Assistance PLEASE! This is getting ridiculous.

Kelekat · February 2012

Here's the not so skinny on my weight loss story thus far. Imagine that someone said to you--for the next two plus weeks, you will adhere to a 1,200 calorie diet. You will weight train three times a week, and engage in some form of strenuous cardio exercise four days a week. And in return, you will gain and lose the same two pounds the entire time, and you'll start week three off with an additional two ounces of poundage more than you originally started off with.

Welcome to my world.

I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I'm fluctuating the same two couch potato pounds I've carried since I gained this weight. My dieting weight does the exact same thing as my non-dieting weight--exact same numbers when I eat what I want and don't exercise. It's depressing.

I did just start back to the gym with this newest attempt at losing weight--but I had been walking and hiking on a weekly basis before that--I just upped the time and the difficulty of my hikes. It's funny, I've tried other diets in the recent past, Wheat Belly and the 17 Day Diet to name a few. Pounds would start to melt off--I lost nearly 9 pounds on each--but then I'd have a bad reaction from carb starvation and give up. Now that I'm logging every morsel and religiously exercising in some fashion every day, I can't permanently lose an ounce and in fact, have gained two ounces more than I originally started out with.

I realize that a little over two weeks is not a vast amount of time, but one would expect to see SOME sort of change by now--in my weight, in the way my clothes fit--SOMETHING!

But I've got zip, zilch, nada. Oh wait, I do have a 1.3% loss of body fat according to the gizmo my trainer uses, but even that could be wrong. I'm not sure how holding on to a steering wheel type device actually measures body fat to begin with.

Some folks on the site say "eat back your exercise calories." My trainer makes me replace my evening meals with protein shakes and tells me to stay the course. Well, the course isn't working and I need help.

rainbowbow · February 2012

Eat more. Eat atleast your BMR. You may gain at first but it really helped me tremendously when I was lifting and hovered at the same weight for 7 weeks. It was a night and day difference how I felt as well. I know the notion of eating more sounds scary but I truly believe it helped me. Also yes you do need to be eating your exercise calories back.

And i think ive said this to you before... Eat real food for dinner or after your workout! Honestly, who wants to dri k shakes forever? And how are you teaching yourself proper eating habits.....

Best of luck!

SueInAz · February 2012

Have you tried actually measuring yourself with a measuring tape? You're right, two weeks isn't so long but you're also right to expect some sort of reduction in weight during that time. I completely understand your frustration, having gone through a similar experience myself 6 months ago.

Frankly, I'd take the body fat reduction to be a positive change. Give it a little more time and see if you've still lost more with your next measuring. In the meantime, break out the measuring tape and record your measurements here. Remember that muscle weighs more than fat by volume so your weight might stay the same but your measurements will decrease if you're replacing fat with muscle.

ETA: I honestly think the shake thing at night is a bad idea. You should be learning to eat properly and you aren't going to be drinking shakes for your nightly meal when you hit your goal weight. Hopefully, the shakes aren't something you are purchasing pre-made with some sort of proceeds or commission going to the trainer or I'd be highly suspicious.

Also, if you aren't netting 1200 calories a day (calories consumed - calories burned in exercise), you should definitely re-consider upping them so you are.

0AmyMarie0 · February 2012

I have no advice other than good luck. Hopefully all your hard work starts to pay off soon.

kathyblake · February 2012

Are you drinking plenty of water? And, remember when doing a tough program at gym you are probably trading fat pounds for muscle pounds. Muscle weighs more and more muscle burns more calories. It is certainly healthier! Keep plugging away...it will pay off.

sammys1girly · February 2012

Two weeks is really not nearly enough time to see a big change, unless you have alot to lose. I gained at first too, just b/c I was gaining muscle. In time, that muscle will burn off more calories throughout the day. Stick with it and it will pay off!

jenniet04 · February 2012

1200 calories is not generally enough for anybody, especially some who is working out at much as you are. You definitely need to be eating back your exercise calories. You lose weight by creating a calorie deficit - calories burned minus calories eaten. Ideally this deficit should be no larger than 1000 calories a day and the less you have to lose, the smaller the number should be. I'm 5'6", weigh currently 155 lbs and I eat anywhere from 1600-1800 calories a day and am still losing weight. You have to fuel your body to make it work for you.

taso42 · February 2012

undereating

MissMaryMac33 · February 2012

I feel you! I know it gets harder at our age as well.

Some factors that are making it hard for me:
I have PCOS (a very common insulin resistance endocrin disorder)
I have peri-menopause (can you say hormones out of whack? holy moly!)
I recently realized I have gluten intolerance which can also cause weight gain

On another note, 1200/day is way too low for most people - unless you have quite a bit of weight to lose.
I can't tell what you should be since I don't know your height, weight, goal weight or activity level but I would look at that again.

Here is a good guide to following if you're setting your calorie net:

75lbs or more: Choose to lose 2lbs/week
40-75 pounds: Choose to lose 1.5lbs/week
25-40 pounds: Choose to lose 1lb/week
15-20 pounds: Choose either 1/2lb or 1lb
Less than 15/20 pounds: choose 1/2 lb/week

I also changed my settings to eat higher protein, lower carb --- 40% protein, 30% carb and that helps me a lot.

kiminikimkim · February 2012

Watch Dr OZ Top 10 Shocking Health MYTHS: http://www.doctoroz.com//videos/shocking-health-myths-pt-1

Some people who can't lose the last 10 to 15lbs is caused by an allergy to milk or wheat. The symptoms are stalled weight loss, bloat and fatigue. Milk protein is hidden everywhere: Canned tuna, protein shakes, deli meats, cold cuts and bread.

Try avoiding any milk products for 3 weeks. See if that helps. Watch the show, there are more details and explanations there.

hjohns65 · February 2012

Eat more. Eat atleast your BMR. You may gain at first but it really helped me tremendously when I was lifting and hovered at the same weight for 7 weeks. It was a night and day difference how I felt as well. I know the notion of eating more sounds scary but I truly believe it helped me. Also yes you do need to be eating your exercise calories back.

I recently did the same thing upped my cal intake to my BMR what a difference! At first I was like that's a lot of cals to be upping- but if you fill it with good healthy foods your not going to notice a hugely negative impact- well okay at least i didn't. Good luck!

melsinct · February 2012

Eat more. Eat atleast your BMR. You may gain at first but it really helped me tremendously when I was lifting and hovered at the same weight for 7 weeks. It was a night and day difference how I felt as well. I know the notion of eating more sounds scary but I truly believe it helped me. Also yes you do need to be eating your exercise calories back.

And i think ive said this to you before... Eat real food for dinner or after your workout! Honestly, who wants to dri k shakes forever? And how are you teaching yourself proper eating habits.....

Best of luck!

I agree with all of this. That is the one thing that jumps out when I look at your diary: you aren't providing your body with enough fuel for you to drop any pounds. I also got stuck for almost 2 months before I FINALLY accepted that I needed to eat more. You definitely aren't gaining muscle if you are working out hard on 1200 calories a day, so that doesn't explain the lack of loss. If anything, you will lose muscle (and fat too) by not eating enough.

Babs540 · February 2012

Your trainers BMI scale is probably right and your replacing fat with muscle which weighs more. Also, ask your trainer about your body's 'set-point-weight' and how you can trick your body past this point. Our bodies get comfortable at a certain weight and will try to maintain it regardless of your training. But a steady and consistent workout routine with good food, water, sleep and exercise will prevail eventually. Hang in there. Results aren't always immediate.

azjlmar123 · February 2012

Follow Bluefever (ask to be her friend). Her meal plan worked for me (i was the skinniest ever in my life). I like cardio but lifting weights is what is the trick for me to lose ANY weight. I could run 20 marathons and still be the same weight. LOL Just a thought. I have struggled with your exact situation for the last year. I had forgotten that the key to my weight loss and inches loss is weight lifting (not heavy weights). I was 126 when i did that about 6 years ago. I am 142 now and am starting that regime again. i KNOW i will be back down to 126 by early summer cuz that is the ONLY key to my success. Good luck. Its lots of oatmeal, egg whites and other proteins. I am supplementing my vitamin source with Visalus (cuz it works for me and i hate taking pills).

meldaigle · February 2012

I have never replied to any blogs in my entire life! I completly understand what you are saying. I went through the exact same thing!!! I have plateaud for like 6 months after loosing a few stupid pounds (on and off)

Here is the best advice you will ever get: Go to your facebook and ''like'' the metabolic effect page! It is the absolute best. They also have a book : the new ME diet. It's easy, simple and a completly different approach to fat loss. It goes so much further than eating less and exercising more!! It is the ONLY thing that has worked for me.

Also another recommendation, when you go out for a walk, listen to the cutthefatpodcast they are really great and will surely help a lot!

Don't give up! I know it's hard right now! It's all about learning about your metabolism and understanding how to truly loose fat! Good luck!

Kelekat · February 2012

Thank you all so much for responding.

I should tell you that I am 5'8" with my small frame currently residing in 172 pounds (36.2%) of body fat.

My ideal weight, which I was at less than 2 years ago is 138 while (working out and hiking). I was 50, nearly 51 years old (just turned 53). I wasn't "skinny-fat" either. I had nice, well defined arms, legs, and abs.

What happened? Well menopause for one...my hormones are wacky and I can't get a single doctor to listen to me, OB or endocrinogist.

I currently have my settings on MFP at 1.5 pounds a week and it is what set me forth on the 1200 calorie diet and my trainer is the one who is encouraging me to stay with it.

Really though, if I burn through 1,000 calories in a day on one of my mega hikes, and I'm only eating 1,200 and my trainer is telling me not to eat any back--that just seems to be a recipe for disaster. Makes me question her credibility and my gullibility.

jenniet04 · February 2012

MFPs setting for 1200 calories a day is assuming that you WILL eat back your exercise calories because the calorie deficit you are looking for is why your calorie count is so low to start with. I think I would definitely be questioning my trainer.

SueInAz · February 2012

Really though, if I burn through 1,000 calories in a day on one of my mega hikes, and I'm only eating 1,200 and my trainer is telling me not to eat any back--that just seems to be a recipe for disaster. Makes me question her credibility and my gullibility.

This is probably the most important thing you've said. Dieting is not a cookie cutter plan. If you're burning 1000 calories you should definitely be eating a lot more than 1200 that day. And at 5'8" you should be eating more than 1200 to begin with. I'd question her credibility, as well.

determinedbutlazy · February 2012

It's only been two weeks... If your body isn't used to that much exercise you will be retaining water to repair your muscles.
I started nearly 3 weeks ago, 1200 cal diet, gym 3 times a week (weight training and C25K) and my weight has dropped by about 1/2 a pound.
I think I'm retaining water for muscle repair and building more muscle... I feel fitter and I am losing inches.
Have you been measuring yourself? I measure my hips, waist, upper arm and thigh.

Kelekat · February 2012

I measured a week ago but I haven't done so again yet.

It seems that if I were losing inches, my clothing would fit differently--but I'm still stuffed into my jeans like a sausage in a casing.

Prefessa · February 2012

Kelekat:

Been there and its sucks....I tried Biking 90 miles a week a few years ago which should have given me 2 lbs a week given my diet....at the end of 3 months of biking in the heat of the summer I lost 3 lbs...it was like the first law of thermodynamics didn't exist.

You need to find a doctor ASAP that will listen too you and do some blood work....what Happened in my case is I had the early stages of Type II diabetes, a Vit B12 and Vit D deficiency. Once these things were corrected through medicication (FYI it took months!!) the weight flew off in big gobs!

Now blood sugar issues is just 1 of dozens of things that can grind weight loss to a halt. Thyroid issues, estrogen issues, food alergies, iron deficiency, Leptin downregulation(Adaptive Thermogenisis) and others will do the same thing. My Doctotor put me though a 1/2 day worth of blood work, plus did a full metabolic workup that incuded determination of BMR through respirometry.

Kelekat · February 2012

Prefessa, it's interesting that you mention seeing a physician. I've tried that in the last couple of months, if not for just my hormonal issues. Finding the doctor that will listen is the hardest part. I cried like a baby in both the endocrinologist's office and my OB/GYN's office. Neither seemed to feel that I had any medical reason to be upset--although they ran only a standard panel of blood tests, no metabolic blood tests even though I asked for them. At this point, I'm 0 for 2.

I do think that there is something going on in my body with my adrenals, but I can't find a doctor that will give any credence to my concerns.

So I just decided to plunge headlong into weight loss and exercise, while increasing vitamins, in hopes that some of the symptoms I'm experiencing will subside, especially the weight gain, headaches, insomnia, foggy brain, digestive issues, and general malaise. I do seem to have a bit more energy, but so far, that's the only change I've seen.

At this point, I'm just going to stay off the scales and hope that something breaks soon, before I do.

MissMaryMac33 · February 2012

So I just decided to plunge headlong into weight loss and exercise, while increasing vitamins, in hopes that some of the symptoms I'm experiencing will subside, especially the weight gain, headaches, insomnia, foggy brain, digestive issues, and general malaise. I do seem to have a bit more energy, but so far, that's the only change I've seen.

I could have written this paragraph myself! My doctor decided what I needed for the same symptoms above was an anti-depressant. I told him i wasn't depressed, i knew I wasn't. He said it would help wtih the menopause/night sweats. It did help a little, but I was still just as tired, foggy, moody and had insomnia. I had to ask him to refer me to a doctor in the network that believes in bio-identical hormone so soon i will have my bloodwork done to determine if there is an issue. (I think its low progesterone). I also read in many places that gluten intolerance causes most of the same symptoms so I'm currently trying to be "gluten-free". Too soon to tell.

This is what I keep reading and why I believe its my problem"

"It’s also valuable to understand that menopause causes reduction in progesterone and this may be responsible for certain menopausal symptoms like moods swings, hot flashes, decreased libido, and insomnia. Other low progesterone symptoms may affect women before and after menopause occurs. People may feel fatigue, have dry skin, experience insomnia, have depression, and be likely to put on weight."

Sadly, sometimes we have to ask for a different doctor. i had ask for 3 referrals before I found an endocrinologist who actually knew what PCOS was and could diagnose it. My primary doc had no clue. (This was also 15 years ago before it was so well known)

lambertj · February 2012

Once i hit my 40's it was a lot harder to lose the weight than ever before. Here is what works for me, even out your protein/carb ratio. I usually eat around 100 grams of protein and 100 grams of carbs a day. A quick look at your diary shows a higher percentage of carb to protein. I have eggs for breakfast every day (1 full egg and two egg whites), high in protein, keeps me full longer. A greek yogurt at morning break keeps me from getting hungry till lunch. I eat at 1200 calories (yeah yeah, everyone on MFP says that's too low) but if you choose high quality foods you won't be hungry. Replace red meat with 99% fat free turkey (great in chili and tacos), grill your chicken or bake it, fish is great wrapped in foil and baked. I do cardio 5 days a week and each week I bump up the intensity and the mileage. Don't give up, as my doctor said its not as easy to lose it as it was in our 20's and menopause makes it even harder. I also take 1000 mg of Vitamin D3, drink 11 glasses of water a day and do not drink your food calories. Good luck!

love2cycle · February 2012

1200 calories a day doesn't sound like very much. I've been where you are, though, as far as not losing anything. A few years ago, after hearing about eating more, I decided to try it, and I did diligently watch my caloric intake, and I kept track of calories burned when I exercised. I started losing weight, and lost about 20 pounds in 6 months. I was very happy! I have to write everything down, and even in recipes I make up, trying to figure out the calories, etc. I have talked to some people who don't really like the idea of keeping track of everything that way, but I think it is kind of fun, and it is easier now on this website. I'm 53, by the way, and I know age seems to be a factor. I'm seeking to lose a few pounds right now, and have lost 5 so far. I have found that I have to stick with counting the calories, or I'll be back to square one! Hope you are able to find the answers for yourself!!

5pmsomewherenow · February 2012

I've been there. Your hormones like your body right where it is, right now. How dare you try to change that... don't you know that your hormones rule everything in your 50-something kingdom. I am 5'8" also, yet I started at 209. I'm at 185 after almost three months.

I only saw "acceptable results" after getting professional help with nutrition and a game plan for reduction in calories based on true BMR, body fat %, etc. I did get that help from the director of personal training at my gym. I use five different trainers at my gym, and at any time could get five different opinions on the correct balance of strength, cardio, diet, etc. I asked for a one-on-one, sit down appointment with the head of training, for a game plan I could work on.

For women our age, especially with ruling hormones, it takes about a month to start to see some differences. I didn't see too much change in the first month, but then changes started in weeks 5-6. Be patient, and get some professional help. I know you said you've tried two doctors -- does a hospital or clinic in your local area offer weight loss workshops?

I'm going to send you a friend request -- you've peaked my interest, so now I want to come along for the ride.

Prefessa · February 2012

The Brain Fog thing.....I had it as well.....

Sleep Study....Indicated OSA....CPAP therapy helped but not entirely...I had an AROGANT pulmonologist tell me...hey you have OSA, you cant expect to sleep like a normal person! Jerk!!

Three Years Later....Pre-Diabetes.....Once I corrected my Wakeup BS....The Brain Fog went away!!

Again I cant say that you have the same problems, but just another couple of places to look.

BTW OSA is something you can have even if your skinny as a rail...if your airway is constricted, It doesnt matter...I lost 85lbs....I am Fit, I still need to sleep with a CPAP machine....albeit at a much lower Pressure.

Assistance PLEASE! This is getting ridiculous.

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