Getting really discouraged!
cydonian
Posts: 361 Member
This will be long, so thanks to anyone in advance who reads it all the way through!
I've been on MFP for about a month now and have pretty strictly been following the 1,200 calorie diet it recommended for me. I have been exercising outside when I can but we are in a heat wave right now, so it's actually been too dangerous for me to be outside the past week or so. So, I've been doing what I can inside (my preferred exercise is a bicycle workout) but admittedly have slacked off a little.
Even with slacking off, I've been very good about my calorie intake. I've upped my intake of fresh veggies and fruits, severely cut down on drinking soda, and even when I do have a cheat day, I only go over by 100-200 calories. Usually on that day, I'll be more active that usual so I'm probably burning what little extra I ate anyway!
Hm, what else will help? My body type. I'm very petite, 5'1 and currently about 136. I have a small waist (around 25'') and an average chest and hip measurement. My problem area is my butt and thighs. I've always been curvy on the bottom half, I've never had thin legs, even when I was a 00/0 in middle and early high school! I didn't set myself a crazy goal, I just wanted to get under 130. I've done decent so far, as a few months ago I was over 140 lbs.
Anyway, I haven't lost any weight since I started! I dropped under 140 before starting, I think. I don't know what to do at this point and I'm getting so discouraged. Reading success stories on the forums usually make me feel better and I even tried to join a group for petite girls but I feel so out of place! Many of their goals were 100-120 lbs, and I'd be happy just getting under 130! I feel like a bit of a fatty, I guess. I know I'm small and I think what's defeating me is that my goal weight is higher than other people I talk to that are around the same height. I don't think my build will allow me to be 120 lbs, again, especially because I refuse to lose my chest and behind. I'd like to tone, yes, but I don't want to go back to having a flat chest and pancake bum ever again!
I really just want some help, tips, anything! My husband suggested for me to post a current picture in my bathing suit so that maybe someone can look and suggest some exercises or something, but I'm too shy to do it =/. I got excited on Saturday when I went to weigh myself at my parents as I noticed that a pair of shorts that were too tight to button last month fit, and my thighs had lost that ugly bump of fat just under my rear, but I stepped on the scale and de nada... no weight lost.
Thanks again for any advice or help, everyone!
I've been on MFP for about a month now and have pretty strictly been following the 1,200 calorie diet it recommended for me. I have been exercising outside when I can but we are in a heat wave right now, so it's actually been too dangerous for me to be outside the past week or so. So, I've been doing what I can inside (my preferred exercise is a bicycle workout) but admittedly have slacked off a little.
Even with slacking off, I've been very good about my calorie intake. I've upped my intake of fresh veggies and fruits, severely cut down on drinking soda, and even when I do have a cheat day, I only go over by 100-200 calories. Usually on that day, I'll be more active that usual so I'm probably burning what little extra I ate anyway!
Hm, what else will help? My body type. I'm very petite, 5'1 and currently about 136. I have a small waist (around 25'') and an average chest and hip measurement. My problem area is my butt and thighs. I've always been curvy on the bottom half, I've never had thin legs, even when I was a 00/0 in middle and early high school! I didn't set myself a crazy goal, I just wanted to get under 130. I've done decent so far, as a few months ago I was over 140 lbs.
Anyway, I haven't lost any weight since I started! I dropped under 140 before starting, I think. I don't know what to do at this point and I'm getting so discouraged. Reading success stories on the forums usually make me feel better and I even tried to join a group for petite girls but I feel so out of place! Many of their goals were 100-120 lbs, and I'd be happy just getting under 130! I feel like a bit of a fatty, I guess. I know I'm small and I think what's defeating me is that my goal weight is higher than other people I talk to that are around the same height. I don't think my build will allow me to be 120 lbs, again, especially because I refuse to lose my chest and behind. I'd like to tone, yes, but I don't want to go back to having a flat chest and pancake bum ever again!
I really just want some help, tips, anything! My husband suggested for me to post a current picture in my bathing suit so that maybe someone can look and suggest some exercises or something, but I'm too shy to do it =/. I got excited on Saturday when I went to weigh myself at my parents as I noticed that a pair of shorts that were too tight to button last month fit, and my thighs had lost that ugly bump of fat just under my rear, but I stepped on the scale and de nada... no weight lost.
Thanks again for any advice or help, everyone!
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Replies
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Without seeing your diary, it's hard to comment.0
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Don't always be so concerned with the scale, if your clothes are fitting (ones that didn't before) and you're noticing changes in your looks, it's working. Your muscles could be building which will add some weight.
Bottom line, don't always be discouraged by the #'s.
Keep going
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You might ave to tweak your diet a bit, what are your eating habits like. I lost 10 pounds in a month before when I wasn't using this site and now I have only lost about 4 in one month. Do not get discouraged just ask around and see what you can do. You really might need to up your activity level. I have started running in the morning and walking at a very fast past at night to see if it helps, maybe you should try something like that? Hope you get some good advice stick with it!0
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Hi,
Remember - its not always about the actual weight you loose - your body shape is just as important.
Take your measurements & check them fortnightly. If you're clothes are looser, then you ARE on the right track.
You are exercising & muscle is heavier than fat!
Well done
Garfy
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My sister has a very similar body type as you, I believe she's an inch shorter than you and looks great at her current 123. Unfortunately, it takes a while to lose weight, especially in our problem areas. I'm not quite sure what your lower body is like, fatty or muscular. I would recommend exercises like lunges, squats, kick backs... stuff that engages your lower body including glutes. You can use your own body weight and do more repetitions or use heavy weights and only do two sets of 8-10 reps.
I hope you find this information helpful!
I am the opposite, where all my weight is in my stomach and chest. I'd like to friend you and help support you with some ideas.0 -
I am in a similar boat. I'm about 5'0 and am not overweight by anymeans, just looking to tone my stomach. I don't think that you should rely on the scale so much, because like you said, things that you couldn't fit into before, you are fitting into now! Advice that I've gotten from other people is to drink a glass of water when you first wake up in the morning. Supposedly it helps to really get your metabolism working right away. Best of luck!!0
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You are losing inches. Hence, why your clothes fit better. Don't be discouraged. Just stay dilligent and progress will show in its own time.0
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Hang in there! Don't get stuck on the numbers! I suggest you measure..cuz you've obviously lost inches. The scale is just a tool/not a be-all,end-all. I try to go with how I feel. I have lost like 2 lbs in the last 3 months. I'm ok with that cuz I am healthier than I was and I will eventually break through. Keep eating right and exercise when you can. Worry about ur health...not the looks so much! U are doing great!0
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If your clothes are fitting (ones that didn't before) and you're noticing changes in your looks.......Your muscles could be building which will add some weight.
Second this.0 -
If your previously tight shorts are fitting that is a good indicator that you are probably losing fat and building some muscle. If you can't get out to exercise, then try a video or something to get you moving in the house. The goal is to look better and feel better, not the numbers on a scale. Hang in there!0
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Honestly, I have been getting discouraged just like you. I was trying so hard to stick to 1200 calories and wasn't losing any weight. Then I read that 1200 is too little when you're exercising and it will actually cause your body to hold on to weight because it's going into starvation mode. Then I bumped up my calories to 1500 and still not losing. I've also just started a bootcamp at my gym so it's possible I'm putting on muscle weight before I lose any fat weight.
All I know is it takes a long time to see results so let's try not to get too frustrated and give up! I'm actually pretty much having to restart everything today anyways from a nice weekend vacation that attributed a few extra pounds back to my body...0 -
I mean for legs and butt Lunges and Squats all the way. I have no words for how large my thighs and butt are (one of my thighs is larger than your waist). Therefore my trainer has been working on these areas with me and it is all about the lunges and squats. I also do the leg press, prone leg curl and leg extension (but these require weight machines and I do not know if you go to a gym). I have lost 4 inches on each thigh and 2 inches on my hips. If what you want is to tone those areas maybe don't focus on the weight but rather the inches. Finally, I don't really eat much meat so my trainer yelled at me that I was not losing the inches I should be because I wasn't getting enough protein to feed my muscles, so now I have protein powder as a supplement. Hope this helps (I know I am not your build, I am almost 5'10", but we have the same problem areas)0
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I'm so sorry you are feeling discouraged hon...
I'm a big guy who has had a lot to lose with a lot left - but I think you nailed something that needs to be pointed out...
Your success story on the shorts... That is actually huge!
Losing inches (without actual pounds) is a wonderful thing believe it or not! It means that you are replacing fat with lean muscle. you may not see an actual drop on the scale, but instead see it in better fitting clothes, tighter thighs, butt, etc...
There are a LOT of abs, bottom, and thigh workouts that do not require weights or a gym and I bet those would help you!
Also - you might be cutting out TOO many calories (I know crazy but we read it all the time right?) If your body is fighting you to hold on to every pound it has because it is feeling starved - you are going to not see a drop on the scale either...
I wish you the best of luck and as we are always our own worst critics I feel your pain on posting pictures lol - BELIEVE ME...
Please hang in there - you are here and posting and logging and that demonstrates committment to getting a healthy version of where you want to be - I applaud you!!!0 -
try not to get too discouraged. I know it can be discouraging when the scale doesn't change, but you also need to take in other factors such as inches lost and muscle gained. Since you like biking, it is very possible that you are toning your legs and gaining muscle in them. Good luck to you on your journey.0
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My sister has a very similar body type as you, I believe she's an inch shorter than you and looks great at her current 123. Unfortunately, it takes a while to lose weight, especially in our problem areas. I'm not quite sure what your lower body is like, fatty or muscular. I would recommend exercises like lunges, squats, kick backs... stuff that engages your lower body including glutes. You can use your own body weight and do more repetitions or use heavy weights and only do two sets of 8-10 reps.
I hope you find this information helpful!
I am the opposite, where all my weight is in my stomach and chest. I'd like to friend you and help support you with some ideas.
Thank you so much! My thighs are relatively toned and thick on the outside and down to my knee (my calves are very toned for my weight) but the inner area is the problem, nothing but jiggle! I've got a bit of fat on the outside where my thigh curves out, and I've always had that and wanted to lose it. My godsister suggested squats and lunges, I will have to try those. I will send you a friend request 0 -
My input:
1. How much are you trying to lose a week? It sounds like you're trying to lose about 20 pounds total? You should only be shooting for 1/2 pound to 1 pound loss a week.....nobody should TRY to lose more than that unless they are really obese. The less you have to lose, the more difficult it will be.
2. You're only eating 1200 calories a day, does that mean net, or what you put in your mouth? If you're only eating 1200 and then burning off a couple hundred through exercise without eating it back, you may not be eating enough. You should eat your 1200 plus eat back whatever you burned off.
3. Are you taking your measurements? Often you can sculpt your body and build muscle (ie look and feel better) but not actually drop pounds. I suggest taking your measurements either once or twice a month along with weighing in once a week.
Good luck!0 -
I have no words for how large my thighs and butt are (one of my thighs is larger than your waist).
Haha, awwww! Don't say that about yourself. I feel you though, I measured my thigh a while ago and it was 22'' or something stupid (it may have been 24''!). I wanted to barf.0 -
The scale is only part of the equation. How you look and feel trumps a number that only has meaning to you as a basis for comparision. If you are building lean muscle (which is dense and weighs more) while shedding fat (which takes up more room but weighs less) it is very possible to see a great change in your body composition without seeing a change on the scales. Take your measurements instead and I'll bet you'll be seeing a difference.
The bad news is you cannot spot-reduce. Your body burns fat where it's most accessible. There are some really good discussions on the boards about this, if you feel like searching it. I lost most of my weight from my upper body first. I'm struggling to lose from my hips, butt, and thighs. You may go opposite. One major thing I have learned on here is that every body is different. Keep doing the right things and you will see the results. Hang in there!!!!0 -
Still getting through the responses, but thank you so much everyone, so far! I'm going to respond as I can. I forgot to mention that I have to watch my diet and how much meat/protein I intake because I've got gallbladder issues that are exacerbated by high amounts of protein and animal fats. I tend to eat lean meat when I do, fish and chicken... I avoid red meat almost completely. Therefore, I eat more carbs than anything and I know that probably isn't helping =/0
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Are you drinking lots of water? Water helps cleans your body and helps all your systems work better. I am also 5'1", currently at 140lbs and looking to drop 15-20lbs. (I too am very curvy, but I've come to accept that. I will never be a skinny girl! lol) I've JUST started calorie counting so I don't have any results to share. All I can say is if you are really serious about dropping some weight, you should work out for 60 minutes a day 5-7 days a week. Also try some different exercise routines, try something new to keep your body adjusting and learning... this also stimulates brain cell growth when your body learns something new!
Keep it up, don't get discouraged by a plateau!0 -
My input:
1. How much are you trying to lose a week? It sounds like you're trying to lose about 20 pounds total? You should only be shooting for 1/2 pound to 1 pound loss a week.....nobody should TRY to lose more than that unless they are really obese. The less you have to lose, the more difficult it will be.
2. You're only eating 1200 calories a day, does that mean net, or what you put in your mouth? If you're only eating 1200 and then burning off a couple hundred through exercise without eating it back, you may not be eating enough. You should eat your 1200 plus eat back whatever you burned off.
3. Are you taking your measurements? Often you can sculpt your body and build muscle (ie look and feel better) but not actually drop pounds. I suggest taking your measurements either once or twice a month along with weighing in once a week.
Good luck!
1) I'm trying to lose about 10 pounds. I'd be happy at 129 but my technical goal is 125. I am currently 136. I have MFP set to 1 lb per week, I believe.
2) I always eat 1,200, a little more if I know I'm exercising that day. But always at least 1,200 net after I get done exercising I know about eating back exercise calories and how important that is!
3) I am going to start measuring myself, I think that is a great idea. I haven't done my thighs in about 3 months but I'm curious to see if the number is lower.0 -
Are you drinking lots of water? Water helps cleans your body and helps all your systems work better.
Yes, I have tripled how much water I drink! In lieu of cutting out soda, I drink water instead. 0 -
I'm so sorry you are feeling discouraged hon...
I'm a big guy who has had a lot to lose with a lot left - but I think you nailed something that needs to be pointed out...
Your success story on the shorts... That is actually huge!
Losing inches (without actual pounds) is a wonderful thing believe it or not! It means that you are replacing fat with lean muscle. you may not see an actual drop on the scale, but instead see it in better fitting clothes, tighter thighs, butt, etc...
There are a LOT of abs, bottom, and thigh workouts that do not require weights or a gym and I bet those would help you!
Also - you might be cutting out TOO many calories (I know crazy but we read it all the time right?) If your body is fighting you to hold on to every pound it has because it is feeling starved - you are going to not see a drop on the scale either...
I wish you the best of luck and as we are always our own worst critics I feel your pain on posting pictures lol - BELIEVE ME...
Please hang in there - you are here and posting and logging and that demonstrates committment to getting a healthy version of where you want to be - I applaud you!!!
I think you said what I wanted to tell myself but couldn't convince myself of it, haha! I haven't had to change my diet that much, I think I was eating around 1,200-1,400 per day prior to starting MFP... so I'm wondering if it assuming that I need 1,500 and dropping me to 1,200 to lose weight is part of the problem. I haven't dropped my calorie intake THAT much and may need to compensate with more exercise and eating back those exercise calories. I work a desk job so my body could use more exercise, for sure0 -
Diet and Exercise go Hand in Hand, you can't loose weight in a healthy manner without consistently doing both.
It's hard, trust me, to burn 1lb of fat, you need to burn 500 calories a day, everyday which is equivelent to about 1 hour of cardio training per day!! A bit hard to fit into a busy lifestyle, but it is doable if you keep your focus and are 100% committed.
To loose weight, you also need to speed up your metabolism, which means 6 small meals per day instead of 3.
Thats all I can suggest for now, Good Luck!0 -
I have no words for how large my thighs and butt are (one of my thighs is larger than your waist).
Haha, awwww! Don't say that about yourself. I feel you though, I measured my thigh a while ago and it was 22'' or something stupid (it may have been 24''!). I wanted to barf.
Lol, no it wasn't hyperbole, my thighs are about 32" around. But yeah, I stand by squats and lunges0 -
Honestly, I have been getting discouraged just like you. I was trying so hard to stick to 1200 calories and wasn't losing any weight. Then I read that 1200 is too little when you're exercising and it will actually cause your body to hold on to weight because it's going into starvation mode. Then I bumped up my calories to 1500 and still not losing. I've also just started a bootcamp at my gym so it's possible I'm putting on muscle weight before I lose any fat weight.
All I know is it takes a long time to see results so let's try not to get too frustrated and give up! I'm actually pretty much having to restart everything today anyways from a nice weekend vacation that attributed a few extra pounds back to my body...
Actually, the 1200 magic number is the minimum calories you need to consume to get a full value of daily nutrition, IF you are eating the right foods. Starvation mode is a relatively undefined term. Your body will go into a fasting mode if you routinely consume few calories. Moving your calories up will cause the body to readjust to a higher calorie intake. If you go back to 1200 for awhile, you should see some weight loss.0
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