Eating calorie goal and not loosing

I eat 1500cal a day and measure and weigh everything, I don't miss anything not even that little bit of oil. im 5'7 272lbs and 25yrs old F. I don't understand all that macros and TDEE, BMR stuff, im new to this lol. I do cardio 3 days a week about 30 mins and do push ups ect and home. I don't go to the gym as I have no money for that, so I just go for walks ect things that are free. I haven't always been this weight, only for a few years. My diary is open, please tell me what I am doing wrong.

Replies

  • dakotababy
    dakotababy Posts: 2,406 Member
    Your diary is not open.

    You may not be eating enough. I am 5'7, 25yo and 186lbs, I eat closer to 1800 calories a day. (I go by TDEE -500 calories).
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  • Jennymcwb
    Jennymcwb Posts: 88 Member
    Hi, I just went to take a look at your diary and it's not open. Without seeing it, just a few questions.
    Are you eating a good, healthy breakfast? Including protein?
    Are you eating more salads, vegetables and fruits? Are you avoiding the 100 cal pre-made snacks?
    Are you preparing your food or relying on prepared foods? - There's a lot of sodium that you can avoid.

    And then, where are you for your period? That can cause some bloating.

    Please don't be discouraged, keep up the good work. I am a slow loser myself and hated when I was at WW losing .2 /wk while others were losing pounds. If you are weighing yourself daily, then there will be bounces up and down though out the week. Try to focus on the differences from one week to the next.
  • jennifries227
    jennifries227 Posts: 113 Member
    5lbs in a month isn't bad at all, and that's assuming you started on May 1st.
    Do you have a food scale, and are you using it for EVERYTHING? That '3/4 cup' measurement on your cereal is not the same as 28 grams. Weighing is always more accurate for solid foods.
    If you open your diary so we can see it we can give you better advice.
    Macros are individual nutrients, specifically fat, carbs, and protein. MFP gives you a baseline for these and you should ideally stay under fat and carbs and meet or exceed protein.

    Time of month and starting a new exercise plan can cause some water retention. It will go away in a few days.
  • natstar26
    natstar26 Posts: 130 Member
    There really is no need to be posting 2 almost identical post in 2 separate threads.
    I though it might be better to post it here...... there is really no need to reply to something you already have done, cheers
  • tycho_mx
    tycho_mx Posts: 426 Member
    The answer is really simple (honest but harsh). Barring a genuine hormonal disease (<1% population), you're simply eating more than you're burning.

    Yes, it might be organic, low fat, fair trade and taste like cardboard. "eating more" is rarely the solution to lose weight - the "starvation mode" is completely misunderstood: you don't stop losing weight upon a massive caloric deficit: you simply lose weight more slowly. If you have other goals (like athletic performance), then you might not be able to sustain a large deficit. Otjherise, just a matter of being disciplined.

    The obvious is to measure accurately what you eat. By mass (weight). It's a pain to measure everything, but it's more of a pain to not get results. You have a long term plan and your physical activity seems modest - I wouldn't eat back my calories (e.g. my commute is 1/2 hour on the bike. I don't track it).

    That said, weight loss is not linear. It takes time and is stochastic (highly variable). Some weeks might be zero, some weeks might be lots. And rarely do you see a trend that doesn't have daily fluctuations.

    Keep up the good work, monitor what you do. Increase the accuracy of your tracking if needed - this includes professional help if it gets there. I had problems losing some weight because my BMR is lower than the average used in the models, but really if I was more diligent in the tracking
  • natstar26
    natstar26 Posts: 130 Member
    Sorry I changed it now its public lol
  • AllOutof_Bubblegum
    AllOutof_Bubblegum Posts: 3,646 Member
    My best advice: GET to understand TDEE and BMR. It's pretty simple, and it will change a lot about what you think you know about nutrition. Being new isn't an excuse that will fly here for very long. Do a little homework and educate yourself about it. There is a search function here on the forums that can lead you to some really great information and resources.
  • smantha32
    smantha32 Posts: 6,990 Member
    Also you've only been logging for about 2 weeks. It can take longer than that for things to start happening.

    edited to say you're showing a 5 pound loss in 2 weeks. That's actually really good. You might be expecting too much.
  • jennifries227
    jennifries227 Posts: 113 Member
    Looking at your diary.. It's been 2 1/2 weeks. Be patient. The weight isn't going to magically come off, it's going to take time and effort. I honestly think you're doing OK, but you need to give it time.
  • natstar26
    natstar26 Posts: 130 Member
    I have been researching about all those things, I still don't understand it too much lol Im not making any excuses cause I am new, I literally don't understand it lol Yes I know it takes time and its healthy to loose no more than 2lbs a week, I am here to make sure I am on the right track to my goal.
  • OmegaAlpha007
    OmegaAlpha007 Posts: 70 Member
    Knowing is half the battle.

    Lets say you don't understand all the specifics of the numbers but you're pretty much ball park on them. Stick to a "diet" for 2 weeks... 6 meals that include chicken and rice... for two weeks straight you follow the same diet and workout regimen... guess what you gained 1lb...

    the next 2 weeks do the same exact thing but take out 1 cup of rice (out of the 6).. and lets say you lost that pound.. well now you found out the amount of food/calories that will get you losing weight...

    every time you stop losing weight you take out 1 cup of rice...

    ^ do not follow this as it is not an example based on anything but its really that simple..
    Gain weight = Caloric surplus
    Lose weight = Caloric deficit

    Shoot me a PM i'll walk you through some stuff if you want
  • Sharon_C
    Sharon_C Posts: 2,132 Member
    I didn't understand TDEE and BMI and macros when I first started on here either. I just ate what MFP suggested and I lost weight. Your profile says you joined in May and your ticker says you lost five pounds. That's exactly where you should be. You ARE losing. You're just not losing fast enough for you.

    It didn't take a month for all that weight to find you and it's not going to take a month for it to go away. This is a long process. Enjoy the journey and try to research and learn about good eating habits that will last you a lifetime.
  • WLG1974
    WLG1974 Posts: 90
    Loose means not tight or free from constraint.
    To lose means to fail to: (1) keep (2) win or (3) make money.
  • natstar26
    natstar26 Posts: 130 Member
    I didn't understand TDEE and BMI and macros when I first started on here either. I just ate what MFP suggested and I lost weight. Your profile says you joined in May and your ticker says you lost five pounds. That's exactly where you should be. You ARE losing. You're just not losing fast enough for you.

    It didn't take a month for all that weight to find you and it's not going to take a month for it to go away. This is a long process. Enjoy the journey and try to research and learn about good eating habits that will last you a lifetime.
    oh I didn't change my ticker, I gained 2 lbs lol and its been that way for a few days now. sorry forgot to mention that :) I am happy to lose it in a healthy way, I want to make sure im on the right path.
  • natstar26
    natstar26 Posts: 130 Member
    Loose means not tight or free from constraint.
    To lose means to fail to: (1) keep (2) win or (3) make money.
    Yes spelling police..... lmao wow you are bored....
  • maidentl
    maidentl Posts: 3,203 Member
    Loose means not tight or free from constraint.
    To lose means to fail to: (1) keep (2) win or (3) make money.

    While I feel your pain, you just have to learn to twitch around here every time you see it or you'll spend all day correcting people. :laugh:
  • natstar26
    natstar26 Posts: 130 Member
    Loose means not tight or free from constraint.
    To lose means to fail to: (1) keep (2) win or (3) make money.

    While I feel your pain, you just have to learn to twitch around here every time you see it or you'll spend all day correcting people. :laugh:
    Yes! waste of their there they're time :laugh: lmao
  • Jennymcwb
    Jennymcwb Posts: 88 Member
    I just checked your diary and you are eating a lot of processed foods, dump the starbucks and the special k bars- expensive and empty calories, go for bulk and healthy. Eat some fruit for snacks, apples are great and tea would be better than the stuff at Starbucks. You could probably cut back on the salad dressing also, are measuring that amount out?

    I just did a google search for something that a nutritionist said to me, "There’s an old saying that goes like this: Eat breakfast like a king, eat lunch like a prince, and eat dinner like a pauper. The idea behind this is that having the biggest meal of the day in the morning provides energy for the workday. In addition, the calories in foods eaten earlier in the day are processed more efficiently than those in foods eaten at night. The benefits of eating this way include not only more energy for work or school but also weight loss. And, interestingly, a recent research study seems to support this idea. ( http://health.yahoo.net/experts/diabetescheckup/eating-breakfast-king)
  • OmegaAlpha007
    OmegaAlpha007 Posts: 70 Member
    I just checked your diary and you are eating a lot of processed foods, dump the starbucks and the special k bars- expensive and empty calories, go for bulk and healthy. Eat some fruit for snacks, apples are great and tea would be better than the stuff at Starbucks. You could probably cut back on the salad dressing also, are measuring that amount out?

    I just did a google search for something that a nutritionist said to me, "There’s an old saying that goes like this: Eat breakfast like a king, eat lunch like a prince, and eat dinner like a pauper. The idea behind this is that having the biggest meal of the day in the morning provides energy for the workday. In addition, the calories in foods eaten earlier in the day are processed more efficiently than those in foods eaten at night. The benefits of eating this way include not only more energy for work or school but also weight loss. And, interestingly, a recent research study seems to support this idea. ( http://health.yahoo.net/experts/diabetescheckup/eating-breakfast-king)

    I love that old saying. yes you're right a lot of processed foods do seem to be the cause but that's not really the issue here. There's tons of people out there losing weight eating McDonalds 3 times a day as long as they're eating under they're TDEE

    The thing about processed foods is that most of them have a lot of sodium and that could cause you to be retaining unwanted water... think about it .. do you honestly think that losing weight on a McDonalds diet will have you looking as good as a diet with mostly "clean food"

    I do believe that calories in vs calories out is the way to go .... I also think that the food that the calories come in from is important..

    I can eat carbs from white bread and I'll get bloated but when I eat them from brown rice I don't get as bloated and I feel better during my workout
  • natstar26
    natstar26 Posts: 130 Member
    I just checked your diary and you are eating a lot of processed foods, dump the starbucks and the special k bars- expensive and empty calories, go for bulk and healthy. Eat some fruit for snacks, apples are great and tea would be better than the stuff at Starbucks. You could probably cut back on the salad dressing also, are measuring that amount out?

    I just did a google search for something that a nutritionist said to me, "There’s an old saying that goes like this: Eat breakfast like a king, eat lunch like a prince, and eat dinner like a pauper. The idea behind this is that having the biggest meal of the day in the morning provides energy for the workday. In addition, the calories in foods eaten earlier in the day are processed more efficiently than those in foods eaten at night. The benefits of eating this way include not only more energy for work or school but also weight loss. And, interestingly, a recent research study seems to support this idea. ( http://health.yahoo.net/experts/diabetescheckup/eating-breakfast-king)
    Yes I measure every thing that goes into my mouth, I don't want to cut out coffee and treats completely. I have done that before and I lost the weight and gained it back when I tried to slowly introduce them back into my daily routine. This is a permanent lifestyle change I don't want to be deprived. I only have coffee at starbucks that's it but yes I should include more fruit.
  • schelly81
    schelly81 Posts: 161 Member
    I just checked your diary and you are eating a lot of processed foods, dump the starbucks and the special k bars- expensive and empty calories, go for bulk and healthy. Eat some fruit for snacks, apples are great and tea would be better than the stuff at Starbucks. You could probably cut back on the salad dressing also, are measuring that amount out?

    I just did a google search for something that a nutritionist said to me, "There’s an old saying that goes like this: Eat breakfast like a king, eat lunch like a prince, and eat dinner like a pauper. The idea behind this is that having the biggest meal of the day in the morning provides energy for the workday. In addition, the calories in foods eaten earlier in the day are processed more efficiently than those in foods eaten at night. The benefits of eating this way include not only more energy for work or school but also weight loss. And, interestingly, a recent research study seems to support this idea. ( http://health.yahoo.net/experts/diabetescheckup/eating-breakfast-king)
    Yes I measure every thing that goes into my mouth, I don't want to cut out coffee and treats completely. I have done that before and I lost the weight and gained it back when I tried to slowly introduce them back into my daily routine. This is a permanent lifestyle change I don't want to be deprived. I only have coffee at starbucks that's it but yes I should include more fruit.

    I wouldn't cut out every treat and coffee. I'm munching on a piece of licorice right now. I agree that 1500 might be too low. I'm 200, 5'6 and 33. I'm eating 1560 + half my exercise calories. How did you come to 1500 calories? I also want to add, I only lost a couple pounds the first month I was at this. I find that my weight comes off twice a month, right before my period and then a week after my period. Other than those two times I bounce around within a pound or two.
  • hearthwood
    hearthwood Posts: 794 Member
    Well it looks like you just joined, I assume meaning you just started? Don't expect to see instant results. One pound is 3500 calories, to lose 2 pounds a week means you would eat 7000 calories less in a week from the prior week or burn that amount or a combination of both.

    It's not easy, and remember you didn't gain all this weight overnight, expect the same when it comes to taking it off. I am older than you, and ii let 25 pounds sneak up on me, it took me 6 months to lose 18, then I got stuck on a plateau for what seemed like forever, then finally came off that and just have 4 to go.

    At your age, you'll do better than I did because you are younger. But you have to be patient and stick to the plan.
  • natstar26
    natstar26 Posts: 130 Member
    Well it looks like you just joined, I assume meaning you just started? Don't expect to see instant results. One pound is 3500 calories, to lose 2 pounds a week means you would eat 7000 calories less in a week from the prior week or burn that amount or a combination of both.

    It's not easy, and remember you didn't gain all this weight overnight, expect the same when it comes to taking it off. I am older than you, and ii let 25 pounds sneak up on me, it took me 6 months to lose 18, then I got stuck on a plateau for what seemed like forever, then finally came off that and just have 4 to go.

    At your age, you'll do better than I did because you are younger. But you have to be patient and stick to the plan.
    Yes you are right it takes time, I just want to make sure from the start im doing it right.
  • Aaron_K123
    Aaron_K123 Posts: 7,122 Member
    First question is how long have you been tracking your calories and paying attention to your intake for.

    If your answer is anything less than 6 weeks you really haven't been doing it long enough to know if you are losing weight or not.
  • natstar26
    natstar26 Posts: 130 Member
    First question is how long have you been tracking your calories and paying attention to your intake for.

    If your answer is anything less than 6 weeks you really haven't been doing it long enough to know if you are losing weight or not.
    its only been 2 weeks...
  • Aaron_K123
    Aaron_K123 Posts: 7,122 Member
    First question is how long have you been tracking your calories and paying attention to your intake for.

    If your answer is anything less than 6 weeks you really haven't been doing it long enough to know if you are losing weight or not.
    its only been 2 weeks...

    There is no way to evaluate your progress after only 2 weeks. Your body can easily fluctuate 5 pounds in water weight even over the course of a single day. In 2 weeks the following things could have all happened that would all result in no change in your scale weight:

    1) You lost 2 pounds of fat but retained 2 pounds of water
    2) You lost 4 pounds of fat but retained 4 pounds of water
    3) You gained 2 pounds of fat but shed 2 pounds of water
    4) You neither lost or gained either fat or water

    Honestly you cannot tell which one is true so you cannot tell if you have lost fat or not which I assume is your goal. You have to stick with it longer. After 6 weeks if you are say losing 1 pound of fat per week which is an achievable goal then you will finally have lost enough weight that even if you are retaining 5 extra pounds of water you will be able to see the weight loss.

    You cannot expect to see noticeable or measurable changes in your body over such short timeframes. This is a long process. Progress will be measured in months, not days.