Little to but stubborn amount to lose

Cappuccino2014
Cappuccino2014 Posts: 16
in Health and Weight Loss
Hi all

I'm 5'2 and want to get down to 117lb from 123lb. I've tried slim fast, calorie counting etc over last year but my weight seems to bob between 123-117 depending if I'm on or off a diet. I feel good at 117 and quite podgy at 123.
I'm keen to find a way to reach and maintain my goal long term.

I run and do resistance based circuit training 3 times a week but my day job is quite sedentary. I also have a pretty big appetite. I eat 50% clean at the mo.

I guess my questions are..

Anyone in a similar position? What's working?
Has anyone reached a low goal with clean eating/ paelo or any of those type of clean food lifestyle approaches rather than kcal counting? Are these more sustainable that kcal counting in long term?

Many thanks

Ps sorry just realised typo in title but it won't let me edit it

Replies

  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    losing 5lbs is just like losing 25lbs

    you need a calorie deficet.

    If you are "bouncing" around 123-117 is is probably just normal weight fluctuations.

    If you want to be at 117 all the time sorry that wont happen...there is always factors that will cause you to fluctuate...like water weight...

    I have 4lbs left...I am doing exactly what I did for the first 46...I am eating in a reasonable deficet. Mind you I have added in weight lifting in the last 6months but that isn't for weight loss.

    As for the diets you mentioned...clean eating/paelo you can get fat on those too...are they more sustainable I don't personally think so...

    but I love potatoes and cheese etc...as for "clean" eating no one really knows what that is.

    Just eat at a reasonable deficet...be patient with 1/2lb a week weight loss...and once you hit 117 eat at maintenance but you wont know if you are eating at maintenance if you don't log...
  • sun_fish
    sun_fish Posts: 864 Member
    I am in a similar situation, I'm 5'1 and 124, I would like to lose about 10 more pounds. Everything SezxyStef said is right - the bottom line is being in a deficit. If you like eating paleo, etc., by all means do that. Just don't do it expecting it to be how to lose weight. I typically eat food that I enjoy, that will help me meet my macro goals, and usually have some calories left over for a treat like chocolate or a cookie.

    When I stop losing weight, I know it is because I get lazy with my calorie counting. Once I tighten things up, making sure I log, weigh and measure everything that goes into my mouth, I start losing again. Just have to be patient. Good luck.
  • editorgrrl
    editorgrrl Posts: 7,060 Member
    Set your goal to .5 lb. per week, and be patient. Log everything you eat accurately & honestly. Weigh your food.

    With such a small amount to lose, accurate logging is essential. Paleo etc. can work wonders for those with lots to lose, but maintaining a deficit at your size is a whole lot more difficult. Logging works.

    Eat "clean" (whatever that means to you) 80% of the time. Fit yummy, portion-controlled treats into your calorie goal. Deprivation can lead to bingeing.

    Read this: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants
  • Bety_1989
    Bety_1989 Posts: 18 Member
    Calorie counting is way more effective than clean eating, especially when you have a small amount to lose. There are lots of things that are healthy for you but calorie rich like for example avocado, various trendy seeds or beans. They are supper good and healthy for you but of course in moderate amounts, less body weight you have to lose it is easier to overeat by accident. What works for me (I am 5'5' went from 119 to 112) is to have a small portions of everything so I never feel like I am giving up on anything. I just try to fit it in my diet.
  • jmv7117
    jmv7117 Posts: 891 Member
    Hi all

    I'm 5'2 and want to get down to 117lb from 123lb. I've tried slim fast, calorie counting etc over last year but my weight seems to bob between 123-117 depending if I'm on or off a diet. I feel good at 117 and quite podgy at 123.
    I'm keen to find a way to reach and maintain my goal long term.

    I run and do resistance based circuit training 3 times a week but my day job is quite sedentary. I also have a pretty big appetite. I eat 50% clean at the mo.

    I guess my questions are..

    Anyone in a similar position? What's working?
    Has anyone reached a low goal with clean eating/ paelo or any of those type of clean food lifestyle approaches rather than kcal counting? Are these more sustainable that kcal counting in long term?

    Many thanks

    Ps sorry just realised typo in title but it won't let me edit it

    I've eaten what would be considered clean for 30 plus years so continued to do so during weight loss but I also tracked my calories. Clean eating has nothing to do with the amount you eat or creating the necessary calorie deficit for weight loss. In all honesty, I could have lost the weight without counting calories because I was within the healthy range for my height to begin with. I don't have an issue with binging either. My real problem was lack of activity and I started this journey to improve my fitness level not to lose weight. Since you are already eating clean some of the time, increasing that is certainly not going to hurt you. I can't answer as to whether Paleo would help you but I can tell you I have found some rather decent Paleo recipes. You don't have to be Paleo to enjoy eating a few Paleo dishes. There are also a lot of great vegetarian recipes. I'm having a harder time finding great gluten free recipes though. I have been experimenting with a few because we have a couple of friends that eat strictly gluten free.

    All you really need to do to drop those pounds is create a calorie deficit though.

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