I would like your opinion please!

bsmock88
bsmock88 Posts: 22 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Hello all,

I would like your opinions on my first two weeks of dieting again. I have been dieting for quite a while, and always fall off the band wagon. Even though I have always failed, which I don't plan to this time, I have always lost quite a bit the first couple weeks due to water weight.

I began my diet almost 2 weeks ago and have only lost approximately 2-2.5 total. Usually it's around 3-4 a week the first couple of weeks, then dropps off of course. I am not alarmed since now I know it needs to be about the lifestyle choice and not the number, but I am curious if I am eating or drinking something I shouldn't be.

My calories have averaged between 1700-1800 a day, with appx. 400 calories burned, netting 1300-1400 calories for the day. I feel like this is acceptable, and some days it has been higher. I eat healthy, haven't cheated daily (only once), and drink tons of water.

The only logical thought I could have is atrificial sweetners. I drink coffee maybe 2-3 times a week and put 2 sweetners in with a little 1% milk. I know that diet soda is not the best for you, and I love diet mountain dew which is horrible to drink, so I haven't had any. I drink water 99% of the time and the occasional coffee.

Do you think it could be those few sweetners that have lead to slower loss, or calories? I don't want to focus on the numbers as the sole indicator of success, but it's a little shocking for me since I am used to a bigger start than that. I am looking just for your opinions please.

Replies

  • AllonsYtotheTardis
    AllonsYtotheTardis Posts: 16,947 Member
    Don't panic. :flowerforyou:

    Our bodies can have such varied water fluctuations, it can be quite maddening. You seem to be right on track, really. You might even see more drops in water weight over the next couple weeks, as your body is still adjusting to your new habits.

    You've got this.
  • Laurenloveswaffles
    Laurenloveswaffles Posts: 535 Member
    Are you weighing and logging everything that you consume? Things that say 0 calories, can still have macros (carbs mainly) in them, such as artificial sweeteners.
  • crazyauntcheryl
    crazyauntcheryl Posts: 8 Member
    Unfortunately there is the slowing metabolism thing to consider. The older we women get, the slower the metabolism. Losing weight certainlyh was easier ten or fifteen years ago. Just keep on keeping on, the weight will eventually come off.
  • CindyMarcuzAdams
    CindyMarcuzAdams Posts: 4,007 Member
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1175494-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

    Have you read sexy pants yet. Its got some great info to get you started again.

    Make some friends and be active.

    Good luck, Cindy
  • bsmock88
    bsmock88 Posts: 22 Member
    Are you weighing and logging everything that you consume? Things that say 0 calories, can still have macros (carbs mainly) in them, such as artificial sweeteners.

    Hey lolowolf,

    I didn't track the sweetners actually. I didn't think about that. I know it's best that I don't have them anyway so I will try to go without them, not like they really make it taste better anyway lol.
  • Alyssa_Is_LosingIt
    Alyssa_Is_LosingIt Posts: 4,696 Member
    The artificial sweeteners have no effect on weight loss whatsoever. Even if each packet had 2-3 calories, you'd have to consume a TON of packets and diet beverages a day to have any effect.

    The weight is probably water weight. 2.5 lbs in 2 weeks is great. Just keep on trucking. Maybe take a break from the scale for a while.
  • bsmock88
    bsmock88 Posts: 22 Member
    Thanks for the opinions so far everyone! I will look into everything you suggest. Also, I am a 26 year old male for what it matters haha. I know as I get older it will slow, but I don't think it's a huge issue for me at the moment.
  • nicsflyingcircus
    nicsflyingcircus Posts: 2,861 Member
    I drink a couple diet a&w rootbeers a week, plus I put splenda into my coffee pretty much daily. I have lost 52 lbs since mid-April so I don't really think they are slowing you down.
  • Laurenloveswaffles
    Laurenloveswaffles Posts: 535 Member
    Are you weighing and logging everything that you consume? Things that say 0 calories, can still have macros (carbs mainly) in them, such as artificial sweeteners.

    Hey lolowolf,

    I didn't track the sweetners actually. I didn't think about that. I know it's best that I don't have them anyway so I will try to go without them, not like they really make it taste better anyway lol.

    It all comes down to calories in v. calories out, but I would still log them if you do add any splenda or whatever to what you consume. Like I just drank a diet lemonade from Chickfila that had 9 carbs in it but the website said 0 calories. It's just something to think about.
  • nicsflyingcircus
    nicsflyingcircus Posts: 2,861 Member
    Are you weighing and logging everything that you consume? Things that say 0 calories, can still have macros (carbs mainly) in them, such as artificial sweeteners.

    Hey lolowolf,

    I didn't track the sweetners actually. I didn't think about that. I know it's best that I don't have them anyway so I will try to go without them, not like they really make it taste better anyway lol.

    It all comes down to calories in v. calories out, but I would still log them if you do add any splenda or whatever to what you consume. Like I just drank a diet lemonade from Chickfila that had 9 carbs in it but the website said 0 calories. It's just something to think about.

    The carbs are (mostly) because they use real lemons to make their lemonade, pulp and all
  • crazyauntcheryl
    crazyauntcheryl Posts: 8 Member
    sorry about the female metabolism post.:blushing:
  • segovm
    segovm Posts: 512 Member
    The MAJORITY of weight lost / gained whenever you start something new is just water weight shifting around. Lots of people lose a ton at first because they shift to a lower sodium diet as you may have in the past. Others hold onto or even gain weight because they start hitting the gym and repairing muscles normally takes excess water. Some cut sodium and add exercise and just hold still.

    The moral of the story is that the first few weeks of weight loss / gain is pretty irrelevant. If you want to see a rapid loss cut the sodium by a big fraction but be prepared for the weight to jump back on at the first helping of anything with salt again.

    Best to just think big picture about the whole thing and trust the numbers. Weighing and measuring food correctly will help drop the weight. Understanding the calorie burn estimates are often painfully high will also help keep you from blowing a deficit. Personally I ignore exercise calories unless I am hungry or not performing well but that a personal thing.

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