Not Losing Weight, Confused
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GEAUSthemistake
Posts: 2 Member
I have always struggled with my weight. Although I am not short, 5' 5", I am quite small boned, which runs in the family, and my comfortable weight is towards the lower end of the recommended spectrum. However, it has been impossible to maintain what is comfortable. For years I have gone on and off different diets (mostly excluding dairy and trying anti-inflammatory because of a history of lactose intolerance) and this past year I finally decided to get down to business and really make it stick. I decreased calorie intake to between 1,000 and 1,400 calories (yes, measuring with measuring spoons and cups, not eyeballing). In addition I began running 2.5 miles 4 days a week, walking another 2.5-5, and cutting down on carbs. After about three months my effort showed but did not reflect the effort, decreasing from 128-123lbs. I continued this for another 6 months hoping that maybe if I kept it up I would still lose. I increased my running mileage to 2.5 miles every day. 6 months later I made it to a goal of just below 117.
Now, as it is summer, I have more time to run and bake, a hobby I enjoy. I began eating a baked good each day which seemed allowable because I increased my running regimen. However, within 1.5 weeks I gained three pounds (I had still yet to pass a daily intake of 1,400 calories). I increased my running even further to try to prevent additional gain and stopped consuming baked goods, returning my diet to the way it was when I was 117 and running 2.5 miles every day. My weight increased another 3lbs, this time in 1 week despite cutting calories below the amount at which I had once lost.
Needless to say, I am greatly confused. Currently, and for the past month, I am running 7miles a day, walking an additional 3, and do not consume beyond 1,400 calories. Yet, I cannot fit into my current wardrobe and appear to be consistently gaining weight. I do not see how this is possible as the energy I am expending requires that my intake should be consumed and then some.
I would also like to add that I am undergoing allergy testing for possible celiac disease. I do not consume gluten, dairy, sweets, foods with added sugar, alcohol, red meat, or caffeinated beverages besides a morning half-cup of coffee. In addition, because of these limitations I have not eaten fast food in over a year.
Sorry for the long post but it has been a very long journey and I'm nearly at my wits end! Any ideas to how or why this weight gain is occurring? And most of all, any ideas how to make it stop?
-Malie
Now, as it is summer, I have more time to run and bake, a hobby I enjoy. I began eating a baked good each day which seemed allowable because I increased my running regimen. However, within 1.5 weeks I gained three pounds (I had still yet to pass a daily intake of 1,400 calories). I increased my running even further to try to prevent additional gain and stopped consuming baked goods, returning my diet to the way it was when I was 117 and running 2.5 miles every day. My weight increased another 3lbs, this time in 1 week despite cutting calories below the amount at which I had once lost.
Needless to say, I am greatly confused. Currently, and for the past month, I am running 7miles a day, walking an additional 3, and do not consume beyond 1,400 calories. Yet, I cannot fit into my current wardrobe and appear to be consistently gaining weight. I do not see how this is possible as the energy I am expending requires that my intake should be consumed and then some.
I would also like to add that I am undergoing allergy testing for possible celiac disease. I do not consume gluten, dairy, sweets, foods with added sugar, alcohol, red meat, or caffeinated beverages besides a morning half-cup of coffee. In addition, because of these limitations I have not eaten fast food in over a year.
Sorry for the long post but it has been a very long journey and I'm nearly at my wits end! Any ideas to how or why this weight gain is occurring? And most of all, any ideas how to make it stop?
-Malie
9
Replies
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Rapid weight gain is water fluctuation, likely caused by your increased exercise. It’s not fat. However, if you want an accurate count of your calorie intake, you need to use a food scale and not measuring cups/spoons.20
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The composition of your body is changing. Often this causes plateaus. Keep up the good work and you will get through it.4
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Use a food scale for EVERYTHING, measuring cups really aren't accurate.20
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GEAUSthemistake wrote: »I have always struggled with my weight. Although I am not short, 5' 5", I am quite small boned, which runs in the family, and my comfortable weight is towards the lower end of the recommended spectrum. However, it has been impossible to maintain what is comfortable. For years I have gone on and off different diets (mostly excluding dairy and trying anti-inflammatory because of a history of lactose intolerance) and this past year I finally decided to get down to business and really make it stick. I decreased calorie intake to between 1,000 and 1,400 calories (yes, measuring with measuring spoons and cups, not eyeballing). In addition I began running 2.5 miles 4 days a week, walking another 2.5-5, and cutting down on carbs. After about three months my effort showed but did not reflect the effort, decreasing from 128-123lbs. I continued this for another 6 months hoping that maybe if I kept it up I would still lose. I increased my running mileage to 2.5 miles every day. 6 months later I made it to a goal of just below 117.
Now, as it is summer, I have more time to run and bake, a hobby I enjoy. I began eating a baked good each day which seemed allowable because I increased my running regimen. However, within 1.5 weeks I gained three pounds (I had still yet to pass a daily intake of 1,400 calories). I increased my running even further to try to prevent additional gain and stopped consuming baked goods, returning my diet to the way it was when I was 117 and running 2.5 miles every day. My weight increased another 3lbs, this time in 1 week despite cutting calories below the amount at which I had once lost.
Needless to say, I am greatly confused. Currently, and for the past month, I am running 7miles a day, walking an additional 3, and do not consume beyond 1,400 calories. Yet, I cannot fit into my current wardrobe and appear to be consistently gaining weight. I do not see how this is possible as the energy I am expending requires that my intake should be consumed and then some.
I would also like to add that I am undergoing allergy testing for possible celiac disease. I do not consume gluten, dairy, sweets, foods with added sugar, alcohol, red meat, or caffeinated beverages besides a morning half-cup of coffee. In addition, because of these limitations I have not eaten fast food in over a year.
Sorry for the long post but it has been a very long journey and I'm nearly at my wits end! Any ideas to how or why this weight gain is occurring? And most of all, any ideas how to make it stop?
-Malie
I am always thin as a man. What I have learned is that i never ate snacks. Just ate breakfast,lunch dinner and toast before bed. No snacks as such..10 -
GEAUSthemistake wrote: »...
Now, as it is summer, I have more time to run and bake, a hobby I enjoy. I began eating a baked good each day which seemed allowable because I increased my running regimen. However, within 1.5 weeks I gained three pounds (I had still yet to pass a daily intake of 1,400 calories). I increased my running even further to try to prevent additional gain and stopped consuming baked goods, returning my diet to the way it was when I was 117 and running 2.5 miles every day. My weight increased another 3lbs, this time in 1 week despite cutting calories below the amount at which I had once lost.
Needless to say, I am greatly confused. Currently, and for the past month, I am running 7miles a day, walking an additional 3, and do not consume beyond 1,400 calories. Yet, I cannot fit into my current wardrobe and appear to be consistently gaining weight. I do not see how this is possible as the energy I am expending requires that my intake should be consumed and then some.
I would also like to add that I am undergoing allergy testing for possible celiac disease. I do not consume gluten, dairy, sweets, foods with added sugar, alcohol, red meat, or caffeinated beverages besides a morning half-cup of coffee. In addition, because of these limitations I have not eaten fast food in over a year.
...
There are two issues here.
1. Fluctuation. You will hold water when activity levels ramp up. Almost every time. Don't worry about the 3 pound gain (if your measurements were accurate).
2. You have obvious measuring errors. This is going to sound blunt, but it's really not meant to be. There is virtually zero chance that you are running 7 miles per day, walking 3, plus your regular every day activity (the equivalent of ~20,000 + steps per day), consuming <1400 calories per day and gaining fat.. If your measuring was accurate, you would not be able to sustain the activity level for long.
If you were sedentary, you would still be losing weight....if your measurements were accurate. With your activity level, your calorie intake, if accurate, would be too aggressive.
Cutting carbs, going gluten-free, avoiding "bad foods" and the like are not relevant.
Get a food scale. Ditch the measuring cups and measuring spoons. Weigh everything. Given everything you've posted, your answer is in your logging/measuring.23 -
Silentpadna wrote: »GEAUSthemistake wrote: »...
Now, as it is summer, I have more time to run and bake, a hobby I enjoy. I began eating a baked good each day which seemed allowable because I increased my running regimen. However, within 1.5 weeks I gained three pounds (I had still yet to pass a daily intake of 1,400 calories). I increased my running even further to try to prevent additional gain and stopped consuming baked goods, returning my diet to the way it was when I was 117 and running 2.5 miles every day. My weight increased another 3lbs, this time in 1 week despite cutting calories below the amount at which I had once lost.
Needless to say, I am greatly confused. Currently, and for the past month, I am running 7miles a day, walking an additional 3, and do not consume beyond 1,400 calories. Yet, I cannot fit into my current wardrobe and appear to be consistently gaining weight. I do not see how this is possible as the energy I am expending requires that my intake should be consumed and then some.
I would also like to add that I am undergoing allergy testing for possible celiac disease. I do not consume gluten, dairy, sweets, foods with added sugar, alcohol, red meat, or caffeinated beverages besides a morning half-cup of coffee. In addition, because of these limitations I have not eaten fast food in over a year.
...
There are two issues here.
1. Fluctuation. You will hold water when activity levels ramp up. Almost every time. Don't worry about the 3 pound gain (if your measurements were accurate).
2. You have obvious measuring errors. This is going to sound blunt, but it's really not meant to be. There is virtually zero chance that you are running 7 miles per day, walking 3, plus your regular every day activity (the equivalent of ~20,000 + steps per day), consuming <1400 calories per day and gaining fat.. If your measuring was accurate, you would not be able to sustain the activity level for long.
If you were sedentary, you would still be losing weight....if your measurements were accurate. With your activity level, your calorie intake, if accurate, would be too aggressive.
Cutting carbs, going gluten-free, avoiding "bad foods" and the like are not relevant.
Get a food scale. Ditch the measuring cups and measuring spoons. Weigh everything. Given everything you've posted, your answer is in your logging/measuring.
^^ This. I weigh less than you, am shorter than you, am older than you, and average the same number of steps as you. If I was eating less than 1400 calories a day I'd be losing at least 1 pound a week.
So the good news from all of that is that you are eating more than you think you are and with food scales and proper logging the weight can start to shift.5 -
These might help:
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1080242/a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants/p1
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10084670/it-is-unlikely-that-you-will-lose-weight-consistently-i-e-weight-loss-is-not-linear/p1
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10634517/you-dont-use-a-food-scale/p14 -
These might help:
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1080242/a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants/p1
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10084670/it-is-unlikely-that-you-will-lose-weight-consistently-i-e-weight-loss-is-not-linear/p1
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10634517/you-dont-use-a-food-scale/p1
And this:
http://physiqonomics.com/the-weird-and-highly-annoying-world-of-scale-weight-and-fluctuations/4 -
I’m actually with her here I’m eating 1200 calories a day 10000 steps a day 200 squats a day and 100 sit ups 15 minute weight lifting and a hour a day on the hula hoop.
however I’m not loosing weight I feel like I am but the scales aren’t going down why ?6 -
mrswinterx wrote: »I’m actually with her here I’m eating 1200 calories a day 10000 steps a day 200 squats a day and 100 sit ups 15 minute weight lifting and a hour a day on the hula hoop.
however I’m not loosing weight I feel like I am but the scales aren’t going down why ?
How much weight do you have left to lose?
Are you using a food scale?
Are you verifying that the database entries you are choosing have the correct calories listed?
For how long have you been accurately and consistently logging, with no gaps or skipped meals or unlogged cheat days, and not lost any weight?9 -
I have Atleast 3 stone left to loose
Yes I’m using a food scale
I don’t double check the database
I’ve been logging for 41 days I’ve missed some days in between and had a few over the calories cheat days.
I was loosing at first but in the past two weeks half lost about half a pound.
It is starting to feel very disheartening I don’t have a rest day with my exercise could this slow my weight loss down.
But when I don’t exercise I feel really strange and like a slob and feel guilty all day.6 -
Double check those entries to either the package or the USDA published info, lots of them are wrong. Don't use recipe style entries like "turkey sandwich", log the turkey log the bread log the tomato log the mayo.
It is perfectly normal to see scale weight loss slow down or stop for a couple of weeks, that's just real life and nothing to get discouraged about.
Rest days are important, if you overwork your body you will be giving less effort over time. Hard core fitness people take rest days, there's no reason you should feel guilty for taking a rest day.
Did you read the posts I linked previously in this thread? I think they will really help
5 -
There are a few reasons you may be seeing no loss right now. The first is illustrated in the picture the second is explained below it.mrswinterx wrote: »I have Atleast 3 stone left to loose
Yes I’m using a food scale
I don’t double check the database
I’ve been logging for 41 days I’ve missed some days in between and had a few over the calories cheat days.
I was loosing at first but in the past two weeks half lost about half a pound.
It is starting to feel very disheartening I don’t have a rest day with my exercise could this slow my weight loss down.
But when I don’t exercise I feel really strange and like a slob and feel guilty all day.
Often times people lose weight very quickly in the first week or two of a diet. Very often a large portion of the initial weight loss is water due to the change in diet. As time goes by the body adjusts to the new regime and the water comes back. If they continue to diet they think they aren’t losing anything when in actual fact they are now losing fat pounds. If you are one of those folks who had a big drop at the beginning of your program this is likely the case and you are still losing. Don’t quit.
6 -
Thank you very much I will start logging everything separate and see if that makes a difference.
I will give myself a couple of weeks without weighing myself and see if it drops a bit then.
Thank you again I will give myself a day to rest do I need to rest from everything or can I still do my squats everyday ?0 -
You ladies are inspiring to an older gentleman keep up the great work. Useing a scale will help and if your amount of excercise is accurate your building muscle, which weighs more then fat. How do your clothes fit are you feeling good what's your state of mind. These things are important keep moving forward. I wish I could move as much as you all do, ya see I've fallen into a trap that is challenging for me to escape. Coming from a crazy fitness background, running, lifting and strict nutrition lifestyle life has challenged me at my age.7
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mrswinterx wrote: »Thank you very much I will start logging everything separate and see if that makes a difference.
I will give myself a couple of weeks without weighing myself and see if it drops a bit then.
Thank you again I will give myself a day to rest do I need to rest from everything or can I still do my squats everyday ?
If it doesn't cause you undo stress, I'd encourage weighing yourself daily and using a trending app like HappyScale or Libra (excel works too) to gather a more statistically significant data set. Due to fluid changes scale weight can fluctuate greatly and make it hard (and sometimes discouraging as you're finding) comparing point-to-point weights.3 -
mrswinterx wrote: »Thank you very much I will start logging everything separate and see if that makes a difference.
I will give myself a couple of weeks without weighing myself and see if it drops a bit then.
Thank you again I will give myself a day to rest do I need to rest from everything or can I still do my squats everyday ?
weight each individual ingredient and logging separately is key. for anything you have control over (for recipes create your own). food scale for everything.
if you were open to it, one option is to open your diary temporarily and some of the members who've been at it years can take a peak and offer some tips/suggestions or areas that could potentially maybe be problematic.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/account/diary_settings2 -
steelrod95 wrote: »You ladies are inspiring to an older gentleman keep up the great work. Useing a scale will help and if your amount of excercise is accurate your building muscle, which weighs more then fat. How do your clothes fit are you feeling good what's your state of mind. These things are important keep moving forward. I wish I could move as much as you all do, ya see I've fallen into a trap that is challenging for me to escape. Coming from a crazy fitness background, running, lifting and strict nutrition lifestyle life has challenged me at my age.
she is not putting on appreciable muscle mass while running and eating 1400 calories per day.
muscle growth is a long and slow process - especially in females - and would require a progressive lifting program which she makes no mention of. much more likely to be a logging issue or any of the other issues noted above.7 -
weight each individual ingredient and logging separately is key. for anything you have control over (for recipes create your own). food scale for everything.
if you were open to it, one option is to open your diary temporarily and some of the members who've been at it years can take a peak and offer some tips/suggestions or areas that could potentially maybe be problematic.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/account/diary_settings[/quote]
How do I open my diary0 -
mrswinterx wrote: »Thank you very much I will start logging everything separate and see if that makes a difference.
I will give myself a couple of weeks without weighing myself and see if it drops a bit then.
Thank you again I will give myself a day to rest do I need to rest from everything or can I still do my squats everyday ?
If it doesn't cause you undo stress, I'd encourage weighing yourself daily and using a trending app like HappyScale or Libra (excel works too) to gather a more statistically significant data set. Due to fluid changes scale weight can fluctuate greatly and make it hard (and sometimes discouraging as you're finding) comparing point-to-point weights.
I will try this and see if it helps any I do drink a lot of tea and coffee bad habit I think I’m having a lot of empty calories in just this alone could be part of my problem maybe water weight ?
1
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