not a happy camper right now

2»

Replies

  • urloved33
    urloved33 Posts: 3,323 Member
    edited April 2015
    johnriii wrote: »
    urloved33 wrote: »
    OP I don't think you are in denial I just think you want a quick definate answer and you can't have one. Its our bodies way of healing and it will do what it needs to do to heal. I took three years to lose 60 pounds...the right way and its been gone for 24 years. Just keep going and do not give up.

    We - people are funny when it comes to our fitness and food. We focus on the results...the results are just a bi product of our behaviors...so focus on your behaviours and one day - poof - you will look in the mirror and be a whole different person. It happens in its own time....focus on the right thing...not the results but the behaviours that get you the results.

    that's a good point. not giving up, just looking for support and people who can empathize. thanks.

    I have gotten stung too...over and over, its starteling at first.. Ignore it and you will find friends that support you without the smack in the face....lol.

  • sofaking6
    sofaking6 Posts: 4,589 Member
    johnriii wrote: »

    wow. I came here for support and information, not a verbal spanking. excuse me for being a little naive/ignorant in my old age.

    The best forms of support come in many forms and are not always what they seem. Would you rather someone "support" you along a failing journey by telling you your correct when you aren't, or point you in the right direction even when you don't want to hear it?

    *you're
  • johnriii
    johnriii Posts: 18 Member
    auddii wrote: »
    johnriii wrote: »
    The problem isn't going to be not drinking enough water or not meeting your calorie allowance. The fault most likely lies in your calorie counting. Make sure you measure out everything and track super accurately. Losing weight really is just a case of calories in/calories out. You may be overestimating the amount of calories you burn during exercise, or underestimating your intake. Double check you've input your measurements and activity level correctly.

    I appreciate the input, but I'm very accurate on both counts. my cardio exercises are done on elliptical machines and treadmills, so if they're wrong, not my fault! seriously, I DO believe in the premise of not enough water or eating too little. it's been proven by weight watchers and others that too little food will send your body into starvation mode, and hold on to weight/fat for dear life. the Army also believes this as well. either way, water can't hurt me, and a little more food would give me more fuel to workout more efficiently. we'll see come next thursday. thanks.

    Then why are you eating 700 calories under your goal? If you put that you want to lose weight, it already has a deficit built into your calorie goal. If you said you want to lose 1lb per week it's 500, 2 would be 1000. So, you are possibly eating at a 1200-1700 calorie deficit.

    You claim that you are logging accurately, although your diary isn't open, so I can't contribute much to that. Be sure you are weighing your solid foods with a food scale and choosing accurate data entries (thanks to all the users who manage to F thousands of entries up). Also, the machines typically do overestimate; I just log 2/3 of the calories it tells me that I burn.

    That said, it's been a week; give it time.

    ok. wow. some of you guys are intense! I'm going back to the Marines where I can get paid to be yelled at! LOL...seriously, I don't eat under my calorie count on purpose...I work two Jobs, 64-65 hours a week, it's kinda hard to weigh food, prepare food, buy food, etc with my schedule, plus other things that life outside of work demands. I'm doing great with slimfast and Smart Ones as busy as some of my days can be. (yes, I'm doing THIS on my work PC!) with that being said, I'm new to all of this, and "Open Diary" was nothing that i knew anything about. I'm just a guy trying to get healthier, nothing more. the simple fact that I'm going to the Gym everyday that I don't work my 2nd job (four days a week) should net me some results, and i HAVE lost 7 lbs in three weeks, just none last week. thanks again for the information, i had no idea that exercise machines could be inaccurate.


  • jazzine1
    jazzine1 Posts: 280 Member
    I will also suggest like others have on taking your measurements. You'll be surprised how you may lose inches and not have it even show on the stubborn scale. I had 3 weeks where the scale didn't move and I took my measurements to compare from when I started and I had lost 5 inches from my mid section. I am an instant gratification kind of person and going thru this journey I am having to learn patience, the hard way lol. Unfortunately the scale isn't 100% unreliable but don't get discouraged, keep your eyes on your ultimate goal. Best of luck!
  • johnriii
    johnriii Posts: 18 Member
    jazzine1 wrote: »
    I will also suggest like others have on taking your measurements. You'll be surprised how you may lose inches and not have it even show on the stubborn scale. I had 3 weeks where the scale didn't move and I took my measurements to compare from when I started and I had lost 5 inches from my mid section. I am an instant gratification kind of person and going thru this journey I am having to learn patience, the hard way lol. Unfortunately the scale isn't 100% unreliable but don't get discouraged, keep your eyes on your ultimate goal. Best of luck!

    Thanks. I'll do the measurements this weekend and use that as a gauge as well.

  • auddii
    auddii Posts: 15,357 Member
    Wait, you've lost 7lbs over 4 weeks and you're complaining? Congrats, that's great progress! Weight loss isn't going to be linear, and the scale is annoying. Look at overall trends, realize some weeks you won't lose, and take pictures and measurements to use as other benchmarks for success.

    And none of the comments in this thread are meant to be harsh; you are likely reading into a tone that isn't there. It's something that can be difficult in online forums. None of us are berating you, although several of us can be blunt.
  • 4legsRbetterthan2
    4legsRbetterthan2 Posts: 19,590 MFP Moderator
    auddii wrote: »
    Wait, you've lost 7lbs over 4 weeks and you're complaining? Congrats, that's great progress!

    I thought you lost no weight?

    Also, re-read your first post, and it says you just started working out this week? It's common for people to see and increase in weight when they start or change up an exercise routine, it's temporary, just part of the muscles recovering and stuff. Could be masking some loss you would have seen?

  • HollyB1223
    HollyB1223 Posts: 41 Member
    Yeah I have to comment here. I understand where you're coming from and what you're saying. I think a lot of people believe themselves to be experts because they can drop a pound when they work at it. I used to think I was an expert. In my 20's, I lost over 160 lbs, gained from having babies and being completely busy being a mother and taking care of my household. The weight would come off when I worked at it! Now, it's another story all together. I've been tracking carefully, plus being intentional about extra exercise since Oct. of 2013, but unable to lose. Finally set my goals high enough I am never hungry but can maintain at that level. And finally my feet are cooperating with starting to jog again. I'm sitting right at 195# and just stuck there. Kind of sad, packing away smaller sizes from my closet the last few days and moving them to the attic, but I need clothes that suit me, and it will be quite some time before I can drop pounds enough to fit a smaller size again. One person on my friends list said a wise thing. She said: "I didn't lose 50 lbs... I lost 1 lbs. And then lost 1 more lbs. And I did that 50 times."
  • johnriii
    johnriii Posts: 18 Member
    auddii wrote: »
    Wait, you've lost 7lbs over 4 weeks and you're complaining? Congrats, that's great progress! Weight loss isn't going to be linear, and the scale is annoying. Look at overall trends, realize some weeks you won't lose, and take pictures and measurements to use as other benchmarks for success.

    And none of the comments in this thread are meant to be harsh; you are likely reading into a tone that isn't there. It's something that can be difficult in online forums. None of us are berating you, although several of us can be blunt.

    Not really complaining as much as disappointed. I came looking for information and support, as well as solutions. I got all three, and then some! I usually get into some intense conversations on Smartphone forum threads, they got NOTHING on you guys over here! thanks again.

  • TheBitSlinger
    TheBitSlinger Posts: 621 Member
    @johnriii Stay with it. Check out high intensity interval training cardio; HIIT is better at fat burning than stead state cardio. I was type 2 diabetic for years but am fully cured now. I lost 185 pounds, which took about a year and a half.
  • lesliewalker108
    lesliewalker108 Posts: 61 Member
    Wow I thought I was the only one having this problem. I started working out 6 out of 7 days and the scale wont budge any lower then 202.8 . INstead it will go up to 203 or 204.5. I want to taste 200 so bad for I haven't seen it in a long time. But I got to admit Im not drinking enough water too. BUt I will start and see what happens.
  • auddii
    auddii Posts: 15,357 Member
    johnriii wrote: »
    auddii wrote: »
    Wait, you've lost 7lbs over 4 weeks and you're complaining? Congrats, that's great progress! Weight loss isn't going to be linear, and the scale is annoying. Look at overall trends, realize some weeks you won't lose, and take pictures and measurements to use as other benchmarks for success.

    And none of the comments in this thread are meant to be harsh; you are likely reading into a tone that isn't there. It's something that can be difficult in online forums. None of us are berating you, although several of us can be blunt.

    Not really complaining as much as disappointed. I came looking for information and support, as well as solutions. I got all three, and then some! I usually get into some intense conversations on Smartphone forum threads, they got NOTHING on you guys over here! thanks again.

    If you really hate yourself, join a parenting forum...
  • msullivan1979
    msullivan1979 Posts: 13 Member
    HJMBaird wrote: »
    She said: "I didn't lose 50 lbs... I lost 1 lbs. And then lost 1 more lbs. And I did that 50 times."

    I like that and it is very true!! 1 lb at at time
  • confinedbeauty
    confinedbeauty Posts: 3 Member
    Agree
    jlahorn wrote: »
    johnriii wrote: »
    I'm past the gotta look good in my jeans phase; this is about my long-term health.

    Don't forget... since this is about health and not vanity, cardiovascular exercise has a ton of benefits other than just weight control.

    http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/fitness/in-depth/aerobic-exercise/art-20045541?pg=2

    Keep it up :)

    Agreed.
  • disasterman
    disasterman Posts: 746 Member
    Some jumbled thoughts on this but maybe something will stick.

    Often you'll gain weight when starting a new workout program. Also, watch out for sodium-I've found that when I weigh in after a high sodium day I might be a pound or two heavier. I also think MFP overestimates calorie burns. For me, if I cut the MFP calorie burn estimate in half it is usually pretty close to what my HR monitor tells me. I think you're otherwise on the right track. Log every bit of food, drink lots of water, get enough sleep if you can. Weigh yourself at the same time and in the same state of dress/undress each time and don't worry about minor fluctuations - look at the longer term trend instead. Staying motivated when the going gets tough is key - you gotta get your mind right.
  • johnriii
    johnriii Posts: 18 Member
    Some jumbled thoughts on this but maybe something will stick.

    Often you'll gain weight when starting a new workout program. Also, watch out for sodium-I've found that when I weigh in after a high sodium day I might be a pound or two heavier. I also think MFP overestimates calorie burns. For me, if I cut the MFP calorie burn estimate in half it is usually pretty close to what my HR monitor tells me. I think you're otherwise on the right track. Log every bit of food, drink lots of water, get enough sleep if you can. Weigh yourself at the same time and in the same state of dress/undress each time and don't worry about minor fluctuations - look at the longer term trend instead. Staying motivated when the going gets tough is key - you gotta get your mind right.

    Makes tons of sense. Thanks
  • confinedbeauty
    confinedbeauty Posts: 3 Member
    Losing weight is more than just about calories consumed vs caloric output. Take a hard look at your sodium intake which will make you retain water. How high is your sugar intake? Even just eating fruits, a natural source of sugar, can overload you on your sugar intake; and when sugar breaks down in the body any of it that has not been burned off by the end of the day turns into stored fat, but the kind of stored fat that is very very hard to burn off. The same thing applies with carbohydrates because carbohydrates break down into sugar in the body. Also monitor your fat intake, what types of fats are you consuming and how much? All of these things can greatly impact weightloss in addition to calories in/out. But if your ultimate goal is your overall health then don't discount the positive changes you are making by exercising and making better diatary choices. It is not all in vain simply because the numbers aren't dropping fast enough. And keep in mind you may have been in the military and been fit when you were young, but your body isn't that of a 22 year olds anymore, it has a different metabolism with different needs both nutritionally and physically. Keep up the motivation and don't lose sight of your goals! You can do this!!! :smile:
  • tulips_and_tea
    tulips_and_tea Posts: 5,741 Member
    johnriii wrote: »
    auddii wrote: »
    johnriii wrote: »
    The problem isn't going to be not drinking enough water or not meeting your calorie allowance. The fault most likely lies in your calorie counting. Make sure you measure out everything and track super accurately. Losing weight really is just a case of calories in/calories out. You may be overestimating the amount of calories you burn during exercise, or underestimating your intake. Double check you've input your measurements and activity level correctly.

    I appreciate the input, but I'm very accurate on both counts. my cardio exercises are done on elliptical machines and treadmills, so if they're wrong, not my fault! seriously, I DO believe in the premise of not enough water or eating too little. it's been proven by weight watchers and others that too little food will send your body into starvation mode, and hold on to weight/fat for dear life. the Army also believes this as well. either way, water can't hurt me, and a little more food would give me more fuel to workout more efficiently. we'll see come next thursday. thanks.

    Then why are you eating 700 calories under your goal? If you put that you want to lose weight, it already has a deficit built into your calorie goal. If you said you want to lose 1lb per week it's 500, 2 would be 1000. So, you are possibly eating at a 1200-1700 calorie deficit.

    You claim that you are logging accurately, although your diary isn't open, so I can't contribute much to that. Be sure you are weighing your solid foods with a food scale and choosing accurate data entries (thanks to all the users who manage to F thousands of entries up). Also, the machines typically do overestimate; I just log 2/3 of the calories it tells me that I burn.

    That said, it's been a week; give it time.

    ok. wow. some of you guys are intense! I'm going back to the Marines where I can get paid to be yelled at! LOL...seriously, I don't eat under my calorie count on purpose...I work two Jobs, 64-65 hours a week, it's kinda hard to weigh food, prepare food, buy food, etc with my schedule, plus other things that life outside of work demands. I'm doing great with slimfast and Smart Ones as busy as some of my days can be. (yes, I'm doing THIS on my work PC!) with that being said, I'm new to all of this, and "Open Diary" was nothing that i knew anything about. I'm just a guy trying to get healthier, nothing more. the simple fact that I'm going to the Gym everyday that I don't work my 2nd job (four days a week) should net me some results, and i HAVE lost 7 lbs in three weeks, just none last week. thanks again for the information, i had no idea that exercise machines could be inaccurate.


    That made me laugh! Sorry you feel that way. It can be harsh around here. But, 99% of the time the intention IS to help you succeed. Just some people deliver their message differently than others. You have received some good advice here. Keep doing what you're doing and keep track of your progress. Keep posting and let us know how you are doing!

    Your work schedule makes me tired just reading about it, so that's understandably an obstacle, but there are others here in the same situation. And thank you for your military service. Have a great weekend!
  • 4legsRbetterthan2
    4legsRbetterthan2 Posts: 19,590 MFP Moderator
    edited April 2015
    Take a hard look at your sodium intake which will make you retain water

    Yes, it will make you retain water, but if you have a consistantly high sodium intake then you will remain at a consistantly high water retention state. If you are successfully cutting calories you will still see your weight decrease as you lose fat and muscle mass. Your body can't just retain more and more and more water to make up for that. You should still see the weightloss trend over time reguardless of sodium intake. Sodium is a common temporary masker (you eat alot one day and it looks like you gained alot the next), but it can't stop weight loss.
    and when sugar breaks down in the body any of it that has not been burned off by the end of the day turns into stored fat

    Your body is not on this magical 24 hour clock that resets at midnight. Sure you are not actively burning as much as when you are up and walking around, but if you work out or stress your body throughout the day it spends alot of energy repairing while you sleep. Also, glycogen stores have to be refilled before it shuffles things into long term storage of fat.
  • johnriii
    johnriii Posts: 18 Member
    Losing weight is more than just about calories consumed vs caloric output. Take a hard look at your sodium intake which will make you retain water. How high is your sugar intake? Even just eating fruits, a natural source of sugar, can overload you on your sugar intake; and when sugar breaks down in the body any of it that has not been burned off by the end of the day turns into stored fat, but the kind of stored fat that is very very hard to burn off. The same thing applies with carbohydrates because carbohydrates break down into sugar in the body. Also monitor your fat intake, what types of fats are you consuming and how much? All of these things can greatly impact weightloss in addition to calories in/out. But if your ultimate goal is your overall health then don't discount the positive changes you are making by exercising and making better diatary choices. It is not all in vain simply because the numbers aren't dropping fast enough. And keep in mind you may have been in the military and been fit when you were young, but your body isn't that of a 22 year olds anymore, it has a different metabolism with different needs both nutritionally and physically. Keep up the motivation and don't lose sight of your goals! You can do this!!! :smile:

    Lots of good information, thanks a lot.
  • johnriii
    johnriii Posts: 18 Member
    BZAH10 wrote: »
    johnriii wrote: »
    auddii wrote: »
    johnriii wrote: »
    The problem isn't going to be not drinking enough water or not meeting your calorie allowance. The fault most likely lies in your calorie counting. Make sure you measure out everything and track super accurately. Losing weight really is just a case of calories in/calories out. You may be overestimating the amount of calories you burn during exercise, or underestimating your intake. Double check you've input your measurements and activity level correctly.

    I appreciate the input, but I'm very accurate on both counts. my cardio exercises are done on elliptical machines and treadmills, so if they're wrong, not my fault! seriously, I DO believe in the premise of not enough water or eating too little. it's been proven by weight watchers and others that too little food will send your body into starvation mode, and hold on to weight/fat for dear life. the Army also believes this as well. either way, water can't hurt me, and a little more food would give me more fuel to workout more efficiently. we'll see come next thursday. thanks.

    Then why are you eating 700 calories under your goal? If you put that you want to lose weight, it already has a deficit built into your calorie goal. If you said you want to lose 1lb per week it's 500, 2 would be 1000. So, you are possibly eating at a 1200-1700 calorie deficit.

    You claim that you are logging accurately, although your diary isn't open, so I can't contribute much to that. Be sure you are weighing your solid foods with a food scale and choosing accurate data entries (thanks to all the users who manage to F thousands of entries up). Also, the machines typically do overestimate; I just log 2/3 of the calories it tells me that I burn.

    That said, it's been a week; give it time.

    ok. wow. some of you guys are intense! I'm going back to the Marines where I can get paid to be yelled at! LOL...seriously, I don't eat under my calorie count on purpose...I work two Jobs, 64-65 hours a week, it's kinda hard to weigh food, prepare food, buy food, etc with my schedule, plus other things that life outside of work demands. I'm doing great with slimfast and Smart Ones as busy as some of my days can be. (yes, I'm doing THIS on my work PC!) with that being said, I'm new to all of this, and "Open Diary" was nothing that i knew anything about. I'm just a guy trying to get healthier, nothing more. the simple fact that I'm going to the Gym everyday that I don't work my 2nd job (four days a week) should net me some results, and i HAVE lost 7 lbs in three weeks, just none last week. thanks again for the information, i had no idea that exercise machines could be inaccurate.


    That made me laugh! Sorry you feel that way. It can be harsh around here. But, 99% of the time the intention IS to help you succeed. Just some people deliver their message differently than others. You have received some good advice here. Keep doing what you're doing and keep track of your progress. Keep posting and let us know how you are doing!

    Your work schedule makes me tired just reading about it, so that's understandably an obstacle, but there are others here in the same situation. And thank you for your military service. Have a great weekend!

    Yeah, I can be quite the knee slap generator! Thank you all again, I really didn't expect this much support. I feel so much better since early this morning.
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