Very little weight loss: Looking for non-traditional advice
Replies
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* My thyroid is a bit low and two months ago I began taking a supplement from the doctor.
* My glucose is a bit high so for the past two months I have been lowering my carb and sugar intake.
OP, The doc who prescribed you the dosage for Thyroid was he/she an Endocrinologist?
If not, I would start from there. If you have been detected with hypo thyroid and if the strength of your meds are off by even .20 mcg you will see elevation in BG and pretty much failure in weight loss.
Seek an Endocrinologist appointment.0 -
Chia Seeds, Rasberry Keytones and coffee enemas......You are welcome.0
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I'm on the Cabana Banana Diet. I haven't lost any weight. But boy can I climb trees now.0
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It takes two hours of cardio per day for me to lose two pounds per week. If I do one hour, I hold my own - but- do not lose weight.0
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My two cents: Buy a copy of "Eat To Live" by Dr. Joel Fuhrman. Read the entire book. Decide to follow his 6-week plan. Enjoy the results.0
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Work out harder and longer, create more of a deficit, makes up for the lack of calorie counting.0
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a few simple examples -
high fructose corn syrup does not stimulate the release of Leptin, the hormone that tells us we are full, the same way cane sugar does, because cane sugar tends to produce more insulin which is tied to Leptin production and also suppresses Ghrelin in the stomach.
Studies show that vinegar can decrease the insulin response of a meal by 20% and increase insulin sensitivity by 34%
Anthocyanins (found in berries) act on the genes that determine whether you burn fat or store it (turning on an enzyme called AMP kinase)
So yes - different foods affect different hormones which impact metabolism and weight loss. This is still pretty new research and while it is all peer-reviewed, it's not that well known. I'm not saying calories don't matter and that creating a deficit doesn't matter, I'm saying that's not the whole story and I think we're going to see the fields of nutrition, weight loss and exercise change over the next 20 years as we better understand these mechanisms at the biochemical level.
And when people are asking for help, I do think it's rude to say things like "start using meth". That's not helpful, and if the only answer people have is weigh your food and count calories, great, but then why comment at all after the first 20 times people have said it.0 -
I'm going to try a different approach. You say that you do not find yourself counting calories for the rest of your life. To be honest, I don't think anyone started on MFP thinking that they would do this forever. I counted calories until I got to maintenance phase, and quickly learned that I would have to count calories forever or I would gain weight. You might be one of those people, or you might find that you can maintain quite easily without counting. Seems like you're doing a good job maintaining already.
It is tedious at first, but once you build your "frequently eaten" list, you'll find that logging your food is quite simple and quick. I can do it pretty quickly after dinner before the baby starts screaming at me for attention. :happy:0 -
Counting calories will be more accurate, but here are some other methods:
- buy smaller plates (8 or 10 inches)
- fill your plate with 1/2 veggies, 1/4 protein and 1/4 healthy starch (starchy veg or whole grain)
- eat a big bowl of veggie soup (150 calories or less) before lunch and dinner (I have been doing this for the past few weeks and have cut down on portions while still feeling very full). Also a good way to get in more veggies.
- Don't eat unless and until you are hungry
- plate 20% less than you usually eat and don't go back for seconds0 -
In the past I measured food and calories. It is not something I can sustain for every meal for the rest of my life. So no, I do not currently count calories. However I do eat reasonable portions and periodically I will go back and count for a week at a time to make sure my portions are OK.
You won't lose weight unless you consistently eat at a deficit to your TDEE. It sounds like the portions you are consuming now (without counting calories) are not as reasonable as you think.
Some people can eat reasonable amounts without counting, many cannot. It seems that you should probably admit you are in the later group and start accurately logging all of your intake. Good luck!
Aside from counting calories (and lowering intake) the only other idea I can offer is to exercise more while continuing to consume the same amount. I have tons of MFP friends who eat a LOT while maintaining a healthy weight year round. They can do this because many of them exercise everyday (or very close to it). I see you are a runner (who has raced up to 10k). Perhaps training for a half marathon (as you are planning) then a marathon (in addition to CrossFit, rowing and cycling) will help you increase your calorie burn.0 -
Wow, people are kind of rude.
If you want to try something different, you might check out the. . .[snipped].
I didn't notice anyone being rude in this thread, but I did see one person being kind of commercially spammy.0 -
Gotta agree with everyone here, for a vast majority of the population looking to lose weight but being unable to do so no matter what healthier choices they've seemingly made, there is no substitute for accurate measurement and logging of caloric intake.
It'd be easier and cheaper to invest in a basic digital food scale ($10 usd), an accurate tablespoon, and liquid measuring cups... and then actually use them to accurately log your intake... then to try some fad diet that would probably end up doing more harm to your health and metabolism than good, or at the very least end up costing more to follow...0 -
I am totally overwhelmed and hurt.
I was not expecting so many responses and I was definitely expecting more thoughtful, serious ones that indicate the writer read the entire original post.
I'm totally fine if a lot of people advise me to count calories but I would appreciate it without the rudeness and assumptions.
To address some of the things suggested:
I have counted calories and have not found it helpful in weight loss. (That's why I don't bother with it now... and it's yes, it's not logistically possible.)
I have created a calorie deficit as evidenced by previous calorie counting and a drastic increase in activity (including strength training and cardio) and decrease in calories.0 -
I am totally overwhelmed and hurt.
I was not expecting so many responses and I was definitely expecting more thoughtful, serious ones that indicate the writer read the entire original post.
I'm totally fine if a lot of people advise me to count calories but I would appreciate it without the rudeness and assumptions.
To be fair, you came on to a calorie counting website, you said that calorie counting doesn't work, and that you don't do it, and then asked for input.
You might have anticipated how people would react.
Nonetheless, take what you like, ignore the rest, and press on.0 -
I am totally overwhelmed and hurt.
I was not expecting so many responses and I was definitely expecting more thoughtful, serious ones that indicate the writer read the entire original post.
I'm totally fine if a lot of people advise me to count calories but I would appreciate it without the rudeness and assumptions.
I just read the whole thread and it looks like you got some great advice and a few funny joke responses. Who hurt you? I think I must have missed something.
I'm not sure what kind of "non-traditional" advice you're looking for. That could be anything from "Don't Eat Anything White" to Wiccan weight loss spells. Could you maybe be more specific about what kind of advice you're looking for?
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So you don't want advice that works. Hmm Interesting concept.I am feeling very stuck and would like some non-traditional advice or ideas. I made a lifestyle change about 2 years ago going from very sedentary to a very active. I am in the best shape of my life: fit, strong, and feeling good. :happy: Unfortunately I am also overweight and have lost very little fat. :grumble:
Considerations:
* My thyroid is a bit low and two months ago I began taking a supplement from the doctor.
* My glucose is a bit high so for the past two months I have been lowering my carb and sugar intake.
* The food I eat is 90% whole, unprocessed, and clean. (I don't count calories or measure food because it simply isn't realistic for me. From time to do I do it short -term as a way to re-orient myself to correct portions.)
* I do CrossFit and rowing/running/biking 3-5 times per week
* I make a rocking very low sugar low carb chocolate raspberry ice cream :glasses:
Here is the traditional (and usually correct advice):
Eat less, move more. -done
Measure your food. - done
Count calories. - done
Count macro nutrients. - done
Eat Clean. - 90% done
Do cardio and resistance training at least 3 times per week. - done
Any other ideas?
If though you want something that works do the things I've bolded but accurately. Sorry to go all traditional on you0 -
I am totally overwhelmed and hurt.
I was not expecting so many responses and I was definitely expecting more thoughtful, serious ones that indicate the writer read the entire original post.
I'm totally fine if a lot of people advise me to count calories but I would appreciate it without the rudeness and assumptions.
You asked for feedback, and you got very honest and straightforward feedback.
I think the level of hurt you're experiencing is directly correlated to the amount of responses advising you of something you knew already but did not want to hear.
Despite all of the good things you *are* doing, the one thing you *are not* doing is eating at a deficit which would lead to weight loss.
It's a simple fix OP, despite it being what you don't want to hear.0 -
I am totally overwhelmed and hurt.
I was not expecting so many responses and I was definitely expecting more thoughtful, serious ones that indicate the writer read the entire original post.
I'm totally fine if a lot of people advise me to count calories but I would appreciate it without the rudeness and assumptions.
just a word of friendly advice... don't start another thread about how mean people are or how we are not supportive.
Those never end well.0 -
Nearly the same problem but not as fit as you.....tried everything, nothing worked for 6 months. I read about "resetting your metabolism" and found a book "Fast Metabolism Diet" and buttaching.....it is working. Seems that putting your body through the same old rigamoroar day in and day out can screw your metabolism up, especially if you are not putting enough fuel in your body and with all that you are doing....seems you would need a lot of fuel. Anyway, putting this 28 day metabolism reset into action seems to be the answer for me....could be for you!0
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just a word of friendly advice... don't start another thread about how mean people are or how we are not supportive.
Those never end well.
No worries.. I'm not like that...0 -
However tedious it may seem, for 3 weeks, set yourself a net calorie target that indicates weight loss if followed. Counting calories won't work if the target you are measuring against is too high. Then log EVERYTHING that goes in, (and I mean weighing and measuring accurately) and log all the exercise you do - be a little prudent on the exercise logging if using MFP estimates.
IF, after these 3 weeks you have achieved a net calorie deficit, and have remained static, see your Doctor
All the best,
Sara0 -
Well said. I agree.I am totally overwhelmed and hurt.
I was not expecting so many responses and I was definitely expecting more thoughtful, serious ones that indicate the writer read the entire original post.
I'm totally fine if a lot of people advise me to count calories but I would appreciate it without the rudeness and assumptions.
You asked for feedback, and you got very honest and straightforward feedback.
I think the level of hurt you're experiencing is directly correlated to the amount of responses advising you of something you knew already but did not want to hear.
Despite all of the good things you *are* doing, the one thing you *are not* doing is eating at a deficit which would lead to weight loss.
It's a simple fix OP, despite it being what you don't want to hear.0 -
Some people are nasty. There is one poster who I honest-to-God never saw say a single thing that wasn't just bitterness. True story. I think they log on just to be nasty, lol.I am totally overwhelmed and hurt.
I was not expecting so many responses and I was definitely expecting more thoughtful, serious ones that indicate the writer read the entire original post.
I'm totally fine if a lot of people advise me to count calories but I would appreciate it without the rudeness and assumptions.
To address some of the things suggested:
I have counted calories and have not found it helpful in weight loss. (That's why I don't bother with it now... and it's yes, it's not logistically possible.)
I have created a calorie deficit as evidenced by previous calorie counting and a drastic increase in activity (including strength training and cardio) and decrease in calories.
Click on the arrow by their name and then click "ignore user." You never see another of their posts. It's wonderful. 0 -
I guess that I should add that reading the book explained everything in very clear terms in regards to the importance of fueling your body according to how your body needs fueled. I thought that I was doing everything right: counting calories, logging, staying within my calories and exercising at least 5 days a week. But my "old" mindset couldn't accept the thought that eating more food could actually benefit me and help me lose weight. Now I am eating 3 meals a day and 2 snacks and after at least 6 months of too much calorie restriction for my body, exercising and zero weight loss..........it is now coming off.
Metabolism is an action not a thing and some people have very high metabolisms naturally while others have slow. However, fueling your body (like adding wood to a furnace) properly enables you to kick it up.
Good luck!0 -
I am totally overwhelmed and hurt.
I was not expecting so many responses and I was definitely expecting more thoughtful, serious ones that indicate the writer read the entire original post.
I'm totally fine if a lot of people advise me to count calories but I would appreciate it without the rudeness and assumptions.
I just read the whole thread and it looks like you got some great advice and a few funny joke responses. Who hurt you? I think I must have missed something.
I'm not sure what kind of "non-traditional" advice you're looking for. That could be anything from "Don't Eat Anything White" to Wiccan weight loss spells. Could you maybe be more specific about what kind of advice you're looking for?
I want a Wiccan weight loss spell! Explains all those skinny witches, lol0 -
Wow, people are kind of rude.
If you want to try something different, you might check out the. . .[snipped].
I didn't notice anyone being rude in this thread, but I did see one person being kind of commercially spammy.
It's always the ones with 5 posts in 3 years that are the most legit.0 -
a few simple examples -
high fructose corn syrup does not stimulate the release of Leptin, the hormone that tells us we are full, the same way cane sugar does, because cane sugar tends to produce more insulin which is tied to Leptin production and also suppresses Ghrelin in the stomach.
Studies show that vinegar can decrease the insulin response of a meal by 20% and increase insulin sensitivity by 34%
Anthocyanins (found in berries) act on the genes that determine whether you burn fat or store it (turning on an enzyme called AMP kinase)
So yes - different foods affect different hormones which impact metabolism and weight loss. This is still pretty new research and while it is all peer-reviewed, it's not that well known. I'm not saying calories don't matter and that creating a deficit doesn't matter, I'm saying that's not the whole story and I think we're going to see the fields of nutrition, weight loss and exercise change over the next 20 years as we better understand these mechanisms at the biochemical level.
And when people are asking for help, I do think it's rude to say things like "start using meth". That's not helpful, and if the only answer people have is weigh your food and count calories, great, but then why comment at all after the first 20 times people have said it.
Please post said peer-reviewed studies.0 -
Please post said peer-reviewed studies.
[/quote]
There are hundreds and I don't have that much time, here are a few:
Anderson, J.W., et al., "Metabolic Effects of Fructose Supplementation in Diabetic Individuals," Diabetes Care, 12, no. 5 (1989): 337-44
Raben, Anne, et. al., "Sucrose Compared with Arfiticial Sweeteners: Different Effects on Ad Libitum Food Intake and Body Weight after 10 Wk of Supplementation in Overweight Subjects:, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 76, no. 4 (2002): 721-29
Vinegar Improves Insulin Sensitivity to a High-Carbohydrate Meal in Subjects With Insulin Resistance or Type 2 Diabetes
Johnston, Carol SView Profile; Kim, Cindy M; Buller, Amanda J. Diabetes Care27.1 (Jan 2004): 281-2.
Biochemical Pharmacology
Volume 71, Issue 8, 14 April 2006, Pages 1184–1197
Cover image
Microarray profiling of gene expression in human adipocytes in response to anthocyanins
Takanori Tsudaa, , ,
Yuki Uenoa,
Toshikazu Yoshikawac,
Hitoshi Kojob,
Toshihiko Osawad
Received 17 November 2005, Accepted 23 December 2005, Available online 17 February 20060 -
Just a stab in the dark here, but when the OP says they have counted calories before and it didn't do any good, what kind of time frame are we talking here? A week? A month? A year?
Were the calories properly tracked, i.e., with a digital food scale and were all calories accounted for?
Did the OP count calories and, as properly as possibly, track exercise calories burned?
Did the OP stay on track for a few months and adjust the calorie intake lower or higher based on the results?
There are lot of unanswered questions...unless I just missed the answers.0 -
Just a stab in the dark here, but when the OP says they have counted calories before and it didn't do any good, what kind of time frame are we talking here? A week? A month? A year?
Were the calories properly tracked, i.e., with a digital food scale and were all calories accounted for?
Did the OP count calories and, as properly as possibly, track exercise calories burned?
Did the OP stay on track for a few months and adjust the calorie intake lower or higher based on the results?
There are lot of unanswered questions...unless I just missed the answers.
Pretty much and I think it's pretty easy to guess the answers to this question... The only way it didn't work is that it wasn't done properly.0
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