=( Help.....Oh the horror!!! >__<

candacedarnell
candacedarnell Posts: 14
in Health and Weight Loss
Hello! I have been trying to lose 20 lbs for the past 4 years. I always hear, "You really don't look like you weigh that much at all!!!". Well, I am flattered but numbers(scale) don't lie. I have tried Paleo (OMG I felt like I was going to starve to death!) while doing crossfit for 2 years and all I did was gain muscle (which I am all for but it was on top of fat!); I felt a little too bulky. I feel as if I eat clean (my diary is open PLEASE feel free to critic..I have tough skin). I have tried weight loss pills, I have tried body wraps, I have tried nothing but cardio, I have tried cardio and weights, and I just can't seem to break 183 lbs!!! I have been this weight for over 3 months now. I have also tried changing what I eat as well as how much I eat. I am trying my hardest to not give up but it's seriously getting frustrating. I have more info about my situation below:

Height: 64"
Weight: 183 lbs
RMI: 1656
Caloric intake: 1856
Exercise: I am military so....I workout 5-6 days a week. I do mostly cardio. I am unable to run due to an ankle and knee injury.
Elliptical: 30 mins or Zumba for 30-60 min. Normal weight lifting to tone.

Genetics: Mother has Hypothyroid. I get checked every 2 months and levels are normal.

I try to set small goals to keep myself from getting discouraged but I am getting upset because I can't even meet my small goals which is 2 lbs! -_-

I have tried eating less calories but I do not have a desk job so I am constantly walking and as I stated before, I workout 5-6 times a week, so I always feel weak/lightheaded while doing so. So I am stuck at 1856 calories.

Sorry this seems so blotchy, but I wanted to get to the point. If anyone has any suggestions please......I would love your two cents.

Sincerely,
I just want to fit my clothes again
«1

Replies

  • Ninkyou
    Ninkyou Posts: 6,666 Member
    Weigh your food. This is actually quite common. If you are not weighing your food, more often than not, you're eating more than you think.

    Invest in a food scale, weigh your food, log it.

    And also read: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants
  • sargessexyone
    sargessexyone Posts: 494 Member
    My first suggestion would be to get a food scale and measure your food if you don't already.
  • Gwennie9476
    Gwennie9476 Posts: 45 Member
    Try cutting your carbs and keep a watch on your sodium. I am no expert by any means, but carbs are quick, fast energy true, but they tend to "stick" around if you get my drift and sodium will make you retain water.

    Try that and see if it works. It might be just that easy or that hard considering how much you really like bread and I know it is hard because I love, love, love breads, but I can't have too many of them myself.

    I wish you good luck...I know you can do it and thank you so much for serving our country and helping to keep us free! :flowerforyou:
  • walk757
    walk757 Posts: 96 Member
    What was your TSH, Free T4, Free T3? Sometimes normal is not optimal. Read everything you can on thyroid disease, you will be surprised as some doctors are still using the old scale. Also visit the thread on this site.
  • candacedarnell
    candacedarnell Posts: 14
    Thanks for replying everyone! I have a food scale and I use it faithfully! I do feel as if I may need to slow down on the sodium but I honestly don't know what a good "daily" sodium intake would be. I also don't know alot of "low-sodium" foods that are still low calorie and filling. I have also tried eating more fiber and that results in me being extremely gassy lol I am a computer technician and nothing is worse than going to help a customer gassy lol.
  • candacedarnell
    candacedarnell Posts: 14
    Try cutting your carbs and keep a watch on your sodium. I am no expert by any means, but carbs are quick, fast energy true, but they tend to "stick" around if you get my drift and sodium will make you retain water.

    Try that and see if it works. It might be just that easy or that hard considering how much you really like bread and I know it is hard because I love, love, love breads, but I can't have too many of them myself.

    I wish you good luck...I know you can do it and thank you so much for serving our country and helping to keep us free! :flowerforyou:

    I shall try that! Also, thank you for your support!!!
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    I took a peak at your diary.

    It doesn't appear that you weight your portions. That helps a lot.

    Choosing entries wisely is important as well...

    If you think you are eating 1800 without weighing your food you are possibly under estimating your intake...which makes a big difference. For me it was the difference between 1/2lb a week or 1lb...
  • candacedarnell
    candacedarnell Posts: 14
    What was your TSH, Free T4, Free T3? Sometimes normal is not optimal. Read everything you can on thyroid disease, you will be surprised as some doctors are still using the old scale. Also visit the thread on this site.

    I am going to have them check those three. We usually get a call from the doctor and they say "normal" or "ab-normal", not really in depth results via phone, so I have no Idea what the exact levels of each are. I will have them check all next week.
  • candacedarnell
    candacedarnell Posts: 14
    I took a peak at your diary.

    It doesn't appear that you weight your portions. That helps a lot.

    Choosing entries wisely is important as well...

    If you think you are eating 1800 without weighing your food you are possibly under estimating your intake...which makes a big difference. For me it was the difference between 1/2lb a week or 1lb...

    The only time I don't weigh my portions is when I eat subway and Chick-Fil-A. Other than that, I weigh all my food. I am used to using "grams" form Calorie King. I try to do the "Eat like a King for breakfast, like a queen for lunch, and like a peasant for dinner." I have been trying that for a few weeks now and still nothing =(
  • QuietBloom
    QuietBloom Posts: 5,413 Member
    Thanks for replying everyone! I have a food scale and I use it faithfully! I do feel as if I may need to slow down on the sodium but I honestly don't know what a good "daily" sodium intake would be. I also don't know alot of "low-sodium" foods that are still low calorie and filling. I have also tried eating more fiber and that results in me being extremely gassy lol I am a computer technician and nothing is worse than going to help a customer gassy lol.

    Most likely your sodium is fine. The limit MFP gives is the medical recommendation (and the general RDA unfortunately) for patients on kidney dialysis - so - yeah. Ignore it. Also, since you sound like you work out a lot your sodium needs are going to be higher.
  • melissadid2002
    melissadid2002 Posts: 7 Member
    I am wondering if you were to eat more food that is not packaged if that would help you out more. I know it is not always easy to do but when I stay away from the packaged stuff than it would help. I also took a peek at your diary too and so that is why I was thinking that trying to get away from prepackaged stuff would help it would get you away from stuff that isn't very good for your body (like the Jimmy Dean--- last time I had that kind of food it gave me the worst tummy ache) I heard that as for Luna bars to try to have too much or too often. I don't recall seeing many vegetables or fruits (which I myself need lots more of too).
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    I took a peak at your diary.

    It doesn't appear that you weight your portions. That helps a lot.

    Choosing entries wisely is important as well...

    If you think you are eating 1800 without weighing your food you are possibly under estimating your intake...which makes a big difference. For me it was the difference between 1/2lb a week or 1lb...

    The only time I don't weigh my portions is when I eat subway and Chick-Fil-A. Other than that, I weigh all my food. I am used to using "grams" form Calorie King. I try to do the "Eat like a King for breakfast, like a queen for lunch, and like a peasant for dinner." I have been trying that for a few weeks now and still nothing =(

    It's hard to tell sometimes with the entries use...after I posted I saw you said you use a scale...

    I agree with quietbloom about sodium and stuff as well. If you are hitting protien goals and keeping calories in check that's what is important. It's not the food you eat it's the quantity....speaking to the post just above mine...

    The only other thing I can think of is if you have recently started exercise or new exercise.? That can cause water retention for up to 6 weeks...

    and here is an article to reference...


    http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/fat-loss/of-whooshes-and-squishy-fat.html

    barring a medical thing...which you say you get checked regularly...

    ETA: the only thing I will say is perhaps you should consider heavy lifting, you wont bulk from it just maintain the muscle you have...as for perspective I am ex military (so I know the workouts) but I am 5 ft 7...41....157lbs and wear a size 5/6
  • candacedarnell
    candacedarnell Posts: 14
    I am definitely going to try heavier weights. I noticed the lighter I went the more I felt as if I weren't doing anything. When I lost the first 10 pounds in Afghanistan, I did less than my crossfit weight but more than "toning weight". seemed to work for a few. I'll try that again. Good to know about the new exercise water retention! Thanks for your help!
  • candacedarnell
    candacedarnell Posts: 14
    Thanks for replying everyone! I have a food scale and I use it faithfully! I do feel as if I may need to slow down on the sodium but I honestly don't know what a good "daily" sodium intake would be. I also don't know alot of "low-sodium" foods that are still low calorie and filling. I have also tried eating more fiber and that results in me being extremely gassy lol I am a computer technician and nothing is worse than going to help a customer gassy lol.

    Most likely your sodium is fine. The limit MFP gives is the medical recommendation (and the general RDA unfortunately) for patients on kidney dialysis - so - yeah. Ignore it. Also, since you sound like you work out a lot your sodium needs are going to be higher.

    Phewww!!! Thanks for the sodium info! I was worried I would have to cut back on everything I just bough from the store!
  • shinkalork
    shinkalork Posts: 815 Member
    Lower your carbs...raise your protein....
  • candacedarnell
    candacedarnell Posts: 14
    Lower your carbs...raise your protein....

    What are some good low carb snacks? I am walking around different buildings everyday and can't take perishable items with me in my pocket.
  • JTick
    JTick Posts: 2,131 Member
    You seem to have skipped around from fad diet to fad diet...but how long have you just picked something and stuck with it? Two, three, or even four weeks isn't enough time. Weigh your food, lift heavy weights (check out stronglifts or starting strength), stay in a deficit. And then just have patience. A lot of patience.
  • Booksandbeaches
    Booksandbeaches Posts: 1,791 Member
    Lower your carbs...raise your protein....

    What are some good low carb snacks? I am walking around different buildings everyday and can't take perishable items with me in my pocket.

    Nuts or individually wrapped string cheese
  • andeey
    andeey Posts: 709 Member
    What was your TSH, Free T4, Free T3? Sometimes normal is not optimal. Read everything you can on thyroid disease, you will be surprised as some doctors are still using the old scale. Also visit the thread on this site.

    I am going to have them check those three. We usually get a call from the doctor and they say "normal" or "ab-normal", not really in depth results via phone, so I have no Idea what the exact levels of each are. I will have them check all next week.

    Also, ask for your Thyroid anti-bodies to be checked. If you have other symptoms of Thyroid issues (there are a million, but Google is your friend here, or talk to mom), and your labs are "normal" you can still have problems ... a lot of old school doctors and Endocrinologists follow the "manage to the lab results" motto and you need to find a doctor who manages to the symptoms.

    Of course, the rest of the advice given so far is good about weighing and whatnot.
  • PhearlessPhreaks
    PhearlessPhreaks Posts: 890 Member
    Lower your carbs...raise your protein....

    What are some good low carb snacks? I am walking around different buildings everyday and can't take perishable items with me in my pocket.

    Nuts and roasted chickpeas are a couple things you can portion out and have with you. I've recently fallen in love with roasted chickpeas. :smile:
  • candacedarnell
    candacedarnell Posts: 14
    You seem to have skipped around from fad diet to fad diet...but how long have you just picked something and stuck with it? Two, three, or even four weeks isn't enough time. Weigh your food, lift heavy weights (check out stronglifts or starting strength), stay in a deficit. And then just have patience. A lot of patience.

    My patience maybe whats killing me. I have so many friends, including my hubby, who just shed pounds by eating extremely low calories and working out. My husband lost 20 lbs in 2 months from eating 1200 calories in 2 months and keeps it off. I guess that's what gets to me. Your right, i need to stay consistent and lift more. Thanks!
  • candacedarnell
    candacedarnell Posts: 14
    What was your TSH, Free T4, Free T3? Sometimes normal is not optimal. Read everything you can on thyroid disease, you will be surprised as some doctors are still using the old scale. Also visit the thread on this site.

    I am going to have them check those three. We usually get a call from the doctor and they say "normal" or "ab-normal", not really in depth results via phone, so I have no Idea what the exact levels of each are. I will have them check all next week.

    Also, ask for your Thyroid anti-bodies to be checked. If you have other symptoms of Thyroid issues (there are a million, but Google is your friend here, or talk to mom), and your labs are "normal" you can still have problems ... a lot of old school doctors and Endocrinologists follow the "manage to the lab results" motto and you need to find a doctor who manages to the symptoms.

    Of course, the rest of the advice given so far is good about weighing and whatnot.

    Will do! Thank you for the help!
  • candacedarnell
    candacedarnell Posts: 14
    Lower your carbs...raise your protein....

    What are some good low carb snacks? I am walking around different buildings everyday and can't take perishable items with me in my pocket.

    Nuts and roasted chickpeas are a couple things you can portion out and have with you. I've recently fallen in love with roasted chickpeas. :smile:

    I'll have to try them!
  • WarriorCupcakeBlydnsr
    WarriorCupcakeBlydnsr Posts: 2,150 Member
    You may want to see an endo for the lab work and have them do a full work up. My thyroid kept coming up normal when my primary did the test, but when the endo did it and it had jumped up, she was able to look at a pattern of how it shifted AND she also found that my problem wasn't just my thyroid, I also have insulin resistance (something the lab work my regular doctor orders would have never discovered since the test for it is not on a standard blood panel). My endo put me on meds for both and with the thyroid meds she actually has me on a higher dose to get my levels down to the lower side of the normal range rather than having them be just normal.
    So you may have more than one contributing factor going on. For me my fight isn't just with the thyroid issue, I also have to deal with the IR too and to be able to lose I have to have my food and exercise working for both of them and it's a slower path now, but at least I know what to do and can take the steps to have everything work in conjuction to lose weight.
  • MomTo3Lovez
    MomTo3Lovez Posts: 800 Member
    Hey have you measured yourself lately? You may not see the number on the scale go down but you may see numbers on the tape measure go down, just a thought too. Good luck!
  • justformel
    justformel Posts: 193 Member
    Thank you for your service.

    My daughter ships off to Parris Island Sept 22 and her recruiter has told her how important it is that she remains at her weight, not only when she enlisted back in Feb, but also on ship out date, plus they will weigh every few months. I am not military so I don't know if this is true or not, so I'm wondering, do you have access to a dietician? Someone that could help you plan some meals, look over your foods and give good suggestions for your job and activities you do? I'm wondering since you are on your feet so much, maybe your just not eating enough for your body? I know its hard to judge because you're not allowed to wear trackers such as the body media which would tell you what your daily burn is.
  • weird_me2
    weird_me2 Posts: 716 Member
    Couple of thoughts - you said you weigh everything, which is great. Do you use the listings for YOUR foods and make sure they match? Sometimes the listings for brand name products are just plain wrong or maybe the formula has changed which can throw things off. A couple days ago I see you logged Subway for lunch but then put McDonald's, two cookies in. Did you get cookies at Subway or McDonald's? If you got them at Subway, their cookies are higher in calories than the McDonald's cookies. Go to the Subway website to get the NI.

    Also, I've noticed that manufacturers of products are sometimes allowed to provide the NI for a product and exclude the calories from fiber. You see this especially on the 100 calorie, high fiber type of foods. Those 100 calorie Arnold thin? By using the carb/fat/protein numbers are actually closer to 120 calories but they are allowed to label them at 100 calories because they omit the calories from fiber. I noticed that on your veggie burgers they were WAY off - it showed 220 calories but if you use the macros to calculate calories, they actually come to 264 calories.

    Yeah, these numbers may not seem like much, but can add up to 100+ calories per day. Also, if you don't weigh the pre-packaged items, sometimes they may weigh more than a serving size. Usually it's not off by much, but that could also add even more calories to your day.

    If you're off just 250 calories per day on average, that's enough to keep you from losing 1/2 pound per week. Sodium shouldn't matter if it's your normal intake levels.
  • sixpacklady
    sixpacklady Posts: 582 Member
    Weigh your food. This is actually quite common. If you are not weighing your food, more often than not, you're eating more than you think.

    Invest in a food scale, weigh your food, log it.

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

    +1

    Your caloric intake (if accurate) seems too low with the workouts that you are doing. Read the link above and set your intake accordingly and stick to it for 6 weeks before evaluating.
  • candacedarnell
    candacedarnell Posts: 14
    Hey have you measured yourself lately? You may not see the number on the scale go down but you may see numbers on the tape measure go down, just a thought too. Good luck!

    I have a personal trainer and I measure myself every two weeks and the only numbers that are going down are my thighs and hips because of how much cardio I am doing. I am lifting light to tone but nothing else is moving.
  • candacedarnell
    candacedarnell Posts: 14
    Thank you for your service.

    My daughter ships off to Parris Island Sept 22 and her recruiter has told her how important it is that she remains at her weight, not only when she enlisted back in Feb, but also on ship out date, plus they will weigh every few months. I am not military so I don't know if this is true or not, so I'm wondering, do you have access to a dietician? Someone that could help you plan some meals, look over your foods and give good suggestions for your job and activities you do? I'm wondering since you are on your feet so much, maybe your just not eating enough for your body? I know its hard to judge because you're not allowed to wear trackers such as the body media which would tell you what your daily burn is.

    I just seen a dietitian this morning actually and they told me that I could probably go down to 1700 calories and eat less carbs. I am scared of feeling hungry lol Once I feel hungry before the gym....I feel weak and I feel like not going or its never a good session because I am thinking about food lol. I did honestly wonder if I wasn't eating enough.....

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