Why am I not losing weight?!
AshleyMarie_Kj
Posts: 15
Ok, I know this is a slow process. I know I have to be patient... But I have literally lost nothing. Not even an ounce. I fluctuate back and forth about 1 pound... I've only been at this for about 3 weeks, with some high days (and one too high day) and some low days as well. I work out at the gym 6 days a week, lots of cardio and strength training as well. I'm also eating WAY healthier than I was and way better for me foods. I just thought I'd have lost 2-3 pounds by now at least, but NOTHING is so defeating.
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Replies
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You're right you do have to be patient. 3 weeks is not enough time to see a significant change. In fact, with strength training you may actually start to GAIN weight then you will see the pounds go. Don't be frustrated, the fat has to turn into muscle first before your body can begin to really burn the rest off. With me, I've always noticed a difference around the waste, then I gain muscle, then the pounds go away. What is the average amount of calories you eat a day? How much water are you drinking?0
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Stop weighing yourself so frequently. I'm sure there is more that you would like to obtain than a smaller number on a scale. For instance: a smaller pant size or to feel healthier and not be so tired all of the time. If you can afford a personal trainer, I recommend getting one. There is a chance that your form could be off.Mine definitely was! Be gentle to yourself Ash! You are powerful and capable to change your perspective on the important reasons as to why you decided to lose weight. The best question you could ask yourself is, If I was happy with the way I looked and felt and I were the same number on the scale, would it matter? No!
Your body will always fluctuate between 1-3 pounds just based off of the contents in your organs being processed. Try doing Yoga. Its such a kind thing to do for your body.
I hope this helps. I know it wasn't clear direction on a special secret that could get you to the weight you would like.0 -
But are you eating at a deficit? (Open your diary for personalized feedback.)I'm also eating WAY healthier than I was and way better for me foods.
Log everything you eat accurately & honestly. Weigh your food. Read this: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants0 -
Thank you, both of you. It just gets so frustrating. Maya, I eat an average of 1200 calories per day with more water that humanly possible!
And Mags, I totally wish I could afford a personal trainer. I've had up and down weight my whole life, so I know the number really doesn't matter, but it is encouraging to see it going down. I just don't want to lose my motivation!0 -
Losing weight is about maintaining a calorie deficit.
To maintain a calorie deficit you have to know exactly how much you are eating.
The only way to do this is to use a food scale/measuring cups/measuring spoons to see how much you are eating.
Log everything you eat accurately and you will lose.0 -
I would actually expect to see some change in three weeks. Understand, though, that "way better for me foods" can make or keep you overweight just like any other food if you are not forming a calorie deficit.
Recommended reading:
1. http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets
2. If you aren't already using one, get and use a food scale. Weigh all solids. Measuring cups/spoons are not accurate:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVjWPclrWVY
3. http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants
4. http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1235566-so-you-re-new-here
5. http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/872212-you-re-probably-eating-more-than-you-think0 -
But are you eating at a deficit? (Open your diary for personalized feedback.)I'm also eating WAY healthier than I was and way better for me foods.
Log everything you eat accurately & honestly. Weigh your food. Read this: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants
I am eating at a deficit, I usually don't eat back the calories I burned off at the gym. How do I open my diary?0 -
I agree...stop weighing yourself. Take the battery out and give it to your husband or friend or something. That's what I need to do. I am not sure how old you are but I have noticed its harder for me now that I am in my early 40's. Weight literally used to fall off me...I would loose five pounds the first week and it would just keep melting away. I have been at it for 9 days...working out, drinking more than enough water and totally watching my calories (around 1200) and I have lost 3 pounds. I got on the scale today and was pissed. So when I get home from work today the scale is going to be put away. We all really need to understand that in order for the weight to stay off....this all needs to be a lifestyle change. We need to change our habits and change our lives....so in actual reality the scale doesn't matter because if we eat healthy and exercise we will get down to where our bodies should be. Keep it up and please don't get discouraged!0
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But are you eating at a deficit? (Open your diary for personalized feedback.)I'm also eating WAY healthier than I was and way better for me foods.
Log everything you eat accurately & honestly. Weigh your food. Read this: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants
I am eating at a deficit, I usually don't eat back the calories I burned off at the gym. How do I open my diary?
This is why you stalled - eat more 1200 a day without eating back your exercise calories is very low and not sustainable. Fuel your body.0 -
Getting a scale for my food and weighing out every ounce is not something I can do. I had a problem with anorexia when I was a teenager, obsessing over numbers to that extend would not be healthy for me mentally. When I log, I overestimate my food and underestimate my exercise.0
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http://www.myfitnesspal.com/account/diary_settingsHow do I open my diary?0 -
I agree...stop weighing yourself. Take the battery out and give it to your husband or friend or something. That's what I need to do. I am not sure how old you are but I have noticed its harder for me now that I am in my early 40's. Weight literally used to fall off me...I would loose five pounds the first week and it would just keep melting away. I have been at it for 9 days...working out, drinking more than enough water and totally watching my calories (around 1200) and I have lost 3 pounds. I got on the scale today and was pissed. So when I get home from work today the scale is going to be put away. We all really need to understand that in order for the weight to stay off....this all needs to be a lifestyle change. We need to change our habits and change our lives....so in actual reality the scale doesn't matter because if we eat healthy and exercise we will get down to where our bodies should be. Keep it up and please don't get discouraged!
I am only 23, that's why I feel as though I really should have seen at least a small change by now!0 -
My diary is open now.
Also, (and I do NOT want to be beat up for this, kind words only please) I haven't been able to kick the habit of smoking completely yet. I have cut back from a pack a day to about a pack every 3-4 days. Could this have anything to do with the difficulties I'm having losing weight?0 -
My diary is open now.
Also, (and I do NOT want to be beat up for this, kind words only please) I haven't been able to kick the habit of smoking completely yet. I have cut back from a pack a day to about a pack every 3-4 days. Could this have anything to do with the difficulties I'm having losing weight?
The only way this would hinder your weight loss is if you are replacing those missing cigarettes with eating.0 -
My diary is open now.
Also, (and I do NOT want to be beat up for this, kind words only please) I haven't been able to kick the habit of smoking completely yet. I have cut back from a pack a day to about a pack every 3-4 days. Could this have anything to do with the difficulties I'm having losing weight?
The only way this would hinder your weight loss is if you are replacing those missing cigarettes with eating.
The only thing I'm using to replace the missing cigarettes is water!
Already feeling better since I have cut back. 0 -
OP you do realize that your daily goal is already set at a deficit? By not meeting your calorie goals and not eating back any of your exercise calories you are creating a bigger deficit? Over estimating your foods and under estimating your exercise will again create an even bigger deficit? You have stated that you had an ED in your teens. The only thing I can say here is that you are not eating enough and you need to address that issue. How did you address your ED in your teens? Perhaps you need to revisit that and get back on track. I am not trying to be judgemental and I can honestly say that I can't relate to your issues with food but I think you need to seek some help to get this in check.0
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OP you do realize that your daily goal is already set at a deficit? By not meeting your calorie goals and not eating back any of your exercise calories you are creating a bigger deficit? Over estimating your foods and under estimating your exercise will again create an even bigger deficit? You have stated that you had an ED in your teens. The only thing I can say here is that you are not eating enough and you need to address that issue. How did you address your ED in your teens? Perhaps you need to revisit that and get back on track. I am not trying to be judgemental and I can honestly say that I can't relate to your issues with food but I think you need to seek some help to get this in check.
Maybe I don't understand fully how MFP works. So the 1200 calorie goal is already a deficit? Should I be eating back all of the calories I burn at the gym?
I never sought out help when I had an ED as a teen, I realized what I was doing was unhealthy and would cause serious health problems if I continued, so I was able to stop. However, by doing so, I obviously gained back weight. And since then it's been a serious challenge for me to keep the weight off.0 -
Also, I'm not sure how the macronutrients "work." MFP automatically set my goals at 50% carbs, 30% fat, and 20% protein. That I have a hard time following. It seems I eat way too many carbs. For the most part I've cut back a lot on the "bad" carbs (such as pasta and breads).0
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First, lose the scale. Make a date with it MAYBE once a week, if that. Stop focusing on the number and instead focus on how you feel. Second, take measurements. Look at how your clothes are fitting. You will hit a point where it is harder to lose the numbers, but find that you're still losing inches. Remember that just because the scale isn't moving, it doesn't mean that your body isn't changing. Muscle has more mass. And lastly, if you feel the necessity, change your routine. Don't let it get monotonous. Tweak your diet...Little changes can go a big way when you're stuck on a plateau.0
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Your MFP goal has your deficit built in. And you must eat back at least a portion of your exercise calories. Your goal should always be to find the maximum number of calories at which you lose weight—never the minimum. Food is fuel.
Read the Sexypants link: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants0 -
Ok, I know this is a slow process. I know I have to be patient... But I have literally lost nothing. Not even an ounce. I fluctuate back and forth about 1 pound... I've only been at this for about 3 weeks, with some high days (and one too high day) and some low days as well. I work out at the gym 6 days a week, lots of cardio and strength training as well. I'm also eating WAY healthier than I was and way better for me foods. I just thought I'd have lost 2-3 pounds by now at least, but NOTHING is so defeating.
Dude, it's only been three weeks. Step off the scale. That's the biggest problem. Keep doing what your doing. Give it 8 eweeks.0 -
I agree...stop weighing yourself. Take the battery out and give it to your husband or friend or something. That's what I need to do. I am not sure how old you are but I have noticed its harder for me now that I am in my early 40's. Weight literally used to fall off me...I would loose five pounds the first week and it would just keep melting away. I have been at it for 9 days...working out, drinking more than enough water and totally watching my calories (around 1200) and I have lost 3 pounds. I got on the scale today and was pissed. So when I get home from work today the scale is going to be put away. We all really need to understand that in order for the weight to stay off....this all needs to be a lifestyle change. We need to change our habits and change our lives....so in actual reality the scale doesn't matter because if we eat healthy and exercise we will get down to where our bodies should be. Keep it up and please don't get discouraged!
I am only 23, that's why I feel as though I really should have seen at least a small change by now!
Doesn't matter how old you are. RELAX! Your age is showing in your impatience. Take it easy sister, it will happen but not when you want it to but when your body does it.
Keep on doing what your doing, and make sure you eat enough and be brutally honest in your food logging.
Good luck0 -
My diary is open now.
Also, (and I do NOT want to be beat up for this, kind words only please) I haven't been able to kick the habit of smoking completely yet. I have cut back from a pack a day to about a pack every 3-4 days. Could this have anything to do with the difficulties I'm having losing weight?
Nicotine does cause a slight raise in your metabolism, but seeing as you haven't cut it out completely, it's probably not effecting your weight loss.
Bottom line is that if you aren't losing weight, you're eating too many calories. Invest in a food scale and find out how much you're really eating, then go from there.0 -
When do you weigh yourself? You should only ever weigh yourself in the morning with minimal clothes, before you eat and after you go to the bathroom. Your weight will fluctuate dramatically throughout the day especially if you are drinking a lot of water as you stated.0
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I stopped loosing weight when I tried dropping my calories down to 1200. Try doing about 1450 for a couple of weeks. Well, just saying it worked for me.0
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OP, I'm also 23 and suffered from an ED in my teens. When I started eating food again, the weight came on so fast, which was horrible, because it was my biggest fear!! When I wanted to lose the weight I'd gained I was worried that weighing food would be an issue, but I find it actually 'comforts' me. I know what I'm putting in my body and I don't have to worry about eating too little and becoming ill and then gaining loads of weight when I eat 'normal'. Also, stay away from the scales for weighing you! I don't even own a set anymore.0
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I've only weighed myself twice since I've started, the scale it at the gym, I don't even own one. When I do weigh in, it's in the morning, before I begin my workout.
Geez, I've got people telling me to eat more and other people telling me to eat less! ????0 -
Geez, I've got people telling me to eat more and other people telling me to eat less! ????
You don't have to have a calorie goal as low as 1200 to lose weight, but you have to figure out an appropriate goal, and more importantly....determine whether are you actually eating at/under that goal.
People look at your goal and say "you need to eat more!" because it's really low, but that isn't necessarily true. If you were eating that little, you'd be losing weight. (this is assuming you have no underlying medical conditions). So what people really mean is, figure out a good, sustainable goal, and then meet that goal by logging accurately.0 -
That's your problem. Go buy a scale at home. Every time you weigh yourself, your goal should always to try to be as consistent as possible. You want to do your best to eliminate external factors like clothes, food, water weight etc.
Likewise, as far as your diet is concerned, accuracy and being truthful is crucial. Try your best to weigh and measure your food as accurate as possible and always overestimate your calories if you have no means to to measure.0 -
I've only weighed myself twice since I've started, the scale it at the gym, I don't even own one. When I do weigh in, it's in the morning, before I begin my workout.
Geez, I've got people telling me to eat more and other people telling me to eat less! ????
I don't think the people telling you to eat less looked at your diary. Definitely eat the calories that MFP tells you to eat, including your exercise calories, particularly if you are actually overestimating food and underestimating exercise.0
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