Haven't lost after drastically changing habits

candacen26
candacen26 Posts: 2 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I have drastically changed my eating habits... going from probably close to 3,000 calories a day to 1,200-1,500! And I haven't worked out in years and I started about 2 weeks ago, 4-5 days per week for an hour. I usually do 30-40 mins on the elliptical and the rest of the time have been using the weight machines. I would think I would have lost weight by now but the scale hasn't budged!! I'm getting disappointed. I drink at least 64 oz of water a day. Is there something I should be doing different?? I'm 5/4, 175 lbs... My goal was to lose 30 by June but I haven't lost any in 2 weeks. I had hoped to lose 2-3 lbs per week! I haven't done the best with tracking my food but I almost eat the same things through the week, just rotate between a few different things. I do have a cheat day on the weekend because we usually eat out... mexican or somewhere.

Replies

  • bobbiejof33
    bobbiejof33 Posts: 55
    I suggest tracking, weighing and measuring. Sodium is huge and you will retain water. When you start writing it down you will see where you get hung up, and it could be something so simple you just didn't notice. Also, take your measurements, muscle weighs more then fat :)
  • peleroja
    peleroja Posts: 3,979 Member
    Are you weighing and measuring absolutely everything you eat? Calorie underestimation combined with a cheat day is a pretty easy way to eliminate your calorie deficit completely and not lose any weight.

    Also, 2 weeks isn't long enough to necessarily see huge changes.
  • RGv2
    RGv2 Posts: 5,789 Member
    I suggest tracking, weighing and measuring. Sodium is huge and you will retain water. When you start writing it down you will see where you get hung up, and it could be something so simple you just didn't notice. Also, take your measurements, muscle weighs more then fat :)

    Op isn't gaining muscle to the point it would effect the scale if OP is indeed only taking in 1200-1500 calories per day and doing "mainly" cardio. It would be questionable to gain muscle at all in the deficit.

    OP, there is a potential of water retention. When you start a new, or increase an existing workout regimen your body will retain water for muscle repair until it adjusts.

    From there, to get better advice I'd recommend opening up your diary.
  • hasta_la_vista_belly
    hasta_la_vista_belly Posts: 103
    What kind of things do you eat?

    +1 for food weighing and tracking. I was eating more calories than I thought before I started weighing and tracking.

    Also, some weeks the scale won't budge or it might even go up a pound or 2 and then the next week it goes down a few pounds. Its doesn't really progress linearly so don't give up.
  • karmasays
    karmasays Posts: 82 Member
    OP, when you start a new diet/exercise routine it COULD take anywhere from 6-8 weeks to see any actual results, it's not a linear process; what works for someone else may not work for you.

    Keep up what you're doing and you will see results, just be patient! You didn't gain the weight in a few weeks, so don't expect to lose it within a few weeks either :-)

    Please start logging all your food, weighing all non liquid items (try and refrain from using measuring cups for solids). Just because you changed your habits, doesn't mean you are eating any less to create a deficit.
  • candacen26
    candacen26 Posts: 2 Member
    Yogurt for breakfast - 160 cal
    100 cal snack around 9 or cup of coffee
    For lunch I'll have steamed veggies or sandwich - 250 cal
    Another snack - 100 cal
    Dinner I'll try and have veggies with chicken - 450 cal
    Then a skinny cow popsicle or sweet - 150 cal
  • kacarter1017
    kacarter1017 Posts: 651 Member
    You may not be eating enough. I would REALLY recommend tracking and eating back at least 1/2 your exercise calories. I would agree with other people that sodium can make you retain and/or that without measuring and tracking your food, you really don't know how your diet is. My favorite story was my sister who was sure she was eating really well started using MFP just to prove me wrong. After lunch on her 1st day she sent me an email that said she only had 84 calories left for the day. Her food was healthy, but her portions were WAY too big. Real eye opener for her.
  • Polarpaly05
    Polarpaly05 Posts: 74 Member
    Yogurt for breakfast - 160 cal
    100 cal snack around 9 or cup of coffee
    For lunch I'll have steamed veggies or sandwich - 250 cal
    Another snack - 100 cal
    Dinner I'll try and have veggies with chicken - 450 cal
    Then a skinny cow popsicle or sweet - 150 cal

    The meals you described sound very bland if that's all there is. I'm sure you're putting on some spices (mainly a salt of some kind). I'd bet your super high on sodium intake and retaining all kinds of water.

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