I want to give up.

Alexstrasza
Alexstrasza Posts: 619 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I'm doing everything I can to lose weight. I'm eating healthier than I ever have in my entire life. I'm excercising 5 days a week. I'm counting calories and watching my sodium.

I just don't know what to do. The weight isn't coming off, in fact I've gained weight. The last 2 weeks I haven't lost a damn thing, only gained.

I'm so devastated right now.
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Replies

  • shakybabe
    shakybabe Posts: 1,578 Member
    I had difficulty losing anything for ages then dropped wheat and went low carb for a bit and the weight started dropping off.

    If your exercising 5 days a week could you be creating too big a deficit? How long have you been doing 5 days a week, could it be water? or muscle?

    Sometimes I found out by accident due to period of illness or injury that when I gave my body a weeks rest extra weight dropped off, so now I do it every month when I get my cycle as I get bad back and stomach cramps anyway. Usually when temp water has come back off I've lost another 2-3lbs besides.
  • melsinct
    melsinct Posts: 3,512 Member
    Don't give up!

    I just took a quick peak at your diary. MFP sets the fiber and protein goals pretty low (I try to beat both daily and "go in the red"). I would suggest trying to back down your carbs a little and increase your protein.

    Also, are you making sure you are logging everything, including cooking oil and such? The other problem people have is MFP tends to overestimate calorie burns from exercise, so make sure you leave some wiggle room there and not eat back every single calorie burned.

    I have gone through two plateaus where I have lost nothing for MONTHS and I know it sucks. Keep at it, you can do this!
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,426 MFP Moderator
    Don't give up!

    I just took a quick peak at your diary. MFP sets the fiber and protein goals pretty low (I try to beat both daily and "go in the red"). I would suggest trying to back down your carbs a little and increase your protein.

    Also, are you making sure you are logging everything, including cooking oil and such? The other problem people have is MFP tends to overestimate calorie burns from exercise, so make sure you leave some wiggle room there and not eat back every single calorie burned.

    I have gone through two plateaus where I have lost nothing for MONTHS and I know it sucks. Keep at it, you can do this!

    This! I would recommend changing carbs to 40%, protein 40% and fats 20%. That should help eliminate some of the additional weight from water from the extra glucose stored by carbs. Also, what kind of exercise are you doing? Second, I would suggest adding some fruit. I don't think I saw anything in there for the few days I look and add some more proteins (maybe even a whey protein shake).

    Generally, I suggest you also eat 50-75% of the workout calories due to over-estimation by MFP.

    ps- sometimes it just takes time for weight to start coming off. You shock your body once you start something new.
  • coliema
    coliema Posts: 7,646 Member
    Don't give up! You can do it! It takes a little while for weight to come off, but don't get discouraged!
  • Alexstrasza
    Alexstrasza Posts: 619 Member
    I use a HRM so my calories burned are probably as accurate as they can be. MFP was way overestimating my calories burned.

    I will try out your suggesstions. I appreciate the kind words. I'm just so upset by this. I want to lose weight and get as healthy and fit as possible. I don't want to be fat forever. I've battled my weight since I was a teenager.
  • fionarama
    fionarama Posts: 788 Member
    I looked at your diary and you really are eating a lot. I think you should set your calories to 1200-1400. And cut out eating out and wine. it will help. even small amounts of alcohol upset your body's capacity to burn fat.
  • Alexstrasza
    Alexstrasza Posts: 619 Member
    I looked at your diary and you really are eating a lot. I think you should set your calories to 1200-1400. And cut out eating out and wine. it will help. even small amounts of alcohol upset your body's capacity to burn fat.

    1830 is the amount MFP set for me. That's already below my BMR and TDEE.
  • renstwin
    renstwin Posts: 66 Member
    I can sympathize! I have about the same calorie goal as you. I lost about 9 pounds the first month and have totally stalled this month. I have tried spiking calories, eating less, etc. and nothing has helped. All we can do is keep trying.
  • terewilliams
    terewilliams Posts: 337 Member
    Are you drinking enough water?
  • NoMoreJellyRolls
    NoMoreJellyRolls Posts: 142
    Don't give up! Im a full time student and my psychology teacher is a PT(personal Trainer) and she told me once my body gets to where its not dropping weight I need to change up my workout because my body has gotten use to the current workout. Try adding some weights, weight lifting(like 5 pounds to start), stair stepping(great way to burn lots of calories), and try to do early morning workouts before you eat breakfast IF possible so you burn the stored fat/calories and not the recently consumed fat/calories.

    Good luck and Don't give up!!
  • Alexstrasza
    Alexstrasza Posts: 619 Member
    Are you drinking enough water?

    I drink anywhere from 8-12 glasses a day.
  • Karmynzahringer
    Karmynzahringer Posts: 192 Member
    The first thing I notice is that you are over almost every day on your sodium. Sodium is going to make you retain water weight. You might try cutting it down considerably. Also do you have your goals set to sedentary on the activity level? If not you should not eat your exercise calories back. MFP is already accounting for your exercise if you have it set at anything but sedentary. I set mine to sedentary and that way the days I exercise I eat back some of my exercise calories, but the days I dont, I stay at my original calorie goal. I hope that makes sense. Also are you weighing your meat? I was having issues with that myself for awhile, was weighing it cooked, and realized that I was supposed to weight it raw, and was underestimating my calories from meat bigtime. For instance, one night I had extra lean pork loin, and the steak was around 8 oz raw, but after it cooked it shrunk up big time and was only 4 oz so I logged 4. Come to find out, I was still eating all the calories as the 8oz steak, because all it lost was water, not calories etc. Just don't give up! You can do this!!!
  • CoryIda
    CoryIda Posts: 7,870 Member
    1) Take your measurements
    2) More fruits & veggies, less white bread and flour tortillas
    3) More protein
    4) BE PATIENT!

    Every positive food and fitness choice you make puts you one step closer to good health - REGARDLESS of what the scale says.
  • Annaflower
    Annaflower Posts: 43
    Don't give up. I know it's hard when the scales don't change. I am going through the same thing! The advice I have been given is to lower carbs and increase protein. This seems to be working for me. Having looked at your diary I would suggest that you aim to keep within your percentages of fat, protein and carbs and keep bellow the red on sugar and sodium. I think that just calories is not enough. They need to be the right calories.
    Don't adjust you calorie allowance too low. I don't think this is the problem. It's all about balanced nutrition. If MFP has set you those calories then they should be appropriate for your current weight and goals. But to be sure just check that your weight and height info is entered correctly.
    Stick with it and you will succeed! Use the forum and MFP friends to keep you motivated. It really helps :-)
  • pagham
    pagham Posts: 29
    1) Take your measurements
    2) More fruits & veggies, less white bread and flour tortillas
    3) More protein
    4) BE PATIENT!

    Every positive food and fitness choice you make puts you one step closer to good health - REGARDLESS of what the scale says.

    Yes, I also noticed that you are very low on fresh vegetables and you do seem to have a sweet tooth. Perhaps you can try to re-educate your palate and try to stay away from maple syrup, that type of sugary sweet thing even if it is a low fat version and settle for fruit salad instead. And try and include lots of vegetables of all colours - if you are a big eater you can have a lot of vegetables for relatively little calories. Steer clear of bread, potatoes, pasta, rice, all high in carbohydrates. You have an extremely high carbohydrate reading.Carbohydrates for me have been a stumbling block in the past - once I keep an eye on them my weight starts to shift quickly and now that I have found MFP I am finding it much easier to stay on track - I am hoping this is the last time I have to do it. Perhaps also change potassium as one of the nutrients you keep an eye on for fibre. I am lucky - I love vegetables and salads.
  • kriztyn723
    kriztyn723 Posts: 57
    I just learned that you can plateau for up to 12 weeks!!!!!!! Which is where I feel like I am right now.. haven't lost anything and am working my hardest-- so I feel your pain. I am just going to constantly switch things up each week to see if any new things work.

    I am currently trying to limit my sugar intake and lower my carbs to 1-2 breads a day and add more protein and veggies... it is going to be hard but if it ends up working it'll be worth it.

    What is your exercise routine like?
  • formersec
    formersec Posts: 233 Member
    Your sodium level might be set too high for you. Many authorities suggest 2000 to 2500 mg. per day, but for some of us that's too high. Maybe bring yours down to 1500? Also, remember that Asian food tends to have a lot of sodium. Try to cut back on that. And don't add salt. If something needs more flavor, use herbs.
  • SilverStrychnine
    SilverStrychnine Posts: 413 Member
    Two words: Tape Measure.
  • fionarama
    fionarama Posts: 788 Member
    I looked at your diary and you really are eating a lot. I think you should set your calories to 1200-1400. And cut out eating out and wine. it will help. even small amounts of alcohol upset your body's capacity to burn fat.

    1830 is the amount MFP set for me. That's already below my BMR and TDEE.

    I know I'm going to get shot down and I know MFP tells heavier people to eat more, but to me 1800 cals is a huge amount to eat. You could try eating lower like two days in a row eat 1400 cals and then one day eat 1800 zig zag the calories.
    but right now looking at your diary I'm thinking, why on earth would you expect to lose weight if you are eating all of that?

    try to learn more about healthy eating, its not just about counting calories. Eat simple meals - the three meals a day - oatmeal/wholewheat cereal or an egg on toast for breakfastl/lean meat and salad sandwich with a yoghurt or piece of fruit for lunch/lean meat and salad/green veges for dinner would be fine. clean it up. if you must drink substitute wine for a gin and slimline tonic or vodka lime and soda.
  • kaetmarie
    kaetmarie Posts: 668 Member
    Be patient. If you want it badly enough, you will continue to do the right thing and you will see change.
  • Jazzyrose77
    Jazzyrose77 Posts: 153 Member
    Don't give up. I see you have small kids. Are you getting enough sleep? If not that will slow down weight lose.
  • jacalou
    jacalou Posts: 61 Member
    Please don't give up. Your efforts will pay off. Sometimes it just takes some time for things to "catch up". You are gaining muscle mass and this could account for your gain. I'm willing to bet that if you are working out as you say that your butt looks better despite what the scale says. Add me as a friend and I will happily cheer you on! This is for you, your health and your children... don't give up on yourself... We've all been there. Be proud of every effort you are making and keep it up. The rewards are coming!:smile:
  • hollin40
    hollin40 Posts: 120 Member
    Don't give up!! Just add a few veggies and fruits a day....try adding a salad to dinner and lunch. Have fruit as snacks. It takes time. I hit a plateau for 2 weeks and am just now starting to lose again. You will have ups, downs, and plateaus. It will work if you keep at it. Don't get discouraged. It's hard but you CAN do it if you want to do it!!! Good luck!!
  • Skeemer118
    Skeemer118 Posts: 397 Member
    Don't give up! Im a full time student and my psychology teacher is a PT(personal Trainer) and she told me once my body gets to where its not dropping weight I need to change up my workout because my body has gotten use to the current workout. Try adding some weights, weight lifting(like 5 pounds to start), stair stepping(great way to burn lots of calories), and try to do early morning workouts before you eat breakfast IF possible so you burn the stored fat/calories and not the recently consumed fat/calories.

    Good luck and Don't give up!!

    ^ This. Try getting a book that really gives you a set plan. I've chosen Body for Life since I'm interested in free weights. I got it for .75 cents on Half.com. It shows simple & effective exercise with a set plan for eating. It really jump started my fitness again.
  • jbella99
    jbella99 Posts: 596 Member
    I spent two years on a plateau. I was so discouraged. Then I started eating clean and the weight is slowly but surely coming off. I eat 1600 calories a day and haven't been working out lately and I still lose. When I hit the gym 5 days a week I gain a little at first due to building muscle. But that's a good gain. If you need some meal plan ideas check out my blog.

    http://mission-size6.blogspot.com/

    I take a cooler bag to work everyday that I pack the night before. this works well for me. I also make and freeze dinners on Sundays so I always have something to grab on those days I am too tired to cook something healthy.
  • KMSForLife
    KMSForLife Posts: 577 Member
    I agree with the sodium comments. It's difficult to do because sodium is everywhere - but try to cut that back and try to increase your water so that you are drinking 10-12 glasses EVERY day. I disagree with the comments that you are eating too much. I think you should actually try eating what MFP recommends. You just have to be careful in how you consume those calories - pick the right foods.

    More importantly, don't give up - keep your children in your focus and know that every time you exercise you are improving your health for them. The scale alone cannot determine your success. Think back to when you started and make a list of ways your body has improved. If you stop and think about it, then I believe you will find that you have succeeded. Every day that you try to become healthier is another day of success.
  • ncole3
    ncole3 Posts: 164
    Don't give up....just keep at it everyday. You may want to have some tests run to assure that thyroid issues are not the problem. Try to eat a more plant based diet with lots of fresh fruits & vegetables, just a suggestion.
  • trinitylyons01
    trinitylyons01 Posts: 126 Member
    I know exactly how frustrating that is. That has happened to me so many times and in the past I've given up every single time. Now, however, I have a different mind set and maybe you can consider adopting it too on top of all the other great advice you've been given. Don't concentrate so much on dropping the pounds. If you are eating healthier than ever before, drinking your water, exercising and getting enough sleep you are getting healthier. Sometimes certain people lose weight slower but your heart and muscles are benefitting from your efforts. Also, in time you may see inches lost before you ever notice pounds lost because your body is firming up and changing. The most important thing is to not give up or you'll never achieve the results you want. Reevaluate everything you're doing and see if anything needs tweaking. If so, change it. But remember that you are doing this to be healthier - not just to lose weight. The weight loss may be slow but you are accomplishing the goal of being healthier. Eventually the pounds will come up.

    Hang in there! You'll do it!
  • Ivorallc
    Ivorallc Posts: 2
    Get your body fat measured or measure waist etc. Chances are if you are training 5 days a week your muscle mass is increasing and that is balancing off against the fat loss. Keep it up.:smile:
  • Glact
    Glact Posts: 9
    Dont give up, if you are exercising that much your body may be getting stronger, i know it can be frustrating to see that when you are trying to lose weight your actually gaining. but keep it up for about two weeks until your body gets use to the change in lifestyle, your muscles will adapt and you will no longer gain as you have gotten stronger, then you will see toning and weight loss. muscle weighs more than fat and i know that sounds cliche, but it is the truth always give yourself about two weeks before you start seeing any weight loss when starting a new program.

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