Confused and needing tips

allysontwilson
allysontwilson Posts: 3
in Health and Weight Loss
Hi guys,

I'm new to the world of calorie counting and exercising, etc. I'm reaching out because I've been doing this for a month, logging in 18 days straight. I do crunches, Zumba, leg raises, walking multiple times a day, and I've recently started doing smoothies. I haven't lost a single pound. I haven't lost any inches. Heck, I'm not even gaining weight.

So, I'm wondering, what am I doing wrong? What should I do differently? What have you all been doing? I'm not giving up, but it'd be nice to know my efforts aren't for naught.

Thanks y'all,

Ally

Replies

  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,427 MFP Moderator
    Are you using a food scale? And do you log everything going in your mouth? Second, what is your height, weight, age and workout routine (length and/or schedule)?
  • editorgrrl
    editorgrrl Posts: 7,060 Member
    If you're gaining weight, you're eating too much. You're underestimating your food &/or overestimating your burns. Log everything you eat & drink accurately & honestly. Weigh your food. Eat back half your exercise calories.

    Read this: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants
  • xsmilexforxmex
    xsmilexforxmex Posts: 1,216 Member
    Sometimes it takes a little longer to see the results.. that being said if you aren't logging correctly all the stuff you do won't make a difference. Can't see your diary to help but oils used while cooking are something most people miss and overestimating calories burned during exercise.
  • Aaron_K123
    Aaron_K123 Posts: 7,122 Member
    "So, I'm wondering, what am I doing wrong? "

    Not waiting long enough. This process takes time, not something you are likely to be able to see progress over such a short timeframe.
  • allysontwilson
    allysontwilson Posts: 3
    Yes, I'm logging everything going into my mouth.

    No, I'm not gaining weight. My weight isn't going anywhere.

    I don't have a food scale, but I'll invest in one.

    I'm 25, 5'3" and weigh 236. I just started on some medicine to help with my lung capacity, so until I get used to it, I've been exercising 20-30 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day. When I walk I do 2 and a half miles, sometimes more.
  • editorgrrl
    editorgrrl Posts: 7,060 Member
    Weigh everything. You'll be shocked when you realize how much you've really been eating.
  • Jewlz280
    Jewlz280 Posts: 547 Member
    Yes, I'm logging everything going into my mouth.

    No, I'm not gaining weight. My weight isn't going anywhere.

    I don't have a food scale, but I'll invest in one.

    I'm 25, 5'3" and weigh 236. I just started on some medicine to help with my lung capacity, so until I get used to it, I've been exercising 20-30 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day. When I walk I do 2 and a half miles, sometimes more.

    My initial starting weight wasn't far from yours and I'm a half inch taller. So I guess my question is what is your current calorie intake set at? Also, did you mean 3 to 4 times A DAY or a week? I hope a week... that much a day would be overkill, IMHO.
  • msbunnie68
    msbunnie68 Posts: 1,894 Member
    Definitely invest in some food scales. You will be surprised at the variance between a piece of chicken and a PIECE of chicken.

    You can be out a huge amount of calories in your estimations.

    Good luck with your weight loss.
  • Aaron_K123
    Aaron_K123 Posts: 7,122 Member
    ....or just continue what you are doing for longer than 18 days. Seriously, even if you were losing 2 pounds of fat a week that much loss could easily be obscured by water retention. 18 days is an insufficient amount of time in which to gauge your progress or the success of your approach. Until you follow your diet and exercise routine CONSISTENTLY for at least 6 weeks preferably 2 months you are unlikely to see any real progress other than random fluctuations in your weight due to changes in water retention.

    Until then both you and anyone on here is just guessing and second guessing on your approach. It is of course possible that you are not logging correctly or overestimating caloric burns but there is no way to tell right now. You have to be patient.
  • AllOutof_Bubblegum
    AllOutof_Bubblegum Posts: 3,646 Member
    Smoothies do not facilitate weightloss, Only calorie deficits do. Make sure you are logging everything, and eating less than you are expending.
  • allysontwilson
    allysontwilson Posts: 3
    Haha, Jewlz, it's 3-4 times a week. And it's 2,000.

    I'm going to keep at it. I don't plan on giving up any time soon.

    Thanks again, you guys, for the input. I really appreciate it.
  • Jewlz280
    Jewlz280 Posts: 547 Member
    Haha, Jewlz, it's 3-4 times a week. And it's 2,000.

    I'm going to keep at it. I don't plan on giving up any time soon.

    Thanks again, you guys, for the input. I really appreciate it.

    Good good. But I would keep it up. Those huge losses you see on shows like 'Biggest Loser' just aren't real. Real loss is slower and less linear. So, I'd invest in the food scale and weigh everything that you can... especially anything high fat like butter or peanut butter, and (aka dense foods) meat. But I weigh everything I can and measure all liquids. Then just keep at it! You could have some water retention from working out, too. But overall, I think you'll have the best change in measuring. And good luck! It will take a bit of time to get in a good routine, but you can do it. I've already lost 45-50lbs. and working on my last chunk. :smile:
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,427 MFP Moderator
    Haha, Jewlz, it's 3-4 times a week. And it's 2,000.

    I'm going to keep at it. I don't plan on giving up any time soon.

    Thanks again, you guys, for the input. I really appreciate it.

    if you want some feedback open up your food diary. For most people though, they are short in fats and proteins and high in carbs. Generally increasing fats and proteins will increase satiety and can help mitigate some water increase. More carbs = more glycogen/water molecules stored.
  • StephVa22
    StephVa22 Posts: 28
    Calculate your BMR (google BMR calculator) and that will tell you your daily caloric intake. MFP had my daily caloric intake at 2020, higher than I needed to see results. You should also do cardio + weights. I am 28, 5'5, started out on 03/24/14 weighing 243, and almost a month later weigh in at 232 (I have been overweight since I was in 2nd grade and was diagnosed with PCOS at 14). It's tough, but with determination you can do it!

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