Frustrated, but I can't give up this time! Advice???

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laurabeth02
laurabeth02 Posts: 37
edited September 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
Hi all,
I have been trying to lose the same 5-10lbs for two years. I gained some weight my freshman year of college and then I took a trip to Italy and gained a bit more. I am currently about 8 lbs from my goal weight.

For at least the past year, I've done varying cardio sessions 5 days a week (30minutes or occasionally more) and strength training at least 4 days a week (also 30minutes). I joined my fitness pal two weeks ago to really get serious about loosing this weight AND IT IS SO FRUSTRATING. I know I'm not gaining much muscle because I haven't severely altered my workouts, but the scale hasn't moved this week and I'm afraid the weight I lost last week was *sorry gentlemen* a result of my period.

I also started birth control 2 months ago because I am getting married in June. I've heard that the pill makes it difficult to lose weight. Is this true? Are there any success stories out there of women who aren't necessarily overweight, but could still reach their goal weight while on the pill?

I'll make my food and exercise diary public, critiques and advice are MOST welcome!!!!

Replies

  • luv2ash
    luv2ash Posts: 1,903 Member
    I believe that pill theory and weight loss is false. I used to work for an OB/GYN who never believed that the pill was the cause of no weight loss.

    I do believe though that even though you are staying within your calorie range, I believe these should be healthy calories and nutrients. Maybe cut back on the sugar values at the end of the day as well as cutting back on carbs (which will decrease your sugar) and upping your lean protein. Just a suggestion
  • kimi233
    kimi233 Posts: 271 Member
    Actually when my OB asked me if I wanted to go on the pill, I said not really, and he said I didn't think so because it will more than likely make you gain more weight, (he knew I wanted to loose weight). So the pill could be making it more difficult. If you are committed to this, you will loose, it will take longer to loose only that much weight, and you will get frustrated, but you just have to keep pushing. Watch your sodium, drink lots and lots of water, and make sure you are logging everything you eat!! Best of luck!
  • jlsAhava
    jlsAhava Posts: 411 Member
    Congrats on your upcoming wedding!

    Here are two recent posts you might find helpful. Good luck!

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/113609-relatively-light-people-trying-to-get-leaner

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/171756--pics-i-used-to-be-skinny-fat

    They don't mention the pill, and the first is probably more applicable than the second, but I think they're both good for you to read.

    You can do this!
  • laurabeth02
    laurabeth02 Posts: 37
    Most of the sugar I eat comes from fruits...should I cut back on fruit? Also, I drink crystal light everyday and I don't log my calories from it because usally I don't have more than 3 glasses. I'm also trying to cut out diet soda? Should I nix the crystal light too?
  • hpsnickers1
    hpsnickers1 Posts: 2,783 Member
    search the message boards for "relatively light looking to get leaner". There is a very, very long post for us. You don't have a lot of weight to lose so as far as calorie intake you don't have a lot of wiggle room (I borrowed this from him). It's so easy for us to end up below the 1200 baseline too often. And we see a lot of jumping around due to fluctuations. Get into more strength training. I asked the guy who wrote the post and he told me 2-3 times per week strength training and 2-6 times per week cardio as needed. I use the cardio so I can eat more. I am just now getting into more serious strength training (waiting on P90X - I hope my Fibromyalgia can handle it). I'm getting away from the scale numbers and trying to focus more on how my body looks and how my clothes fit.

    I was on the pill back at the beginning of college - freshman 15 was opposite for me - I lost 15 pounds in my first semester.

    Oh someone beat me to the punch on the 'relatively light'. It does contain a load of great info for all of us in at a healthy weight but want to lose a little more. Get ready to sit and read for a while.

    You can gain weight from eating too much fruit. Those sugars count towards carbs.
  • Janworkingitout
    Janworkingitout Posts: 434 Member
    Most of the sugar I eat comes from fruits...should I cut back on fruit? Also, I drink crystal light everyday and I don't log my calories from it because usally I don't have more than 3 glasses. I'm also trying to cut out diet soda? Should I nix the crystal light too?

    I drink crystal light everyday as well, and eat plenty of fruit. Sometimes this weight loss journey can be a little overwhelming with all of the things we are told not to eat! If you followed all the advice you read, and people give, you'd have nothing left to eat! Having said that, here is my 2 cents: I lost weight by watching my calorie intake and burning more calories than I took in. This may be oversimplifying things, but it's what worked for me. Good luck!
  • jfer1977
    jfer1977 Posts: 139
    My two cents.......It looks like you eat pretty healthy for the most part. I would definitely give up the diet soda. You also need more protein. When it comes to protein this site doesn't have you eating enough. Whatever weight you're wanting to be is how many grams of protein you need. Protein is what helps build and maintain muscle. So, my first thought when reading your original post was you need to change up your exercise routine. You said you haven't really changed your workout routine and that could be the problem. Our bodies get used to the way we do things and then won't lose any more. My suggestion is to lose the soda and change your workout routine.

    Good luck on your last eight pounds!!!
  • dieseljay74
    dieseljay74 Posts: 376
    Whenever i get stuck with losing fat, I swap the protein and carb ratio recommendations.....always works for me.
  • jlsAhava
    jlsAhava Posts: 411 Member
    My two cents.......It looks like you eat pretty healthy for the most part. I would definitely give up the diet soda. You also need more protein. When it comes to protein this site doesn't have you eating enough. Whatever weight you're wanting to be is how many grams of protein you need. Protein is what helps build and maintain muscle. So, my first thought when reading your original post was you need to change up your exercise routine. You said you haven't really changed your workout routine and that could be the problem. Our bodies get used to the way we do things and then won't lose any more. My suggestion is to lose the soda and change your workout routine.

    Good luck on your last eight pounds!!!

    I noticed that the daily goals default to a daily recommendation of 30% fat - I thought this was more than I wanted to aim for in my diet, so I changed the settings. I decreased my fat percentage which increased my protein percentage. You can modify these settings by going into Goals >> change goals >> custom settings. You can also change your carb goal if you so choose.
  • laurabeth02
    laurabeth02 Posts: 37
    You all are great! Thanks for the advice, I'll try upping my protein and switching up my workouts more. Keep the the advice coming! :happy:
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