im not losing weight and its been over 7 months :(

dls06 · October 2011

I see a LOT of processed foods in your diary. I would suggest more whole foods...more veggies for sure.

This

MJStory · October 2011

Everyone else is giving excellent advice, and one entry in particular is a good synopsis of the other entries. I know that you're training vigorously, but it sounds like you're doing the same exercise routine on a regular basis. This is a formula for you body getting "lazy" (for lack of a better word) with your routine. To make it clear, your body starts to cheat on how you move, which happens with any repetitive activity: your muscles find a simpler movement sequence so as to conserve energy. That means that you're probably not burning as many calories as when you started the activity.

You don't want to stay with the same activity routine for more than about 10 days. If you're running at a track, after 10 days of activity (usually over 2 weeks), start running slow grades, hills or stairs. If you've been using large strides, start using smaller, faster steps like you're sprinting, then you'll really feel it in different muscles the next day. The technique is called "muscle confusion". Use your imagination for variations to change up your routine. You can make an on-line search to get ideas, if you want; fitness, and some women's, magazines have exercise programs every month. Start by making a list of the activities you've been using in your original routine. Then find activities to replace them that are different. You can cycle the lists of routine exercises, and change it up for at least 2 additional variations, or more, then do the routines again. You then should be seeing some improvement in physique, and possibly weight loss.

Don't forget your measurements, as you might be losing inches but not pounds: you're more fit with higher muscle mass and will burn more calories. What doesn't show up on the scale should, hopefully, be reflected in measurements!

I hope this helps!

brk_1982 · October 2011

Agree with most of the comments here, especially but trying to eat "cleaner" - also, noticed that you "earn" a lot of calories from exercise. Maybe you are over-estimating those, and/or your starting calories are too high? Did you accurately assess if you are lightly active/sedentary? (It was hard for me to choose sedentary because I am active when I'm not at work, but I had to admit, I DO sit at a desk all day...)

Feel free to look through my diary for snack ideas. I second the other poster who suggested greek yogurt! Add a little vanilla and some chopped fruit or berries (fresh or frozen). It's healthy, delicious and high in protein so 1/2 cup keeps you full and satisfied!

psuLemon · October 2011

What type of exercise are you doing. Even if you elminate the processed food, there is still a question if you eat enough. 1400 is not that many calories. The two plateaus i have beaten have been from increasing my calories.

albayin · October 2011

Sorry to be harsh, but if you are eating under 1400 cals a day for the last 7 months then you would be losing weight. Even if you were sleeping at night and just sitting in a chair all day.

Are you being totally honest about your food and exercise?

Beer, wine, milk, snacks???

The only person you will fool is yourself ;-)

I was wondering about the same thing.

Theoretically speaking, eating processed food or whole foods should make no much difference in terms of calorie deficit, right?

albayin · October 2011

What type of exercise are you doing. Even if you elminate the processed food, there is still a question if you eat enough. 1400 is not that many calories. The two plateaus i have beaten have been from increasing my calories.

I don't doubt your expertise on the subject, but I wonder if she suddenly cuts back on calorie intake, in theory, this should make her lose weight for short term, right? Then we could discuss that infamous "starvation mode"...

sweetNsassy2584 · October 2011

I have similar problems, I'm on the Mirena...you will hear a lot of people tell you to eat more calories, well, when I did that, I gained...I actually had to cut my calories back to about 1100 and I started losing again. I don't know if that will work for you, but I think there is something with some of these birth controls that really messes up trying to lose weight! Good luck to you!!!

I've been on Mirena and lost 72 lbs so I don't think it causes you to hold on to weight or gain.

Coyla · October 2011

Inevitably, if you ask why you're not losing weight, someone on MFP will point out sodium, then another will point out processed foods.

These are great suggestions, don't get me wrong. But we also have to be realistic. To the OP, try adding vegetables, fruit, etc. Try eating cleaner, but don't be overwhelmed by this either. Don't burn yourself out by replacing all the foods you love with foods you don't love. Just try to aim for healthier options, even if you replace an unhealthy snack with a serving of vegetables every other day.

Also, be aware that eating cleaner and healthier may not, in fact, lead to weight loss. You may have a medical condition that's preventing you from losing, a thyroid problem, or even a food intolerance. It may also be as simple as working a little longer and harder at your exercising, adding strength training (squats for the win!), and drinking more water.

Otherwise, I want to applaud you sticking with this for so long!!! Great job! Despite the lack of weight loss, I'm betting there's been a lot of under-the-surface changes that have made you healthier!

albayin · October 2011

Inevitably, if you ask why you're not losing weight, someone on MFP will point out sodium, then another will point out processed foods.

These are great suggestions, don't get me wrong. But we also have to be realistic. To the OP, try adding vegetables, fruit, etc. Try eating cleaner, but don't be overwhelmed by this either. Don't burn yourself out by replacing all the foods you love with foods you don't love. Just try to aim for healthier options, even if you replace an unhealthy snack with a serving of vegetables every other day.

Also, be aware that eating cleaner and healthier may not, in fact, lead to weight loss. You may have a medical condition that's preventing you from losing, a thyroid problem, or even a food intolerance. It may also be as simple as working a little longer and harder at your exercising, adding strength training (squats for the win!), and drinking more water.

Otherwise, I want to applaud you sticking with this for so long!!! Great job! Despite the lack of weight loss, I'm betting there's been a lot of under-the-surface changes that have made you healthier!

This is a sound response, to me.

laurensohn22 · October 2011

Thank you everyone for your help I even switched my lunch to fruits now I just need to work on dinner options Haha see no one at home cooks which sucks and if we cook its like pasta fajitas or something I know isn't good for me . I'm considering going to the doctor after all the suggestions . I havnt give in a very long time . But as said thank you

anymore suggestions ?

albayin · October 2011

Thank you everyone for your help I even switched my lunch to fruits now I just need to work on dinner options Haha see no one at home cooks which sucks and if we cook its like pasta fajitas or something I know isn't good for me . I'm considering going to the doctor after all the suggestions . I havnt give in a very long time . But as said thank you anymore suggestions ?

Just quick question, how do you measure the calories? Eyeballing it, or actually use a scale? I was worning the accuracy...

laurensohn22 · October 2011

Well since most of what I eat (so far ) is processed and already has everything on the box -_- if its not boxed I do measure with a scale or using measuring cups ( but this is recent I didn't always do that ) and someone mentioned how do I measure calories burned and I just go off what the machine says since I don't have a hrm . I try to assume the machines are off so I try to stay under the calories by about 200 or so

psuLemon · October 2011

What type of exercise are you doing. Even if you elminate the processed food, there is still a question if you eat enough. 1400 is not that many calories. The two plateaus i have beaten have been from increasing my calories.

Amber82479 · October 2011

Hi there,

I totally understand how frustrating it is when the scale doesn't budge! Based on your diary, I see two things that could be hindering your loss... First and foremost, is the amount of processed food you're eating. I would say go buy a beginners cookbook if you haven't done much cooking and get to it! You can make meals in advance and freeze them if necessary, but getting off of the absurd amount of sodium in processed food alone should help. My second suggestion would to be eating smaller portions more often. It looks like sometimes you're only really eating two meals a day. Your body needs to know that you're going to feed it regularly or it will try to hold on to everything you put into it. Oh and two other suggestions would be to try a completely new workout routine to shake things up and to weigh everything instead of measuring because it's much more accurate. Hope this helps!

laurensohn22 · October 2011

Umm. Ok so for a long time I mean months my favorite machine was the elliptical and I have a trainer that works with me on weights once a week . Recently I started the c25k so now on the treadmill for 3 out of 5 days a week the other two days ill do strength

Also just an add about two weeks ago my gym shut down to remodel for 10 days . In those ten days I lost 2 pounds (didn't work out at all ) but now that I'm working out again (this is when I started the c25k) I have gained those 2 pounds back . Not cool -_-

sheisbrown · October 2011

I looked back at your diary since Monday. It looks like you are eating too much processed foods and not enough fresh fruit and veg. If you eat eggs, try having that in the morning instead of cereal. It will keep you fuller, longer. I also find eating fresh fruit and vegetables will eliminate the need for fiber one bars.

Agreed. Eat more veggies and whole foods and cut the processed food. Drink lots of water.

kmcrey87 · October 2011

I see a LOT of processed foods in your diary. I would suggest more whole foods...more veggies for sure.

Yes, I would cut the processed foods and load up on the veggies and fruits. It's hard to overhaul your diet and it took me a long time to get mine right for my body, but you can do it!

mbaldan · October 2011

I had the same problem. Even my BF couldn't understand it, I have impeccable eating habits and worked out all the time. It was FRUSTRATING!!!
So, I saw my doc and they tested my thyroid. I am on Synthroid now and it helps. I have lost 10.8 pounds. It wasn't magic, though. I still work hard and have even cut meat out of my diet.
Also, I hate to admit it, but I saw a medical weight loss clinic here in town. I get a weekly B shot and a weekly supply of Phentermine. But i only see them like every other week to give my body breaks. It has been working to kick start my weight loss. It wasn't an easy decision to go there, but I am so glad I did. Not only do I get the meds, but they give me support and helped me formulate a dietary plan for becoming a vegetarian so I wouldn't do it the wrong way.

Maybe start with your doctor b/c it sounds like something could be wrong...But I applaud you for not giving up (I almost did!).

Another trick...are you getting 60 grams of protein/day? If not, kick it up! The protein will help you burn fat. I have an EAS protein shake made with 3 TBSP of Greek yogurt ,1 cup of Light Soy or Almond (vanilla) milk, and 1 scoop of powder 2x per day. those alone are almost 60 gms of protein and I really believe it makes a huge difference. I feel tired when I don't get my protein in.

Anyway, good luck. If you want to add me, please do. I would very much like to support you through this as I was just there!

laurensohn22 · October 2011

I actually changed my lunch today to a couple fruits

now what's for dinner lol

JJeMitchell · October 2011

That does NOT sound right at all...yeah, it matters what type of calories you are eating...but: only to an extent-

I ate 1500 calories a day in college (lost 25 lbs.) and could only afford frozen dinners, Lipton pasta sides, cereal, etc.

Definitely see a doctor!

lee3978 · October 2011

AFter college it was easier for me to lose major poundage on sodium filled meals and booze. Even up to about 30. Now what I did before does not work. Age? Metabolism? I don't know. And I'm more active now than ever.

Leyla135 · October 2011

Sounds like there might be something wrong with your thyroid. Check with your Dr. Don't give up working out.

anacsitham5 · October 2011

You should be tracking your sugar intake. (Google it for more info) Most people start out tracking their sugars then when they go over their goal, they stop tracking it. That's like not tracking calories because you always go over. It just won't work. I estimated by your food diary that you had 87 grams of sugar today. They suggest not going over 30 grams each day. Maybe you need to look at some other food choices. You should probably up the protein and lower the sugars. There are alot of foods that are delicious without going overboard on the sugars. I know it's a pain to sit in the grocery store checking the fats, calories, sugars, sodiums, etc... but until you find some good alternatives, you may need to do this. I bet if you watched your sugar intake for a month, you would see a difference. Good Luck!

ninerbuff · October 2011

Okay so if you're consistent, then this is a definite plateau. First thing to check to see if you're still doing the same workouts as you were 7 months ago. So are you?

snowsquall · October 2011

Hi, i concur with many below, get your sodium under 2000 , drop the eggo waffles for breaky ,go with whole grain breads high fibre, get a lot more veggies in your dinner and drop the processed foods, i thought a low fat deli turkey wasnt bad but later found out 1000 sodium in 100g's go with Grissol baggetts herb garlic or something like that u can have 8 pieces and your choice of Philly cream cheese, 1 tablespoon will cover them for a total of 130 cals for the bagette and 40 cals for the cream cheese, good for snack or breaky.

healthybabs · October 2011

Start tracking sugar, stop eating processed foods, be honest about what you are logging both for food and exercise. That would be a good start. I can't believe you are so amazed you haven't lost any weight yet. Try to buddy up with people who are being successful, read their food journals, see how they put together nutritional meals. Be mindful of both the macro and micro nutrients and try to stay within the recommended numbers.

_Ben · October 2011

Easiest suggestion, dont eat back your calories

crikee15 · October 2011

I agree with everyone, you need more fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, and also consider real, unprocessed protein (poultry, fish, tofu, etc) instead of getting the majority of it from bars. If you're strength training, you should probably kick up the amount of protein in general, because your carbs to protein ratio is ridiculously high, and protein helps muscles recover. I would also watch the sodium intake. Good luck!