYTHING you eat or drink. That means the juice you drink, the ketchup you dip your fries into, etc. The basic principle of losing weight is calories in vs calories out. That means, to lose weight, you need to burn more calories than consumed. Weight Watchers point system gives "low points" for vegetables that could very well add up quickly in calories.

    The main issue with "diet programs" are that they don't really teach you about portion control. Again, measure and weigh everything you eat or drink, eat plenty of protein, and PLEASE eat more. There are hundreds of people here who have lost a considerable amount of weight eating way more than 1200 calories (even while eating ice cream, cookies, etc.).

    Good luck!

    ETA: keep at it and don't let frustration get you down! Sometimes our bodies don't react in a way that we want at first, but listen to what other successful members have done and you'll do great.
  • michaeladuke
    michaeladuke Posts: 23
    [/quote]

    Okay:

    First, 1200 calories or less isn't healthy or sustainable. Try upping your calories. Not eating enough leaves you open to binge-eating, dizziness, etc. Along with that, make sure you're eating enough protein. If you have entered anything into the food diary, open it up for us to take a look at.

    Second, make sure you are measuring/ weighing EVERYTHING you eat or drink. That means the juice you drink, the ketchup you dip your fries into, etc. The basic principle of losing weight is calories in vs calories out. That means, to lose weight, you need to burn more calories than consumed. Weight Watchers point system gives "low points" for vegetables that could very well add up quickly in calories.

    The main issue with "diet programs" are that they don't really teach you about portion control. Again, measure and weigh everything you eat or drink, eat plenty of protein, and PLEASE eat more. There are hundreds of people here who have lost a considerable amount of weight eating way more than 1200 calories (even while eating ice cream, cookies, etc.).

    Good luck!


    [/quote]

    How do I open the food diary for you to look at? I am pretty good with measuring everything, so I don't think that's the issue. Maybe you are right in that I am not eating enough! That would actually be a nice surprise, haha.
  • neveragain84
    neveragain84 Posts: 534 Member
    Look for settings near the top of the page. Diary settings (6th option down), click on public, then save your options. Voila!
  • michaeladuke
    michaeladuke Posts: 23
    I figured out how to open up my food diary so you can see it. When you get a chance maybe take a look and make suggestions!

    Thank you again.
  • FindingAmy77
    FindingAmy77 Posts: 1,268 Member
    even weight watchers wouldn't have you eating too few of calories. up your calories to 1400 and try that for a week. I find that my body rewards me with losing weight when I feed it. :flowerforyou:
  • neveragain84
    neveragain84 Posts: 534 Member
    You're definitely not eating enough. The wonderful thing about MFP and its members are that they are successful, but they also get to snack on some pretty awesome stuff. We don't want you to feel "deprived" by only eating 1,000 calories a day. There have been claims of eating binges, hair loss, and other nasty issues arising from eating so few of calor

    Try reading this. It's long, but it has a ton of awesome information about what to do in order for you to be successful here!

    The links are:

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets

    http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/

    ^^^^^^ this one is really good as it will tell you the amount of calories you burn just by living. Use this one to calculate how many calories, protein, etc. you should be eating.

    Feel free to friend/ message me. I have lots of really good links that I follow. Plus I have some really fantastic MFP friends.
  • Sinisterly
    Sinisterly Posts: 10,913 Member
    http://www.acaloriecounter.com/blog/why-am-i-not-losing-weight/

    :flowerforyou:
  • SherryTeach
    SherryTeach Posts: 2,836 Member
    I am new to this site. I was previously on weight watchers, and was losing 2 lbs a week steadily without excersize. I started ProjectME last week, so I quit my WW subscription and have been using this site to track my food instead. I keep my caloric intake at 1200 or under per day, drink my water, take my supplements, and work out for 30 min 3x a week (im new to working out). I was expecting at least a 2 lb weight loss (as I haven't really changed my eating habits from WW, except subbing Herbalife protein shakes for 2 meals a day) and I haven't lost a single pound!

    Sorry for the long post... but does anyone have advice?

    I'm 5'9, 167lbs, if that helps with anything. Again i'm a newbie here!

    Thank you all in advance!

    You have substituted Herbalife shakes for TWO meals a day and you consider this not changing your eating habits? If what you were doing was working so well, why did you change?
  • neveragain84
    neveragain84 Posts: 534 Member
    http://www.acaloriecounter.com/blog/why-am-i-not-losing-weight/

    :flowerforyou:

    Doh! I was going to post that one too! Another good one I keep in my list of bookmarks.
  • michaeladuke
    michaeladuke Posts: 23
    I am new to this site. I was previously on weight watchers, and was losing 2 lbs a week steadily without excersize. I started ProjectME last week, so I quit my WW subscription and have been using this site to track my food instead. I keep my caloric intake at 1200 or under per day, drink my water, take my supplements, and work out for 30 min 3x a week (im new to working out). I was expecting at least a 2 lb weight loss (as I haven't really changed my eating habits from WW, except subbing Herbalife protein shakes for 2 meals a day) and I haven't lost a single pound!

    Sorry for the long post... but does anyone have advice?

    I'm 5'9, 167lbs, if that helps with anything. Again i'm a newbie here!

    Thank you all in advance!

    You have substituted Herbalife shakes for TWO meals a day and you consider this not changing your eating habits? If what you were doing was working so well, why did you change?

    I changed because I started the project me program, you can look them up on facebook. It came with a workout plan and a coach and that is what they recommended so I decided to try it out! I want to lose weight and get toned so the work out plan/ protein shake aspect was really appealing to me. :)
  • michaeladuke
    michaeladuke Posts: 23
    You're definitely not eating enough. The wonderful thing about MFP and its members are that they are successful, but they also get to snack on some pretty awesome stuff. We don't want you to feel "deprived" by only eating 1,000 calories a day. There have been claims of eating binges, hair loss, and other nasty issues arising from eating so few of calor

    Try reading this. It's long, but it has a ton of awesome information about what to do in order for you to be successful here!

    The links are:

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets

    http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/

    ^^^^^^ this one is really good as it will tell you the amount of calories you burn just by living. Use this one to calculate how many calories, protein, etc. you should be eating.

    Feel free to friend/ message me. I have lots of really good links that I follow. Plus I have some really fantastic MFP friends.

    Wow thank you for the great tips and advice! I am definitely going to check out those sites. I wasn't expecting such great support on here from people! I really appreciate it :)
  • QuietBloom
    QuietBloom Posts: 5,413 Member
    Why is it, when someone says they are not losing weight the first thing people say is 'eat more'?

    Arg!! Obviously, if someone is not losing weight, they are not in a deficit.

    OP, buy a food scale. Use MFP to set you up with a REASONABLE calorie deficit. Simple.
  • michaeladuke
    michaeladuke Posts: 23
    Why is it, when someone says they are not losing weight the first thing people say is 'eat more'?

    Arg!! Obviously, if someone is not losing weight, they are not in a deficit.

    OP, buy a food scale. Use MFP to set you up with a REASONABLE calorie deficit. Simple.

    I have a food scale, just got one actually! I was losing weight with WW, and felt like I was eating TONS more food. Maybe my body just needs an adjustment time to the tons of extra protein? I have no idea, haha. That's why I posted!

    Thank you for your input :)
  • QuietBloom
    QuietBloom Posts: 5,413 Member
    Why is it, when someone says they are not losing weight the first thing people say is 'eat more'?

    Arg!! Obviously, if someone is not losing weight, they are not in a deficit.

    OP, buy a food scale. Use MFP to set you up with a REASONABLE calorie deficit. Simple.

    I have a food scale, just got one actually! I was losing weight with WW, and felt like I was eating TONS more food. Maybe my body just needs an adjustment time to the tons of extra protein? I have no idea, haha. That's why I posted!

    Thank you for your input :)

    No problem. Sorry I barked. It gets frustrating sometimes. :blushing:
  • TitanGM
    TitanGM Posts: 1,161 Member
    I have some experience with transformation, because I went from overweight to where I am. You need to know how your body works. Your body needs fuel and nutrition for the basic and forced labor and daily life activities. Losing 2 pounds a week is not a healthy choice in your case. You may be putting your body in unnecessary strain. When body is put in such strains (working out a lot, and cutting calories at the same time) it switches into survival mode. Which basically means that It will use its body fat for energy when you workout, but as soon as you eat something will immediately store it as a fat for fuel, and you end up experiencing a plateau. A state where you either doesn't gain, nor lose, or gain more eight.
    If you workout regularly YOU SHOULD EAT! It is very important. And yes make healthy choices. A more realistic goal such as losing 0.5lbs or 1lbs per week would be a better idea. You can continue taking supplements, but remember that they should only act as an aid, not your primary source of energy.
  • michaeladuke
    michaeladuke Posts: 23
    I have some experience with transformation, because I went from overweight to where I am. You need to know how your body works. Your body needs fuel and nutrition for the basic and forced labor and daily life activities. Losing 2 pounds a week is not a healthy choice in your case. You may be putting your body in unnecessary strain. When body is put in such strains (working out a lot, and cutting calories at the same time) it switches into survival mode. Which basically means that It will use its body fat for energy when you workout, but as soon as you eat something will immediately store it as a fat for fuel, and you end up experiencing a plateau. A state where you either doesn't gain, nor lose, or gain more eight.
    If you workout regularly YOU SHOULD EAT! It is very important. And yes make healthy choices. A more realistic goal such as losing 0.5lbs or 1lbs per week would be a better idea. You can continue taking supplements, but remember that they should only act as an aid, not your primary source of energy.

    That is great advice! Thank you! And congrats on your transformation, I hope I will be a success story soon!
  • TitanGM
    TitanGM Posts: 1,161 Member
    I'm sure you will :). It won't be easy. Many frustration days lying ahead, but you will surely get the results sooner or later. Keep going and believe in your body, and it will quietly work for you. Nourish and take care of it, just like you would your baby. Because loving your own body triggers the greatest transformations. All the best!
  • michaeladuke
    michaeladuke Posts: 23
    I'm sure you will :). It won't be easy. Many frustration days lying ahead, but you will surely get the results sooner or later. Keep going and believe in your body, and it will quietly work for you. Nourish and take care of it, just like you would your baby. Because loving your own body triggers the greatest transformations. All the best!

    If it was easy it wouldn't be worth doing!

    Good luck to you too :)
  • SLLRunner
    SLLRunner Posts: 12,942 Member
    I am new to this site. I was previously on weight watchers, and was losing 2 lbs a week steadily without excersize. I started ProjectME last week, so I quit my WW subscription and have been using this site to track my food instead. I keep my caloric intake at 1200 or under per day, drink my water, take my supplements, and work out for 30 min 3x a week (im new to working out). I was expecting at least a 2 lb weight loss (as I haven't really changed my eating habits from WW, except subbing Herbalife protein shakes for 2 meals a day) and I haven't lost a single pound!

    Sorry for the long post... but does anyone have advice?

    I'm 5'9, 167lbs, if that helps with anything. Again i'm a newbie here!

    Thank you all in advance!
    It's only been a week, and you also started a new exercise program which can cause water retention. Please continue doing what you're doing and then take a look at your success in a month.
  • michaeladuke
    michaeladuke Posts: 23
    I am new to this site. I was previously on weight watchers, and was losing 2 lbs a week steadily without excersize. I started ProjectME last week, so I quit my WW subscription and have been using this site to track my food instead. I keep my caloric intake at 1200 or under per day, drink my water, take my supplements, and work out for 30 min 3x a week (im new to working out). I was expecting at least a 2 lb weight loss (as I haven't really changed my eating habits from WW, except subbing Herbalife protein shakes for 2 meals a day) and I haven't lost a single pound!

    Sorry for the long post... but does anyone have advice?

    I'm 5'9, 167lbs, if that helps with anything. Again i'm a newbie here!

    Thank you all in advance!
    It's only been a week, and you also started a new exercise program which can cause water retention. Please continue doing what you're doing and then take a look at your success in a month.

    You bring up a good point! Thank you :)

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