Just a few pounds to lose, but getting nowhere

7elizamae
7elizamae Posts: 758 Member
edited February 24 in Introduce Yourself
I've only got about 7 pounds to lose. The middle-aged lady weight has crept on and I'm determined to keep it under control. So I'm here for encouragement and advice.

I'm already exercising 60 minutes each day. I do a Jillian Michaels circuit for 25 min and then stationary bike for 30 and stretch for 5. I love my exercise time, so that's not a problem for me.

I've cut way back on snacks, and eat a healthy diet with virtually no junk food. I think I must need to work on portion sizes though, because I'm not dropping any weight.

Also, I'm cutting out the 1-2 glasses of wine per evening. I know that will help. But that is going to take some discipline because I LOVE my glass (or 2) of wine in the evening.

So, tomorrow is day one of careful portions, no wine, and counting everything on MFP. We'll see how it goes!

Replies

  • Hellobeautifuls
    Hellobeautifuls Posts: 64 Member
    I was tempted to buy one of those workout videos! How is yours, you like it? I'm sure when you start tracking your foods you'll figure out if you're high in carbs or fat grams and whatnot. Some medicines can cause weight gain, too. So, if you are on medicine it may be that. Also, sometimes it takes time for the weight to start coming off. Give it a week or two and see if you notice a difference. If weeks go by and you aren't noticing a difference see a doctor and see if there is an underlying reason.
    Good luck! And hope you lose that seven! :0)
  • farway
    farway Posts: 1,251 Member
    Are you weighing or eyeballing your portions? Weighing them is best, cuts out the guess work
  • KarenJanine
    KarenJanine Posts: 3,497 Member
    Weigh and measure everything in order to be as accurate as possible in your logging.

    There's no harm in having a glass of wine now and again, but count the calories and fit them into your goal.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,204 Member
    What is the calorie deficit you're trying to achieve a day?

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • 7elizamae
    7elizamae Posts: 758 Member
    Reply to Hellobeautiful:

    I am very happy with my Jillian Michaels workouts.

    I am so so much stronger than I used to be, and it feels great! I could barely do one lady pushup when I started and can now do about twenty. My legs, abs, shoulders, everything is stronger. I wish I had started these types of workouts sooner.
  • 7elizamae
    7elizamae Posts: 758 Member
    reply to farway:

    I've been eyeballing. Starting to measure today, and will order a scale from Amazon so it should be here in a day or two. I sure hope that helps. It is discouraging to have a good diet, work out hard 6 days each week, and see no change!
  • 7elizamae
    7elizamae Posts: 758 Member
    What is the calorie deficit you're trying to achieve a day?

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    Hmm... I don't know! I'm just aiming for my 1200 calories combined with my 60 minutes of Jillian and biking and seeing where that gets me. And I don't know how to log my Jillian workouts because they're circuits -- strength and cardio combined.
  • lizziebeth1028
    lizziebeth1028 Posts: 3,602 Member
    What is the calorie deficit you're trying to achieve a day?

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    Hmm... I don't know! I'm just aiming for my 1200 calories combined with my 60 minutes of Jillian and biking and seeing where that gets me. And I don't know how to log my Jillian workouts because they're circuits -- strength and cardio combined.

    1200 calories a day is too low for most people. Most likely below your BMR (basal metabolic rate)...meaning if you were lying in a coma you'd burn that many calories just for basic brain and body function. Since you only have a few pounds to lose it's best to set your goal to a 1/2 a week...which will give you more calories a day.
    1 - set a sensible and sustainable daily calorie goal
    2 - log every single bit accurately and consistently
    3 - DO NOT eliminate foods (or wine;) that you love....learn moderation! With a sensible calorie goal you can still enjoy foods you love!
    4 - LESS CARDIO - MORE STRENGTH TRAINING!!! Pick up heavy weights!!!
    5 - protein protein protein!!

    Follow this consistently and you will get to where you want to be. I'd suggest picking up the New Rules of Lifting for Women for reading and more info.

    Best wishes!!
  • Sabine_Stroehm
    Sabine_Stroehm Posts: 19,251 Member
    What is the calorie deficit you're trying to achieve a day?

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    Hmm... I don't know! I'm just aiming for my 1200 calories combined with my 60 minutes of Jillian and biking and seeing where that gets me. And I don't know how to log my Jillian workouts because they're circuits -- strength and cardio combined.

    1200 calories a day is too low for most people. Most likely below your BMR (basal metabolic rate)...meaning if you were lying in a coma you'd burn that many calories just for basic brain and body function. Since you only have a few pounds to lose it's best to set your goal to a 1/2 a week...which will give you more calories a day.
    1 - set a sensible and sustainable daily calorie goal
    2 - log every single bit accurately and consistently
    3 - DO NOT eliminate foods (or wine;) that you love....learn moderation! With a sensible calorie goal you can still enjoy foods you love!
    4 - LESS CARDIO - MORE STRENGTH TRAINING!!! Pick up heavy weights!!!
    5 - protein protein protein!!

    Follow this consistently and you will get to where you want to be. I'd suggest picking up the New Rules of Lifting for Women for reading and more info.

    Best wishes!!
    1200 MAY be too low. It would be good to know what your TDEE and BMR really are. As we age our BMR goes down.
    Try finding out what yours are.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants
  • 7elizamae
    7elizamae Posts: 758 Member
    What is the calorie deficit you're trying to achieve a day?

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    Hmm... I don't know! I'm just aiming for my 1200 calories combined with my 60 minutes of Jillian and biking and seeing where that gets me. And I don't know how to log my Jillian workouts because they're circuits -- strength and cardio combined.

    1200 calories a day is too low for most people. Most likely below your BMR (basal metabolic rate)...meaning if you were lying in a coma you'd burn that many calories just for basic brain and body function. Since you only have a few pounds to lose it's best to set your goal to a 1/2 a week...which will give you more calories a day.
    1 - set a sensible and sustainable daily calorie goal
    2 - log every single bit accurately and consistently
    3 - DO NOT eliminate foods (or wine;) that you love....learn moderation! With a sensible calorie goal you can still enjoy foods you love!
    4 - LESS CARDIO - MORE STRENGTH TRAINING!!! Pick up heavy weights!!!
    5 - protein protein protein!!

    Follow this consistently and you will get to where you want to be. I'd suggest picking up the New Rules of Lifting for Women for reading and more info.

    Best wishes!!
    I thought I'd start with 1200 calories because that popped up on the MFP screen. It does seem low. But I think MFP has me losing 1.5 per week. I'll take a look at the goals and make some changes.

    Also, I agree with not completely eliminating my wine. :) My new plan is to only have it on the weekends or a special event (i.e. my anniversary coming up this week).

    And I love your "less cardio more weights" suggestion. That's what I've switched to lately after years and years of walking/running/biking. I feel GREAT now that I've gained some strength, and I'm sure I'm burning lots more calories. It feels good. I actually look forward to my new workouts. Wish I'd started sooner.

    Thanks so much for your encouraging reply.
  • Lara124911
    Lara124911 Posts: 23
    I was over weight and tried so many things. Different things work for different people and I was lucky enough to find one that worked for me. I lost 18 pounds in one month without much exercise and it's been a life changer. I'm a little embarrased to post my before and after photos here but if anyone actually cares to hear what I've been doing then I'd be happy to help in any way. Just shoot me an email at secretosdelara@gmail.com and I'll show you my before and after photos, and tell you about how things are going for me with the stuff I've tried. I wish someone would have helped me out when I was struggling to find a solution so if I can help you then it would make my day
  • 7elizamae
    7elizamae Posts: 758 Member
    I knocked my goal down to .5 pound per week and am much happier with my calorie allowance. :)

    I'm so new to the MFP thing that I didn't see all the options.
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