Help, please

aelizabeth · August 2008

Hi. It is so hard for me to lose weight! It's hard to stay motivated when you don't see a reward for what you're doing.

I have been on here for about three weeks now and i lost 3 lbs in the 1st week, but the scale hasn't moved in the past two. I have been working out more and making better food choices and staying withing my calorie/fat/carb/protein range with my food. I am a size 16W and I would love nothing more to lose twenty lbs and be a 14 by xmas, if not sooner.

I have been diagnosed with hypothyriodism, but I have on the lowest dosage of medication. I have also switched to a no estrogen birth control. But neither of these have made much of a difference.

I am a student teacher, so I am on my feet all day except for teh 20 minutes I have for lunch. I go to the gym at least three times a week, more if I can. I usually burn about 300 cals each time and at least one weekend day I try to burn at least 600 cals.

I really want to feel better about myself and look better, but when I'm working this hard and not making any progress it's aggervating. I am always on the go, but I am moving so I will not have an hour drive to anywhere. We eat out a lot but when I do, I try to make healthier choices (like grilled chicken plain with no bread, and such). I just don't know what else to do. I have cut out sweets since I started, I just feel like nothing is making a difference.

Please help. Some sort of motivation or suggestions.

aelizabeth · August 2008

Hi. It is so hard for me to lose weight! It's hard to stay motivated when you don't see a reward for what you're doing.

I have been on here for about three weeks now and i lost 3 lbs in the 1st week, but the scale hasn't moved in the past two. I have been working out more and making better food choices and staying withing my calorie/fat/carb/protein range with my food. I am a size 16W and I would love nothing more to lose twenty lbs and be a 14 by xmas, if not sooner.

I have been diagnosed with hypothyriodism, but I have on the lowest dosage of medication. I have also switched to a no estrogen birth control. But neither of these have made much of a difference.

I am a student teacher, so I am on my feet all day except for teh 20 minutes I have for lunch. I go to the gym at least three times a week, more if I can. I usually burn about 300 cals each time and at least one weekend day I try to burn at least 600 cals.

I really want to feel better about myself and look better, but when I'm working this hard and not making any progress it's aggervating. I am always on the go, but I am moving so I will not have an hour drive to anywhere. We eat out a lot but when I do, I try to make healthier choices (like grilled chicken plain with no bread, and such). I just don't know what else to do. I have cut out sweets since I started, I just feel like nothing is making a difference.

Please help. Some sort of motivation or suggestions.

Skunky · August 2008

Hi there,

You say the scales arent moving?. Have you checked out your body shape at all yet?. I know as much as anyone how disheartening it is when you dont see any progress with the pointer on the scales but like many others the first thing I forget to take into account is that muscle weighs more than fat and so rather than relying on the scales..especially in the early stages..just keep doing what you're doing. I bet you are making great strides ..even if you havent noticed. I bet those around you have ..or will soon enough.

Keep the faith my friend...you can do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JessicaT2007 · August 2008

If you have not started already, I would take measurements along with your weight. Sometimes you body loses inches and not weight. Your body is slimming down on the fat, but also toning muscle so there might not be an actual weight change for a few weeks. There are also times where your body doesn't respond right away, like you are doing a good workout routine, but it may take you body a month to actually show the results of what you are doing. Please don't let it discourage you!!! Keep doing what you are doing and you will start seeing the results, just everybody's body is different, you know that
:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

Canelitas · August 2008

I agree with Jessica - Measurements plays a BIG role in Weight Loss :flowerforyou:

MChandler · August 2008

Welcome!

Remember, take it one day at a time, one decision at a time.

Planning ahead really helps, that way you don't get to the end of the day, going I'm really hungry and I only have 10 calories left... been there done that!

If you overindulge one day, let it go! Don't beat yourself up, just start over the next day.

Change up your routine. Don't do the same exercise every day...mix it up! Walk, ride a bike, go to the gym, run on an elliptical, roller blade, swim, play tennis...whatever, just mix it up! It'll keep you interested and may open up a lot of hobbies or activities that you wouldn't have thought you'd enjoy!

Remember, you CAN do this, it just takes hard work but it pays off in the end (like doing your homework everyday helps you with finals... lol)

SuzieQT · August 2008

I had the exact same feeling when I noticed that my scales weren't moving even though I'd been dieting and exercising for two to three weeks. Then tonight I tried on my favorite jeans and they weren't to tight anymore! It was just a little difference, but a difference I could feel despite the fact that I couldn't see it in the mirror. Just keep working at it! The differences you'll see will be far more rewarding that the differences on the scales! Keep up the good work! :flowerforyou:

aelizabeth · August 2008

Thanks. I have done the measuresments, I've lost about 3 inches in my waist, but 0 in my hips. I have "child bearing hips". My main problem is my middle (tummy) area. My legs are great and muscle, my arms are so-so, but my tummy, it's always been there, just growing with age. lol.

Is it possible to be a size 14 by xmas even with my slow weight loss? I haven't been a size 14 since 10th grade and that's been about 7 yrs. I've been a 16 for over three years now. I've talked to the doctor about why it's hard for me to lose weight and i get the same speech about eating right and exercise and I'm like I do that. But that's all they can do.

PrincessLaundry · August 2008

If you are drinking tons of water and have been this busy for quit some time, you might be burning off inches instead of pounds! YEY! The scale for me a while back didn't move for almost a month. Little did I know I had lost flew by an entire pant size! I went in my closet one day to put real pants (not workout gear) on...and nothing fit. The more I searched, all my clothes had grown! CRAZY! So keep that in mind and keep up your great work.

If you post your food log here maybe we can look through it for ideas. Just cut and paste your food from yesterday and today or something. Or e-mail me alone and I'll look. I'm always getting tips from friends here on improvements. Good luck girlie!

aelizabeth · August 2008

I can tell you what I ate yesterday, I have a Special K Protein bar for breakfast (about 190 cals), lunch I had 6" wheat subway tuna sandwhich, and dinner I had grilled chicken sandwhich (no bread) and side salad with fat-free ranch. For two snacks I had 100 cal packs (one in the morning and one in afternoon).

I drink mostly water, once or twice a week I'll have a diet coke. Since 8/04 my waist was 44.5 and today it's 41 (i just checked) but my hips are the same. My hips are my problem. I tried on my "skinny" jeans (whcih are a 14) and they barely got up the hips, but can't button yet.

I try to so hard not to get discouraged but it is hard. But I am going to keep on doing what I'm doing and hopefully will lose inches and weight.

jules1984 · August 2008

Okay, the food you just described there adds up to like 900 to 1100 calories. Anyone more experienced than me want to take up the eating all your calories discussion?

jules1984 · August 2008

Okay, I found it maybe this will help:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/10589-for-those-confused-or-questioning-eating-your-exercise-calo

Basically if you're not eating ENOUGH, your body will burn muscle instead and store what you do eat as fat - starvation mode. Read Bank's post and take it to heart. I say log every bite of food and bit of exercise and try to get close to 0 by the end of each day - nothing left - nothing over.

Good luck!

ericarey85 · August 2008

okay your problem is that your not eating enough, be sure to log in your food and your work outs, besure to eat some of your work out calories, if you don;t your body will go into starvatin mode and holds onto everying that it gets it is VERY important that you don't under, or your just making it harder on yourself. good luck :flowerforyou:

ericarey85 · August 2008

HAHA jules has got it.

oh and be sure to get 25-30g of fiber to keep everything moving

Ezzie · August 2008

AMEN....Please do read Banks stuff....it's helped me and I still can't believe I'm eating MORE...but have lost 3 lbs, and I'm into my 16 pants...yipeee!!!

My hubby and I are starting our 4th ( already?) week and I'm convinced that for me this will help. It's also incredibly motivating to see those exercise calories hit your food diary..just when you thought dinner would be lettuce and the low cal, dehydrated water:laugh: ..you log the quick walk you took and find t you have 300 cal to eat...whooopeeee. Doesn't make sense at first but trust the program......

Can't wait to get weighed tomorrow ( CAN"T BELIEVE I'M SAYING THAT!!!) pretty sure I've lost at least a bit.
Ezzie

aelizabeth · August 2008

Thanks, I'll read the article. It's hard to eat more bc sometimes I feel like I'm overeating. I do log in EVERY single thing that I eat. I'm usually around the 1100, once or twice I ate around 1400. Hard to believe a plus size girl has a hard time eating enough calories, huh? Any suggestions? I have low income so it can be hard to buy the right fruits and veggies I need, but I try to make due with what I have. I can't work until Jan bc of school. Any suggestions on healthy food that doesn't make you go broke?

Skunky · August 2008

Hi again.
I too need to find healthy food at a good price so I know where you are coming from.

Firstly, I will always look in the clearance aisles for anything on its last day of shelf life. There is nothing wrong with these foods and they can usually be frozen so sometimes you can find a real bonanza if you are prepared to take home these bargains.

Secondly, I personally never buy fresh vegetables. I always go for frozen for the simple fact that frozen foods will retain more vitamins than fresh veg which start losing vitamins and goodness from the moment they are picked. They are much cheaper too and don't go off or attract fruit flies etc.
You can get frozen fruit but I dont really find most of it that appetizing..depending what you want to do with it frozen is ok..for example making smoothies etc. Tinned fruit in JUICE..not syrup is fine.

Finally, if you are on a budget, why pay for brand names?

I work in the food industry and have done for the last 25 years in all different areas. I can tell you without fear of being called a liar that top brand names and own brand foods nearly always share vats or mixer tubs etc with the "best" brands being decanted first and own brands coming out of the same mix but after the first products so maybe containing slightly more sauce or juice etc...you get the picture. Don't get me wrong..not all cheaper foods are the dogs wotsits but I am always prepared to try them out and I m rarely moved to say "never again".

Hope this helps a bit.

Happy bargain hunting and good luck with your challenge. :flowerforyou:

PrincessLaundry · August 2008

I can tell you what I ate yesterday, I have a Special K Protein bar for breakfast (about 190 cals), lunch I had 6" wheat subway tuna sandwich, and dinner I had grilled chicken sandwich (no bread) and side salad with fat-free ranch. For two snacks I had 100 cal packs (one in the morning and one in afternoon).

I drink mostly water, once or twice a week I'll have a diet coke. Since 8/04 my waist was 44.5 and today it's 41 (i just checked) but my hips are the same. My hips are my problem. I tried on my "skinny" jeans (which are a 14) and they barely got up the hips, but can't button yet.

I try to so hard not to get discouraged but it is hard. But I am going to keep on doing what I'm doing and hopefully will lose inches and weight.

Hey there! I see others have answered you already as well! YEY!

The calories you have taken in do not seem to be enough, I agree with the people who have mentioned that already. It looks like you are missing a few food groups as well, so bumping them up would be a great help! Maybe add a quick grab apple, banana, clementine, grapes in a zip lock bag, frozen blueberries...Just something to add to your breakfast would be great. Then throw a fruit in during dinner would help your body digest food and keep your body moving happily!

Adding a veggie to each meal would be great too! Try something new like an acorn squash, spinach salad with Wishbone Spray and mandarin oranges on top. I try to make at least my dinners have 3/4 of my plate veggies and fruit. Someone here told me to try that long ago and it has really brought me to a healthier spot with my veggies. YUM! I also was given the idea long ago (from a Weight Watchers meal) to use red potatoes, broccoli on top, with 1 ounce of grated cheese, and 2 tablespoons of fat free sour cream on top. YUM!

You totally rock on the water! YEY YOU! And you have already been able to see inches lost. That is sooooo great! Sometimes that is the only way to "feel good" for me. I learned after my long weight plateau to not be a slave to the scale. Who would have thought, ey?

PrincessLaundry · August 2008

Thanks, I'll read the article. It's hard to eat more bc sometimes I feel like I'm overeating. I do log in EVERY single thing that I eat. I'm usually around the 1100, once or twice I ate around 1400. Hard to believe a plus size girl has a hard time eating enough calories, huh? Any suggestions? I have low income so it can be hard to buy the right fruits and veggies I need, but I try to make due with what I have. I can't work until Jan bc of school. Any suggestions on healthy food that doesn't make you go broke?

You HAVE to read that article!!! I KNOW that is how my body put on pounds...The first thing in my diet I changed was eating food. :huh: Ya, I stopped starving myself from my normal 500-700 calories per day and I lost 12 pounds. Is that CRAZY or what??? I kept up my calories and started working out more regularly and lost inches so quickly it was amazing. Seriously...EAT!!!

EAT!!! EAT!!! EAT!!! You can do it!!! :drinker:

With "being able to afford to eat" I feel you can eat mostly what you ate before, and yes it will be a lot of work, but if you did deep and want this...You will work it out girlie! YOU CAN DO IT! It will take planning, and chopping, and staying level headed to your goal...But after the first two weeks, it will no longer be "planning" it will be habit! YEY!!! :drinker:

banks1850 · August 2008

Hi ae,

So, being diagnosed with hypothyroidism changes the game completely from a normal healthy pattern. I don't know if you have done so yet, but you need to see someone trained and certified to recommend nutrition for people with your condition. Your metabolism is different from the rest of us and, us not being doctors, we don't have the qualifications to really make recommendations. Fortunately, most health plans cover referrals to registered dietitians, I would ask your doctor for a referral, they should be able to help you design a food plan that will work for you. Best of luck, and once you have a plan put together, we would be more then happy to help recommend specific foods that can fit that plan for you.

2day4ever · August 2008

Hi! I just want to echo the other posts here! Many of us have been where you are now. It is really hard to think that eating more will help you weigh less. I doubted it somewhat as I stuffed calories down. It took a while (Banks refers to the idea that your body needs to "re-set" to having food since it is so used to being starved). But now I am consistently eating more and weighing less.

Banks also has a post out there somewhere about how all of our bodies are soooooo different so the scale is a weird measurement tool. Bone mass, muscle mass (your legs, for example), what you ate last night, the salt in those pre-packaged foods -- all of those things influence the numbers on the scale.

I think it is great that you exercise and that you drink water!!!! You have some great habits already. I also echo those who are encouraging you to get those fresh fruits and veggies in each day. Most grocery stores have a weekly special -- grab that particular fruit or vegetable. The fresh stuff does cost more than the pre-packaged stuff but it is so worth it. Not only for your weight loss journey but also for your skin and your internal organs . . .

Hang in there! There are A LOT of people on this MFP site who know where you've been. Read the posts and learn from the big weight losers to hear their consistent message that you have to feed your body to let your body know that it is not starving anymore so it does not have to change every calorie you eat into fat!

Good luck!:flowerforyou:

aelizabeth · August 2008

Thanks everybody for responding. I appreciate all the help. I've been moving into a new house the past two days so we just now got our internet on.

I never thought about a dietition. I never thought of that bc i thought they would just try to put me on some diet pill and I can't take pills like that due to heart problems that are genetic. I will have to ask my endocrinologist about it.

I went to the grocery today and bought grapes and bananas. I'm the world's pickiest eater. I LOVE corn, and sometime carrots and salad, but besides that vegetables have never been a fan of mine. Fruit on the other hand, I love. I love apples, bananas, grapes, pineapple, watermelon. Yum.

Thanks for the help everyone, please let me know is anyone has some really good healthy recipies that are simple and I could try.

DrAlex08 · August 2008

I also agree with taking your measurements. In the past when I've tried to lose weight, I have notice the inches coming off even though the scale wasn't budging! Stay encouraged and keep up the good work.

Don't give up. :flowerforyou:

U Can Do It

Help, please

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