Hi! I'm kinda new and need a little advice

My name is Tammi. I have started my fitness pal for a little over a month now. My husband and I are doing it together. He has lost 15 lbs . Me on the other hand gained the 5 lbs it took me 3 weeks to accomplish. I need a little support. Feeling like a falure. I exercise everyday and am allowed 1200 cals a day. When I exercise Fitness Pal increases the amount of calories I can eat. I stay within my calories and sometimes eat a little under my goals. I don't get why I am gaining. I need a buddy who has been doing this for a while, or anyone else out there who can give me a little advice.

Thanks,
Tammi

Replies

  • editorgrrl
    editorgrrl Posts: 7,060 Member
    First of all, don't compare yourself to anyone else. Especially a man, as they always lose more quickly.

    Open your diary for personalized advice, but if you're not weighing all your food then you're underestimating your calories.

    Read this: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants
  • sun_fish
    sun_fish Posts: 864 Member
    First of all, don't compare yourself to anyone else. Especially a man, as they always lose more quickly.

    Open your diary for personalized advice, but if you're not weighing all your food then you're underestimating your calories.

    Read this: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

    I second this. You may be overestimating your calorie burns as well. Combine that with underestimating your intake, your calorie intake is likely far higher than you think, as it is highly unlikely you wouldn't lose on 1200.
  • Tvanatta
    Tvanatta Posts: 2
    Thanks for your tips. I may have been over estimating on my workouts and haven't been measuring my food properly.
  • La_Mema
    La_Mema Posts: 9 Member
    Hi Tammy - welcome, and never, ever, ever beat yourself up. You have to be your biggest supporter, and if you don't believe you can do it, then your body will follow. So, make today a brand new day start a new.

    Never eat below you allowed calorie intake. If your body feels like it is starving, it will hold on to the little bit of food/fat that your body consumes, and yes, you can put on weight, or take it off, but be unhealthy. Not the route you want to take.

    Take it slow. Count your calories, increase your workouts, and you will do fine. If nothing else, do as much walking as you can - many years ago when I started on my weight loss journey, that was my go to workout and I walked everywhere, and believe me when I tell you that you can lose a lot of weight just by walking. Another good tip is to load up on fruits and veggies. Yes, the calorie points add up, but I would prefer to go over my calories by 100 from eating an extra apple, orange and carrots, than have my stomach rumbling from hunger. You can never have too many fruits and veggies.

    Start out slow, but I trust that you will end strong and reach your goal. Stay focused, stay positive. It's your journey. Make it count every day.

    Lala
  • mrsushu
    mrsushu Posts: 13 Member
    Hey Tammi!

    First off, like everyone says don't compare yourself to anyone else, everyone's body acts differently in response to dieting. Some progress faster than others.

    In terms of advice,
    1st. I suggest investing in a food scale. It's extremely easy to under estimate your intake and consume more than you believe.

    2nd. If you are adding exercising in MFP, use it as a gauge for your net lost, don't consume more calories than what you're suppose to intake without exercise. This will help keep the weigh loss consistent, and preventing from overcompensating for work outs.

    3rd. You are running at a moderate calorie deficit, so you should see results of 1~1.2 lb a week. Since it's only been 3 weeks, so just keep at it and stay consistent.

    4th. And last but most importantly, believe in yourself.
  • I know how you feel. It has taken me 3 months to drop 10 pounds. Went on vacation for a week (still worked out) came BBC back worn 7 pounds gained back. With in a week or two it leveled to about 3 pounds. :) Could be water gain. Give it another week and weigh again. That scale is a sneaky little thing! :) I added you as a friend, we can motivate each other Maybe.
  • asciiqwerty
    asciiqwerty Posts: 565 Member
    Thanks for your tips. I may have been over estimating on my workouts and haven't been measuring my food properly.

    log accurately: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1234699-logging-accurately-step-by-step-guide
    set your targets sensibly > 1200 my be too low for you: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets

    and don't compare yourself to other people

    it's you're journey - your life - be patient