Finding it hard to see a difference after -30 pounds

I started this journey on sept 20. I’m 5’1 and started at 198. I’m currently 168. I’m happy with 30 pounds down in about 3 months. The problem is I don’t feel like I look much different. I’m only on 1200
calories and don’t go over. I do a little bit of weights and cardio at the gym 2-3 times per week and average 8000 steps per day. I was hoping to hear from anyone who started on 1200 calories and stayed there until they hit goal. (Or any successes). I need to hear some inspiring stories. How long did it take and how much did u lose? I understand this is a journey and I have to be patient. I suppose I want to hear that I’m doing all the right things and the weight loss will keep happening. Im just having a hard time lately as I feel like I’ve made big changes and can’t see much in the way of results. Thank you 😊
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Replies

  • JeromeBarry1
    JeromeBarry1 Posts: 10,179 Member
    You, too, can have a Success Story. It's not too soon to start composing yours.
  • lvose5119
    lvose5119 Posts: 15 Member
    Whilst I haven’t lost 30 just yet, I’m currently on 21lbs lost and I feel the same as you. Clothes fit differently but somehow I just feel or see a difference in myself. But I took a side profile photo at the beginning and have a side photo from today and the difference is clear to see. I suggest doing something similar even if it’s hard to do and see right now you’ll be thankful later
  • Girlheidi
    Girlheidi Posts: 60 Member
    edited December 2018
    I am down 21 lbs. I can fit back in clothes that I couldn't and I looked again at the photos of my summer holiday and yes, there is a big difference! Look back at full body photos - it is quite an eye opener and will encourage you.
    I still have another 15 or so to go before I am happy! My OH thinks I need to lose more lol! But I will stop when I am happy :-)
  • cheryldumais
    cheryldumais Posts: 1,907 Member
    I felt the same. Strangely no one even noticed until I hit 35 down. After that every ten or so I could really tell. It gets more and more obvious as the weight comes off. Trust me you are on the right track and 30 pounds in less than 3 months! Awesome. You may have to slow down a bit as you get closer to goal but you will get there. Congrats on your loss so far.
  • jojo19812018
    jojo19812018 Posts: 66 Member
    Thank you everyone for all your replies 😊
  • smantha32
    smantha32 Posts: 6,990 Member
    Photos help. Also take measurements. But please eat a bit more. You are losing weight a bit fast. 1200 is not a lot of food. Slowing it down a bit will be healthier and will help you learn the skills you need for maintenance.

    this. I was eating too low and my hair started falling out in clumps. I'm eating 1300-1400 now.

  • Running2Fit
    Running2Fit Posts: 702 Member
    @GottaBurnEmAll - You look incredible! Such inspiring progress!
  • GottaBurnEmAll
    GottaBurnEmAll Posts: 7,722 Member
    Thank you!
  • @Running2Fit
    @GottaBurnEmAll
    I can see a big difference in both of your transformations! Great job!
  • Sambo_fitness
    Sambo_fitness Posts: 137 Member
    That's some amazing success!!!! How do your clothes fit?? If they're loose, time to go shopping! Look for the NSV's
  • DrusiliaDD
    DrusiliaDD Posts: 71 Member
    I didn't have that much weight to lose, I was only slightly overweight by BMI when I started. I'm down somewhere around 16-17 pounds now and I really struggle to see a difference. I'm at the point where I'm ordering new clothes because some things don't fit me any more, but I'm still convinced I'm one size bigger than I am. I ordered a UK size 8 skirt last week and when it arrived I was convinced it wouldn't fit, right up until I put it on. It's hard to see changes in yourself.
  • terril18
    terril18 Posts: 13 Member
    Wow! You and I are very similar!
    I started my journey Sept 4th at 200.9 pounds. I am 5'1 and approaching my 48th birthday. I am at 1200 calories and I work out about 45 minutes of cardio 5-6 times a week. I am now done 38 pounds. the past month I have fluctuated between 35 and 38 pounds. 104 days in and have not hit the big 40...very hard
  • jflongo
    jflongo Posts: 289 Member
    I started this journey on sept 20. I’m 5’1 and started at 198. I’m currently 168. I’m happy with 30 pounds down in about 3 months. The problem is I don’t feel like I look much different. I’m only on 1200
    calories and don’t go over. I do a little bit of weights and cardio at the gym 2-3 times per week and average 8000 steps per day. I was hoping to hear from anyone who started on 1200 calories and stayed there until they hit goal. (Or any successes). I need to hear some inspiring stories. How long did it take and how much did u lose? I understand this is a journey and I have to be patient. I suppose I want to hear that I’m doing all the right things and the weight loss will keep happening. Im just having a hard time lately as I feel like I’ve made big changes and can’t see much in the way of results. Thank you 😊

    You have done an awesome job so far, keep up the great work.

    Just keep in mind, your body will adjust to your calories after awhile, slowing down your metabolism. You may want to consider upping your calories to 1400 - 1500 calories for a month and see what happens. That may help restart your metabolism again. Up to you.
  • althara
    althara Posts: 8 Member
    Honestly, for some people, it's hard to see the weight difference in yourself until you're further along. I've lost almost 50 pounds from my highest non-pregnancy weight and I can't see a difference in front facing progress pics yet. It just means the majority of my fat loss has been visceral (which is great, because excess visceral fat is what increases various health risks). But I understand how very frustrating it is to not see a difference when you've put in so much effort.

    Take pictures from various angles. Front view, side view, even your back. Eventually, you will see it in the pictures before you see it in the mirror. Our brains like to play tricks on us about how we look when we look in the mirror.

    Also, use other methods of determining progress. How are your clothes fitting? How are your energy levels changing? What can you do now that you were unable to do or very difficult for you at the beginning of your journey? Start your list of non-scale victories and celebrate the changes you do see. Be patient for your brain to catch up with your body changes.
  • 20Sam12
    20Sam12 Posts: 2 Member
    You're doing great and I have felt your pain in not noticing much difference after a 30 pound loss. I felt better and my clothes fit a little different but that was about it. At 50 pounds I was down a couple of sizes and all of a sudden others started noticing which was nice but not my ultimate goal. I'm now down 60 (in 9 months) and still moving forward. I have more plateaus than I did early on but I just keep with my goals and the pounds eventually come off. My calorie goal is 1300 but I usually end up around 1000 to 1100. I pay more attention to my macros than I do the calories. Six months ago I adjusted my macros and shot for under 50 carbs which helped. Recently had my blood work (all good) and cholesterol checked (a little high) so adjusted my macros again bumping carbs up a little and reducing the fat %. This isn't a 'diet' to me but a change in lifestyle to improve my health. Have patience, work on 1 pound at a time and congratulations on how far you have come!