Shouldn't I be losing MORE weight??
Chris_bee05
Posts: 111 Member
Hi everyone. I need some input on this. I'm 5'3" and weigh about 205 lbs right now (that's what I weighed two weeks ago). I have MFP set to 2 lbs a week (although I know that's no guarantee) but I'm working out AT LEAST once a day doing The 30 Day Shred, then doing 45 minutes of yoga at night or taking a 35 minute walk up and down a dirt road pushing my two 35lbs (each) children in a double stroller. I'm set at 1200 calories, so I try to stay between 1100-1200 and I currently DO NOT eat my exercise calories back. I'm also drinking about 8-12 glasses of water per day and that's ALL I drink. No other beverages.
Like I said, two weeks ago I was 205lbs (on my scale), yesterday at the doc I weighed 205.4lbs and this morning on my scale I think I'm about 203lbs, so I only lost 2lbs in 2 weeks. WTH?? Why is this??
Is it because I'm putting on so much muscle working out? Is it because I'm not eating enough calories?
Also, I have hypothyroidism and was recently diagnosed with PCOS which both can slow weight loss. If anyone is familiar with hypothyroidism, should I talk to my doc about adjusting my dose? Maybe I need more thyroid replacement hormone...IDK...but it's frustrating. I've only been "dieting" for 6 weeks and I've already hit one plateau where I didn't lose for 3+ weeks. At this stage of my weight loss I should still be putting up some pretty good numbers every week right?
Any help??
Like I said, two weeks ago I was 205lbs (on my scale), yesterday at the doc I weighed 205.4lbs and this morning on my scale I think I'm about 203lbs, so I only lost 2lbs in 2 weeks. WTH?? Why is this??
Is it because I'm putting on so much muscle working out? Is it because I'm not eating enough calories?
Also, I have hypothyroidism and was recently diagnosed with PCOS which both can slow weight loss. If anyone is familiar with hypothyroidism, should I talk to my doc about adjusting my dose? Maybe I need more thyroid replacement hormone...IDK...but it's frustrating. I've only been "dieting" for 6 weeks and I've already hit one plateau where I didn't lose for 3+ weeks. At this stage of my weight loss I should still be putting up some pretty good numbers every week right?
Any help??
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Replies
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It takes a lot of time to build muscle weight, and you're not going to be able to do it when you're eating at such a high deficit. So it's not muscle weight.
You might not be eating enough. I know a lot of people lose easily while not eating their exercise cals, but a lot of people don't. I do better when I eat them. So it's just a thought, and you can take it or leave it.
How's your sodium intake? If you're retaining water that will reflect on the scale. It also might be an issue with your thyroid, since that has been a problem for you. Try changing up something -- either eating more, or doing more strength training instead of so much cardio, or changing your protein/carb/fat ratio (I do better when I eat more protein, but still not low-carb), or something. Whatever you decide to change, try it for 2 or 3 weeks before deciding whether or not it's going to work for you. And put a call in to your doc to see if he has any recommendations.
Good luck!0 -
try not eating at such a severe deficit, you could likely cut on around 2000 cals a day0
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It takes a lot of time to build muscle weight, and you're not going to be able to do it when you're eating at such a high deficit. So it's not muscle weight.
You might not be eating enough. I know a lot of people lose easily while not eating their exercise cals, but a lot of people don't. I do better when I eat them. So it's just a thought, and you can take it or leave it.
How's your sodium intake? If you're retaining water that will reflect on the scale. It also might be an issue with your thyroid, since that has been a problem for you. Try changing up something -- either eating more, or doing more strength training instead of so much cardio, or changing your protein/carb/fat ratio (I do better when I eat more protein, but still not low-carb), or something. Whatever you decide to change, try it for 2 or 3 weeks before deciding whether or not it's going to work for you. And put a call in to your doc to see if he has any recommendations.
Good luck!
Sodium intake is...okay. I try to stay with the 2500 (or whatever MFP says) per day, but others have told me they always stay below 1500, so maybe I should clean that up a bit.... I feel like I'm eating pretty well for the most part, but maybe I should try eating some of my exercise calories back...
What about sugars? A few times this last week I had a glass of orange juice because my stomach was upset and that always helps me. What effect would too much sugar have? I've also been eating a lot of fruit and putting Nutella on toast. Only about 0.5 tbsp, but still... that's SOME sugar....0 -
try not eating at such a severe deficit, you could likely cut on around 2000 cals a day
I might try to up my intake a bit. If I'm already not losing then it can't hurt right? LOL0 -
I have MFP set to 2 lbs a week (although I know that's no guarantee) but I'm working out AT LEAST once a day doing The 30 Day Shred, then doing 45 minutes of yoga at night or taking a 35 minute walk up and down a dirt road pushing my two 35lbs (each) children in a double stroller. I'm set at 1200 calories, so I try to stay between 1100-1200 and I currently DO NOT eat my exercise calories back. I'm also drinking about 8-12 glasses of water per day and that's ALL I drink. No other beverages.
Is it because I'm putting on so much muscle working out? Is it because I'm not eating enough calories?
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/23912-links-in-mfp-you-want-to-read-again-and-again
seems to me you answered your own question, but the above link will take you to the eating enough calories links.
Also, it takes a month to put on 2.5 pounds of muscle . . . for a man . . . who is eating everything right (and not in a defecit). . . and pumping like a ton . . . and everything else about the situation is perfect. So no, I'm sorry but it's not muscle weight, it could be water weight, it could be something else.0 -
Maybe you're losing inches? You should always check inches, especially when taking the 30DS! I didn't lose any weight for the first 10 days but I lost loadsss of inches.0
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Maybe you're losing inches? You should always check inches, especially when taking the 30DS! I didn't lose any weight for the first 10 days but I lost loadsss of inches.
I feel like I'm getting smaller and I can definitely tell a difference with the Shred. I checked my measurements again a week into it and I'd lost 3in of my waist alone so I know that's working. That was Day 7 and I'm on Day 18 now, so maybe I should go measure again...0 -
I don't think you are eating enough. At your weight, 1200 calories is very low. Plus if you're working out and burning, say 500 each time, that only gives you a net of 700 calories. Your body is more than likely bordering on starvation mode. I just upped my calories from 1450 to 1700 and not only do I have more energy, but the extra calories help me push harder during my workouts. If you must stay at 1200, at least start eating your exercise calories back. Just a thought! Good luck!0
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I have MFP set to 2 lbs a week (although I know that's no guarantee) but I'm working out AT LEAST once a day doing The 30 Day Shred, then doing 45 minutes of yoga at night or taking a 35 minute walk up and down a dirt road pushing my two 35lbs (each) children in a double stroller. I'm set at 1200 calories, so I try to stay between 1100-1200 and I currently DO NOT eat my exercise calories back. I'm also drinking about 8-12 glasses of water per day and that's ALL I drink. No other beverages.
Is it because I'm putting on so much muscle working out? Is it because I'm not eating enough calories?
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/23912-links-in-mfp-you-want-to-read-again-and-again
seems to me you answered your own question, but the above link will take you to the eating enough calories links.
Also, it takes a month to put on 2.5 pounds of muscle . . . for a man . . . who is eating everything right (and not in a defecit). . . and pumping like a ton . . . and everything else about the situation is perfect. So no, I'm sorry but it's not muscle weight, it could be water weight, it could be something else.
Yeah I had a feeling it wasn't muscle, but I just wanted to put all the "options" out there. I don't even care if it's not muscle. I just want to know if it sounds like I'm doing something wrong. Thanks for the help and the link 0 -
try not eating at such a severe deficit, you could likely cut on around 2000 cals a day
This!
You need to ensure you are eating the amount of calories a day that MFP says. Or at least NET 1200 calories. Your definitely not eating enough right now. Your food choices are great....just add more food to it :-)0 -
I had exactly the same problem. I lost only 2 pounds in the first month and now it is finally coming off more rapidly. I would chase after my twins and do extra cardio too and still nothing. The trick that worked for me was more variety in my meals. I had a tendancy to eat the same thing for both breakfast and lunch. Also, I have to watch the carbs. I love them, but if I have too much it screws everything up. (Even if the calories allow it.) Lastly, my dietitian said to eat more protein that is suggested by MFP.
Stick with it!!
-Ginger0 -
I think that I would try increasing my calories - you aren't eating many for the exercise you are doing.
As for the thyroid issue - have you had your levels checked lately? If they are checked and the range is within normal, it's not your medicine.
Hang in there!0 -
Hi..I would be bummed too if I was doing all that and not losing! I did "peak" at your food diary. Maybe you can get all your calories in if you have a couple pieces of fruit? Good luck and don't give up! The scale has to move eventually!!!0
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Six weeks = 16 pounds? That's more than two pounds a week -- not sure why you are complaining.
Kaye0 -
sometimes you just hit a wall. I was losing really well for about a month and a half and then all of a sudden I was stuck at 16 pounds lost for about 2 weeks. It was frustrating but you will eventually break through that wall. Sometimes you don't lose that 2 pounds a week...it's more like a half a pound or just one pound instead. Keep going though...don't give up. You can do it!!0
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Six weeks = 16 pounds? That's more than two pounds a week -- not sure why you are complaining.
Kaye
First of all, I've only been using MFP for six weeks. I've been working out/eating right LONGER than that.
Second of all, I lost the first 10 lbs in about 2 weeks (before using MFP) and I believe it to have been mostly water weight.
And third, on August 5th I was 211 lbs, and today is September 15th and I weigh about 205lbs, so in 6 weeks I've only managed to lose 6lbs...
In my opinion, I'm working way harder than 1lb a week, and I feel like I have a right to complain. If you don't have anything positive to contribute to this thread then please don't reply.0 -
sometimes you just hit a wall. I was losing really well for about a month and a half and then all of a sudden I was stuck at 16 pounds lost for about 2 weeks. It was frustrating but you will eventually break through that wall. Sometimes you don't lose that 2 pounds a week...it's more like a half a pound or just one pound instead. Keep going though...don't give up. You can do it!!
I know what you mean. This will be the second "wall" I've hit since starting this back in July, which I think is just crazy. I wish my body would just cooperate. My husband has been "living healthy" for a little less than 2 years now and has only hit 3 or 4 plateaus in that entire 2 year period. Grrrr.0 -
Your thyoid will effect more of your energy levels then anything. That is why it is harder to lose weight. My daughter has hypothyroidism so we have been dealing with for about 3 yrs now. You seem to be doing great with the exercise! I would up the calories & try reducing the carbs but not drastically. Try that for a day or two & see if there is a difference on the scale. Let me know how it goes!!0
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Is it because I'm putting on so much muscle working out?
NO, no no no no! It's just 30DS not "real" strength training that involves more than 3-5lb weights for 20 min a day AND necessary large amounts of protein to really build.
Normally it’s a matter of not eating enough and needing to eat back your calories but at your weight/height you should not plateau for quite a while. Definitely has to do with the medical issues. Those with those conditions would be your best resource in addition to your doctor.0 -
I think losing 2lbs in 2 weeks is good. Slow and steady wins the race here 0
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Is it because I'm putting on so much muscle working out?
NO, no no no no! It's just 30DS not "real" strength training that involves more than 3-5lb weights for 20 min a day AND necessary large amounts of protein to really build.
Normally it’s a matter of not eating enough and needing to eat back your calories but at your weight/height you should not plateau for quite a while. Definitely has to do with the medical issues. Those with those conditions would be your best resource in addition to your doctor.
I'm guessing you meant "shouldn't" plateau, which is what I was thinking. For being as heavy as I am and drastically changing my entire lifestyle I should be dropping the pounds pretty steadily for quite a while at first.0 -
Maybe you're losing inches? You should always check inches, especially when taking the 30DS! I didn't lose any weight for the first 10 days but I lost loadsss of inches.
This girl lost only 2.5 lbs but 11 inches so it's possible;
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/341211-my-30-day-shred-results-pics0 -
It could be that you aren't eating enough. I found that when I restricted my calories below 1300 my weight loss slowed dramatically. I changed my settings so my calories were back up at 1500 and the weight started coming off. With your amount of exercise it's probably a good idea to try eating more, start with eating your exercise calories and experiment from there and find the combo that's right for you.0
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Is it because I'm putting on so much muscle working out?
NO, no no no no! It's just 30DS not "real" strength training that involves more than 3-5lb weights for 20 min a day AND necessary large amounts of protein to really build.
Normally it’s a matter of not eating enough and needing to eat back your calories but at your weight/height you should not plateau for quite a while. Definitely has to do with the medical issues. Those with those conditions would be your best resource in addition to your doctor.
I'm guessing you meant "shouldn't" plateau, which is what I was thinking. For being as heavy as I am and drastically changing my entire lifestyle I should be dropping the pounds pretty steadily for quite a while at first.
Shouldn't or should not - same thing. I would agree with your thoughts, definitely use the search are here in MFP to find others w/ PCOS also experiencing trouble, there are quite a few people.0 -
What is your diet like? Its not always about how many calories your eaitng, but the typle of calories you are getting into your body. Start researching about becoming a raw vegan. Its hard to stick to, but once you get the hang of it you will feel the best you have ever felt in your life.. The pounds will shed off, you'll have a boat load of energy, and your skin will look great! However. If you do become a raw vegan you have to eat A LOT of food, to get the reccomended calories!0
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I think losing 2lbs in 2 weeks is good. Slow and steady wins the race here
Yeah I know, and I'm trying to stay positive. I just feel like I'm working REALLY hard and not getting the results I feel like I deserve... :frown:
Before July I was eating fast food all the time, all sorts of junk food, two or three helpings for lunch AND dinner, and NEVER exercising. Not one bit of physical activity. I've really turned my whole life around and I just want the scale to reflect that...
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Is it because I'm putting on so much muscle working out?
NO, no no no no! It's just 30DS not "real" strength training that involves more than 3-5lb weights for 20 min a day AND necessary large amounts of protein to really build.
Normally it’s a matter of not eating enough and needing to eat back your calories but at your weight/height you should not plateau for quite a while. Definitely has to do with the medical issues. Those with those conditions would be your best resource in addition to your doctor.
I'm guessing you meant "shouldn't" plateau, which is what I was thinking. For being as heavy as I am and drastically changing my entire lifestyle I should be dropping the pounds pretty steadily for quite a while at first.
Shouldn't or should not - same thing. I would agree with your thoughts, definitely use the search are here in MFP to find others w/ PCOS also experiencing trouble, there are quite a few people.
Sorry. I didn't see the "not" after it. That's my fault LOL I only got about 3 hours of sleep last night...LOL0 -
Try adding more fresh fruits and veggies and lean proteins to your diet rather than so much processed foods. And your calories are on the very low end, try eating more.0
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Definitely not eating enough. Based on your diary, you should be eating about 1600 calories a day. Without fueling your body properly, your body will hang onto every calorie. Basically, your body works on instinct. When you severely restrict your calories, your body doesn't understand "dieting to lose weight." All it knows is that suddenly, you aren't getting much fuel, and it doesn't know when it will be getting more (there must be a lack of food in the jungle, might have to travel a while to find some.) So it does what it has to do to survive, which is basically break down muscle tissue and burn that for energy, since muscle takes a lot more energy to maintain than fat does, and also, fat is responsible for manufacturing hormones that regulate body function, and for regulating body temperature, which makes it a higher priority than muscle tissue. As you burn muscle, your BMR drops considerably (a pound of muscle takes about 30-50 calories a day to sustain, while fat takes about 1 or 2) which ends up stabilizing your weight loss eventually. Eat more and strength train in order to maintain muscle mass and lose the fat.0
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I've only been "dieting" for 6 weeks
Sorry if I misunderstood what you said.....I looked at this sentence, and then looked at your weight loss ticker.....see why I was confused?0
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