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Struggling & Frustrated!

ShrinkingKitt
ShrinkingKitt Posts: 36 Member
edited November 2024 in Getting Started
I have technically been a member of MyFitnessPal since 2012. However, I have started and stopped a FEW times, I'm sad to say. I can make excuses all day. I was pregnant for most of last year, so that's a valid one. Now, I am back to the weight I started at BEFORE pregnancy, 158. I am only 5'1. According to statistics and my own experience, I should weigh between 118-132 to be in the healthy range. So, at the least, I am 26 lbs overweight. Back in 2006, during college, my weight had crept up to 155. With almost daily exercise, walking to and from class, along with 30-60 minutes on my Gazelle, I got back down to about 120. I was SO happy and pleased with myself. I told myself then that I would never get back up to weigh in the 150's unless I was pregnant. Well, I broke that promise to myself, and then some.

I am now back on the wagon, ready to lose weight again. I'm actively tracking my calories - and have already had days where I am way under and days where I'm way over, even with tracked exercise. It's crazy, because some days I don't feel like I'm really eating that much, and I still go over my allotted calories I'm supposed to have to lose weight (1200 a day). UGH, anyway, I'm kinda venting, kinda just reaching out for support.

I now have a 7.5 month old son who is really the reason I am in such a better mind-space than I have been in years. It's a wonderful place to be mentally. Now I just want my physical self to feel as wonderful. I know that now that I am 30 years old, and have a child, my hormones and metabolism are different than ever before, especially different than they were a decade ago.

Any tips you can give me for where I am in life now: a 30 year old mom with at least 25 lbs to lose? Thank you! I am so happy to have this place to come get support! :-)

Replies

  • notnikkisixx
    notnikkisixx Posts: 375 Member
    Welcome back! I have a few things to say on the matter and hopefully they don't come across as too mean :)

    First, I'd say to completely let go of what "they" say you should weigh for your height. "They" say I should weigh in the 120's for my height, but I personally felt my healthiest and best at around 135. All bodies are different, so consider that in coming up with your goal number.

    As far as the food stuff goes, make sure that you are not only tracking everything but that you are accurately tracking by using a food scale. My cheap little food scale from Target made the biggest difference in my weight loss. A lot of people have different opinions about the whole "1200 calories a day" plan. Personally I did it for a few months and quickly lost weight, but also quickly became frustrated and tired easily. I find that I feel better eating closer to 1400 calories. Since you're just starting out again, I'd figure out your TDEE and go from there instead of just going off of what MFP tells you.

    Most of all, don't get too hard on yourself on the days you slip up. Track everything on those days, even if you're 600+ calories over, it helps you stay accountable. Just keep going and don't over-stress if you find your weight down 3lbs one week and up 1lb the next, weight loss isn't a straight path.
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    Just a few thoughts:

    Do things in baby steps. Make a change, once that change becomes a routine, make another change. You'll do better making small changes over time than try to change everything at once. Most people who try to completely overhaul their lives at once end up quitting because the change is just too much.

    Get yourself into the mindset that you're making a lifestyle change and not something that you will eventually finish. When you've lost the weight you want to lose you won't be able to go back to the way you used to eat or you'll go back to the weight you were, too, and probably higher.

    Start strength training as soon as possible. In my opinion it's more important than doing cardio. When we lose weight it is a combination of water, fat and muscle. Strength training helps to retain the muscle you already have and your body has built up muscle to move around your extra weight. It is much easier to maintain the muscle you already have than to build new muscle later so starting now will help you to be more fit and "toned" once you reach your goal weight.

    Take "before" pictures so you can better judge your progress visually. The measuring tape is at least as important as the bathroom scale. Measure your chest, waist, hips, thighs and any other body part you want to track and start recording them in MFP now. When the scale isn't moving your body might still be shrinking especially if you're lifting weights.
  • ShrinkingKitt
    ShrinkingKitt Posts: 36 Member
    Thank y'all so much! I am going to get a measuring tape and food scale! I keep seeing those tips over and over as I'm reading these message boards - so OBVIOUSLY they help! I really appreciate you commenting so quickly!
  • FitnessTrainer69
    FitnessTrainer69 Posts: 283 Member
    First off, give your body time. Its a very slow process. "IF" the MFP 1200cal is accurate then stay around that number. IF you're consistently going 200/600 cals over then this is one of your main problems. They add up very fast by the end of the week and can reverse or stall your weight loss. Make sure your getting plenty of low fat source proteins. If you find yourself close to your daily calorie goal and your hungry, choose low sugar/calorie items to fill that void. ( celery, cauliflower ect ). Time and consistency WILL reap rewards.
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