HELP!!!

Stavakoli
Stavakoli Posts: 86 Member
in Motivation and Support
Really really need some help!! I'm 25, 5'10, 196lb. I started working out intensely last Sep. I was down around 20lb before joining MFP in Dec. Since I'm down 22. At first, it was coming off quickly but I've been at a plateau for over a month. I'll lose 1 or 2 pounds, and either gain it back or hover around the same weight for weeks. It's getting extremely frustrating.
I workout at least 6 days a week. I belong to a boxing gym, I'm typically burning 800/workout. I run/strength train 2 days/week. I don't have an HRM so I determine cals burned based on the machine, or what MFP says. I upped my cals from 1200 to 1390 2 days ago because I started thinking I may be stifling my metabolism. I eat back like 1/2 my workout cals, I try not to eat them all back to account for errors in calculations (I've heard that MFP overestimates cals burned.)
Like everyone, I have my bad days but I think that I eat pretty balanced meals. I try to watch my sodium intake, I know how important that is. Maybe it's still too high. I really don't understand why this is getting so difficult. I focus on losing weight so much and really am getting frustrated when I go weeks without a loss. I feel a little lost so I'd greatly appreciate ANY advice/suggestions! Thanks guys

Replies

  • yesthistime
    yesthistime Posts: 2,051 Member
    Have you taken your measurements? Are your clothes fitting any differently?
  • bjs06
    bjs06 Posts: 316 Member
    I think you should be eating more. You need to be netting AT LEAST 1200 calories a day which you aren't if you are eating 1200 and working off 800. You are most likely in starvation mode and you will stay there as a way for your body to survive.
  • Stavakoli
    Stavakoli Posts: 86 Member
    Have you taken your measurements? Are your clothes fitting any differently?

    I actually haven't taken measurements but I have gone down some pant sizes, which is great. I just feel like it's stopped coming off.
  • Stavakoli
    Stavakoli Posts: 86 Member
    I think you should be eating more. You need to be netting AT LEAST 1200 calories a day which you aren't if you are eating 1200 and working off 800. You are most likely in starvation mode and you will stay there as a way for your body to survive.

    I will definitely try that-do you think that the calculations are trustworthy enough to eat that many workout cals back?
  • CandiesAndSweets
    CandiesAndSweets Posts: 167 Member
    I've been seeing your progress posts and you work out hard core, girlie! You're an inspiration and a half! :) I really think you need to eat more. There's this great book entitled 'new rules of lifting for women'. I highly recommend you look at it, because even though your work out routine doesn't revolve around lifting, the book talks a great deal about how much more you need to eat to accomodate for the calories you've burned. For all of the hard work you put into your routine, you should at least definitely have a recovery shake after your work out. Something that is very low in sugar, but big on all other nutrients. I personally love the beachbody shakeology. But there's a ton of stuff out there that does the same thing. A shake is great for recovery because it's the quickest thing to make and digest.
  • bjs06
    bjs06 Posts: 316 Member
    Well you dont have to eat ALL of your exercise cals, especially if you feel unsure that you are burning what your mfp/hrm tells you but atleast try eating SOME of them, half even. Some days I just eat half..depends on the day :) You could also try keeping your body guessing by doing some days where you eat lower calorie then high calorie.. I've seen this work for some! :)
  • ShawnDMuth
    ShawnDMuth Posts: 270 Member
    Whenever you progress slows, it means your body has adjusted to what you do. Time to change your workout routine and foods. Do you drink half of your weight in ounces of water?
  • Stavakoli
    Stavakoli Posts: 86 Member
    I've been seeing your progress posts and you work out hard core, girlie! You're an inspiration and a half! :) I really think you need to eat more. There's this great book entitled 'new rules of lifting for women'. I highly recommend you look at it, because even though your work out routine doesn't revolve around lifting, the book talks a great deal about how much more you need to eat to accomodate for the calories you've burned. For all of the hard work you put into your routine, you should at least definitely have a recovery shake after your work out. Something that is very low in sugar, but big on all other nutrients. I personally love the beachbody shakeology. But there's a ton of stuff out there that does the same thing. A shake is great for recovery because it's the quickest thing to make and digest.

    Thank you! I'll definitely check that out, I have heard that I should be having some sort of protein as soon as possible after a workout. Thanks for the input!!
  • Stavakoli
    Stavakoli Posts: 86 Member
    I definitely don't drink 1/2 my weight in oz water..I force myself to drink 8 glasses a day, I'm starting to think that's not enough. Thanks for the suggestions guys!!

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