Not losing weight? Help!

mommybrain82
mommybrain82 Posts: 20
edited September 26 in Health and Weight Loss
I have only been using MFP for a little over a week, but before that was dieting on my own. I am not using any method or plan-just focusing on eating healthfully and not overeating. For the most part, even before MFP, I think I was successful because I have been staying within my calories and have not changed my eating habits.

My problem is that I am not losing weight. For months I have been at the same weight. I am a runner-I run 4 miles 3 days a week and have a long run that is 5-6 miles once a week. The long runs will increase in distance weekly for the next month because I am training for a half marathon.

I am 5'2, 130 pounds. Other than running I am also pretty active because I stay at home with my three small children and am always chasing someone. Plus, I go running/walking at night 2 nights a week with my family.

I am just frustrated and confused. I feel like I am doing everything right but obviously I am not because the scale is not budging!

Replies

  • therealangd
    therealangd Posts: 1,861 Member
    You should probably make your diary public so that people can see what you are eating and give you some suggestions.
  • mommybrain82
    mommybrain82 Posts: 20
    I changed my settings. Thanks!
  • anulle2009
    anulle2009 Posts: 580 Member
    Are you looking at what your eat? the fat content, sugar and so on?? have you switched up your work out routine lately?
  • BflSaberfan
    BflSaberfan Posts: 1,272
    I would say after a quick glance at your diary you need to up your calories to about 1500 NET a day. So after you factor in your exercise Make sure you are eating 1500 a day. You are already within a healthy weight range for your height so you NEED to eat more now. I know it sounds backwards but I am 5'2 139lbs and lost 4lbs by eating 1600 calories a day, the 1200 just wasn't working for me any more.
  • Crystel22
    Crystel22 Posts: 237 Member
    I know how you feel. I have been staying within my calories and although I'm not a runner, I have been jogging some nights and walking. I have been around the same weight, give a pound or 2, and really have not budged for about a month. I am about the same height and weight you are, minus about 5 lbs. I want to lose 5 more lbs. and that's it. I am also a stay at home mother of 3. My kids are not that little any more, but I do watch somr smaller kids.

    If you get any good advice, pass it on. I think as long as we maintain, that's better than gaining. Keep it up and hopefully you will get there.

    Good Luck!! Add me as a friend if you would like to motivate each other or just chat.

    Crystel
  • mommybrain82
    mommybrain82 Posts: 20
    My workout routine has to stay the same because I am getting ready for a half marathon. I also do strength training 2 mornings a week. I have two off days and I don't do anything on those days. I am wondering if I should do something on those days?

    In the past week I have gone over my calories twice-but not by too much. The next day (the days I run) I have several hundred calories left over because I am not hungry enough to eat what is recommended on those days.

    As far as fat and sugar go the sugar may be high but I have not paid much attention to it. I only really look at carbs, protein and fat.
  • moylie
    moylie Posts: 195
    Yes, it looks like you're not eating enough. Definitely don't go below 1200 calories. Also, on your running days, you NEED to eat back your excercise calories. That's very important, from what I've been following on here. Protein shakes really help with that. I like Dymatize Elite. It's whey protein, with no artificial sweeteners. Runners typically need 75-120g. of protein per day. Helps with muscle recovery.
  • mommybrain82
    mommybrain82 Posts: 20
    I would say after a quick glance at your diary you need to up your calories to about 1500 NET a day. So after you factor in your exercise Make sure you are eating 1500 a day. You are already within a healthy weight range for your height so you NEED to eat more now. I know it sounds backwards but I am 5'2 139lbs and lost 4lbs by eating 1600 calories a day, the 1200 just wasn't working for me any more.

    I have been wondering about this. I know that my body fat ratio is low and that I am a healthy weight-I just know that I could also do better and be better. I don't know how I could eat less so I was wondering if I am eating not enough on some days. The weekends I do "cheat" more because I run longer and I know that I need to replace the junk with better choices.
  • SheilaSisco
    SheilaSisco Posts: 722 Member
    I went back a little bit... all I can say is you might want to look at your sodium intake AND you need yo be eating more calories... ESPECIALLY on days you're running. A female needs a minimum of 1200 NET a day in order for the body to function properly and most days you aren't getting close to that. I do agree with the girl above me... (wherever above me she is by the time I finish typing lol) that in all reality you might want to up your intake to 1400 or 1500 net if you still have a little you want to lose. Your body needs fuel to burn that fat and if you aren't fueling it, it won't burn. Good luck!
  • mommybrain82
    mommybrain82 Posts: 20
    Yes, it looks like you're not eating enough. Definitely don't go below 1200 calories. Also, on your running days, you NEED to eat back your excercise calories. That's very important, from what I've been following on here. Protein shakes really help with that. I like Dymatize Elite. It's whey protein, with no artificial sweeteners. Runners typically need 75-120g. of protein per day. Helps with muscle recovery.

    I will find the shakes, thanks! My running has not been great lately-by the time I finish I am shaking and feeling sick. A good friend who has run several marathons told me that I am not eating enough protein so I knew this is something I need to work on. Thanks!
  • eating4balance
    eating4balance Posts: 743 Member
    Here are the things that I noticed:

    -Reduce sodium to 2000 mg or less per day
    -Up protein intake to 80 to 90 grams per day
    -Up fiber intake to at least 25 or 30 grams per day
    -Try to include protein and healthy fats at all of your snacks

    To achieve these things,
    -Try to reduce lean deli meats and up things like grilled chicken or lean beefs to reduce sodium
    -Buy canned goods that are reduced sodium, salt free, or try and drain things like beans and corn
    -Eat low sodium tuna for snacks and try replacing your yogurt with greek yogurt or mixing in some protein powder
    -Up your fiber intake with high fiber cereals like fiber one and increase whole grains and high fiber fruits
    -Add healthy fats like almonds, canola oil and peanut butter, and decrease unhealthy saturated fats in things like stir fry

    Good luck!
  • mommybrain82
    mommybrain82 Posts: 20
    Here are the things that I noticed:

    -Reduce sodium to 2000 mg or less per day
    -Up protein intake to 80 to 90 grams per day
    -Up fiber intake to at least 25 or 30 grams per day
    -Try to include protein and healthy fats at all of your snacks

    To achieve these things,
    -Try to reduce lean deli meats and up things like grilled chicken or lean beefs to reduce sodium
    -Buy canned goods that are reduced sodium, salt free, or try and drain things like beans and corn
    -Eat low sodium tuna for snacks and try replacing your yogurt with greek yogurt or mixing in some protein powder
    -Up your fiber intake with high fiber cereals like fiber one and increase whole grains and high fiber fruits
    -Add healthy fats like almonds, canola oil and peanut butter, and decrease unhealthy saturated fats in things like stir fry

    Good luck!

    Thanks for the suggestions! When I make stir fry I don't cook with any oil or butter so the only fat was from the shrimp :)
  • BflSaberfan
    BflSaberfan Posts: 1,272
    I would say after a quick glance at your diary you need to up your calories to about 1500 NET a day. So after you factor in your exercise Make sure you are eating 1500 a day. You are already within a healthy weight range for your height so you NEED to eat more now. I know it sounds backwards but I am 5'2 139lbs and lost 4lbs by eating 1600 calories a day, the 1200 just wasn't working for me any more.

    I have been wondering about this. I know that my body fat ratio is low and that I am a healthy weight-I just know that I could also do better and be better. I don't know how I could eat less so I was wondering if I am eating not enough on some days. The weekends I do "cheat" more because I run longer and I know that I need to replace the junk with better choices.

    Once you up your calories by a good 200-300, give it about 3 weeks. When I first went from 1200 to 1500 I gained 4lbs in a week....then by the end of the second week I lost 5. So dont freak out if you do gain a few pounds, let your body adjust and keep going.
  • phy40
    phy40 Posts: 260 Member
    Don't be so hard on yourself. The scale hurts my feeling every week. Just keep trying, something will eventually happen. Keep your eyes on the PRIZE!
  • BflSaberfan
    BflSaberfan Posts: 1,272
    Yes, it looks like you're not eating enough. Definitely don't go below 1200 calories. Also, on your running days, you NEED to eat back your excercise calories. That's very important, from what I've been following on here. Protein shakes really help with that. I like Dymatize Elite. It's whey protein, with no artificial sweeteners. Runners typically need 75-120g. of protein per day. Helps with muscle recovery.

    I will find the shakes, thanks! My running has not been great lately-by the time I finish I am shaking and feeling sick. A good friend who has run several marathons told me that I am not eating enough protein so I knew this is something I need to work on. Thanks!

    Yep there it is....your body is shaking and weak because you aren't eating enough, and there is no fat to survive off of. I think you continued at this rate you may even pass out. Try upping the calories I think you will feel and perform alot better.
  • mommybrain82
    mommybrain82 Posts: 20
    I would say after a quick glance at your diary you need to up your calories to about 1500 NET a day. So after you factor in your exercise Make sure you are eating 1500 a day. You are already within a healthy weight range for your height so you NEED to eat more now. I know it sounds backwards but I am 5'2 139lbs and lost 4lbs by eating 1600 calories a day, the 1200 just wasn't working for me any more.

    I have been wondering about this. I know that my body fat ratio is low and that I am a healthy weight-I just know that I could also do better and be better. I don't know how I could eat less so I was wondering if I am eating not enough on some days. The weekends I do "cheat" more because I run longer and I know that I need to replace the junk with better choices.

    Once you up your calories by a good 200-300, give it about 3 weeks. When I first went from 1200 to 1500 I gained 4lbs in a week....then by the end of the second week I lost 5. So dont freak out if you do gain a few pounds, let your body adjust and keep going.

    Thanks for letting me know! My sister is also using MFP and has upped her calories and gained a few pounds. She freaked out but I really think this is the case because she was not eating enough before. I am going to try the same thing.
  • mommybrain82
    mommybrain82 Posts: 20
    I would say after a quick glance at your diary you need to up your calories to about 1500 NET a day. So after you factor in your exercise Make sure you are eating 1500 a day. You are already within a healthy weight range for your height so you NEED to eat more now. I know it sounds backwards but I am 5'2 139lbs and lost 4lbs by eating 1600 calories a day, the 1200 just wasn't working for me any more.

    I have been wondering about this. I know that my body fat ratio is low and that I am a healthy weight-I just know that I could also do better and be better. I don't know how I could eat less so I was wondering if I am eating not enough on some days. The weekends I do "cheat" more because I run longer and I know that I need to replace the junk with better choices.

    Once you up your calories by a good 200-300, give it about 3 weeks. When I first went from 1200 to 1500 I gained 4lbs in a week....then by the end of the second week I lost 5. So dont freak out if you do gain a few pounds, let your body adjust and keep going.

    Thanks for letting me know! My sister is also using MFP and has upped her calories and gained a few pounds. She freaked out but I really think this is the case because she was not eating enough before. I am going to try the same thing.
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