Annoyed to the point of tears!

brandy66763
brandy66763 Posts: 14
edited September 25 in Motivation and Support
For 2 weeks now I have been walking at 2,5 mph pace for 60 to 90 mins a day for the past 2 weeks and eating 1200 to 1300 calories a day and that damn scale hasnt moved at all. Im so disgusted and annoyed that I just wanna stuff my face full of crap and give up!! What am I doing wrong here?!?!?!
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Replies

  • abbigail_r
    abbigail_r Posts: 283 Member
    Dont give up. Maybe try something different. Or change something that your eating? I have been having the same issue. I did take a 1 day break just remember dont go to crazy if you do or you will be even more upset. It will happen!!
  • britishstar41
    britishstar41 Posts: 140 Member
    I feel your pain. I've ben stuck on the same plateau for several months. I'm under my calories and my diary always says "if every day were like today..." and yet I never seem to get to that number.

    Don't stuff your face though. That won't help anything, except to make you feel worse. Try upping your water intake, or working out at a different time of day. Some studies say that makes a difference.

    If nothing else, message me and we'll commiserate together :o)
  • beatlemom
    beatlemom Posts: 250 Member
    maybe your calorie intake is too low. It's hard for me to believe too, but I lose weight when I eat back my exercise calories burned, so I look at my net calories and try to get them as close as possible to my goal.
  • pinkgigi
    pinkgigi Posts: 693 Member
    It took me 2 weeks from the beginning to start to lose too. Don't give up, that is a sure fire way to fail.

    GG
  • I'm no expert on why it isn't working but don't give up. At the end of the day if you are looking to lose weight there have to be reasons for this and you need to revisit those reasons. For me it is about my health and wanting a happy and healthy life after work and kids! I'm not slaving away and missing so much in my life now only to not have a good quality of life when I am older. I lost 13KG last year and still need to lose a bit more and primarily it was about my health. Every time I feel like you do I slap myself around the head and remind myself I would only be hurting me in the long run!
  • acasey0123
    acasey0123 Posts: 640 Member
    i know the feeling of wanting to give up and stuffing your face full of food but thats not at all going to solve any problem. Try uping the amount of mph you do, try interval training like for a couple of minutes go at 3.5 then for a minute go to 2.5. Also, try increasing the incline a bit. Plus it is much better then gaining weight.
  • emmaleigh47
    emmaleigh47 Posts: 1,670 Member
    I dont know what you weigh - but I am going to guess that you are eating too few calories!
    You need to up your calories a little bit - eat back your exercise calories.... and relax :)
  • cris12
    cris12 Posts: 90
    you should not be eating 1200 calories a day if your height+weight ask you for a much larger amount. your body goes into starvation mode if your calorie deficit is too large, and weight loss will be VERY difficult.
  • ohiomom2
    ohiomom2 Posts: 13
    Have you tried to maybe do short bursts of walking faster to get your heart rate up? Or maybe try something different from walking, turn on music and dance around for 10 minutes. Whatever you do, don't give up!!! You can do this!! :flowerforyou:
  • Do you think your body is used to the 2.5 mph? I ran at a slower pace the other day and realized it hardly did anything for me because I was comfortable with it and it didn't "challenge or push" my body to do more. Just a thought. I am sorry you are getting so frustrated!!
  • buffalogal1979
    buffalogal1979 Posts: 236 Member
    Don't cry! Well, actually, go ahead if it helps, but DON'T give up! It might help to make your diary public, someone might have some insight there. Maybe high sodium? Maybe not enough calories, especially if you aren't eating back your exercise calories. Just taking a guess, but don't give up!!!! You can do this!
  • skinneemee79
    skinneemee79 Posts: 12 Member
    I hear ya! I didn't feel like I was getting anywhere either so I started taking measurements also and that made me realize that its slow, but something is happening. I don't walk, I ride a stationary bike and was reading up on the best way to burn fat and it said to do interval training(this works for all cardio). This is where you go fast for a minute, slow for a couple minutes, faster, slower, slow, fast...etc. You just keep changing your speed and intensity. I also read a few things on here and most people don't eat back all their burned calories, I read a lot of people only eating back half...so I am trying that and I cant wait to get on the scale on Saturday. Don't give up!
  • melzteach
    melzteach Posts: 550 Member
    maybe your calorie intake is too low. It's hard for me to believe too, but I lose weight when I eat back my exercise calories burned, so I look at my net calories and try to get them as close as possible to my goal.

    That's what I was thinking. If your exercising at your MHR for a majority of the time you are probably eating too few calories. You can easily add healthy calories with a piece of fruit, vegetables, nuts, or something like that. Also, it's important to mix up your workout so your body doesn't get used to what you're doing.

    Don't focus too hard on the scale...it lies! I take one of three things into consideration when evaluating my success: pounds lost, inches lost, or the fit of my clothes.
    Chin up and stay the course, you'll figure this out.
  • jessilee119
    jessilee119 Posts: 444 Member
    I hit a plateau early and was stuck for 2 weeks. Also, when I was trying to only consume 1200 calories and exercising I wasn't losing weight, but now that I eat 1500 calories and exercise I'm losing weight. Go figure, but it might be that you're eating too little. Not enough calories also makes the weight stay and even though you're eating 1200 calories you're burning that off with the exercise so you're probably netting under 1000 and that will make your body hold on to the weight.

    Don't give up...you can do this!
  • halphord
    halphord Posts: 379 Member
    Also- maybe you have lost inches, but not weight. I got on the scale and it said I gained 1/2 lb. I was so pissed. But, then I measured and realized I lost some inches! So---there's always that. Whatever you do, don't give up!
  • deema79
    deema79 Posts: 108
    How's your sodium intake? I dont add any salt to my food, but after looking at my diary I noticed my sodium was way over. Its surprised the heck out of me.

    Please DONT GIVE UP, this is a lifelong change. Be patient!!!!!!
  • kianaj
    kianaj Posts: 22 Member
    I've been in your position many times and have fallen off the wagon just as many. Stay strong, you will eventually start to see the results. I've been at this for a long time and the scale has just started moving in the right direction. I felt stronger, worked out longer, and could see the definition coming, but the scale didn't move...

    It's very frustrating, but look at the bigger picture. You're not exercising for the scale, you're doing it for your life. I was walking as well, but I started walking once a week and doing the bike and cardio which burn more calories unless you're power walking. I can't do any exercise but walk for more than 60 mins, but I can do it full throttle in cycles of 15 mins. Be encouraged!!
  • arotella
    arotella Posts: 98 Member
    I am no expert on this, but I definitely feel your pain!!! BUT don't give up! If you aren't consuming enough calories (which could be the problem here) your body switches to fat storing mode rather than burning fat for energy! Try eating more calories for a week or so and see if that helps. Besides... wouldn't that be a GREAT fix to the problem? :)
    Another thing... (I was just talking with a friend about this last night, because I too am having the same problem) The scale is not the only way to measure success... Do you feel healthier? Are your clothes fitting better? Are you more tone? Has your endurance improved? Look at the other accomplishments other than the scale! Exercising and logging food pays off in other ways too!
  • PegasusDeb
    PegasusDeb Posts: 665 Member
    I'm having the same thing going on. I keep hoping it's b/c of TTOM, but I've been eating good & exercising, so I will just keep on keeping on. Please don't give up!
  • AlsDonkBoxSquat
    AlsDonkBoxSquat Posts: 6,128 Member
    I'm sorry that you're going through this, it is super frustrating when you're doing everything possible and not seeing results. Try mixing up your exercises a little too and add some hand weights or something every other day. Maybe changing your pace. Don't lose hope, we all plateau, you just have to push through and stick to it.
  • Noz7
    Noz7 Posts: 59 Member
    For 2 weeks now I have been walking at 2,5 mph pace for 60 to 90 mins a day for the past 2 weeks and eating 1200 to 1300 calories a day and that damn scale hasnt moved at all. Im so disgusted and annoyed that I just wanna stuff my face full of crap and give up!! What am I doing wrong here?!?!?!

    Bet you feel better! Am I right?
    The first thing is your body is changing, but maybe the scales aren't showing it. Maybe you were dehydrated when you first weighed yourself, maybe you've eaten salt in the last few days.
    You could try increasing your muscle by weight lifting to increase your basal metabolic rate.
    You could try going low GI foods, eating more regularly across the day.
    Certain foods help you lose, some foods help you keep the weight on:
    'bad foods'
    - alcohol
    - fructose without fibre (soft drink)
    - hydrogenated fats

    'good foods'
    - healthy oils (avocado, flax seed)
    - brocolli
    - garlic
    - green tea

    I supplement magnesium calcium, Vit E and healthy oils.
    It is hardy to 'afford' the healthy oils but they help you stick to your diet. You can have the tiniest amount in a salad. You literally need healthy oil to help move the fat.
    I'm totally against artificial sweetners and they can make you eat more fat, so best to avoid these too!
    More muscle= more energy burned day to day.
  • You can't give up and you can't cry because it will only lead you to defeat.. Vent, scream punch something but don't give up. You didn't gain the weight over night and you are not going to lose it over night but to lose is so much harder than it is to gain. See if you can walk a little faster for a minute or two, eat your exercise calories eat more foods that are known for burning fat and cleans out your body. Drink more water and before you know it you will see the numbers on the scale go down. Remember you can do this
  • melodyg
    melodyg Posts: 1,423 Member
    Add me to the "eat more calories" group. I was at a huge plateau a few months ago. I upped my calories to my BMR (1550ish) and MFP told me I'd lose less than 1 pound a week. I averaged losing over a pound a week after losing a pound or two a month eating less calories. I haven't weighed lately... doing the Lenten no weigh in challenge... but I have to say that increasing calories worked for me. I'd at least try to net 1200 (eat 1200/day + eat back the calories you earned from exercise).
  • daddyratty
    daddyratty Posts: 305 Member
    It's probably too early for the body to be adapting to the cardio movement, especially since there wasn't an initial loss.

    1) Are you also measuring inches? You should, and check these every 3-5 weeks.
    2) Agreed with others regarding too few calories. 1200-1300 calories a day on top of exercise leaves you with a net calorie balance probably below 1000 a day. Your body thinks it's being starved so it refuses to let go of anything.

    My suggestion(s):
    Have a total pig-out day. It does to your body the same thing as when you have to turn a timer switch past 10 minutes before then setting it at a lower level. It will kick your body into gear. Then set your caloric goal to the MFP recommended level. EAT your exercise calories and ENJOY every single one of them! If you get 150-200 calories, have some Skinny Cows in the freezer to go to. If you get 300, you can airpop a half-cup of popcorn kernels and add in almost a full Tbsp of butter. So many suggestions on that front, but I'm sure you get the picture.
  • rileysowner
    rileysowner Posts: 8,316 Member
    It is hard to give any useful answers without being able to see your food diary.

    Are you logging everything you eat? I ask because some small things that many of us grab without thinking of it, add up very quickly. This goes for sampling as well. I know I am often tempted to take a small spoon of nutella without logging it, I can rationalize it as only a small spoon, but it is usually at least .5 of a tablespoon which would be 50 calories or more. That adds up through the day. Log everything that passes your mouth.

    Are you monitoring your sodium intake? Too much can cause you to retain water which can hold you at a weight for a while.

    How are you measuring your portions? If you are trusting that say 2 slices of bread are the size they should be, the reality is they are usually not accurate unless you are willing to weight your portions. My experience is that most of the prepackaged serving size stuff will actually be bigger than the amount that is listed, not always by much but it adds up. I suggest getting a digital kitchen scale. It does not have to be expensive. That will help you be more accurate in logging your calories.

    Are you sure you don't have any underlying health issues or any medications you are on that may be hindering your weight loss. If you thyroid is not functioning correctly that will hinder weight-loss. Various medications will do the same thing.

    If opening your food diary doesn't yield anything helpful, maybe this will help.
  • xlacijeanx
    xlacijeanx Posts: 232 Member
    We don't have access to your food diary so we can't really help you. :( If you went from not exercising or walking at all to all the exercise you've been doing you're probably burning fat and building up your muscles. If you're not paying attention to your sodium levels you should definitely take a look at it. Too much sodium and you'll retain water- if you DO go over sodium, workout and drink lots of water- it'll flush out. I started walking 1.5 miles a night at about 3mph/3.5mph and ate 1200-1300 cals and lost weight- so I'm guessing it has something to do with the food you're eating- make sure you're not eating empty calories and take a multi vitamin. I also suggest measuring yourself. :) Best of luck and don't give up! and remember the quote- “I may not be there yet, but I'm closer than I was yesterday.”
  • knittnponder
    knittnponder Posts: 1,953 Member
    I just looked at your profile and saw that you'd lost 27 pounds before you joined MFP. Are you doing anything different now than you were then? I suspect that those who suggest you need more calories are onto something. You might want to bump them up a little bit and see what happens.

    You might also want to look at *what* you're eating. For me, if I eat too many carbs I can't seem to lose weight. If I eat too few then I'm sluggish and have no energy to work out. I have found through trial and error that there is a certain range for me that is my *sweet spot* so to speak where I can gradually lose weight but still feel good. (Typically between 100-150 for me net carbs, more if I'm working out heavily.)

    Most of all, don't give up! I've been on here since January but have been working on it since August. In all that time I've only lost 16 pounds! I have started losing more inches lately though and know that eventually the scale will catch up. (I've been weight training so I know it will be slow losing for awhile.) Take your measurements, take pictures and take a deep breath. If you quit you will never lose the weight. Hugs to you.
  • Don't give up! I have been going to a weight training class (tonight began week four) and we are doing springs, crunches, push ups, pull ups, squats, lunges etc. All painful and I have not lost a pound either. However, several people have said I look slimmer and muscle does weigh more than fat so it is possible my body is changing. The trainer I spoke with said I might not loose any weight for weeks but in 6 weeks I would see a big difference in myself. DO NOT GIVE UP!! Eat healthy foods not prepackaged and give it four more weeks. Depressing right now but it will be worth it.
  • alifer
    alifer Posts: 387 Member
    Do you have more energy than you did before? Are you sleeping better? Are your clothes fitting looser? If you answered yes to those just be patient. I'm not a professional, but muscle weighs more than fat. If you are working your muscles more and staying within your calorie needs the weight will come off. More muscle also burns more fat even when you are resting.
  • I know how you feel...been there several years. I want to share this with you because I too have been annoyed to the point of tears for several years. I love myself and I have confidence but sometimes just felt like I was tired of being FAT. I reached my highest weight at 248lbs and thats when I decided enough was enough. I lost some weight on my own but it wasnt coming off quick enough.
    I decided to try the Shaklee cinch program and I am loving it. At a starting weight of 234.5 lbs I am allowed 1800 calories a day on
    this program. I drink 2 shakes a day, eat 2 snacks a day and have a large meal of about 800 to 1000 calories (thats alot of food)
    and so far in 3 wks, I have lost 7lbs and 14.5 inches!!! I am amazed and so excited and motivated so to keep on losing, I stick to the plan everyday. I exercise 30 mins 5 times a wk on my treadmill...thats it. I am planning to kick my exercise up a notch and start using my Nor**** track ski machine and alternate with the treadmill to keep defining my body. tomorrow is my weigh in date so I am excited to see how much more I lost and how many more inches. If you'd like to know more about this program, let me know. I will help you with anything you need. dont give up. I am so happy and I feel so good...I feel like I finally found something that works for me.
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