What am I doing wrong?!?
libby328
Posts: 287 Member
I guess I just don't understand what I'm doing wrong here. I'm working out 5-6 week religiously (alter from lifting to cardio to yoga) and I'm eating no more then 1340 calories a day and no less than 1200. I'm 5'4 129 pounds. Two weeks ago my scale said 127 but today it's bounced back to 129. At first I wasn't stressing too hard because I wasn't overly concerned with the number on the scale. But.... After 5 weeks it's literally not moved at all. Yes, I weigh all my foods, I stay within my macros. I could probably guarantee that less then 10% of the food I've eaten in the last 31 days wasn't clean. I've completely revamped my entire lifestyle. No fast foods, cut out almost all sugar (still have creamer in my coffee every morning) probably cut my bread intake by 70% and haven't eaten anything "junk food" in 31 days. I'm really stressing out that I'm doing something wrong that's prohibiting me from making positive progress.
I didn't start measuring myself until two weeks ago when I originally posted about my weight being stuck. But, since then I haven't lost anything close to an inch (over all) my hips are 33" my thighs are 22" and that's where I carry most of my fat.
Is there a point where 1200 calories a day is too much? I'm not advocating ED at all, I just can't think of any other reasons why I wouldn't be losing anything.
I didn't start measuring myself until two weeks ago when I originally posted about my weight being stuck. But, since then I haven't lost anything close to an inch (over all) my hips are 33" my thighs are 22" and that's where I carry most of my fat.
Is there a point where 1200 calories a day is too much? I'm not advocating ED at all, I just can't think of any other reasons why I wouldn't be losing anything.
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Replies
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What is your weight loss goal setting? As you are within the healthy range given your stats, 0.5 pound/week is sensible and would give you a bit more food to work with.
Are you eating back any of your exercise calories? I found that if I do not eat at least some of them back I struggle to lose. I eat more than you do, though I'm not a lot heavier, and lose 1-1.5 pounds a week.
I have also found that if I take a day a week as a "maintenance day" I actually lose more consistently. Others may have had a different experience with this though.
Also, I use Libra to track my weight daily - it helps me see and understand normal fluctuations and still see the overall downward trend.
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are you measuring or WEIGHING? there IS a difference
how are you estimating exercise calories? how much of them are you eating back?
Your diary is not open, so i will say you are eating more than you think you are based on inaccurate logging.0 -
I'm at .5 a day weight loss a week. I try my very best to eat back my calories but sometimes I can't without feeling sick. So there's days I don't eat them back. My goal is ultimately to look fit. Strong legs, strong abs, great *kitten*. Lol (isn't that everyone's goal?). I track all my calories at home because I find lots of them incorrect on here. I do use it as a guide and reference it back.0
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you might be happier with your appearance working on body recomp than weight loss. losing weight isn't going to make a kick *kitten* body just a thin one LOL
look into some of the lifting programs.0 -
I'm measuring and weighing (not consistent on the weighing in because I tend to get upset when it's not moving). I'm measuring everything. And I don't log on here consistently. No, I log everything in a book at home after weighing the food. I find it keeps me more accountable to make sure I log it because no way will I remember what the weight was if I log it later. I eat probably 50-75% of my calories back. Depends on how I feel that day.0
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I'm estimating my workout calories in the middle of what my heart rate monitor says and what it is on here. I don't go too high because I know they tend to be inconsistent.0
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again, id look into lifting heavy. i think youd probably really like the results (it takes time, so its a game of patience, but worth it)
make sure you do progress photos and body measurements regularly.0 -
The reason I am eating at a deficit is because the fat around my hips and thighs. I'm not in a hurry because I know these things tend to work at a snails pace. But I would be lying if I said it wasn't discouraging to be as anal as I have been without any results. I've noticed muscle definition in my legs, arms and stomach but I was told that was probably from losing fat not gaining muscle.... Which still doesn't explain why the scale wouldn't be moving. I've also been told it might be water retention, for 5 weeks?!? How long does it usually take to start adding new muscle? I know I'm sore after a majority of my workouts and I can feel a little muscle pain for 1-2 days after each workout.0
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callsitlikeiseeit wrote: »again, id look into lifting heavy. i think youd probably really like the results (it takes time, so its a game of patience, but worth it)
make sure you do progress photos and body measurements regularly.
The plan was to start heavy lifting last week. Sadly the person who was supposed to be my guide bailed on me. I've since contacted my gym inquiring about a personal trainer to help get me started. Apparently they don't move as quickly as I'd hoped
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You said you workout a lot, including lifting.
Therefore, you are losing FAT but gaining MUSCLE - and this is why the scales are staying the same.
It's a good thing.
My advice would be to ditch the scales and measure your waist, hips, thighs etc each week instead and also take pictures regularly so you can see the amazing changes you are making - who cares what the scales say once you look hot?
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http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/113609/relatively-light-people-trying-to-get-leaner/p1
The above is worth reading. Experienced poster and subject is applicable to you.0 -
Everyone always hates to hear this, but you're probably not calculating your calorie intake accurately. That is, you are eating more calories than you think. I suggest you continue the efforts you are making, with a new focus on accurately logging your meals. WEIGHING, not "measuring" your food. It makes a huge difference. Consistently and honestly logging EVERYTHING you eat. Math is math, numbers are numbers. If you were truly eating 1200 calories a day with the exercise you are reporting you would be losing weight.
Why are you logging your food in a book rather than using the tools MFP provides?0 -
MichelleMyBelle86 wrote: »You said you workout a lot, including lifting.
Therefore, you are losing FAT but gaining MUSCLE - and this is why the scales are staying the same.
It's a good thing.
My advice would be to ditch the scales and measure your waist, hips, thighs etc each week instead and also take pictures regularly so you can see the amazing changes you are making - who cares what the scales say once you look hot?
Honestly I don't care what the scales are. I was specifically told by a trainer that if I'm logging accurately and working out that the numbers should be moving. I'm not lying when I say I'm obsessively logging. I WANT results otherwise I would have just kept eating like crap and laying around. I only use the scales once in a while to see where I'm at. I weighed when I started and maybe twice since then. Once it jumped down to 127 and today it's back to 129. I'm a little concerned if I need to be eating more because honestly I struggle some days to eat what I'm currently allowed without feeling overly full. And I have recently been measuring as well
I just don't want to be doing something that's hurting my progress. It's a hard long process. And I'm probably just having an emotional moment.
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Oh, I'm sorry, I just noticed your weight is at 129. icallsitlikeiseeit has the right idea, I think. Your goals should be directed more toward body recomposition than weight loss, perhaps.0
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No, that isn't why the scales are staying the same.MichelleMyBelle86 wrote: »You said you workout a lot, including lifting.
Therefore, you are losing FAT but gaining MUSCLE - and this is why the scales are staying the same.
It's a good thing.
My advice would be to ditch the scales and measure your waist, hips, thighs etc each week instead and also take pictures regularly so you can see the amazing changes you are making - who cares what the scales say once you look hot?
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DeguelloTex wrote: »
No, that isn't why the scales are staying the same.MichelleMyBelle86 wrote: »You said you workout a lot, including lifting.
Therefore, you are losing FAT but gaining MUSCLE - and this is why the scales are staying the same.
It's a good thing.
My advice would be to ditch the scales and measure your waist, hips, thighs etc each week instead and also take pictures regularly so you can see the amazing changes you are making - who cares what the scales say once you look hot?
So what is your suggestion then?
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Be more patient.DeguelloTex wrote: »
No, that isn't why the scales are staying the same.MichelleMyBelle86 wrote: »You said you workout a lot, including lifting.
Therefore, you are losing FAT but gaining MUSCLE - and this is why the scales are staying the same.
It's a good thing.
My advice would be to ditch the scales and measure your waist, hips, thighs etc each week instead and also take pictures regularly so you can see the amazing changes you are making - who cares what the scales say once you look hot?
So what is your suggestion then?
A woman eating in a deficit isn't putting on muscle at the same rate she's losing fat. That just isn't going to happen.
When you say, "Two weeks ago my scale said 127" and "But.... After 5 weeks it's literally not moved at all" it's not clear at all what kind of timeframe you're really talking about here.0 -
Libby - first of all, breathe :]
I understand you are frustrated but we'll work this out.
I'm going to get the 'less than 1200' calories thing out of the way first and foremost. Eating less than this is not the way to go about losing weight. Introducing yourself to very low calorie diets is a slippery slope that is very hard to come back from, so steer clear of that way of thinking. 1200 is a very low amount as it is - I wouldn't even recommend that, so anything lower? A big resounding No.
The people on MFP can only speculate as to why you aren't losing weight. We will ask you 'Are you sure you are weighing everything' and expect you to then, look back over the past few weeks and question how tight your logging has been. Is every thing accounted for? Even your coffee creamer?
Cutting out certain food types is not the answer. You can still safely eat your 'junk' if it is still within your calorie allowance (which is why we re-iterate again and again the importance of weighing your food). I still eat chocolate, bagels, bread, biscuits - every thing I've always loved but in moderation.
I am also at a healthy weight (I'm 5'2 and 126lbs) so for me to lose weight now, my logging has to be as tight as tight can be. You are at a healthy weight - weight loss isn't necessary for you as such so try not to focus so much on what the scales ares telling you. You should be tracking your progress for measurements and fitness levels.
I measure myself at the end of each month and I LOVE the results I get. Last month, I 'only' lost 2lbs but I lost a huge 8 inches from my body - that's more of a win in my book. Continue with what you are doing, keep an eye on that logging and chill. You're healthy and you're fit and that is what matters here.
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DeguelloTex wrote: »
Be more patient.DeguelloTex wrote: »
No, that isn't why the scales are staying the same.MichelleMyBelle86 wrote: »You said you workout a lot, including lifting.
Therefore, you are losing FAT but gaining MUSCLE - and this is why the scales are staying the same.
It's a good thing.
My advice would be to ditch the scales and measure your waist, hips, thighs etc each week instead and also take pictures regularly so you can see the amazing changes you are making - who cares what the scales say once you look hot?
So what is your suggestion then?
A woman eating in a deficit isn't putting on muscle at the same rate she's losing fat. That just isn't going to happen.
When you say, "Two weeks ago my scale said 127" and "But.... After 5 weeks it's literally not moved at all" it's not clear at all what kind of timeframe you're really talking about here.
What I'm saying is I started at 129. For 3 weeks the scale stayed at 129. Not an ounce more not an ounce less. I jumped on the scale two weeks ago it said 127. Today I weighed in again and it's up to 129 not an ounce more not an ounce less. I weigh at the same time in the morning before I have anything to eat/drink. My overall point was for the last 31 days I've weighed everything I've eaten and the scale is the Same today as it was 31 days ago.
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how much are you wanting to lose?? as others have said, you are already in a healthy weight range and, if anything, should focus on recomp.0
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Muscleflex79 wrote: »how much are you wanting to lose?? as others have said, you are already in a healthy weight range and, if anything, should focus on recomp.
That's kind of a hard question for me to answer. When I started I wanted to drop maybe 5lbs. But since I've changed to there isn't a number. My goal isn't to weigh a specific amount. It's to be stronger, leaner and in overall less body fat. With that said, I was told my a trainer I should be losing weight with the direction I'm taking. I not really down about not losing pounds just concerned that I'm not working hard enough.
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Should say by a trainer. I don't have a trainer just conversed with one a couple times. Explained my goals ect0
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Muscleflex79 wrote: »how much are you wanting to lose?? as others have said, you are already in a healthy weight range and, if anything, should focus on recomp.
That's kind of a hard question for me to answer. When I started I wanted to drop maybe 5lbs. But since I've changed to there isn't a number. My goal isn't to weigh a specific amount. It's to be stronger, leaner and in overall less body fat. With that said, I was told my a trainer I should be losing weight with the direction I'm taking. I not really down about not losing pounds just concerned that I'm not working hard enough.
See the bolded.
Your goal is it be stronger, leaner and overall less body fat - your scales aren't going to show you that kind of progress. I know someone who weighs about 15 lbs more than me but she is in better shape than me because she is 140 lbs of lean muscle. When I was 140 lbs, I looked NOTHING like that.0 -
PinkPixiexox wrote: »Libby - first of all, breathe :]
I understand you are frustrated but we'll work this out.
I'm going to get the 'less than 1200' calories thing out of the way first and foremost. Eating less than this is not the way to go about losing weight. Introducing yourself to very low calorie diets is a slippery slope that is very hard to come back from, so steer clear of that way of thinking. 1200 is a very low amount as it is - I wouldn't even recommend that, so anything lower? A big resounding No.
The people on MFP can only speculate as to why you aren't losing weight. We will ask you 'Are you sure you are weighing everything' and expect you to then, look back over the past few weeks and question how tight your logging has been. Is every thing accounted for? Even your coffee creamer?
Cutting out certain food types is not the answer. You can still safely eat your 'junk' if it is still within your calorie allowance (which is why we re-iterate again and again the importance of weighing your food). I still eat chocolate, bagels, bread, biscuits - every thing I've always loved but in moderation.
I am also at a healthy weight (I'm 5'2 and 126lbs) so for me to lose weight now, my logging has to be as tight as tight can be. You are at a healthy weight - weight loss isn't necessary for you as such so try not to focus so much on what the scales ares telling you. You should be tracking your progress for measurements and fitness levels.
I measure myself at the end of each month and I LOVE the results I get. Last month, I 'only' lost 2lbs but I lost a huge 8 inches from my body - that's more of a win in my book. Continue with what you are doing, keep an eye on that logging and chill. You're healthy and you're fit and that is what matters here.
I'll focus more on the measuring. I am enjoying the changes my body is going through and have maintained a positive outlook. Sadly, I didn't start measuring right away so I could have most inches by now and just not know it. Progress pics are also something I've taken quite a few of. Sometimes I just worry that there's more I should be doing.
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PinkPixiexox wrote: »Libby - first of all, breathe :]
I understand you are frustrated but we'll work this out.
I'm going to get the 'less than 1200' calories thing out of the way first and foremost. Eating less than this is not the way to go about losing weight. Introducing yourself to very low calorie diets is a slippery slope that is very hard to come back from, so steer clear of that way of thinking. 1200 is a very low amount as it is - I wouldn't even recommend that, so anything lower? A big resounding No.
The people on MFP can only speculate as to why you aren't losing weight. We will ask you 'Are you sure you are weighing everything' and expect you to then, look back over the past few weeks and question how tight your logging has been. Is every thing accounted for? Even your coffee creamer?
Cutting out certain food types is not the answer. You can still safely eat your 'junk' if it is still within your calorie allowance (which is why we re-iterate again and again the importance of weighing your food). I still eat chocolate, bagels, bread, biscuits - every thing I've always loved but in moderation.
I am also at a healthy weight (I'm 5'2 and 126lbs) so for me to lose weight now, my logging has to be as tight as tight can be. You are at a healthy weight - weight loss isn't necessary for you as such so try not to focus so much on what the scales ares telling you. You should be tracking your progress for measurements and fitness levels.
I measure myself at the end of each month and I LOVE the results I get. Last month, I 'only' lost 2lbs but I lost a huge 8 inches from my body - that's more of a win in my book. Continue with what you are doing, keep an eye on that logging and chill. You're healthy and you're fit and that is what matters here.
I'll focus more on the measuring. I am enjoying the changes my body is going through and have maintained a positive outlook. Sadly, I didn't start measuring right away so I could have most inches by now and just not know it. Progress pics are also something I've taken quite a few of. Sometimes I just worry that there's more I should be doing.
I know the feeling and I am guilty of doing exactly the same thing - but you are doing exactly as you should be so relax and let your body make it's own way.0 -
The macros here didn't work for me to lose. I adjusted downward, and immediately saw results. I've consistently stuck to my calorie amount, regardless of what's suggested, and lost 2 lbs per week like clockwork. I suggest you try something new.0
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On 8/7 I weighed 218.2. On 9/9 I weighed 219. Yet the overall, longer-term trend in my weight was down.DeguelloTex wrote: »
Be more patient.DeguelloTex wrote: »
No, that isn't why the scales are staying the same.MichelleMyBelle86 wrote: »You said you workout a lot, including lifting.
Therefore, you are losing FAT but gaining MUSCLE - and this is why the scales are staying the same.
It's a good thing.
My advice would be to ditch the scales and measure your waist, hips, thighs etc each week instead and also take pictures regularly so you can see the amazing changes you are making - who cares what the scales say once you look hot?
So what is your suggestion then?
A woman eating in a deficit isn't putting on muscle at the same rate she's losing fat. That just isn't going to happen.
When you say, "Two weeks ago my scale said 127" and "But.... After 5 weeks it's literally not moved at all" it's not clear at all what kind of timeframe you're really talking about here.
What I'm saying is I started at 129. For 3 weeks the scale stayed at 129. Not an ounce more not an ounce less. I jumped on the scale two weeks ago it said 127. Today I weighed in again and it's up to 129 not an ounce more not an ounce less. I weigh at the same time in the morning before I have anything to eat/drink. My overall point was for the last 31 days I've weighed everything I've eaten and the scale is the Same today as it was 31 days ago.
Weight loss isn't linear. A one-month window doesn't necessarily tell you whether you're going in the right direction or not.
It seems to me that you basically have four options:
1. Keep doing what you're doing for another month or so and see what happens.
2. Start eating less.
3. Start exercising more.
4. Combine some of #2 and some of #3.
Given your current weight and situation, I'd do #1. At that point, you should have a better picture of whether you're really eating in a deficit or not. Or whether eating in a deficit is really the best ay to achieve your goals.
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DeguelloTex wrote: »
No, that isn't why the scales are staying the same.MichelleMyBelle86 wrote: »You said you workout a lot, including lifting.
Therefore, you are losing FAT but gaining MUSCLE - and this is why the scales are staying the same.
It's a good thing.
My advice would be to ditch the scales and measure your waist, hips, thighs etc each week instead and also take pictures regularly so you can see the amazing changes you are making - who cares what the scales say once you look hot?
So what is your suggestion then?
IMHO you are at a healthy weight so don't worry about the scale. Focus on body recomp and strength gains. I know you mentioned you have some fat in your hips you want to lose but sometimes genetics just works against us. I've been stuck at my current weight for a while now too. Been 7 pounds from my goal for forever it seems. Still have a layer of fat over my lower abs that I just cannot get rid of. But I'm less focused on that and more focused about improving strength gains. Eventually the scale will start moving again. It's just much harder to lose when you are already in an optimal weight range.0 -
Soundwave79 wrote: »DeguelloTex wrote: »
No, that isn't why the scales are staying the same.MichelleMyBelle86 wrote: »You said you workout a lot, including lifting.
Therefore, you are losing FAT but gaining MUSCLE - and this is why the scales are staying the same.
It's a good thing.
My advice would be to ditch the scales and measure your waist, hips, thighs etc each week instead and also take pictures regularly so you can see the amazing changes you are making - who cares what the scales say once you look hot?
So what is your suggestion then?
IMHO you are at a healthy weight so don't worry about the scale. Focus on body recomp and strength gains. I know you mentioned you have some fat in your hips you want to lose but sometimes genetics just works against us. I've been stuck at my current weight for a while now too. Been 7 pounds from my goal for forever it seems. Still have a layer of fat over my lower abs that I just cannot get rid of. But I'm less focused on that and more focused about improving strength gains. Eventually the scale will start moving again. It's just much harder to lose when you are already in an optimal weight range.
I'll start researching more into recomp. I'm a little confused with how that specifically works.
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I didn't read all the replies so I am going into this blind but i have some questions do you weight train or just doing cardio? Are you having a cheat day once a week and increasing your calories by about 500 one day a week? These are very important questions. I would like to help if need some advice.0
This discussion has been closed.
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