Eating low...weight stalled? Help? Should I eat more for a day?
Verity1111
Posts: 3,309 Member
I was losing fine then I added in exercise and my weight is stalled for the last week? wtheck? Should I eat more for a day? Is there anyway this might help? I remember doing this before and it helped but maybe it was a fluke.... Anyway. I have been dancing for an hour a day (Zumba) and eating around 1200 calories. The highest Ive eaten is 1500 one out of 6 days. Im 210lbs, 26 years old and 5'4". Please do not ask about a scale for my food because I cant afford one (I literally have $1) but I have dieted multiple times and always successfully before this. So far I have lost 16lbs since October. 10 or so lbs in the last 3 weeks. I always make sure I over estimate rather than under. If Im not sure if something is going to be right and it is a high calorie food I add on to it. For example, if I eat 1 cup I put in 1.3 cups just to be safe etc.
Also extra info but TMI so skip it if that bothers you but I have had tummy and digestive issues too but Im not sure if that could affect me so badly that Id go from losing 2-3lbs per week to nothing. Ive tried pills for that and it did nothing for me. I even ate almost a whole bag of broccoli today lol
Also extra info but TMI so skip it if that bothers you but I have had tummy and digestive issues too but Im not sure if that could affect me so badly that Id go from losing 2-3lbs per week to nothing. Ive tried pills for that and it did nothing for me. I even ate almost a whole bag of broccoli today lol
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Replies
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people dont say get a food scale to annoy poor people....Make it a priority asap. And if its been under a week why the worry? Especially when adding exercise its just water fluctuations.15
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My guess would be that adding exercise to your routine has caused your body to retain water (which helps promote muscle recovery, I believe). You're still losing fat, but the water you're accumulating is masking that loss from being seen on the scale. Once your body adjusts to the new level of exercise, you'll probably see a "whoosh" where a nice little chunk of weight seems to all come off at once
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It is pretty normal to retain water when you first start a new work out program. Some people even gain a few pounds. It should balance out in a few weeks.3
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No scale? No problem, just eat a little less than you are now.6
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queenliz99 wrote: »No scale? No problem, just eat a little less than you are now.
no. Its been under a week ignore this9 -
If you've eaten a lb of broccoli and the digestive issues involve lack of bathroom time... where did that lb go?!?! Hint: un-expelled waste is still weight....
However. Seriously. 10lbs in 3 weeks? Your number of posts says you ought to know what you're doing.
If you were a first time poster I would start talking about sustainable weight loss. Lean mass vs fat. Sustainable deficits. trending weight apps. Losing the same way you will maintain... that kind of stuff.
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queenliz99 wrote: »No scale? No problem, just eat a little less than you are now.
Um so eat less than 1200 calories per day? Are you nuts? One day even was 1000 calories because of abdominal pain from not using the bathroom... So tell someone who has a history of eating disorders (IE me) to go eat less than healthy. Good job!!! I have done this MANY times as I stated. I know how to measure and log my food.4 -
It is pretty normal to retain water when you first start a new work out program. Some people even gain a few pounds. It should balance out in a few weeks.
This, plus it's important to note that weight loss isn't linear. It's very unlikely that you will see weight dropping like clockwork each week during your overall weight loss. The 2 lbs/wk is more of an average. Stalls are normal and are nothing to get too worked up about. Its only been a week, your body will catch up.6 -
If you've eaten a lb of broccoli and the digestive issues involve lack of bathroom time... where did that lb go?!?! Hint: un-expelled waste is still weight....
However. Seriously. 10lbs in 3 weeks? Your number of posts says you ought to know what you're doing.
If you were a first time poster I would start talking about sustainable weight loss. Lean mass vs fat. Sustainable deficits. trending weight apps. Losing the same way you will maintain... that kind of stuff.
Yeah but it seems weird for it to stall and lose literally nothing for a week. This has only happened to be once ever and Ive dieted and successfully lost weight 3 times. This weight is from an injury (the weight Im trying to lost now). Just wondering why its stalled
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JaydedMiss wrote: »queenliz99 wrote: »No scale? No problem, just eat a little less than you are now.
no. Its been under a week ignore this
Yeah Im not dumb enough to eat like 800 calories a day just because Im 210lbs and "eating too much" at 1200. Lol. Even if I was off by 500calories a day I should still lose. Especially with an hr of exercise. Im already undereating because of my stomach pains. I havent eaten back my exercise calories so my net is even under 1200 because my stomach is killing me0 -
That might make sense. Thank you!!! I really hope you're right. I drink tons of water while I exercise. like 3-4 16.9oz bottles in that hour and plus one or 2 bottles with each meal I have... I didnt consider that.My guess would be that adding exercise to your routine has caused your body to retain water (which helps promote muscle recovery, I believe). You're still losing fat, but the water you're accumulating is masking that loss from being seen on the scale. Once your body adjusts to the new level of exercise, you'll probably see a "whoosh" where a nice little chunk of weight seems to all come off at once
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JaydedMiss wrote: »people dont say get a food scale to annoy poor people....Make it a priority asap. And if its been under a week why the worry? Especially when adding exercise its just water fluctuations.
I know. Well Im mainly worried because Im in a contest lol so Im in a rush... But also I am stressed and my exercise and weight loss was making me feel better. When it stalled it was a bummer because Im working even harder than I was and eating the same. I havent changed anything.0 -
hey thanks everyone! I am going to take a day off from exercising and see if it helps.... jayeless made me wonder about the whole water thing. I drink tons and tons of water....maybe thats contributing. Ill try to slow it all down for a day. Maybe even take a day off from 1200 and eat a little higher then go back to my routine.0
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Just trying to help you. If you are not losing at 1200 calories and are not weighing your food then you are eating more hen you think.15
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queenliz99 wrote: »Just trying to help you. If you are not losing at 1200 calories and are not weighing your food then you are eating more hen you think.
Or the many other explanations. I was eating exactly the same and losing 3lbs per week.0 -
Verity1111 wrote: »queenliz99 wrote: »Just trying to help you. If you are not losing at 1200 calories and are not weighing your food then you are eating more hen you think.
Or the many other explanations. I was eating exactly the same and losing 3lbs per week.
Then you need patience! Weight loss is a bumpy road.9 -
You have a history with ED and are currently in a contest to lose weight? You've successfully lost weight "many" times, but don't understand that normal, healthy weight loss is not linear? You've lost 10 lbs in the last 3 weeks? Sounds like you would benefit most from a deep breath and some education in health & fitness.31
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diannethegeek wrote: »
yes probably water... I just dont know why. I wish I knew so I could figure it out and fix it. Thats more what I am looking for. Like she said maybe the exercise caused part of it etc. I know a tiny bit can be the digestive issues but I figure I might also be holding water or something. Im sure Im not over eating though. Still aating the same as always. 0 -
Verity1111 wrote: »diannethegeek wrote: » yes probably water... I just dont know why. I wish I knew so I could figure it out and fix it.
It's not a problem that needs fixed... it is the way a normal body functions.13 -
Verity1111 wrote: »queenliz99 wrote: »No scale? No problem, just eat a little less than you are now.
Um so eat less than 1200 calories per day? Are you nuts? One day even was 1000 calories because of abdominal pain from not using the bathroom... So tell someone who has a history of eating disorders (IE me) to go eat less than healthy. Good job!!! I have done this MANY times as I stated. I know how to measure and log my food.
In all fairness, how would she know this from your OP?
You have a new workout routine = water retention
You have digestive issues = increased weight until your next BM
You have been losing fast and you know that you are pushing it too hard. You know that you are taking risks of falling into your old habits. Have some patience and slow it down. Be kinder to your self and your body.15 -
Verity1111 wrote: »diannethegeek wrote: » yes probably water... I just dont know why. I wish I knew so I could figure it out and fix it.
It's not a problem that needs fixed... it is the way a normal body functions.
You beat me to it. That's exactly what I was going to say 2 -
At weight watchers there were a lot of people who plateaued and as soon as they added good fat to their diet (olive oil, TBSP peanut butter, etc) they were able to lose. There is a balance for your body to work properly and if you go too low-fat you pay the consequences. Also helps constipation. The other thing is you should eat a minimum of 1200 calories and more if you are exercising a lot. If you lose weight too fast your metabolism will slow down because your body wants to keep those calories. If you do it 1 or 2 lbs a week your body can accept the change. Good luck.1
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It may also be from your TOM cycle - water retention around that time is fairly common.
OP, water retention sucks but it does happen - I gain at least 4-5 pounds a week over the weekend purely from water retention due to increased exercise, it's usually gone in a few days time.2 -
nutmegoreo wrote: »Verity1111 wrote: »queenliz99 wrote: »No scale? No problem, just eat a little less than you are now.
Um so eat less than 1200 calories per day? Are you nuts? One day even was 1000 calories because of abdominal pain from not using the bathroom... So tell someone who has a history of eating disorders (IE me) to go eat less than healthy. Good job!!! I have done this MANY times as I stated. I know how to measure and log my food.
In all fairness, how would she know this from your OP?
You have a new workout routine = water retention
You have digestive issues = increased weight until your next BM
You have been losing fast and you know that you are pushing it too hard. You know that you are taking risks of falling into your old habits. Have some patience and slow it down. Be kinder to your self and your body.
I feel she would know because I said in my original post I do not need help measuring my food. I specified it for a reason because I was hoping since it's a help forum they'd answer the questions I needed help with not just start saying things I said will not apply... especially since I have ED issues. I dont need to go below where I am now. I don't feel I am falling into old habits at all because I have fasted for 10 days at a time and eaten way below where I am now. I am trying to be healthier than I was. But if I go to eating 800 calories or something less I will be in old habits. I didnt know workouts add to water retention that badly I figured it would stop after a day or two. Youre the second to suggest it. Thank you. I stopped exercising for today. I am going to go back to it and maybe alternate and take a day off every few days to see if it helps the retention and the stomach pains. 1 -
At weight watchers there were a lot of people who plateaued and as soon as they added good fat to their diet (olive oil, TBSP peanut butter, etc) they were able to lose. There is a balance for your body to work properly and if you go too low-fat you pay the consequences. Also helps constipation. The other thing is you should eat a minimum of 1200 calories and more if you are exercising a lot. If you lose weight too fast your metabolism will slow down because your body wants to keep those calories. If you do it 1 or 2 lbs a week your body can accept the change. Good luck.
I guess. Good idea. I ate more today...closer to maintenance just to see if it helps set something off idk lol silly maybe but who knows. Ill work out tomorrow but maybe eat back part of the calories this time. Thank you.0 -
janetennet wrote: »It may also be from your TOM cycle - water retention around that time is fairly common.
OP, water retention sucks but it does happen - I gain at least 4-5 pounds a week over the weekend purely from water retention due to increased exercise, it's usually gone in a few days time.
I don't get TOM anymore (depo shot). But thank you for telling me that about the water retention. Hard to know if you lose weight if you retain water when you exercise though? Lol. Is it better to weight every 3 weeks or something, rather than every week if you exercise regularly?0 -
Or just forget the scales for a while and take body measurements - that works for me. Even if exercise might seem to hinder weight loss (and in a way it does), it;s beneficial and will help you in the long run. Feeling better, retaining muscle mass etc etc. It'll also "buffer" your calories if you're not weighing your food.
Just my opinion. I lost over 70 ibs in a year and regret not exercising. What I learned is that I spent too much time focusing on something like a number on a scale and not what benefited my body.3 -
DaisukeYuki wrote: »Or just forget the scales for a while and take body measurements - that works for me. Even if exercise might seem to hinder weight loss (and in a way it does), it;s beneficial and will help you in the long run. Feeling better, retaining muscle mass etc etc. It'll also "buffer" your calories if you're not weighing your food.
Just my opinion. I lost over 70 ibs in a year and regret not exercising. What I learned is that I spent too much time focusing on something like a number on a scale and not what benefited my body.
My clothes feel smaller but I dont have a measuring tape anymore/right now. Thank you for the tips.0 -
yYou have a history with ED and are currently in a contest to lose weight? You've successfully lost weight "many" times, but don't understand that normal, healthy weight loss is not linear? You've lost 10 lbs in the last 3 weeks? Sounds like you would benefit most from a deep breath and some education in health & fitness.
you didn't address this comment OP - you have an eating disorder but are in a weight loss contest??????8
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