Not losing weight when I should be

Well, to begin with, when you start a healthier diet there is a period during which your body is trying to deal with the change. It is true that the weight from the first week could be water (and poop; there's nothing to be ashamed of). When switching to a different diet your bowel could be a little upset. The smaller meals, the more easily you will digest, thus the more often you will go to the bathroom. So, usually switching to a healthier diet could empty your bowels the first week. You also stated you eat lots of protein. Protein on the other hand can cause constipation. So, it is highly likely that while you easily got rid of water and poop the first week, during the next few weeks you could expect some weight gain. Try eating fibers and drink lots of water just to maintain a healthy water balance.

Fat is hard to get rid of. 1g of fat equals to 9 Cal. So if you want to lose 1 kg (approx. 2 lb) of fat, you need to actually burn 9000 Cal. Now that is a huge number. And during the day you dont only feed on stored fat, and it's not healthy to starve yourself to do so. However, there is one bright side, the more you weight, the higher base metabolic rate you have. In simple words, you adipocytes (cells filled with fat) need food. So when you eat less calories, some of them will give the fat as a source of energy to other cells.

I would also like to state that in order to get rid of fat you need some carbs in order to mobilize it from where it is stored. If you are on a diet that strictly cuts down carbs, you should talk with your doctor and let him inform you about the side effects. During those diets there is a stage (ketogenic state) where you have very low levels of glucose in your blood. Your brain needs glucose and it cannot actively pump it from your blood; the amount of glucose that's in the brain is the same that's in your blood circulation. Long story short, that is not a good thing and you could possibly damage your kidneys, cause early osteoporosis and other things (nothing is sure though).

I know it's been a long post, but I hope I answered some of your questions. Do not give up. It's a looooooong way, and the thing that makes it harder is your old habbits. As soon as you get used to your new lifestyle, you will see your weight going down. probably not as fast as you want now, but you will see some results. The key is consistency! keep up with the good work! Some times all you need is motivation, so just focus on the goal.

amor3219 wrote: »

I have been working out for three weeks. I have lost a total of 6 pounds. I am eating 1200 calories a day, burning 500 calories a day. Imagine my surprise when I woke up this morning and gained 2 pounds! I feel like I should be losing more weight then I actually am. I am not noticing any difference in clothing and this is a total shock to my system. Before I was eating 2500-3000 calories of junk now I am eating clean and extremely healthy. Does anyone have any tips? I have been told I am not eating enough but when I eat anymore than 1200 calories a day I actually start gaining back. I have had all of my levels tested and nothing is wrong!

Why are you unhappy with 6lbs in 3 weeks? It's taken me 7 weeks to lose 6lbs and I have 40lbs to lose. A loss is a loss! But 2lbs a week loss is great. Weight does fluctuate and it's not unusual to fluctuate by a good few pounds.

I would first question why you feel 6lbs in 3 weeks isn't fast enough.

amor3219 wrote: »

I feel there is no reason I shouldn't be seeing results! I know it does not come off over night but 6 pounds in three weeks?

I think you, like so many of us here, have unrealistic expectations of your weight loss (don't worry most of us do even if we don't talk about it!) If you lose 2 pounds a week, it will take 25 weeks to lose 50 pounds. That is just over 6 months. Seriously that is pretty fast when you think about it. Extrapolate a bit and that is 100 pounds in a year (FAST I don't care what you say )

Get used to the idea that weight loss isn't linear, or you will be in for a shock the week you don't even lose 2 pounds. It will happen. 2 pounds a week is losing more that a quarter pound overnight. That is weight coming off overnight. And quickly. Sorry it wasn't fast enough for you, I really am, but I'd gladly trade for losses like that It is a terrible feeling not being happy with yourself.

Do you take pictures and measure? That 6 pound loss came from somewhere! My profile pic is "only" a loss of 4 pounds, but 3 inches were lost in small amounts all over me (my neck, for example). My friends list asked me to remeasure and do pics as the log and activity were good but the weight loss was slow. We all were pretty happy when the truth was I am smaller and am looking better. No change in my clothes fitting. No budging on the scale. I held at 179/178 for 2.5 weeks. The weight doesn't always move the same week to week. I have been up and down and up and down so much now I laugh about it. Anything less than 183 is a win to me!

Another suggestion: make goals that aren't weight loss related. Then you will feel successful as you achieve them, even when the scale isn't where you hoped it would be.

I AM PROUD OF YOU! 6 pounds in 3 weeks is killing it! You will be at your goal very quickly if you keep that up! I understand how frustrating it is when you are working so hard and the results just aren't where you want them to be. Keep it up and don't quit! Make REASONABLE expectations for yourself. Did I say REASONABLE? Oh yeah, and be REASONABLE!

This is where you have to dig deep and remember why you are doing this. 3 weeks ago you were 6 pounds heavier, and that sucked in some way for you which is why you are doing this! Today from your actions (calorie counting and exercise) you are 6 pounds lighter. It is working for you.

Feel free to friend me if you are looking for support...my total goal is 50 pounds to lose and I have another 40.7 to go so I'll be at this for awhile! Just don't laugh when I lose about 1 pound a week...

princessloubella wrote: »

Can I just point out that muscle weight is more than fat weight as well, so as you gain more muscle you might find out there might be more weight added,

She's eating 1200 calories a day, how could she be gaining muscle?

kellicci wrote: »

A couple things. I see a lot of bars and prepackaged foods. I'm not knocking them....I love them but not as an everyday thing. You need to eat more fresh fruits and veggies. I'm no saint but I try. Things like greek yogurt and granola with berries....also mostly prepackaged and easily found at the store....a good low calorie breakfast or lunch...cereal with skim milk or oatmeal....again pre-packaged but there are healthy options also egg scrambles...so easy and great way to get protein and veggies. I guess I'm just saying try mixing it up a bit.

Also are you cooking your dinners? If so put in what you make as a recipe to get more exact calories.

Then just keep it up losing weight is not linear like many others have said...some people call it the "woosh effect".....you feel like nothing is happening and then one day "woosh" and the scale shifts.

Not to give you a hard time, but the majority of my diet consists of pre-packaged foods and I've lost over 60 pounds. It's really CICO, so I think the OP needs to tighten up that logging and get a food scale.

notnikkisixx wrote: »

amor3219 wrote: »

I use quick entry calories when I make a meal and add the calories myself into of putting in every item and calorie one by one. Should I not to do that?

DEFINITELY don't do that! Estimating the calories won't give you an accurate picture. When I make a meal I put every single thing in, which can get a little tedious, but it gives me the best information.

To be fair, I thought she meant she adds up every single calorie herself then quick adds it. Which is what I do sometimes and is spot on. But yeah of course OP if you are estimating, then don't.

amor3219 wrote: »

I did think about the fact that it wasn't going to give me a break down of sodium etc though . I will try inputting everything one thing at a time. What do you think about protein bars for on the go? I am starving when I take my daughter to gymnastics for those three hours ( it is right between dinner time) so I don't get to eat dinner until 8:30 two nights.

I have a protein bar of some kind every afternoon as my 3pm snack. If they fit in your calorie and nutrition goals then I don't see anything wrong with having them.