I am gong to get this right this time!

dfly_does_keto
dfly_does_keto Posts: 8 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Hello everyone,
I recently started my weight loss journey and am doing pretty well with it so far. I have tried my times before, but due to my husband's job we travel alot. We are finally on a long term job and we have joined the gym here. I seen that they offered classes on every week day. So far my schedule is Monday- step class, Tuesday-cycling, Wednesday- Cardio funk/toning, Thursday and Sunday-off, Friday and Saturday- strength training and I work on being able to run. Each class is 45-60 min. I currently weigh 185.6 lbs and I am 5 foot 2inches. I am Gluten-free (for the last year) and am really watching what I eat. I try to stick to very low carbs and no processed foods. I slip and eat turkey bacon once a day. I am just wondering if anyone else has had luck losing weight by doing the classes and should I do more?

Replies

  • MelodyandBarbells
    MelodyandBarbells Posts: 7,724 Member
    Your fitness schedule seems like plenty. Add or remove only if you want. You should also take a break whenever you feel like you need it, to give your body a chance to recover. Sometimes recovery could be an easier version of your workout or something like a walk.

    How many calories are you eating per day, and do you use a food scale to measure your food intake? Exercise will help with the "calories out" portion of the equation, as well as numerous other health benefits, but the food or calories in side is extremely important as well.

    Read this if you have not already:

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,432 MFP Moderator
    Is this a similar plan you previously had? Also, are you low carb and gluten free for a medical reason? I ask because a lot of people that eliminate foods for no reason tend to binge because of cravings. I personally found that incorporating all the foods I love into my goal is what makes me success. When I limit, i cheat more often.
  • dfly_does_keto
    dfly_does_keto Posts: 8 Member
    I am measuring out my food with a scale and trying to stay around 1200 calories a day. I have an intolerance to gluten, if I eat it I can't leave the bathroom :/ I have always struggled with stomach issues and this has helped more than anything I have ever done! Sorry might be Tmi :) Previously I did not try the classes, I just stuck to the treadmill and did some strength training. I could not stand going to the gym I got bored very quickly. The classes seem to mix it up and make it more enjoyable.
  • jdhcm2006
    jdhcm2006 Posts: 2,254 Member
    With that type of schedule, you're going to need more than 1200 calories. Maybe 1400 or 1500.
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,432 MFP Moderator
    I am measuring out my food with a scale and trying to stay around 1200 calories a day. I have an intolerance to gluten, if I eat it I can't leave the bathroom :/ I have always struggled with stomach issues and this has helped more than anything I have ever done! Sorry might be Tmi :) Previously I did not try the classes, I just stuck to the treadmill and did some strength training. I could not stand going to the gym I got bored very quickly. The classes seem to mix it up and make it more enjoyable.

    The plan you can stick with is the successful plan. But if you are active, 1200 calories, probably won't be enough. I would probably start you at 1600 calories with macros at 40% carbs, 30% protein and fats, and aim for 30g+ of fiber a day.
  • cnadiger
    cnadiger Posts: 168 Member
    I would say you and I are pretty similar when it comes to size, and I find your class schedule admirable! You must be in better cardio shape than me to do a complete 50/60 min class, I find them much more demanding than say 60 mins on the treadmill. If you are going to stay with that exercise level, you are really going to have to increase your calories a bit. And I totally agree with previous poster that I find completely eliminating carbs (or whatever your fav food is) makes me cheat more.
  • dfly_does_keto
    dfly_does_keto Posts: 8 Member
    I will definitely adjust my calories. Thank you all for the advice! For me it is harder to get started on the right track than staying there. I appreciate all of your help!
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,432 MFP Moderator
    I will definitely adjust my calories. Thank you all for the advice! For me it is harder to get started on the right track than staying there. I appreciate all of your help!

    Keep in mind you might have to play around with the numbers. But there is no reason to go super aggressive from the start. Generally, lots of exercise + little calories can leave a person feeling sluggish and can lead to binges. While a smaller deficit will make you lose slower, the chances of sticking with things is greater and the harder you will push during exercise.

    If you do follow the plan I suggest, do not eat back exercise calories and make sure you use a food scale and log daily.
  • dfly_does_keto
    dfly_does_keto Posts: 8 Member
    I will definitely feel it out and adjust it as needed. I had an off day yesterday and I think the lack of food is to blame, I still made it to the gym. I had a meal replacement protien shake last night and I feel so much better today. It is hard for me to up the amount of calories with out feeling like I am ruining my exercise. I have to get that thought out of my head. I am shooting for 1600 calories and seeing how that works for me.
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,432 MFP Moderator
    I will definitely feel it out and adjust it as needed. I had an off day yesterday and I think the lack of food is to blame, I still made it to the gym. I had a meal replacement protien shake last night and I feel so much better today. It is hard for me to up the amount of calories with out feeling like I am ruining my exercise. I have to get that thought out of my head. I am shooting for 1600 calories and seeing how that works for me.

    It will actually improve your exercise as will provide additional energy available. It's actually not uncommon to see big increases in strength and cardio with additional exercise.
  • dfly_does_keto
    dfly_does_keto Posts: 8 Member
    I seem to be having trouble reaching the 1500 calorie mark. It seems like I end up eating all day! I have also been measuring out everything with a food scale (my husband probably thinks I have lost my mind). I have also made a few bad food choices the last few days, I will not let that stop me! My exercise routine has changed some. Monday: step cardio, Tuesday: yoga in the mornings and c25k in the afternoon. Wednesday and Thursday: cardio funk, Friday and Saturday: c25k, Sunday:off. I also do strength training on the c25k days. I am not seeing a difference on the scale, but I have noticed a loss in inches. My husband and I have thought about starting crossfit, we both decided to wait until we have dropped some more weight. I feel good about this, I just have to keep it up!
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,432 MFP Moderator
    I seem to be having trouble reaching the 1500 calorie mark. It seems like I end up eating all day! I have also been measuring out everything with a food scale (my husband probably thinks I have lost my mind). I have also made a few bad food choices the last few days, I will not let that stop me! My exercise routine has changed some. Monday: step cardio, Tuesday: yoga in the mornings and c25k in the afternoon. Wednesday and Thursday: cardio funk, Friday and Saturday: c25k, Sunday:off. I also do strength training on the c25k days. I am not seeing a difference on the scale, but I have noticed a loss in inches. My husband and I have thought about starting crossfit, we both decided to wait until we have dropped some more weight. I feel good about this, I just have to keep it up!

    Since it's only been 10 days, the weight loss is probably masked by water retention (as noted with the inches lost). Honestly, I would recommend reducing some of the cardio. There really is no reason to do cardio 6 days a week. If anything, cut out C25K and concentrate on lifting hard those days. Weight lifting will provide much greater visual results than cardio will.

    Also, there are no bad food choices. If you struggle to get enough calories, I would add in some of those "bad" food choices to get you there or you can go with some more calorie dense items; nuts, peanut butter (even eating it out of a jar), protein bars or shakes, cheese, cooking foods in olive oil, butter, or even ice cream.
  • dwarfiegodsmack
    dwarfiegodsmack Posts: 317 Member
    My husband and I have thought about starting crossfit, we both decided to wait until we have dropped some more weight.

    really there's no need to wait! incorporating heavy lifting now while you are eating at a deficit will help you to hold onto more muscle mass. doing all that cardio without doing heavy lifting will cause you to lose muscle mass

    i'm 5'3, 179 lbs, was lifting at home for a few months but i joined a gym and tonight i will be starting SL 5x5

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