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Stuck for months

beachballbod
beachballbod Posts: 9
edited February 17 in Health and Weight Loss
Hey guys, thanks for taking time to read this. I'll cut straight to it. Here's the situation: I started all this at around 300lbs and lost 30lbs in the first 3 months or so. Then I picked up the exercise, changed my diet a bit more and dropped another 25lbs or so. I'm 5' 11" and currently weight in at 242lbs.

Problem is, I've been stuck there for about 3 months with absolutely no progress.
Currently: I lift weights 3 times a week trying to use larger movements (or in the least many muscle groups) MWF and on those days I also run a mile as fast as I can (usually around 7:30 min)
On non weight days I usually do a cardio circuit for 25-30min OR run 2+ miles at around a 10min pace (unless I can push harder).

Here's the real kicker: I've changed my caloric intake 3 times in the last 3 months and it hasn't made the slightest bit of difference. I've tried taking in 2000 calories, 2500 calories, and even around 1900 calories. All I seem to be doing is maintaining my current weight. My body fat percentage is still around 30% so I know there's plenty more fat to be lost.
I just have no idea how many calories I need to be getting and everything I'm doing currently only seems to be maintaining my current weight. So, am I: a) getting too few and sending my body into starvation mode; or b) getting only enough for maintenance?
I'm open to any and all suggestions as to help me get past this plateau, especially from any experienced personal trainers out there.

Replies

  • jwdieter
    jwdieter Posts: 2,582 Member
    Logging everything (no "cheat" or whatever meals/days) and using a food scale?
  • beachballbod
    beachballbod Posts: 9
    Yep, I've been keeping very close tabs on my intake. I don't use "cheat" days
  • jwdieter
    jwdieter Posts: 2,582 Member
    You look like a pretty big guy, so you should be losing at all of the intake levels you tried. Especially with high levels of activity.

    Can see how that would be frustrating. Perhaps open diary to see if there's any wacko entries getting used. Some of the database entries are all sorts of f'd up.
  • beachballbod
    beachballbod Posts: 9
    "You look like a pretty big guy, so you should be losing at all of the intake levels you tried. Especially with high levels of activity. "
    Exactly! You'd think I'd still be losing weight? Especially given that I'm sticking to these intakes, have no cheat days, staying hydrated, and eating plenty of fruits, veggies, lean meats, etc.

    I'll certainly go back over the diary to make sure there aren't any inconsistencies with data entry.
  • AmyWininger
    AmyWininger Posts: 150 Member
    Are you medically okay? Something small can mess up your weight loss. Ever since November, I haven't lost any weight. I went to the doctor a couple of weeks ago and found out I had anemia, vitamin D defieceny, and hormonal issues. I realized a lot of the symptoms for some of these occured around November. So they go hand in hand. If you're medically sound, then I really don't know what to tell you. I know it's so frustrating. I've been so frustrated lately... I can't really lose any weight until my health gets back to normal..
  • jwdieter
    jwdieter Posts: 2,582 Member
    Check the frequent list (if it's working for you). If you picked up a bad entry on a daily item, could be several hundred cals/day.

    If you're 100% confident with the entries and measurements, maybe get some blood tests.

    Edit: Also, forgive me for asking, but you are logging alcohol and fruit right? Some people don't...
  • beachballbod
    beachballbod Posts: 9
    Perhaps it's a Vitamin D deficiency? I recently moved up to the northwest and there's maybe been a handful of sunny days this entire winter. I haven't been very regular about taking my multi-vitamin since I moved up here, perhaps that's a contributing factor?

    Also, I have been keeping record of fruits and haven't had any alcohol in several months
  • jwdieter
    jwdieter Posts: 2,582 Member
    Vitamin D and thyroid conditions are fairly common issues.
This discussion has been closed.

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