trying for one week - no results....

Hi Vanmarie,

I've been at this whole "weight loss" routine for nearly a month now and have lost just barely over 1 pound. I think initially, our mostly sedentary bodies have to get used to actually getting some movement in. I did join a challenge today in the hopes that it'll help get the ball rolling. Maybe you would like to try that?

"So I have been dedicated for this whole week to eating right and getting exercise every day, and feel so much better, and am feeling motivated"

Sounds to me like you are already having results, they just aren't yet the results you were looking for. I think realizing this in itself will help. We often get tunnel vision, especially at the beginning as to the results we want on a scale when the most amazing results, in our self esteem, motivation and quality of life goes unnoticed. Hang in there the scale will budge with time. Try and jot down all the other non scale victories you have along the way so you can realize the benefits you are already seeing!

TT

Don't give up!! The first week is hard. I still want to snack all the time, so i keep pickle slices, carrots and laughing cow cheese wedges at work. Keep working hard and you will see results!

Always keep in mind, when you first start working out, especially if you incorporate some strength training in, your muscles are weak if you've been sedentary for a long time. When you start working out, they start building up, as they are being used again. Muscle has a higher density than fat, so it's fairly common to actually see weight stay the same or even increase during the first few weeks. Don't despair though, as more muscle also means more calories burned, so you'll start to burn more calories around the clock, which will start to lead to the weight loss. For now, worry less about the number on the scale, and celebrate the fact that you are feeling great!

Definately don't be discouraged. You may gain a couple of pounds just in water weight and sore muscles. Make sure you aren't eating too few calories, keeping in mind how many calories you burn when you exercise could drop you to too few calories, so eat a healthy snack to pump it up a little.

After a week or two, you will fill up faster, it just takes some time for your body to adjust and your stomach (not your belly) to shrink down to normal size so it fills up on correct proportions.

Also, keep in mind that it isn't 100% the scale you should be concerned about. Find some clothes that are snug and try them on every week or two. Especially if you are donig any type of weight training that could increase your muscles. You could end up at the same weight, but actually be a dress size smaller. Don't fret on that, because muscles burn calories w/o having to work out.

Hope this helps, this program does work, you just gotta stick with it and be honest in your diary!

It took time to put on the weight, it will take time to take it off..I was like you and have been at this for 3 months....and I work out almost everyday. 12lbs. might be unrealistic for a months time....I focus on 10lbs. at a time, no time frame, I think time frame makes it just more frustrating and then it might discourage you to give up. It is a lifestyle change, one that was hard for me but after 3 months I got it down pat, it takes dedication and SUPPORT! Reach for the stars and never give up! Good Luck on your weight loss journey!

Hey

I agree with what everyone else says, but I think you should look at your food diary as well...maybe you're eating certain things that are hindering your efforts? Are you being really strict with your portion sizes etc?

See how it goes for a few weeks, but I'd say it's likely that if nothing has come off this week then in week 2 or 3 you'll see a big loss. You may also want to measure yourself (hips, waist, bust etc) and see if there are inches coming off, which seems likely with the amount of exercise you're doing! My sis in law has only lost a few lbs but inches off of her body and she looks amazing!!

Keep up the good work! xx

Don't give up. Everyones bodies are different. Like everyone else has said, muscle weighs more than fat.
As long as you feel energized and are running around with your kids, that's all that matters in the beginning. Good Luck!

Welcome aboard. I too live in Seattle, so as you know, you can't predicate your commitment to this program on consistently good weather. To that end, I've placed a stationary bike underneath the cover of a protected outdoor deck. So even if I can't get out on my bike, I still have no excuse when it rains, blows or snows. It's important that you remove any backdoors to 100% commitment to this program. If you're only 99% committed, the 1% will bite you in the *kitten*. I've left myself no good excuses therefore for not exercising...which for me is a critical part of this program since I also like to eat. My commitment is to be below suggested calories EVERY day. So if I find myself over, I head out to the deck and burn the calories I need to. Good luck. I'm fond of saying this program works IF you work the program! BTW, I just came out of a two-week period where I did everything right and didn't lose an ounce. But on the third week, finally lost a pound. You just need to continue, even if you have a week that falls below expectations.

I understand feeling let down, but don't let the discouragement you feel derail your efforts!

Make sure you're drinking a ton of water, account for every morsel you put in your mouth and keep a close eye on how much sodium you're eating, all of this will help!

The best advice I can give you is to bring your frustrations here to MFP, and not to your pantry or fridge I went through a phase that lasted a few weeks, I'd gain 3 pounds, then lose them, then gain them again, I was soooooo upset and mad at myself, I was doing everything I could to lose those pounds and nothing was working, but MFP friends encouraged me to stay the course and suddenly those pounds starting coming off again and I'm on a losing streak once more!

You can do it!

Katie

I feel your pain, though. I'm on week two-ish. I've been sticking to 1500 net calories, exercising daily, drinking water, eating better. Has the scale moved? Not really.

Ya didn't get fat in a week, so ya won't get skinny in a week either. Getting to this weight was the easy part. Now's time for muscle, sweat, tears, effort, and triumph!

If you're feeling better and living better, that's a victory in and of itself. The scale will come. Just keep truckin!

HI VanMarie,
I'm pretty new to this site myself and my MFP plan recommends me netting 1200 calories a day, but I am 5 feet tall and weigh 135 pounds. It sounds to me like 1200 may be a bit low for you. I know it sounds counter intuitive, but you may need to eat more. Please just keep doing what you're doing, exercise-wise. Like everyone else has already said, one week isn't enough to start gauging results. I understand how frustrating it can be to work your butt off and not get the results you are looking for (someone else had mentioned stepping on the scale the morning after working hard and not seeing any difference - I am the same way). I am on week three and have lost 5 pounds but feel like I should have lost more.
Advice--I have noticed that exercise in the evening (because I absolutely can't do it in the morning because I get up at 0430 just to go to work) kills my appetite. I am still able to eat dinner but all that snacking that I use to do, I just don't do it anymore. I have also started cooking my own meals with fresh produce and whole grains and legumes instead of using Hamburger Helper and Rice a Roni and have noticed that my own cravings for junk have all but disappeared. They are certainly more controllable. Well, I don't want to go for too long here, so if you're interested in anything else I have learned, please let me know. I wish you well!