Eating exercise cals but not losing. :/

onetxjewel · February 2011

I'm at a loss right now. I feel like i've been honest and on top of myself the last few weeks. If I eat bad, I own up to eat and document it and work out. I was sick for almost two weeks and my dr put me on 50mg of zoloft 4 months ago. Which can cause weight gain and cravings...i've had a horrible sweet tooth and i'm usually one that HATES sweets.

I'm getting married in July and have my first dress fitting in 2 weeks...i'm 10 pounds heavier then when I bought my dress last summer. I'm devastated! I'm a dance teacher so it's not like i'm not an active person. I'm tempted to get off my meds but that scares me because it helps me mentally and emotionally. But I don't want to be heavier by the time I get married...i'm scared the weight is going to continue to go up.

Should I cut out starches and carbs after lunch time? I know I need to focus more on fruits and veggies in my diet, but i'm just at the point of freaking out!

Since I got sick two weeks ago i've tried to keep track of my diary but it's not 100% and there's been days that I haven't been able to hit the gym. Should I not eat all of my exercise calories??

kimmerroze · February 2011

Gosh that is tough!

I cant say too much as far as your diet goes, simply because you have a medicine that is effecting it.

But I too am getting married, so I upped my strength training a bit and I have lost inches, no weight, But inches. and they had to take my dress in almost 2-3 inches.

So I would say eat your exercise calories, just so you don't freak your body out more, it is probably adjusting to your medicine. My body did the same thing when I got on birth control. (stupid medicine hu?)

and up the Strength and weight training, you may not lose weight, but you will lose inches, and that will help your dress.

dont get discouraged girl! and I feel for you! no bride wants this to happen to her.

Trovan · February 2011

At the end of the day, you gotta do what works for you. If eating back all of your exercise calories isn't doing it for you, you may need to change things a bit to start seeing results.

NOLAdy · February 2011

Talk to your doctor about the side effects. Look into Wellbutrin. It has the opposit side effect, people have lost weight, or just satyed the same. Plus your fiance will be happy because it increases your libido. Talk to your doctor.

hpsnickers1 · February 2011

You want to NET at LEAST 1200 calories and eat your exercise calories. I took a peek at your diary and you are well below that most days. It's ok to go under 1200 a couple of days in a row but any longer and it has the opposite effect. Your body starts to hang onto fat, store everything you eat as fat and pull the fuel it needs from your muscles. You might lose a few but then it will slow down, stop and you can even start gaining weight.

Keep your Net calories above 1200 and eat your exercise calories. Hopefully this will work. Those meds are famous for screwing with weight.

Last week I increased my calories from 1250 deficiency to 1480-1500 maintenance. I dropped a pound. I do still end up under 1200 occasionally after exercise but I do the best I can to hit 1500.

Oompa_Loompa · February 2011

I'm at a loss right now. I feel like i've been honest and on top of myself the last few weeks. If I eat bad, I own up to eat and document it and work out. I was sick for almost two weeks and my dr put me on 50mg of zoloft 4 months ago. Which can cause weight gain and cravings...i've had a horrible sweet tooth and i'm usually one that HATES sweets.

I'm getting married in July and have my first dress fitting in 2 weeks...i'm 10 pounds heavier then when I bought my dress last summer. I'm devastated! I'm a dance teacher so it's not like i'm not an active person. I'm tempted to get off my meds but that scares me because it helps me mentally and emotionally. But I don't want to be heavier by the time I get married...i'm scared the weight is going to continue to go up.

Should I cut out starches and carbs after lunch time? I know I need to focus more on fruits and veggies in my diet, but i'm just at the point of freaking out!

Since I got sick two weeks ago i've tried to keep track of my diary but it's not 100% and there's been days that I haven't been able to hit the gym. Should I not eat all of my exercise calories??

When I was on zoloft..that was when I gained A TON of weight

DianaM1020 · February 2011

Hi!
I'm sorry to hear that the medicine is making you have cravings and gain weight. It's hard. My only advice is, hunker down! It's crunch time. Be really hardcore about what you eat and work out at least 5 times a week. After you hit your goal and get married you can chill out and relax a little but.
I agree, up your strength training a little. Also, I was cutting calories and working out like crazy and never saw a difference until i cut my carbs from 250 a day to under 150. It has helped me so much!
And just keep it up girl! This is such a great time in your life and don't let a few pounds ruin it.
Congratulations on your wedding!

Good luck!

crystal_sapphire · February 2011

if yu don't have an accurate HRM for calories burned, I suggest not eating all your exercise cals back. Try for 75%. There may be differences on MFP that are saying you're burning more than you really are

skinnylizzard · February 2011

I just took a quick look at your diary. I don't know how often you eat like that, but I'm noticing a lot of your foods are full of saturated fat. These can throw your hormonal balance off and cause weight gain. Steer clear of anything deep fried or fatty meats or breaded stuff. Try to get some fiber, like you could maybe have whole wheat buns instead of white wherever possible. And yes, you could use more fruits and veggies. That salad probably didn't have a whole lot of nutrients and fiber compared to maybe a salad made with darker greens.
I do eat my exercise calories, but not always all of them. I get so full from all the bulk of fiber and vegetables that I haven't much room left. Unfortunately y pitfall is wine, lol. I guess we all have room for improvement! I only lost 1 pound since joining about 3 weeks now.

Oompa_Loompa · February 2011

Talk to your doctor about the side effects. Look into Wellbutrin. It has the opposit side effect, people have lost weight, or just satyed the same. Plus your fiance will be happy because it increases your libido. Talk to your doctor.

Is wellbutrin for anxiety also???

erickirb · February 2011

Since you only have less than 20lbs to lose I would suggest changing your goal to 0.5 lbs/week or at most 1lb/week, this will give you more food to eat. The closer you get to your goal weight the smaller your calorie deficit should be.

Christie81 · February 2011

I wouls suggest getting off of the meds! I was on the same type of meds and I ended up gaining 35 pounds over the course of a year! I had been thin all of my life and then bam! Keeping a regular exercise routine and eating properly has helped me more than those awful meds ever did. I found it near impossible to lose weight while I was on them. The first month I got off of them I dropped 10 pounds. Hope this helps

skinnylizzard · February 2011

Hi!
I'm sorry to hear that the medicine is making you have cravings and gain weight. It's hard. My only advice is, hunker down! It's crunch time. Be really hardcore about what you eat and work out at least 5 times a week. After you hit your goal and get married you can chill out and relax a little but.
I agree, up your strength training a little. Also, I was cutting calories and working out like crazy and never saw a difference until i cut my carbs from 250 a day to under 150. It has helped me so much!
And just keep it up girl! This is such a great time in your life and don't let a few pounds ruin it.
Congratulations on your wedding!

Good luck!

Your cravings may also be caused by the quality of your food, you might simply be hungry due to lack of quality nutrients. Are you taking a mutli vitamin?

jimmydeanbakker · February 2011

That's the crazy thing about not logging foods. You're probably overeating when you don't log because those calories add up quickly, especially for those people that are the most active. For example, if I run for two hours straight, I can burn over 2,000 calories. A greasy fast food hamburger and an hour on the couch with a big bag of chips can easily wipe out those calories. When you made your profile, did you tell the program that you exercise at least five times a week or did you tell the program that you were sedentary? I guess I'm asking how many calories did the program tell you to eat?

mommabear2002 · February 2011

Have you tried or heard of zig zagging calories? It usually works when you are stuck. It may be scary trying so close to your fitting but it may be just what you need.
http://www.freedieting.com/tools/calorie_calculator.htm

kimmerroze · February 2011

I wouls suggest getting off of the meds! I was on the same type of meds and I ended up gaining 35 pounds over the course of a year! I had been thin all of my life and then bam! Keeping a regular exercise routine and eating properly has helped me more than those awful meds ever did. I found it near impossible to lose weight while I was on them. The first month I got off of them I dropped 10 pounds. Hope this helps

this is true for some people, and definately Diet is a key factor to your chemical imbalences, but a ton of my family members are on medication and even tho they eat healthy, they still need it. each person is different. I would suggest asking your doctor if he can switch you to a medicine that doesn't make you gain weight, like welbutrin. I have a few family members that are on that and they like it.

NOLAdy · February 2011

You want to NET at LEAST 1200 calories and eat your exercise calories. I took a peek at your diary and you are well below that most days. It's ok to go under 1200 a couple of days in a row but any longer and it has the opposite effect. Your body starts to hang onto fat, store everything you eat as fat and pull the fuel it needs from your muscles. You might lose a few but then it will slow down, stop and you can even start gaining weight.

Keep your Net calories above 1200 and eat your exercise calories. Hopefully this will work. Those meds are famous for screwing with weight.

Last week I increased my calories from 1250 deficiency to 1480-1500 maintenance. I dropped a pound. I do still end up under 1200 occasionally after exercise but I do the best I can to hit 1500.

Not to debate you but when I was in my very early 20's I went on a crazy diet. Some might say I was borderline anorexic. I was wearing a size 0-4 and I'm 5'8. I lost the fat, BUT I also lost muscle. My body didn't hold on to anything. I have a hard time believing that claim. However, I do bleieve that your body will USE (instead of store) workout calories. I haven't checked her diary but people need to be aware that "extra" calories does not give them license to snack on their childrens birthday cakes every day for a week. Healthy choices. You are what you eat. Just my two cents. I'll get off my soap box now LOL.

ickybella · February 2011

As far as I can see, you do not usually eat your exercise calories. Also, before you panic, you should log consistently. There are a couple of days each week that seem to be blank in your diary. How will you know what you're getting if you're not logging? Also, don't be afraid of food. 700 calories is not enough. Eat more veggies.

scagneti · February 2011

I looked through your diary. Out of the 7 days I looked at (well two weren't logged at all), there was only one day that you were over 1200 calories. How do you figure that you're eating your exercise calories when you're not even eating.anywhere near your base calories? Your body is starving, plain and simple.

Also, there were a LOT of processed foods and practically nothing that grew out of the ground. I didn't see a single vegetable at all. So not only are you not providing it enough calories, you're not giving it pretty much ANY nutrients.

lango6 · February 2011

It's okay to not eat your exercise calories as long as your net calories stays above 1200. Do avoid sugary/starchy carbs especially alone. They will turn into fat rapidly unless you use them right away (exercising) or you have glycogen storage capacity (which you may not unless you've had a long workout in the last day or two). If you must eat those carbs, pair them with some protein or fat, like string cheese or raw almonds. And I agree with @skinnylizzard, get those saturated fats out and replace them with healthy fats.

Do work with your doctor on managing the side effects of the Zoloft. Perhaps there's an alternative that will work better for you.

Good luck.

NOLAdy · February 2011

OK I checked your diary, just skimmed the past few days. You go to fast food places nearly every day. And, order burgers and fries. Maybe try giving youself the goal of eating something from home a certain amount of days, and continue to increase those days each week until you're no longer eating the junk food.

dlaplume2 · February 2011

I just went through and checked your diary. You are not eating enough. I know it sounds crazy but you need to eat more. You could already be entering starvation mode which is why you are gaining depite eating so little.

You should read some posts about starvation mode and take a leap of faith and eating more.

You also need to make sure you are spreading those calories out somewhat evenly. I noticed one day you had 600 cal for lunch and the rest of the day you only had a few hundred more.

You can take a look at my food diary to get some ideas if you like.

onetxjewel · February 2011

Thanks for the replies! I work 15 hour days and weekends...drill team director here!!! I have not logged on consistently the last two weeks due to being extremely sick. Been in and out of the dr doing multiple tests. When you work with kids and the flu is going around it does need turn out pretty!

I've actually been eating alot of protein and salads except for the last few days due to not being able to get to the grocery store and having to literally eat within a 15 min span due to work schedule. (fiance is an athletic trainer and is more busy then I am)

Thanks for all the advice! I'm really gonna hunker down and get this figured out!

jadedjade24 · February 2011

Thanks for the replies! I work 15 hour days and weekends...drill team director here!!! I have not logged on consistently the last two weeks due to being extremely sick. Been in and out of the dr doing multiple tests. When you work with kids and the flu is going around it does need turn out pretty! I've actually been eating alot of protein and salads except for the last few days due to not being able to get to the grocery store and having to literally eat within a 15 min span due to work schedule. (fiance is an athletic trainer and is more busy then I am)

Thanks for all the advice! I'm really gonna hunker down and get this figured out!

Heres the thing about salad...it has almost no nutricinal value. Like, at all. Alot of people think that because it is green it must be really *really* good for you. Well, even though I cant say that salad is bad for you, but at the same time it is not giving your body anything that it needs. If you are going to eat salads, try mixing it with some veggies. Cucumbers, tomatoes...chickpeas...things of this nature. All of this stuff is really good for you and will give you pleanty of fiber and protein that your body needs. And, try taking a multi-vitamin. I am going to get one myself because protein seems really hard for me to get all of my daily value.

Like I said, eating salad is good because it doesnt dent your carbs badly, but you need to eat more veggies with it, mayb even a side of fruit to go with it. And go light on that dressing. Even the fat free stuff is bad for you if you eat too much.

erickirb · February 2011

Thanks for the replies! I work 15 hour days and weekends...drill team director here!!! I have not logged on consistently the last two weeks due to being extremely sick. Been in and out of the dr doing multiple tests. When you work with kids and the flu is going around it does need turn out pretty! I've actually been eating alot of protein and salads except for the last few days due to not being able to get to the grocery store and having to literally eat within a 15 min span due to work schedule. (fiance is an athletic trainer and is more busy then I am)

Thanks for all the advice! I'm really gonna hunker down and get this figured out!

Heres the thing about salad...it has almost no nutricinal value. Like, at all. Alot of people think that because it is green it must be really *really* good for you. Well, even though I cant say that salad is bad for you, but at the same time it is not giving your body anything that it needs. If you are going to eat salads, try mixing it with some veggies. Cucumbers, tomatoes...chickpeas...things of this nature. All of this stuff is really good for you and will give you pleanty of fiber and protein that your body needs. And, try taking a multi-vitamin. I am going to get one myself because protein seems really hard for me to get all of my daily value.

Like I said, eating salad is good because it doesnt dent your carbs badly, but you need to eat more veggies with it, mayb even a side of fruit to go with it. And go light on that dressing. Even the fat free stuff is bad for you if you eat too much.

Salad is amazing for you?? not sure why you suggest otherwise, and it is full of vitamins minerals, fiber. I usually use romaine lettuce or spinach as the base and throw in a bunch of other veggies and cheese. Iceburg lettuce, and green leaf lettuce don't have much nutritional value but how can you make the assumption she doesn't use the better base or add veggies to it.

kimmerroze · February 2011

I agree with the guy above me.... the greener the lettuce the more vitamines it has. yes you shouldn't just eat a bowl of iceberg lettuce but it is still better than other choices.

Oh if you haven't tried this already there are new lines of Yogurt dressings out, they are better for you and much lower in calorie.

kdiamond · February 2011

Holy crap girl, eat out much? Seriously, if I ate out that often (and at fast food places mind you) I would weigh a ton! If not only for the fact that you can't accurately count those calories 100%, but the lack of nutrition, the amount of SODIUM and the fact that you are eating nothing wholesome or home cooked hits home right there!!

You aren't going to lose weight eating out every single meal, or eating that amount of processed carbs. I don't care how active you are. Stop the crappy eating and eat more nutritious foods and the weight will come off. Sorry to be so blunt but that is the truth.

erickirb · February 2011

Holy crap girl, eat out much? Seriously, if I ate out that often (and at fast food places mind you) I would weigh a ton! If not only for the fact that you can't accurately count those calories 100%, but the lack of nutrition, the amount of SODIUM and the fact that you are eating nothing wholesome or home cooked hits home right there!!

You aren't going to lose weight eating out every single meal, or eating that amount of processed carbs. I don't care how active you are. Stop the crappy eating and eat more nutritious foods and the weight will come off. Sorry to be so blunt but that is the truth.

I didn't go look at her diary until I saw your post. You are correct about the eating out, not to mention the meals skipped. Save your body and money and eat 80% of your meals at home with real ingredients. FYI Subway is not as healthy as it appears.

Boomerof51 · February 2011

Ask your doctor about Lexapro. It's a fairly new antidepressant/anxiety med with no weight gain side effects. Good luck!

Eating exercise cals but not losing. :/

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