Time for a break?

JordisTSM · March 2016

So I've lost over 100lbs since January 2015 and still have another 100 to go. Eat 1,500 cals per day and do 10k steps per day (using Fitbit).

Lately, while I am still committed and motivated, I've been feeling quite run-down. Low energy, body feels fatigued etc. Also am medicated for anxiety but have been getting stress related excema and rashes.

Is there any benefit to having a "break"? As in, eat at maintenance for a couple of weeks, stay active, just not worry about hitting my step goals etc. Or just "suck it up, buttercup" and get over it?

Stats are 38, female, starting weight 366lbs, current weight 258lbs, 5'3", 1,500 cals per day for 1.5lb per week loss, set at sedentary, and losing at about that rate. Diary is public.

Any advice gratefully received.

Cheers

queenliz99 · March 2016

You have done amazing!! Take a two week break and eat at maintenance. Way to go!! Come back like a maniac

concordancia · March 2016

Of you are creating a new lifestyle, you will be able to manage. Have you tried figuring out what your maintenance calories will be at you goal weight and eating that? Since you still have a ways to go, it will both be good practice and you should still lose slowly.

Definitely do not relax your step goals if that is part of your maintenance plan! You could try substituting a different exercise or finding some place new to walk at least once a week.

In short, rather than taking a break, rehearse for maintenance.

ElizabethOakes2 · March 2016

Low energy and feeling fatigued might mean it's time to up your calories and go to 1 pound a week, or even a half-pound, instead of 1.5 for awhile. You've rocked this thing so far! Just listen to your body and take care of yourself.

scolaris · March 2016

I personally believe diet breaks are a good thing if they are maintenance focused, meaning you still log, you still work out. You need to pace yourself to get this finished. Congrats on coming so far!

Francl27 · March 2016

ElizabethOakes2 wrote: »

Low energy and feeling fatigued might mean it's time to up your calories and go to 1 pound a week, or even a half-pound, instead of 1.5 for awhile. You've rocked this thing so far! Just listen to your body and take care of yourself.

It's what I would do... 1 pound a week. Or eat maintenance calories for your goal. I honestly don't recommend eating at your current maintenance calories because it seems to defeat the purpose for me... You'd just be used to eating too much again.

JordisTSM · March 2016

Thanks, everyone! Really appreciate the time you all took to respond.

Goal weight maintenance at current activity level works out only 10 cals different to current 1 pound loss, so I think I will go with that for a couple of weeks before dropping back down and hitting it again.

Although.... there may be a few current weight maintenance days over Easter. Haven't had real chocolate for freaking ages, I'm gonna take the opportunity

Thanks!

kshama2001 · March 2016

JordisTSM wrote: »

So I've lost over 100lbs since January 2015 and still have another 100 to go. Eat 1,500 cals per day and do 10k steps per day (using Fitbit).

Lately, while I am still committed and motivated, I've been feeling quite run-down. Low energy, body feels fatigued etc. Also am medicated for anxiety but have been getting stress related excema and rashes.

Is there any benefit to having a "break"? As in, eat at maintenance for a couple of weeks, stay active, just not worry about hitting my step goals etc. Or just "suck it up, buttercup" and get over it?

Stats are 38, female, starting weight 366lbs, current weight 258lbs, 5'3", 1,500 cals per day for 1.5lb per week loss, set at sedentary, and losing at about that rate. Diary is public.

Any advice gratefully received.

Cheers

I'm not opposed to you taking a diet break, but suggest you talk to your doctor about getting your thyroid and iron levels tested. Also discuss the excema and rashes.

Five years ago I thought I hated my life and my job, but it turned out the form of iron I'd been getting from my doctor wasn't working for me. I changed that and my energy and happiness levels returned to normal.

JustMissTracy · March 2016

I totally believe in diet/workout breaks!! I do it for about a 1-2 weeks, every 8 months or so....Does a body good!! You've done AMAZING so far, you must be so proud of your success!!!

JordisTSM · March 2016

kshama2001 wrote: »

JordisTSM wrote: »

So I've lost over 100lbs since January 2015 and still have another 100 to go. Eat 1,500 cals per day and do 10k steps per day (using Fitbit).

Lately, while I am still committed and motivated, I've been feeling quite run-down. Low energy, body feels fatigued etc. Also am medicated for anxiety but have been getting stress related excema and rashes.

Is there any benefit to having a "break"? As in, eat at maintenance for a couple of weeks, stay active, just not worry about hitting my step goals etc. Or just "suck it up, buttercup" and get over it?

Stats are 38, female, starting weight 366lbs, current weight 258lbs, 5'3", 1,500 cals per day for 1.5lb per week loss, set at sedentary, and losing at about that rate. Diary is public.

Any advice gratefully received.

Cheers

I'm not opposed to you taking a diet break, but suggest you talk to your doctor about getting your thyroid and iron levels tested. Also discuss the excema and rashes.

Five years ago I thought I hated my life and my job, but it turned out the form of iron I'd been getting from my doctor wasn't working for me. I changed that and my energy and happiness levels returned to normal.

Hi

Thanks for that. Doctor knows about the excema and rashes, and isn't worried. Thyroid is all good, but iron has historically been a bit of an issue. I do need to go see her again in a few weeks, so if upping my calories a bit doesn't help, then I'll definitely get her to run blood tests.

Much appreciated

arditarose · March 2016

Diet breaks are great. I'd keep up your activity level though, you'll have more fuel so you might as well keep active

kshama2001 · March 2016

JordisTSM wrote: »

kshama2001 wrote: »

JordisTSM wrote: »

So I've lost over 100lbs since January 2015 and still have another 100 to go. Eat 1,500 cals per day and do 10k steps per day (using Fitbit).

Lately, while I am still committed and motivated, I've been feeling quite run-down. Low energy, body feels fatigued etc. Also am medicated for anxiety but have been getting stress related excema and rashes.

Is there any benefit to having a "break"? As in, eat at maintenance for a couple of weeks, stay active, just not worry about hitting my step goals etc. Or just "suck it up, buttercup" and get over it?

Stats are 38, female, starting weight 366lbs, current weight 258lbs, 5'3", 1,500 cals per day for 1.5lb per week loss, set at sedentary, and losing at about that rate. Diary is public.

Any advice gratefully received.

Cheers

I'm not opposed to you taking a diet break, but suggest you talk to your doctor about getting your thyroid and iron levels tested. Also discuss the excema and rashes.

Five years ago I thought I hated my life and my job, but it turned out the form of iron I'd been getting from my doctor wasn't working for me. I changed that and my energy and happiness levels returned to normal.

Hi

Thanks for that. Doctor knows about the excema and rashes, and isn't worried. Thyroid is all good, but iron has historically been a bit of an issue. I do need to go see her again in a few weeks, so if upping my calories a bit doesn't help, then I'll definitely get her to run blood tests.

Much appreciated

Keep us posted! I bet you're low iron.

veggiecanner · March 2016

I'm taking a break. added 500 calories expected to stop loosing weight but I'm loosing more than I was before the added calories. I feel so much better than I did. Not sure when or if I am going back to the calorie count I was at. I'm still working out. Which is a combination of walking and bike riding.

Ws2016 · March 2016

first, you're doing an awesome job!!! Are you exercising? If not, that might help your low energy.

Time for a break?

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