Not losing on 1600 calories/day

2

Replies

  • trigden1991
    trigden1991 Posts: 4,658 Member
    Eat less or move more.
  • Allegi32
    Allegi32 Posts: 302 Member
    ninerbuff wrote: »
    MaineMom76 wrote: »
    ninerbuff wrote: »
    MaineMom76 wrote: »
    ninerbuff wrote: »
    I will tell you that your "burns" are exaggerated. I weigh 210lbs, am male and even with a good intensity, wouldn't burn that much with either program in that duration of time.

    Your T25 is likely in the 180 calorie range and Zumba at about 500. That's about a 600 calorie difference. If you're eating that back (500 under your TDEE will help you lose 1bs a week), you're going to gain weight/maintain weight.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    9285851.png

    I understand that the calorie burns are not 100% accurate - which is why I don't eat back any calories at all.

    My TDEE is 2411. So 500 calories under that would be 1911. If I'm eating 1600, shouldn't I be dropping weight like crazy?
    What your your stats (height, weight, age)? You're going off a TDEE based on your perceived exercise burns.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    9285851.png


    No, I did the TDEE based on a sedentary lifestyle. But I'm 5'8", 232 lbs. I'm 40 years old.
    Based on info, your BMR is 1796. So it could be your TDEE is 2411. IF you're actually at 1600, then weight loss should happen. Give it another week or so. There could be other variables: lack of sleep, high stress, sleep apnea, or hormonal issues to address, but let's see what happens in a week.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    9285851.png


    Thank you. Did you see my post right above with the 2 different calculations based on me putting in my body fat?
  • ruthordare
    ruthordare Posts: 4 Member
    Working out 7 days a week seems like a red flag to me, especially with exercise as intense as yours seems to be- especially if you've just started this up in the last month (although I think it's worrying regardless of how long you've been exercising). Maybe this is causing your body extra stress, so it's not letting go of the weight? Releasing extra cortisol? I'm not a health professional, but I've read some articles about it- might be worth researching. I would recommend having AT LEAST one rest day per week, or trying yoga or a gentle walk one day a week in lieu of intense workouts if you can't convince yourself to take a full rest day. Your body needs time to recover in order for you to see results. Your muscles won't grow if they're constantly working!
  • StaciMarie1974
    StaciMarie1974 Posts: 4,138 Member
    The only logical answer is to give it more time.

    You're claiming TDEE but not using TDEE. What I mean is you're using a TDEE estimator assuming no exercise but that is not you. So forget the variables of based on body fat or not. (The bath scales are not accurate body fat estimators by the way.) And check back in 2-4 weeks.

    Based on your stats, BMR and assuming your thyroid condition is under control - and assuming your logging is reasonably accurate - time is the only thing left unaccounted for. A short term lack of scale results is not sufficient data to determine something is not working.
  • Allegi32
    Allegi32 Posts: 302 Member
    ruthordare wrote: »
    Working out 7 days a week seems like a red flag to me, especially with exercise as intense as yours seems to be- especially if you've just started this up in the last month (although I think it's worrying regardless of how long you've been exercising). Maybe this is causing your body extra stress, so it's not letting go of the weight? Releasing extra cortisol? I'm not a health professional, but I've read some articles about it- might be worth researching. I would recommend having AT LEAST one rest day per week, or trying yoga or a gentle walk one day a week in lieu of intense workouts if you can't convince yourself to take a full rest day. Your body needs time to recover in order for you to see results. Your muscles won't grow if they're constantly working!

    I normally do try to have a rest day, but I'm going to Punta Cana in 39 days and I was trying to push for some more progress! I have been active my whole life so my body is used to doing something 7 days/week, but you might be right that I may be pushing it too far right now. Thank you for your input!
  • Allegi32
    Allegi32 Posts: 302 Member
    The only logical answer is to give it more time.

    You're claiming TDEE but not using TDEE. What I mean is you're using a TDEE estimator assuming no exercise but that is not you. So forget the variables of based on body fat or not. (The bath scales are not accurate body fat estimators by the way.) And check back in 2-4 weeks.

    Based on your stats, BMR and assuming your thyroid condition is under control - and assuming your logging is reasonably accurate - time is the only thing left unaccounted for. A short term lack of scale results is not sufficient data to determine something is not working.

    I see what you're saying. I guess it's difficult because there's no real good way to estimate my TDEE with activity.

    I will try to be patient - thank you for your input!
  • donovanwoodworking
    donovanwoodworking Posts: 25 Member
    Checking your urine for ketones is a simple test that can show if you are burning fat. You should be able to get urine test strips at the drugstore or from Amazon. Here is an article from a diabetic web site. Read it from the point of view of learning about fat metabolism and why the body manufactures ketones. Good Luck.. https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/managing-diabetes/blood-glucose-management/getting-to-know-ketones/
  • BootCampC
    BootCampC Posts: 689 Member
    you may want to adjust your macros with the same calories. but before you do that remove any sweeteners from your diet , splenda , truvia , soda , sweetened waters. I lose better on a lower carb diet 25% carbs 40% protein 35%fats.
  • trigden1991
    trigden1991 Posts: 4,658 Member
    Checking your urine for ketones is a simple test that can show if you are burning fat. You should be able to get urine test strips at the drugstore or from Amazon. Here is an article from a diabetic web site. Read it from the point of view of learning about fat metabolism and why the body manufactures ketones. Good Luck.. https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/managing-diabetes/blood-glucose-management/getting-to-know-ketones/

    No. It's a way to see if you are in ketosis.
  • VeryKatie
    VeryKatie Posts: 5,961 Member
    Do you have days where you don't log your food or frequent binges?
  • Commander_Keen
    Commander_Keen Posts: 1,179 Member
    HI.. I am having the same issue as you.
    One of the things that I would suggest is to exercise more.
    I get that you are eating at 1600 but what about burning at 1600kcal, or 1700 or 1800?
  • jbirdgreen
    jbirdgreen Posts: 569 Member
    edited March 2017
    kshama2001 wrote: »
    MaineMom76 wrote: »
    ruthordare wrote: »
    Working out 7 days a week seems like a red flag to me, especially with exercise as intense as yours seems to be- especially if you've just started this up in the last month (although I think it's worrying regardless of how long you've been exercising). Maybe this is causing your body extra stress, so it's not letting go of the weight? Releasing extra cortisol? I'm not a health professional, but I've read some articles about it- might be worth researching. I would recommend having AT LEAST one rest day per week, or trying yoga or a gentle walk one day a week in lieu of intense workouts if you can't convince yourself to take a full rest day. Your body needs time to recover in order for you to see results. Your muscles won't grow if they're constantly working!

    I normally do try to have a rest day, but I'm going to Punta Cana in 39 days and I was trying to push for some more progress! I have been active my whole life so my body is used to doing something 7 days/week, but you might be right that I may be pushing it too far right now. Thank you for your input!

    I'm 1.5" shorter than you and when I was your weight I lost a pound a week with a lot less exercise and eating back exercise calories, which makes me wonder if you have the cortisol thing going on:

    http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/research-review/dietary-restraint-and-cortisol-levels-research-review.html/

    ...a group of women who scored higher on dietary restraint scores showed elevated baseline cortisol levels. By itself this might not be problematic, but as often as not, these types of dieters are drawn to extreme approaches to dieting.

    They throw in a lot of intense exercise, try to cut calories very hard (and this often backfires if disinhibition is high; when these folks break they break) and cortisol levels go through the roof. That often causes cortisol mediated water retention (there are other mechanisms for this, mind you, leptin actually inhibits cortisol release and as it drops on a diet, cortisol levels go up further). Weight and fat loss appear to have stopped or at least slowed significantly. This is compounded even further in female dieters due to the vagaries of their menstrual cycle where water balance is changing enormously week to week anyhow.

    And invariably, this type of psychology responds to the stall by going even harder. They attempt to cut calories harder, they start doing more activity. The cycle continues and gets worse. Harder dieting means more cortisol means more water retention means more dieting. Which backfires (other problems come in the long-term with this approach but you’ll have to wait for the book to read about that).

    When what they should do is take a day or two off (even one day off from training, at least in men, let’s cortisol drop significantly). Raise calories, especially from carbohydrates. This helps cortisol to drop. More than that they need to find a way to freaking chill out. Meditation, yoga, get a massage... Get in the bath, candles, a little Enya, a glass of wine, have some you-time but please just chill.

    I'm loving the "You'll lose more weight if you chill the hell out!" vibe of this research.
  • funchords
    funchords Posts: 413 Member
    Day 978 here...

    With 80 lbs. to go, 1600 will definitely make you lose fat. You started 4 weeks ago and have a physically demanding exercise plan. This makes me think that you have some muscle inflammation (water weight gains) offsetting your fat losses. This kind of water weight gain is part of muscle healing/building and does not harm your fat loss, but it does hide it temporarily from the scale. In fact, 3-5 weeks is usually the window that it has this off-setting effect.

    I would keep going at 1600 -- don't change anything. Give it a couple more weeks and I think you'll start seeing your continued fat loss will start showing up as your muscles calm down a bit, now that they're getting used to your workouts.

    Congrats on four weeks -- keep going!!
  • Sunna_W
    Sunna_W Posts: 744 Member
    Here are some of the websites that I like that help with conversations with doctors about thyroid issues:
    Sometimes excessive exercise has the opposite effect -- if your adrenals are overworked (and many hypothyroid patients have adrenal fatigue):
    If your adrenals are totally pooped out, and you are at stage 3 adrenal fatigue, adaptogenic herbs won't help. Some doctors will provide low dose cortef (hydrocortisone.) Other doctors poo poo the whole theory. Desiccated adrenal cortex and whole adrenal can help.

    If you decide that you need to go that route, please discuss with your doctor and go low and slow. (There are several brands available, look for capsules without fillers like excessive cellulose, or any magnesium stearate and titanium dioxide.) I like Pure Encapsulations and nutri-meds.

    Also, have you thought about decreasing your calories to between 1400 and 1500?

    I have restricted my calories as well as started supplementing with 7-keto DHEA as well as desiccated adrenal cortex and whole adrenal and without exercise (due to my adrenal fatigue / fibromyalgia) I am losing 2 lbs a week.

    Good luck!
  • Allegi32
    Allegi32 Posts: 302 Member
    Checking your urine for ketones is a simple test that can show if you are burning fat. You should be able to get urine test strips at the drugstore or from Amazon. Here is an article from a diabetic web site. Read it from the point of view of learning about fat metabolism and why the body manufactures ketones. Good Luck.. https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/managing-diabetes/blood-glucose-management/getting-to-know-ketones/

    I'll take a look, thanks!
    BootCampC wrote: »
    you may want to adjust your macros with the same calories. but before you do that remove any sweeteners from your diet , splenda , truvia , soda , sweetened waters. I lose better on a lower carb diet 25% carbs 40% protein 35%fats.

    I have NONE of that in my diet. I'll take a look at those macros, I love protein, so that might help.
    VeryKatie wrote: »
    Do you have days where you don't log your food or frequent binges?

    I have in the past, but since I started up again, no.
    HI.. I am having the same issue as you.
    One of the things that I would suggest is to exercise more.
    I get that you are eating at 1600 but what about burning at 1600kcal, or 1700 or 1800?

    I'm not sure I can exercise more than I already am, LOL.
    kshama2001 wrote: »
    MaineMom76 wrote: »
    ruthordare wrote: »
    Working out 7 days a week seems like a red flag to me, especially with exercise as intense as yours seems to be- especially if you've just started this up in the last month (although I think it's worrying regardless of how long you've been exercising). Maybe this is causing your body extra stress, so it's not letting go of the weight? Releasing extra cortisol? I'm not a health professional, but I've read some articles about it- might be worth researching. I would recommend having AT LEAST one rest day per week, or trying yoga or a gentle walk one day a week in lieu of intense workouts if you can't convince yourself to take a full rest day. Your body needs time to recover in order for you to see results. Your muscles won't grow if they're constantly working!

    I normally do try to have a rest day, but I'm going to Punta Cana in 39 days and I was trying to push for some more progress! I have been active my whole life so my body is used to doing something 7 days/week, but you might be right that I may be pushing it too far right now. Thank you for your input!

    I'm 1.5" shorter than you and when I was your weight I lost a pound a week with a lot less exercise and eating back exercise calories, which makes me wonder if you have the cortisol thing going on:

    http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/research-review/dietary-restraint-and-cortisol-levels-research-review.html/

    ...a group of women who scored higher on dietary restraint scores showed elevated baseline cortisol levels. By itself this might not be problematic, but as often as not, these types of dieters are drawn to extreme approaches to dieting.

    They throw in a lot of intense exercise, try to cut calories very hard (and this often backfires if disinhibition is high; when these folks break they break) and cortisol levels go through the roof. That often causes cortisol mediated water retention (there are other mechanisms for this, mind you, leptin actually inhibits cortisol release and as it drops on a diet, cortisol levels go up further). Weight and fat loss appear to have stopped or at least slowed significantly. This is compounded even further in female dieters due to the vagaries of their menstrual cycle where water balance is changing enormously week to week anyhow.

    And invariably, this type of psychology responds to the stall by going even harder. They attempt to cut calories harder, they start doing more activity. The cycle continues and gets worse. Harder dieting means more cortisol means more water retention means more dieting. Which backfires (other problems come in the long-term with this approach but you’ll have to wait for the book to read about that).

    When what they should do is take a day or two off (even one day off from training, at least in men, let’s cortisol drop significantly). Raise calories, especially from carbohydrates. This helps cortisol to drop. More than that they need to find a way to freaking chill out. Meditation, yoga, get a massage... Get in the bath, candles, a little Enya, a glass of wine, have some you-time but please just chill.

    I'll definitely take a look at this. I can't imagine raising my carbs though!!
  • deannalfisher
    deannalfisher Posts: 5,600 Member
    MaineMom76 wrote: »
    Checking your urine for ketones is a simple test that can show if you are burning fat. You should be able to get urine test strips at the drugstore or from Amazon. Here is an article from a diabetic web site. Read it from the point of view of learning about fat metabolism and why the body manufactures ketones. Good Luck.. https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/managing-diabetes/blood-glucose-management/getting-to-know-ketones/

    I'll take a look, thanks!
    BootCampC wrote: »
    you may want to adjust your macros with the same calories. but before you do that remove any sweeteners from your diet , splenda , truvia , soda , sweetened waters. I lose better on a lower carb diet 25% carbs 40% protein 35%fats.

    I have NONE of that in my diet. I'll take a look at those macros, I love protein, so that might help.
    VeryKatie wrote: »
    Do you have days where you don't log your food or frequent binges?

    I have in the past, but since I started up again, no.
    HI.. I am having the same issue as you.
    One of the things that I would suggest is to exercise more.
    I get that you are eating at 1600 but what about burning at 1600kcal, or 1700 or 1800?

    I'm not sure I can exercise more than I already am, LOL.
    kshama2001 wrote: »
    MaineMom76 wrote: »
    ruthordare wrote: »
    Working out 7 days a week seems like a red flag to me, especially with exercise as intense as yours seems to be- especially if you've just started this up in the last month (although I think it's worrying regardless of how long you've been exercising). Maybe this is causing your body extra stress, so it's not letting go of the weight? Releasing extra cortisol? I'm not a health professional, but I've read some articles about it- might be worth researching. I would recommend having AT LEAST one rest day per week, or trying yoga or a gentle walk one day a week in lieu of intense workouts if you can't convince yourself to take a full rest day. Your body needs time to recover in order for you to see results. Your muscles won't grow if they're constantly working!

    I normally do try to have a rest day, but I'm going to Punta Cana in 39 days and I was trying to push for some more progress! I have been active my whole life so my body is used to doing something 7 days/week, but you might be right that I may be pushing it too far right now. Thank you for your input!

    I'm 1.5" shorter than you and when I was your weight I lost a pound a week with a lot less exercise and eating back exercise calories, which makes me wonder if you have the cortisol thing going on:

    http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/research-review/dietary-restraint-and-cortisol-levels-research-review.html/

    ...a group of women who scored higher on dietary restraint scores showed elevated baseline cortisol levels. By itself this might not be problematic, but as often as not, these types of dieters are drawn to extreme approaches to dieting.

    They throw in a lot of intense exercise, try to cut calories very hard (and this often backfires if disinhibition is high; when these folks break they break) and cortisol levels go through the roof. That often causes cortisol mediated water retention (there are other mechanisms for this, mind you, leptin actually inhibits cortisol release and as it drops on a diet, cortisol levels go up further). Weight and fat loss appear to have stopped or at least slowed significantly. This is compounded even further in female dieters due to the vagaries of their menstrual cycle where water balance is changing enormously week to week anyhow.

    And invariably, this type of psychology responds to the stall by going even harder. They attempt to cut calories harder, they start doing more activity. The cycle continues and gets worse. Harder dieting means more cortisol means more water retention means more dieting. Which backfires (other problems come in the long-term with this approach but you’ll have to wait for the book to read about that).

    When what they should do is take a day or two off (even one day off from training, at least in men, let’s cortisol drop significantly). Raise calories, especially from carbohydrates. This helps cortisol to drop. More than that they need to find a way to freaking chill out. Meditation, yoga, get a massage... Get in the bath, candles, a little Enya, a glass of wine, have some you-time but please just chill.

    I'll definitely take a look at this. I can't imagine raising my carbs though!!

    for a reference point - I've lost 11lbs in 4months eating just below maintenance (using TDEE calculated by an RD) and I take in between 230 and 300g of carbs a day (on a l, m, h cycle)
  • JacquiH73
    JacquiH73 Posts: 124 Member
    I couldn't say what is causing you to stall in your weight loss journey. It's only been a few weeks and weight loss goals >15lb (and keep it off) require a long term commitment to lifestyle change.

    All I can tell you is that during my last weigh in I was at my lowest since I rejoined MFP in January and then 3 days later I was 6lb heavier! I know that 6lb was not fat gain so I didn't sweat it. High sodium intake, hormones, bloating caused by dairy consumption, stress or a combination of factors could have caused it. This morning I'm only 4oz above my last weigh in so I know I'm getting back to where I need to be.

    I don't believe it requires extreme workouts and low (almost energy debilitating) calorie deficits to lose weight. Just a sensible calorie deficit and moderate amount of activity and exercise over a long period of time and patience (did I mention patience). It took over a year and a half to reach my goal weight and only 3 months to gain 20lbs of it back. Consistency is the key to success. Try not to stress over the scale. Practice patience and lots of self care and try not to burn yourself out or become self-defeating by stressing over the scale.

  • Allegi32
    Allegi32 Posts: 302 Member
    funchords wrote: »
    Day 978 here...

    With 80 lbs. to go, 1600 will definitely make you lose fat. You started 4 weeks ago and have a physically demanding exercise plan. This makes me think that you have some muscle inflammation (water weight gains) offsetting your fat losses. This kind of water weight gain is part of muscle healing/building and does not harm your fat loss, but it does hide it temporarily from the scale. In fact, 3-5 weeks is usually the window that it has this off-setting effect.

    I would keep going at 1600 -- don't change anything. Give it a couple more weeks and I think you'll start seeing your continued fat loss will start showing up as your muscles calm down a bit, now that they're getting used to your workouts.

    Congrats on four weeks -- keep going!!

    Thank you! It's been a little over 4 weeks, but also my measurements are not budging. So I don't think that it's water retention - that had occurred to me at the beginning.
    Sunna_W wrote: »
    Here are some of the websites that I like that help with conversations with doctors about thyroid issues:
    Sometimes excessive exercise has the opposite effect -- if your adrenals are overworked (and many hypothyroid patients have adrenal fatigue):
    If your adrenals are totally pooped out, and you are at stage 3 adrenal fatigue, adaptogenic herbs won't help. Some doctors will provide low dose cortef (hydrocortisone.) Other doctors poo poo the whole theory. Desiccated adrenal cortex and whole adrenal can help.

    If you decide that you need to go that route, please discuss with your doctor and go low and slow. (There are several brands available, look for capsules without fillers like excessive cellulose, or any magnesium stearate and titanium dioxide.) I like Pure Encapsulations and nutri-meds.

    Also, have you thought about decreasing your calories to between 1400 and 1500?

    I have restricted my calories as well as started supplementing with 7-keto DHEA as well as desiccated adrenal cortex and whole adrenal and without exercise (due to my adrenal fatigue / fibromyalgia) I am losing 2 lbs a week.

    Good luck!

    I mentioned something like this to my OBGYN and she looked at me like I had 2 heads, LOL. It is interesting to me, though, I'll have to look more into it.

    I have thought about decreasing my calories to 1400 but I'm concerned that my workouts will suffer at that intake.
  • deannalfisher
    deannalfisher Posts: 5,600 Member
    if you aren't eating back workout calories - then yes it is likely that your workouts will suffer if you drop calories lower
  • leanjogreen18
    leanjogreen18 Posts: 2,492 Member
    Punta Cana in the DR? It's beautiful and hot! Enjoy your trip.
  • Allegi32
    Allegi32 Posts: 302 Member
    Punta Cana in the DR? It's beautiful and hot! Enjoy your trip.

    Thank you!!! I'm so excited!!! My first all-inclusive resort vacation! :)
  • GemstoneofHeart
    GemstoneofHeart Posts: 865 Member
    Wanted to point out one thing in my own experience. I am always at or under my calorie goal with an exception of one or two days a week, however it equals out over the week as a whole...
    I have noticed that I only drop weight every 11-12 days. Like my body hangs on to it and then BAM, I lose 2-3 pounds. I weigh every single morning which is why I have noticed this. Not saying daily weighing is right for everyone, but it works for me. My point is that your body may have a rhythm to its own weight loss.
  • ugofatcat
    ugofatcat Posts: 385 Member
    @MaineMom76 can you please open your food journal? I check it a little while ago and it appears to be closed.
  • fitmom4lifemfp
    fitmom4lifemfp Posts: 1,572 Member
    edited March 2017
    ugofatcat wrote: »
    @MaineMom76 can you please open your food journal? I check it a little while ago and it appears to be closed.

    I think if she wanted commentary on her food choices, it would be open. :)
  • cerise_noir
    cerise_noir Posts: 5,468 Member
    edited March 2017
    ugofatcat wrote: »
    @MaineMom76 can you please open your food journal? I check it a little while ago and it appears to be closed.

    Agreed. You did say you weighed and measured food, but the food database itself is full of erranous entries.

    By the way, OP, I see mention of cutting out carbs/lowering carbs and eliminating artificial sweeteners a few posts above. Not necessary. I've lost a lot of weight doing moderate to high carb as have many here. Regarding artificial sweeteners, they are mostly 0 calorie and have no bearing on weight. I find that they help if I have 0 calories left and would like something sweet.
  • Allegi32
    Allegi32 Posts: 302 Member
    ugofatcat wrote: »
    @MaineMom76 can you please open your food journal? I check it a little while ago and it appears to be closed.

    I tend to keep it closed because last time I had it open everyone had an opinion and it got pretty nasty.
  • Allegi32
    Allegi32 Posts: 302 Member
    edited March 2017
    https://youtu.be/G1Z8BEyLK2k

    (you can mute it - I put music to it so you don't hear me grunting, LOL)

    I just wanted to show you the kind of workout I'm doing. This was the first time through this one, so I was struggling. But I'm not horribly out of shape, even at the weight I'm at.

    I also wanted to show kind of what I look like, etc., my body composition. Sometimes I think that's easier than just seeing numbers on a page.

    I do also have absolutely NO ACL in my left knee and am due for surgery this year to get a graft. This will be my 4th knee surgery so I have to modify some of the moves.
  • fbchick51
    fbchick51 Posts: 240 Member
    MaineMom76 wrote: »
    ruthordare wrote: »
    Working out 7 days a week seems like a red flag to me

    I normally do try to have a rest day, but I'm going to Punta Cana in 39 days and I was trying to push for some more progress! I have been active my whole life so my body is used to doing something 7 days/week, but you might be right that I may be pushing it too far right now. Thank you for your input!

    I was gonna sugget the same thing. I have no scientific basis, just personal expirence that when my activity level gets to high, my weightloss stalls. My last weightloss journey, I was doing great. Managed to lose 35lbs in about 5 months when I decided to train for a marathon. My workout schedule was tough, but I kept diet the same for the first 3 months. Didn't lose a single pound.
    And rest day doesn't have to mean sitting on your butt, but switch one day to a yoga workout or a leisurely stroll to give your body a chance to recovery. Best if done after you 2 x T25 days.

    As far as diet goes. I'm 5' 6", 43 yo, started at 230lbs. My workout schedule is 3 days lap swim (.9 miles), 2 days zumba, 1 day walking (3 20 min sessions at a mod pace) and one day yoga/house work. I eat at anywhere from 1800-2000 calories a day (I eat back at least half my workout calories). I've been losing a pretty steady 1lb a week loss since starting in January

This discussion has been closed.