I Feel like I Have Tried Everything ... Please tell me what I am doing wrong?

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  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    OP stands for original poster :)
  • stealthq
    stealthq Posts: 4,298 Member
    cheeseluver123 wrote: »
    stealthq wrote: »
    stanknastay wrote: »
    According to the calculator your maintenance should be around 1500 calories with sedentary set for the activity level. I would eat 1600-1700 on lifting days if I were you just to stay conservative. Look into a beginner weight training program like starting strength or stronglifts 5x5. Don't worry about fat or carbohydrates as long as your protein is high and you are meeting your daily goal.

    One thing that you need to keep in mind is how a pound of fat looks and a pound of muscle looks, you might weigh more on the scale when you start to gain muscle but your body "definition" and overall look will be more of what you are after. To put it simply trying to lose weight while weighing 120 or so pounds is insanity, you need to gain some muscle mass to get the look you are after. You CAN gain muscle and lose fat by simply maintaining your weight/calories and eating high protein content along with weight training.

    So lets go over what we learned.

    1) Eat 1400-1500 calories on off days and 1600-1700 on training days
    2) Start a weightlifting program asap
    3) Monitor your weight WEEKLY not daily
    4) Take pictures BI-WEEKLY to monitor progress

    I PROMISE if you simply did this for the next 3 months you might notice weight gain or weight loss but your body "definition" will be much improved.

    Not for someone of her height, it isn't.

    The advice to do a recomp is good. I'm not arguing with it.

    But there's more than one way to skin a cat, and it would also be a reasonable suggestion for OP to cut down to 20% BF or a little less and then lift and do a slow bulk.

    Both methods will get her where she wants to go. Recomp will be slower, cut then bulk will be faster, but you do have to deal with the mental aspects of gaining fat along with the muscle during the bulk, because there's no avoiding it.

    OP, I suggest you check out the gaining weight forum - folks there can help you with a plan for a recomp or a cut/bulk cycle and give you the pros and cons of each in exhaustive detail.


    I'm sorry, I'm new to this whole thing. What is OP? And what will be the fastest way for me to get to my desired body? I have three months or so. I'm just a bit confused

    OP == Original Poster

    Generally speaking, a cut/bulk cycle is faster than a recomp. But either method is going to take months and months. More than what you've got.

    OK, here's my suggestion. To get to your goal in three months, do the lifting programs like everyone is suggesting, and eat at a slight deficit. I'm talking aiming at losing 1/4 - 1/2 lb per wk until you are happy and still at a healthy weight, which from your stats needs to be > 110 lbs.
  • cheeseluver123
    cheeseluver123 Posts: 16 Member
    hellonikki123 wrote: »
    cheeseluver123 wrote: »
    I made myself a promise that this would be the year I changed my body, become healthier, leaner, and stronger. I started at the beginning of January, so it has been about three weeks. I have been going strong, and I want so badly to see results.
    During this time, I've been off dairy, most carbs, and sugar. For the past week and a half, I have been running every day for a half and hour. I have a Fitbit and I always make sure I take at least 10,000 steps a day, and Fitbit says I burn about 1,700 calories.
    I have only lost four pounds. I am currently 122 pounds. I know that sounds like a lot, but my measurements and before and after pictures are no different. There is not one change. I am trying not to get discouraged, but my strength is dwindling. I am doing everything I could possibly think of.

    This is a normal days meal for me, it's about 1200 calories:
    Breakfast: Assortment of fruit, chia seeds, and handful of almonds
    Snack: Snap peas or grapes
    Lunch: Spinach salad, spagetti squash, or mushrooms and an avocado
    Snack: Blueberries, carrots, snap peas, etc.
    Dinner: Salmon and an assortment of veggies.

    I've honestly been eating like this for three weeks straight. I know I should be seeing more noticeable results. I'm begging you ... Please help me!

    I am in almost the exact same situation as you!! I am 120 and trying to lose 10 lbs. I've been watching my calories and exercising for three weeks and not much change... Thanks for posting this. I look forward to reading the responses you get. Good luck :)

    Thank you! And I wish you the best of luck as well.
  • cheeseluver123
    cheeseluver123 Posts: 16 Member
    stealthq wrote: »
    cheeseluver123 wrote: »
    stealthq wrote: »
    stanknastay wrote: »
    According to the calculator your maintenance should be around 1500 calories with sedentary set for the activity level. I would eat 1600-1700 on lifting days if I were you just to stay conservative. Look into a beginner weight training program like starting strength or stronglifts 5x5. Don't worry about fat or carbohydrates as long as your protein is high and you are meeting your daily goal.

    One thing that you need to keep in mind is how a pound of fat looks and a pound of muscle looks, you might weigh more on the scale when you start to gain muscle but your body "definition" and overall look will be more of what you are after. To put it simply trying to lose weight while weighing 120 or so pounds is insanity, you need to gain some muscle mass to get the look you are after. You CAN gain muscle and lose fat by simply maintaining your weight/calories and eating high protein content along with weight training.

    So lets go over what we learned.

    1) Eat 1400-1500 calories on off days and 1600-1700 on training days
    2) Start a weightlifting program asap
    3) Monitor your weight WEEKLY not daily
    4) Take pictures BI-WEEKLY to monitor progress

    I PROMISE if you simply did this for the next 3 months you might notice weight gain or weight loss but your body "definition" will be much improved.

    Not for someone of her height, it isn't.

    The advice to do a recomp is good. I'm not arguing with it.

    But there's more than one way to skin a cat, and it would also be a reasonable suggestion for OP to cut down to 20% BF or a little less and then lift and do a slow bulk.

    Both methods will get her where she wants to go. Recomp will be slower, cut then bulk will be faster, but you do have to deal with the mental aspects of gaining fat along with the muscle during the bulk, because there's no avoiding it.

    OP, I suggest you check out the gaining weight forum - folks there can help you with a plan for a recomp or a cut/bulk cycle and give you the pros and cons of each in exhaustive detail.


    I'm sorry, I'm new to this whole thing. What is OP? And what will be the fastest way for me to get to my desired body? I have three months or so. I'm just a bit confused

    OP == Original Poster

    Generally speaking, a cut/bulk cycle is faster than a recomp. But either method is going to take months and months. More than what you've got.

    OK, here's my suggestion. To get to your goal in three months, do the lifting programs like everyone is suggesting, and eat at a slight deficit. I'm talking aiming at losing 1/4 - 1/2 lb per wk until you are happy and still at a healthy weight, which from your stats needs to be > 110 lbs.


    Honestly, thank you so much. It means the world to me! I will try this plan. Do you think I will see noticeable results?
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