DISCOURAGED!!!

Getting discouraged is normal. For some people, weight loss is painfully slow. You didn't gain it all over night, you can't expect to lose it overnight either!

Make sure you are drinking lots of water. Zumba is a high energy exercise, so you need to stay well hydrated for that! Water weight will go down if you drink plenty of water too. Helps keep bloating down to a minimum also.

Finally, add some resistance/weight training. You'd be surprised how much that helps with weight loss!

Also, this board is for Success Stories. Your post would be better received in the "Motivation & Support" board.

Try not to be discouraged. I'm not one of those people that lose weight quickly. I agree that maybe some strength training might help and try to change up your routine. Sometimes that makes your body work harder which my help increase your weight loss.
If you stick with it, so will I. Be strong!

Definitely do NOT be discouraged! First off, congrats to you for making a decision to become a healthier you and then putting your thoughts into action. I absolutely LOVE Zumba and it's a great form of cardio so keep doing what ya love. However maybe you should incorporate strength training as well because lifting weights actually burns more calories than cardio alone does. I do Zumba twice a week and strength training 3-4 times a week. I have lost about 25 pounds and I definitely feel and look more tone than I did before. Maintain your calorie goal by eating clean. And don't forget to drink your water! I hope this helps a little. Don't give up...you got this :flowerforyou:

I know for me if I don't drink my 8 plus glasses of water a day I do not see the scale moving. Also have you taken your measurement as well? This is a better way to track your changes then to use the scale alone. It will happen - you have shocked your body and it isn't sure what to do.

I was hoping to hear from successful people to help me be successful....sorry

Don't be sorry...........he's just being mean! He could have at least offered you something positive or just left the post when he saw the message wasn't what he wanted to see.........People are getting really rediculous on here............who cares where you post something..........we are all here to help one another..........Good luck sweetie and for what its worth......I agree with the other posters....I think you may have to up your calories:bigsmile:

A half-pound a week is no small feat -- it's better than gaining! Open up your diary, make sure you're eating enough and doing strength training, and dont' give up!

I haven't lost a pound since Thanksgiving. I'm still here bustin' *kitten*.

Don't panic.

If you're keeping good track of intake and exercise, and you're operating at a deficit as outlined by MFP, the weight will fall off.

It just takes time.

Ignore the scale for a few weeks. Don't be tempted by its shiny spinning dial. Get out a tape measure to keep track of your measurements instead. Look at your clothes to see how they're fitting.

Take a minute to celebrate the fact that you can exercise longer and with greater intensity. You're doing great things for your heart, metabolism, strength and endurance. Exercise has dramatically lowered your risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and more.

Good luck!
John

I find it helps to start doing searches on calories and weight loss, etc.. whatever area that's got you down. It's subtle, but it can help to get your head back in the game.

Based on some of the comments here, it might be worth doing some reading on "starvation mode". There is a common belief that getting too few calories can undermine your weight loss. There is certainly some truth to this, but serious daily reductions in calories threaten your health more than your metabolism.

If your body normally burns 1700 calories per day and you take it to extreme starvation mode (not something that happens overnight), you 'might' slow it down to 1500 calories. (10% reductions were the extreme cases).. If you only consume 1200 calories your body still needs to burn something to get those other 300. It may sound complicated, but this is how it works.

You do not need to be sorry! You are reaching out and that's what matters. And it looks like your post has been well received here. Good luck to you!

I saw a Dr. Oz show and he had some expert on who says he's a firm believer of weight training. Maybe start adding some weight training to your exercise routine. Good Luck!

I too started to lose weight but I fell off the wagon and I'm struggling to get back on.

Weight loss takes A LONG TIME! Don't be discouraged... you just have to be PATIENT. As long as you're measuring your portions and logging everything you eat, you WILL lose weight. Our bodies want to hang on to every pound... it's a survival instinct. Your body is just going to take some time to know that you aren't starving, and then it will let the pounds go. Often, I won't lose for 3 weeks, and then a lb will come off.. For some inspiration, look at some of the success stores here. One of my fav girls went from 200 to 125, but it too TWO YEARS. We all want quick fixes, but it just doesn't work that way. Also, push yourself to do something active every single day... even if it's just an extra 30 min walk after dinner.

So I guess the next question is: how many calories (if not the 1200 that MFP recommends) does she have to eat? 1500?

Also, try making your food journal public... you'll be more accountable if you know people are looking!