Not losing weight!
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Have your measurements changed? While I recognize the need for a scale you should see how your clothes feel. Are they looser or do they feel the same?0
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Igotithear wrote: »I don't know exactly what happened, but I've lost about 4 pounds since this post. I didn't run out and buy a food scale (sorry I'm poor lol) and I didn't change anything to my routine, but I'm very ecstatic to see this new number! Thanks peeps!
You are awesome! See? You just had to stay the course and be patient.0 -
Either you are eating more calories or burning less calories than you think. Or a combination of the two.
This may have already been covered so my apologies but: Are you weighing everything you consume? (Don't just measure - use a kitchen scale for accuracy!). What are you using to get your calorie burn? 800-1000 calories burned each day is a lot, but that also depends on your current weight/height and what you are doing. Unless you are using a heart rate monitor with a chest strap, you're not going to get a near-accurate picture.
Something else to consider - if you just started at the gym and have gone from zero to what you are doing now, it could be water weight. Alternatively, are you on your period? That too would be water weight?
And finally, define "scale won't move." Perhaps this does not apply to you, but I often see people on here claiming that they have lost no weight when in reality they have lost half a pound or one pound.
Bottom line: assuming you are logging everything correctly and are indeed at a caloric deficit, give it a few more weeks. But I would check there first just to be sure.
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Igotithear wrote: »I don't know exactly what happened, but I've lost about 4 pounds since this post. I didn't run out and buy a food scale (sorry I'm poor lol) and I didn't change anything to my routine, but I'm very ecstatic to see this new number! Thanks peeps!
Congrats.
Sometimes you are doing everything right and the scale just OWES you. It can be frustrating, but now you know...stay the course.0 -
Either you are eating more calories or burning less calories than you think. Or a combination of the two.
This may have already been covered so my apologies but: Are you weighing everything you consume? (Don't just measure - use a kitchen scale for accuracy!). What are you using to get your calorie burn? 800-1000 calories burned each day is a lot, but that also depends on your current weight/height and what you are doing. Unless you are using a heart rate monitor with a chest strap, you're not going to get a near-accurate picture.
Something else to consider - if you just started at the gym and have gone from zero to what you are doing now, it could be water weight. Alternatively, are you on your period? That too would be water weight?
And finally, define "scale won't move." Perhaps this does not apply to you, but I often see people on here claiming that they have lost no weight when in reality they have lost half a pound or one pound.
Bottom line: assuming you are logging everything correctly and are indeed at a caloric deficit, give it a few more weeks. But I would check there first just to be sure.
No I don't weigh food as I don't have a scale, nor the money to get one. I do a lot of different classes, zumba, ripped, insanity, in addition to running two miles and lifting weights. As for the HRM I do use one with a chest strap and transmitter (Polar brand). Additionally I've been going to the gym for the last 5 years, but more recently had a baby and attending college so finding time or not being in pain from the pregnancy made going difficult, so I'm not entirely out of shape. Lastly I'm not on my period, I'm part time breast feeding which has delayed my period. Since the date of the original post the scale has moved significantly... I'm down 5.7 pounds.. the scale is cooperating and the math is in line for approx. -2 a week X 3 weeks. I'm super happy! 0 -
Igotithear wrote: »Either you are eating more calories or burning less calories than you think. Or a combination of the two.
This may have already been covered so my apologies but: Are you weighing everything you consume? (Don't just measure - use a kitchen scale for accuracy!). What are you using to get your calorie burn? 800-1000 calories burned each day is a lot, but that also depends on your current weight/height and what you are doing. Unless you are using a heart rate monitor with a chest strap, you're not going to get a near-accurate picture.
Something else to consider - if you just started at the gym and have gone from zero to what you are doing now, it could be water weight. Alternatively, are you on your period? That too would be water weight?
And finally, define "scale won't move." Perhaps this does not apply to you, but I often see people on here claiming that they have lost no weight when in reality they have lost half a pound or one pound.
Bottom line: assuming you are logging everything correctly and are indeed at a caloric deficit, give it a few more weeks. But I would check there first just to be sure.
No I don't weigh food as I don't have a scale, nor the money to get one. I do a lot of different classes, zumba, ripped, insanity, in addition to running two miles and lifting weights. As for the HRM I do use one with a chest strap and transmitter (Polar brand). Additionally I've been going to the gym for the last 5 years, but more recently had a baby and attending college so finding time or not being in pain from the pregnancy made going difficult, so I'm not entirely out of shape. Lastly I'm not on my period, I'm part time breast feeding which has delayed my period. Since the date of the original post the scale has moved significantly... I'm down 5.7 pounds.. the scale is cooperating and the math is in line for approx. -2 a week X 3 weeks. I'm super happy!
You would be better off selling the HRM and estimating cals burned in other ways, and using that money to buy a kitchen scale. HRMs are only a good estimate of cals burned for a very narrow range/type of exercise.0 -
I was going to say the same thing - if you can afford the gym and a heart rate monitor you can afford a scale!0
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Igotithear wrote: »
Well when the portions on the box say 17 pieces... That's when I count... Or when it says 1 cup, what is there to weigh?
Ever portion size is generally followed by a measure in grams or ounces. For instance, on my cereal, it says serving size is 3/4 cup (28 g). I do not measure out 3/4 cup - that is really just a guesstimate - I weigh out the 28g.
If it's fluid there is no problem - but when you use dry measures it can be off by a significant amount - and this will add up when you are eating calorie dense foods like nuts -
For instance - one serving of 30g of almonds - it said on the package serving size 1/4 cup or 30 g. For fun yesterday I measured out 1/4 cup - it was level to the top. But when I weighed it, it came out to 37 g. The calories for 30 g was about 173 - for 37 g it is 213 - 50 calories more.
Do that a couple times a day, or a couple times a week - and you can easily over eat without realizing it.
Use a food scale.0 -
Igotithear wrote: »I don't know exactly what happened, but I've lost about 4 pounds since this post. I didn't run out and buy a food scale (sorry I'm poor lol) and I didn't change anything to my routine, but I'm very ecstatic to see this new number! Thanks peeps!
Well the good news is you can get a decent digital food scale at Walmart for under $15. And it will last for years. I have one that's almost 15 years old and still works fine. I only upgraded because I wanted a bigger surface area and bigger display (old eyes)0 -
Igotithear wrote: »Either you are eating more calories or burning less calories than you think. Or a combination of the two.
This may have already been covered so my apologies but: Are you weighing everything you consume? (Don't just measure - use a kitchen scale for accuracy!). What are you using to get your calorie burn? 800-1000 calories burned each day is a lot, but that also depends on your current weight/height and what you are doing. Unless you are using a heart rate monitor with a chest strap, you're not going to get a near-accurate picture.
Something else to consider - if you just started at the gym and have gone from zero to what you are doing now, it could be water weight. Alternatively, are you on your period? That too would be water weight?
And finally, define "scale won't move." Perhaps this does not apply to you, but I often see people on here claiming that they have lost no weight when in reality they have lost half a pound or one pound.
Bottom line: assuming you are logging everything correctly and are indeed at a caloric deficit, give it a few more weeks. But I would check there first just to be sure.
No I don't weigh food as I don't have a scale, nor the money to get one. I do a lot of different classes, zumba, ripped, insanity, in addition to running two miles and lifting weights. As for the HRM I do use one with a chest strap and transmitter (Polar brand). Additionally I've been going to the gym for the last 5 years, but more recently had a baby and attending college so finding time or not being in pain from the pregnancy made going difficult, so I'm not entirely out of shape. Lastly I'm not on my period, I'm part time breast feeding which has delayed my period. Since the date of the original post the scale has moved significantly... I'm down 5.7 pounds.. the scale is cooperating and the math is in line for approx. -2 a week X 3 weeks. I'm super happy!
OP--remember, weight loss is 80% diet, and 20% exercise. I would buy the digital scale (they're cheap).0 -
If you're eating 1200 calories and burning 800, that only leaves your body 400 calories just to function. Depending on your height and weight, your body uses about 1500-2000 calories just for you to breathe. You're not eating enough food. Check out this website to get your BMR:
http://calorieline.com/tools/tdee
You probably need to eat 500 more calories per day.0 -
Igotithear wrote: »Either you are eating more calories or burning less calories than you think. Or a combination of the two.
This may have already been covered so my apologies but: Are you weighing everything you consume? (Don't just measure - use a kitchen scale for accuracy!). What are you using to get your calorie burn? 800-1000 calories burned each day is a lot, but that also depends on your current weight/height and what you are doing. Unless you are using a heart rate monitor with a chest strap, you're not going to get a near-accurate picture.
Something else to consider - if you just started at the gym and have gone from zero to what you are doing now, it could be water weight. Alternatively, are you on your period? That too would be water weight?
And finally, define "scale won't move." Perhaps this does not apply to you, but I often see people on here claiming that they have lost no weight when in reality they have lost half a pound or one pound.
Bottom line: assuming you are logging everything correctly and are indeed at a caloric deficit, give it a few more weeks. But I would check there first just to be sure.
No I don't weigh food as I don't have a scale, nor the money to get one. I do a lot of different classes, zumba, ripped, insanity, in addition to running two miles and lifting weights. As for the HRM I do use one with a chest strap and transmitter (Polar brand). Additionally I've been going to the gym for the last 5 years, but more recently had a baby and attending college so finding time or not being in pain from the pregnancy made going difficult, so I'm not entirely out of shape. Lastly I'm not on my period, I'm part time breast feeding which has delayed my period. Since the date of the original post the scale has moved significantly... I'm down 5.7 pounds.. the scale is cooperating and the math is in line for approx. -2 a week X 3 weeks. I'm super happy!
There you go! Sometimes our bodies just take a couple of weeks to drop the weight. It has happened to me before as well. Good for you and keep at it!0 -
I never eat exercise calories as I lose slow I use a calorie calculator add in honestly how active I am , it Worked for me 71lbs lost in 11 months
Some weeks id not lose even gain & I was always weighing measuring everything.
Nothing can honestly give you precise calories burned tbh.
Sometimes it's what you eat too there good foods bad foods , good carbs bad carbs etc.
Then sometimes you maybe not eating enough.
Or drinking enough water......
Some foods have too much salt you'll retain water due to this !!!!
Etc
The list is endless
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I never eat exercise calories as I lose slow I use a calorie calculator add in honestly how active I am , it Worked for me 71lbs lost in 11 months
Some weeks id not lose even gain & I was always weighing measuring everything.
Nothing can honestly give you precise calories burned tbh.
Sometimes it's what you eat too there good foods bad foods , good carbs bad carbs etc.
Then sometimes you maybe not eating enough.
Or drinking enough water......
Some foods have too much salt you'll retain water due to this !!!!
Etc
The list is endless
Whether one is eating "good foods" or "bad foods," a calorie deficit will result in weight loss. Not eating enough will also result in weight loss (although it should be avoided for other reasons).0 -
You had a baby in January, are breastfeeding, and are only eating 1200 cal per day, shooting for an aggressive 2 lb per week loss when you only have 40ish lbs to lose?
Why has no one commented on any of that?
Don't be surprised when your supply drops. Thatisall.0 -
OP, you've gotten some great advice mixed in with some really misinformed posts, so I wanted to summarize!
- Nutrition info is correct for the weight portion (grams) & estimated for volume. Get a food scale, they are only $10-$15.
- Use whatever you want to get your exercise calories, but try eating back @ 1/2 to 3/4 of those calories. This will give you a better chance of fueling your workouts while protecting you from overstimated calorie burns.
- Weight loss is not linear. Even if you do everything perfect, some weeks you will lose , some weeks you won't. So as you've now seen, two weeks isn't enough time to tell whether what you are doing is working or not.
- With your stats, you should really be aiming for @ 1 lb per week weight loss.
- No, you didn't gain muscle weight in two weeks
- No, eating too little will not stall your weight loss
- No, eating specific foods will not stop you from losing weight, unless you are eating over your calorie goal
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As the above poster (@tlflag1620), I caught the part about you just having a baby in January.
So, you're only about 6-8 weeks postpartum? That explains a whole lot. It takes a few months for your body to start getting back to "normal" after a baby. Even after that initial 6 week period, it still is adjusting and reshaping and changing calorie needs. And all sorts of things can make it hard to see results on the scale. So, first of all, be patient. You just grew a new life, which took 9 months - don't expect to see a whole lot of change the first 9 weeks!
I do hope that you were cleared by your doctor before going back to the intense levels of exercise you are describing (zumba + HIIT + running + weights, enough to consider 800+ calories anything like an accurate burn). Even if you are out of the "official" postpartum time, you can really overdo it and set yourself back. The same with an aggressive calorie deficit.
Are you breastfeeding? That can add another dimension to the scale thing. First of all, you need more calories to make the milk. Second, the amount of milk you have can affect the scale weight. And, for some reason, it seems like many women struggle to lose those last pounds while bf (it doesn't invalidate CI/CO, but possibly affects appetite or something else like that).
Most of what I say is related to overall health and wellbeing of you and your child, not directly to weight loss. For that, you need to make sure that you are at a mild deficit. Weigh everything (that's already been covered) and don't overestimate your exercise calories. And, depending on the difference between your maintenance and goal calories, and how well you're tracking, those 100 calorie overages a week could really be 300-500, and it is enough to keep you from losing weight, so watch out for those, too.
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Igotithear wrote: »I don't know exactly what happened, but I've lost about 4 pounds since this post. I didn't run out and buy a food scale (sorry I'm poor lol) and I didn't change anything to my routine, but I'm very ecstatic to see this new number! Thanks peeps!
That's probably the water weight coming off It's fun to see that big drop, but don't get discouraged if things slow down after this. Also, recognize that certain times of the month will have you showing a weight gain (water again, sometimes 2-5lb, at ovulation and when you get your period). It's tough to see the scale move upwards, but the downward trend is what matters. Consider using a website like Trendweight so that you can keep that in mind when the scale move upwards overnight! 0 -
tlflag1620 wrote: »You had a baby in January, are breastfeeding, and are only eating 1200 cal per day, shooting for an aggressive 2 lb per week loss when you only have 40ish lbs to lose?
Why has no one commented on any of that?
Don't be surprised when your supply drops. Thatisall.
I was coming to say this. If you are breastfeeding (even part-time as you said), you need to make sure you are at least hitting your calorie target for the day. Or else your body typically stops making enough milk. I had to eat at a huge surplus to keep my milk supply up, and ended up with a 25lb gain when I stopped breastfeeding. Everyone's body is different, though. /anecdote
And OP how do you even have the energy to be going to the gym 4 days a week?? At 8-ish weeks postpartum, I was so tired I could barely make it up and down the stairs all day. Then the 4-month sleep regression...omg...basically I was exhausted for 6 months
so props to you for even having the energy! 0 -
Igotithear wrote: »
I see.. so for portions where the serving is in pieces, do the companies typically have corresponding weight info to accurately weigh?
Every solid has to be weighed. I've come across many products where the listed serving was x pieces but when I weighed it I found I was eating nearly two servings. All serving sizes will be in weight as well. That's more accurate. I was able to prove to many people that by not weighing solid foods they were eating nearly double of what they thought they were.0 -
tlflag1620 wrote: »You had a baby in January, are breastfeeding, and are only eating 1200 cal per day, shooting for an aggressive 2 lb per week loss when you only have 40ish lbs to lose?
Why has no one commented on any of that?
Don't be surprised when your supply drops. Thatisall.
I was coming to say this. If you are breastfeeding (even part-time as you said), you need to make sure you are at least hitting your calorie target for the day. Or else your body typically stops making enough milk. I had to eat at a huge surplus to keep my milk supply up, and ended up with a 25lb gain when I stopped breastfeeding. Everyone's body is different, though. /anecdote
And OP how do you even have the energy to be going to the gym 4 days a week?? At 8-ish weeks postpartum, I was so tired I could barely make it up and down the stairs all day. Then the 4-month sleep regression...omg...basically I was exhausted for 6 months so props to you for even having the energy!
Yeah, so breastfeeding is a whole other topic all together that I'd rather refrain from getting into. I understand the concern, however this is my third child and according to every lactation consultant I've talked to about supply, says eating does not affect supply. I disagree but that's what experts have told me. As far as energy there are days I do NOT want to go! Lol there's nothing more I'd rather do than be a lush and veg out at home except I only have until July to lose the weight before I will not have the time any more. Plus I'm tired of being fat! It effects the way I feel about myself and I enjoy working out and getting sweaty! Not to mention I get two hours a day away from the kids 0 -
Igotithear wrote: »
I see.. so for portions where the serving is in pieces, do the companies typically have corresponding weight info to accurately weigh?
Every solid has to be weighed. I've come across many products where the listed serving was x pieces but when I weighed it I found I was eating nearly two servings. All serving sizes will be in weight as well. That's more accurate. I was able to prove to many people that by not weighing solid foods they were eating nearly double of what they thought they were.
Interesting..0 -
I understand being anxious to get the weight off (I have four kids myself). I'd be really skeptical of any lactation consultant who advised you that calories don't matter when bfing - the general guideline for lactating women is to eat about 1800 per day, and if, after doing that for a few weeks, you still aren't losing weight, you may be able to go as low as 1600 per day, with appropriate supervision of mom and baby, especially baby. Two lbs a week is generally advised against - most true experts suggest a more modest one lb per week loss for nursing mothers. Since you are supplementing it may not matter as much, just keep in mind that 1200 cal per day makes it extremely difficult to meet YOUR nutritional needs, much less to do that and make nutritious milk for a newborn. Even if your supply doesn't suffer, your health might.
Why the July deadline? What will happen if you "only" lose, say, 30 lbs by July? You say you won't have "time" to lose the weight after that... Will you have time to maintain your loss? Keep in mind whatever you did to lose the weight (very low calories, high intensity two hour workouts four days a week) will not be much different than what you need to do to maintain it... I don't mean to discourage you here, but it sounds like you may be setting yourself up for a rebound gain.0 -
tlflag1620 wrote: »I understand being anxious to get the weight off (I have four kids myself). I'd be really skeptical of any lactation consultant who advised you that calories don't matter when bfing - the general guideline for lactating women is to eat about 1800 per day, and if, after doing that for a few weeks, you still aren't losing weight, you may be able to go as low as 1600 per day, with appropriate supervision of mom and baby, especially baby. Two lbs a week is generally advised against - most true experts suggest a more modest one lb per week loss for nursing mothers. Since you are supplementing it may not matter as much, just keep in mind that 1200 cal per day makes it extremely difficult to meet YOUR nutritional needs, much less to do that and make nutritious milk for a newborn. Even if your supply doesn't suffer, your health might.
Why the July deadline? What will happen if you "only" lose, say, 30 lbs by July? You say you won't have "time" to lose the weight after that... Will you have time to maintain your loss? Keep in mind whatever you did to lose the weight (very low calories, high intensity two hour workouts four days a week) will not be much different than what you need to do to maintain it... I don't mean to discourage you here, but it sounds like you may be setting yourself up for a rebound gain.
I understand the skepticism. The theory behind food intake is that the body has fat reserves that accumulate during pregnancy to maintain a supply. The handful of lactation consultants I've spoken with give an example of women in other countries who are undernourished and are still able to breast feed ( go figure). As far as my two hour work outs, they are not new for me. Last time I lost baby weight I did the same, then once I was done I resumed eating whatever I wanted and maintained so it does not concern me, however I appreciate the advice. Im a pre-med student and class resumes in July. I'll be taking an accelerated chemistry course during the summer then will require all of my time studying... That's why the deadline, plus I'm dying to get back to normal and wear clothes that fit
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Ah, okay, I hear ya on the deadline. And yes, starving women in developing nations do (sometimes) manage to produce enough to keep their babies from starving, BUT that's not exactly optimal, or even adequate (at least in my opinion - if you don't have to risk a malnourished baby, why would you... Sounds like a case of overzealous lactavists right there) especially wrt the quality of the milk, if not the quantity. Milk production and getting adequate nutrition are two separate things tho. That said, if you are already supplementing and are prepared to do more, or switch to formula altogether, then carry on. Having a super busy schedule while being a premed student wouldn't do wonders for your supply anyway. Good luck with your goals! 0
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WinterSkies wrote: »Igotithear wrote: »I don't know exactly what happened, but I've lost about 4 pounds since this post. I didn't run out and buy a food scale (sorry I'm poor lol) and I didn't change anything to my routine, but I'm very ecstatic to see this new number! Thanks peeps!
That's probably the water weight coming off It's fun to see that big drop, but don't get discouraged if things slow down after this. Also, recognize that certain times of the month will have you showing a weight gain (water again, sometimes 2-5lb, at ovulation and when you get your period). It's tough to see the scale move upwards, but the downward trend is what matters. Consider using a website like Trendweight so that you can keep that in mind when the scale move upwards overnight!
Absolutely the water weight.
I skimmed, but didn't see anyone dust off the "weight loss isn't linear" platitude. We should, because it isn't. You just proved it. You'll fluctuate up/down day to day, or hold at a weight for a few days to 2-3 weeks, occasionally more. If you know you're in a deficit, be patient.
Many things can cause water retention: Healing (new workout/muscle repair, surgery, etc.); eating more carbs or salt than usual (even if still a sensible level of carbs or salt); eating at/over maintenance for a day or so; time of month; more.
Wait it out. Stay on course.
Don't ditch the HRM, by the way. Just use it with some wisdom and insight. When you start a new type of exercise, check its estimate against the MFP estimates and (if available) some activity-specific online calculators, and make a conservative estimate of your calorie expenditure for that exercise. If you put it in MFP as a custom exercise, MFP will scale that personal estimate according to the minutes you input, on subsequent uses.
In practice, I've found my HRM reasonably accurate for most forms of aerobic-and-beyond cardiovascular exercise, including intervals that don't involve long-ish complete stops. When the alternative is a generic source (like MFP) that has no clue how hard you're working at your Zumba, or intervals, or whatever, the HRM give you useful input. It's just not godlike. I don't find it useful for weight training, unless what's happening is more like a weighted cardio circuit kind of thing.0 -
Two weeks is not long enough to determine anything with just a body weight scale. Just give it more time and focus on the process, the results will come later.0
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Update: It's the end of week 5 and I'm down 10 pounds. I'm ecstatic!
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Igotithear wrote: »CaitlinW19 wrote: »I must be the only one reading your post this way...are you eating back any of those exercise calories? You should be eating back at least half...
It sounds to me like you are undereating if I'm reading this right, which can cause you to hold on to weight. If I'm not reading this right, then disregard. :-)
Also, two and a half weeks isn't very long...it could very well be that you are gaining muscle which weighs more than fat. Measuring yourself instead of weighing is a better way to track progress if you are putting on muscle, showing you that you are getting more trim even if the scale doesn't show actual number loss.
Apparently.. And no I'm not eating back half what I burn... but according to everyone else I'm over eating... This is just confusing lol. Sounds like I should just toss the idea of eating any food period out the door
I just can't imagine from typically eating 2,000 calories plus daily that has maintained my weight to 1,200 or less most days, is not creating a deficit.
I work out 4-5 times a week, twice with a personal trainer. The first couple of weeks since being on MFP I gained weight eating less than 1200 cals a day. My trainer told me I need to eat more. The last two weeks I changed my calorie allowance to 1420 on mfp and have lost 1.5 one week and this week 2.5 lbs, 4 lbs in total from UPPING my calories by around 200.
Sounds like you are working out more than I am. Eat more! And eat the right things when you eat more, not junk. You have to give it a try for at least a couple of weeks to see results.
Good luck.0 -
I doubt you're over calories... for the amount that you are doing, you are probably eating too little. But you have just made a major diet change, and possibly a major exercise change (were you exercising this much before? muscle tissue will retain water to repair itself after exercise.) and two weeks is far too little time to conclude that what you are doing is not working.0
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