Help Motivate me! So much effort, so little results...
lillebanon
Posts: 214 Member
:huh:
2.5 years post-baby and I'm still 10 lbs over my pre-baby weight, and 25 lbs over my ideal weight. And it is not for lack of trying. I exercise regularly, and maintain a net calorie intake of around 1200/ day. In fact, over the last several months I have trained for and completed a half-marathon race, with crosstraining on my non-run days. On average I run 10 to 15 miles a week. I have definitely built a lot more leg muscle (more lbs on the scale), but the belly fat is hanging on for dear life no matter what I do. I have lost only 7 lbs of the course of the last 6 months, and haven't lost a single dress size.
My son is 32 months and still breastfeeds (please no bashing, extended breastfeeding has myriads of documented benefits to children) at bedtime, sometimes if he wakes in the night or early in the morning, and more often if he is sick or hurt. I am 100% willing to deal with the personal sacrifice for his benefit. I gained weight the entire first year while he was exclusively breastfed (so much for the theory that breastfeeding melts away the pounds). Since then I have lost very little. I don't try to eat back the BFing calories since he really isn't eating that much anymore. I have never worked so hard for so little result before in my life! . Could it possibly be because of the continued breastfeeding? Pre-baby I never had any problem dropping a quick 10 or 15 just by upping my activity a little.
I have never had thyroid problems in my past, but haven't had it checked post-baby. Also, I'm 31 years old and a vegetarian (but I meet my protein requirement everyday).
2.5 years post-baby and I'm still 10 lbs over my pre-baby weight, and 25 lbs over my ideal weight. And it is not for lack of trying. I exercise regularly, and maintain a net calorie intake of around 1200/ day. In fact, over the last several months I have trained for and completed a half-marathon race, with crosstraining on my non-run days. On average I run 10 to 15 miles a week. I have definitely built a lot more leg muscle (more lbs on the scale), but the belly fat is hanging on for dear life no matter what I do. I have lost only 7 lbs of the course of the last 6 months, and haven't lost a single dress size.
My son is 32 months and still breastfeeds (please no bashing, extended breastfeeding has myriads of documented benefits to children) at bedtime, sometimes if he wakes in the night or early in the morning, and more often if he is sick or hurt. I am 100% willing to deal with the personal sacrifice for his benefit. I gained weight the entire first year while he was exclusively breastfed (so much for the theory that breastfeeding melts away the pounds). Since then I have lost very little. I don't try to eat back the BFing calories since he really isn't eating that much anymore. I have never worked so hard for so little result before in my life! . Could it possibly be because of the continued breastfeeding? Pre-baby I never had any problem dropping a quick 10 or 15 just by upping my activity a little.
I have never had thyroid problems in my past, but haven't had it checked post-baby. Also, I'm 31 years old and a vegetarian (but I meet my protein requirement everyday).
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Replies
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Not bashing the extended breastfeeding at all. I breast fed all three of mine, not that long, but I still did it, and it is great.
BUT, it may be part of the weight thing, too. I think my body held on to fat in certain places while I nursed. I think my body knew I needed that extra fat reserve for milk production and held on for dear life, particularly in the places I didn't want it. If you are committed to it, by all means, keep it up. Just give yourself a break on the body shaping until you are done. Then, you can see if it makes a difference. I think it will.0 -
I breast fed all 4 of mine.
What are you eating? I've learned starches, sugar & carbs are evil0 -
I already know what people are going to say...
eat more.
1200 calories especially if you've been running marathons is too little.
right everyone?0 -
yep, eat more.0
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I eat alot of fresh veggies. I probably eat more bread and pasta than most, but being a distance runner, I have to replace the glycogen in my muscles to prevent muscle fatigue (carb-loading). I can definitely tell a difference on my runs if I skimp on carbs, so that is a delicate balancing act. My protein sources are usually soy, beans, nuts, greens...0
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1200 is my net. I eat back my exercise calories. So on a 600 calorie run day, I eat 1800.0
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would you open your food diary? That might help people make suggestions that could be helpful.0
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Not bashing the extended breastfeeding at all. I breast fed all three of mine, not that long, but I still did it, and it is great.
BUT, it may be part of the weight thing, too. I think my body held on to fat in certain places while I nursed. I think my body knew I needed that extra fat reserve for milk production and held on for dear life, particularly in the places I didn't want it. If you are committed to it, by all means, keep it up. Just give yourself a break on the body shaping until you are done. Then, you can see if it makes a difference. I think it will.
I'm starting to feel like this HAS TO BE the "problem"... which is fine if it is (totally worth it, and it will eventually end)... but I want to make sure I'm not overlooking something else.0 -
What is your weight loss goal set to, that warrants 1200 calories? A pound a week? You don't have a lot to lose, 1200 calories net may not be realistic and helpful to your weight loss goals. I found I had much better success when I ate more than 1200. I realize you are eating back your exercise calories, but I still think 1200 is low.0
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Less carbs and starches.. More veggies, particularly green ones as they target that belly. Good luck!0
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1200 is my net. I eat back my exercise calories. So on a 600 calorie run day, I eat 1800.
good then
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Sounds like you're doing everything right... Even if you are not making the progress you want, you are strong and healthy and doing what is good for your baby and your body. I do agree with conleyjmarie... maybe you need a high calorie day every once in a while. Hang in there and good luck!0
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^^ this ^^ I support your BFing 100%. You said you have added muscle on the legs, that has probably moved the scales in the up direction, and overall, your body fat % (know as BF% here by the way) could be lower than pre-baby. It may not be that much fat on the belly but a bit of loose skin post-baby. Consider mixing it up on some non-run days by adding light strength training, dancing (if you like that), walk 10-30 mins per day with your child, pilates, etc.Not bashing the extended breastfeeding at all. I breast fed all three of mine, not that long, but I still did it, and it is great.
BUT, it may be part of the weight thing, too. I think my body held on to fat in certain places while I nursed. I think my body knew I needed that extra fat reserve for milk production and held on for dear life, particularly in the places I didn't want it. If you are committed to it, by all means, keep it up. Just give yourself a break on the body shaping until you are done. Then, you can see if it makes a difference. I think it will.
Overall, you are most likely fitter than pre-baby and you and your toddler are both in great shape as a result of your decisions. Well done.
[edit:] increase calorie intake some days too. Compare notes with some other ladies on MFP that are as active as yourself. Lots of water if you aren't already doing so and I think if the scales don't move but you can then you are doing great !0 -
I also BF my so, and he's over 1 now too! No bashing at all. l also agree that the body holds on to some fat while breast feeding. I'm not a Dr, but the theory is that the extra fat is there to protect you while breast feeding for when the winter famine happens. You know, cave man days and all.
It might actually be that you need to eat more. You have your food diary locked down, so we can't see much. I also don't know all your stats. But "most" people need more than 1200 calories a day. MFP calculates 1200 as minimum calories to consume to ensure you get at least the bare minimum of vitamins and nutrients to exist. That being said, 1200 calorie diets are usually considered very low calorie and best used for extremely obese people and only for a short time. Since you sound like a very active person, even eating back your exercise calories might not be enough. Consider calculating your BMR, then adding calories for TDEE, then subtracting a percentage of that amount. I've read that people shouldn't really be eating less than their BMR anyway. Also consider switching to 1 lbs loss per week. 1 lbs = 3500 calories, so deduct only 3500 calories per week away from your TDEE x7. That kind of thing. Here's a link if you are interested...
http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/harris-benedict-equation/
Your body might be holding on to weight because you may have unknowingly caused your body to react like a cave man in winter. Lots of people have success with breaking plateaus after upping thir calories. It might take a couple of weeks before you see results tho. Usually the body will gain *some* weight before upping the metabolism.
Good luck!
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I already know what people are going to say...
eat more.
1200 calories especially if you've been running marathons is too little.
right everyone?
^^ This. 0 -
It might very well be because of the breast feeding. Even though you only do it once or twice a day now, your body is still trying to stay ready to produce more. Once you've fully weaned your little one, it will be easier for the rest to come off. I just finished weaning my 15 month old in January, and since then I've lost another couple of pounds without even trying. So with all the effort you're putting in, it will melt off quickly I'm sure.
Good luck!0 -
This is a "scary" story to read for me. I just had a baby and have been breastfeeding for 9 weeks now and have not lost a thing in 7 weeks... despite really watching what I eat and increased exercise. It does sound like you are doing everything right. I know that the liver increases cholesterol production during pregnancy and while breastfeeding so I think the body just might need those extra fats during this time. I guess it will be a while before I get into those pre-preggo clothes... these stubborn 15 pounds might be here to stay for a while. Best of luck to you!0
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1200 is my net. I eat back my exercise calories. So on a 600 calorie run day, I eat 1800.
uhhuh....but your still only NETTING 1200 cals. you should not eat below ur bmr. try upping to 1490 and see what happens. best of luck0 -
Breastfed all 4 of my children past 2 years as well... in fact my 3rd son also went to 32 months
Never be ashamed of giving your child the best start in life! lol0 -
I've had three girls and my little one is 11mos. I haven't been able to get back to my pre baby weight yet. I have about 15lbs left to go. I've done it before and it took time but it was done. I'm playing indoor soccer now too change up my running routine and I'm thinking about incorporating more ab exercise. P90X is pretty good for that but it is extreme and painful. I'm thinking about starting it up again. I couldn't do it before because of my C-section but I think my body has fully recovered now. Its always those last 10-15 lbs. your body refuses to shed! You can do it!!! 0
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Have you ever calculated your BMR or TDEE (total daily energy expenditure). You aren't eating the calories used during breastfeeding which is about 500 calories daily...so on a day you are not running your net intake is 700 calories. That is too low. BMR is basal metabolic rate...the amount of calories needed to just breathe laying in the bed for a 24 period. So you not only give it less than BMR, but you have added nursing on top and the deficit is so significant your body has slowed down the metabolism to conserve energy.
I would strongly suggest taking a look at some of the articles in the "Eat more to weigh less" group
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/3817-eat-more-to-weigh-less
Here is some more info on eating too little
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/3047-700-calories-a-day-and-not-losing
I know it sounds strange, but you must eat to fuel your body, which will allow your body to release fat. As a runner you are burning so many calories and probably losing muscle with so few calories.0 -
Cant really give advice without seeing your diary.0
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I never lost weight breast feeding either. When I tried to lower my calorie intake at all, my milk supply suffered. So, I had to eat a lot to feed my daughter.
Anyway, I've been working out 6 days a week regularly over the few years since her birth, and have always had some excess on my stomach and upper thighs that never went away. Very frustrating. I recently started strength training and altered my diet to get a minimum of 110 gms of protein a day. I have never been a big meat eater or protein consumer, so I'm sure that was part of it! Over the past month, I can see and feel a big change in the muscle tone and firmness of those areas! I'm very excited about it! I'm finally making progress! The scale hasn't gone down any, but I'm not concerned about that as I SEE the results! So, maybe try upping your protein intake, although I'm not sure what you are intaking now to be for sure, and add strength training! 0 -
Not bashing the extended breastfeeding at all. I breast fed all three of mine, not that long, but I still did it, and it is great.
BUT, it may be part of the weight thing, too. I think my body held on to fat in certain places while I nursed. I think my body knew I needed that extra fat reserve for milk production and held on for dear life, particularly in the places I didn't want it. If you are committed to it, by all means, keep it up. Just give yourself a break on the body shaping until you are done. Then, you can see if it makes a difference. I think it will.
I'm starting to feel like this HAS TO BE the "problem"... which is fine if it is (totally worth it, and it will eventually end)... but I want to make sure I'm not overlooking something else.
The issue is not breast feeding itself, the issue is if you provide your body too few calories to do its job, it will slow the metabolism to conserve energy...literally shutting down some functions to make sure there is energy for the more critical ones. When the body thinks it is starving (especially...you are eating a net so far below your BMR), it will hold anything you give it...the fat stores will remain because it thinks it is starving. When you binge (which I know I did on such a restrictive diet) the body will take it and convert it right into fat.
It is a vicious cycle.
You really should calculate your TDEE and use the activity level of at least moderate activity. I would tell you to eat maintainence (TDEE) for at least six weeks so your body will know that it will be getting food on a regulary basis and start to release fat. You are already at a huge deficit with just nursing which is why I wouldn't even suggest doing the 15% cut that I usually do. The TDEE takes into consideration your running, but there are times you may burn higher calories...if you find that you have burned too many calories that you are now under BMR, then you need to eat more calories so you never go lower than BMR.
Just a suggestion...I know it sounds crazy, but it works...when you don't eat enough at some point people plateau...then they think to exercise more and cut even more calories...sending the poor body into further survival mode. The frustration is never ending and you feel like a failure....that is where I was at for 8 mos...until FINALLY I started to do some research and ran across New Rules of LIfting Weights for Women and a light bulb went off. I have been screaming it from the roof tops and created a group which is over 1000 strong right now (Eat more to weigh less). It is not a drop weight quick scenario at all, but it is a regimen that you can maintain life long...who in the world can seriously eat 1200 or even 1500 calories for the rest of their lives...no way! And trust those that try, the moment you start to eat more you will gain, then you jump back on the diet, and you hit the same plateau but you are now only heavier than when you started because you have reset your metabolic rate lower with each deprivation cycle.
I would say if nothing else, read some of the articles at least...and as a nursing mom your body is working extra hard...that is such a special moment and gift don't give it up because you think that will help...EAT to support that function...0 -
Holy moly... I just calculated my BMR and it is 1569.
I thought MFP calculated that for me and took it into account when it gave me the 1200 calorie goal!
Okay, silly question perhaps...
When I do this part: To determine your total daily calorie needs, multiply your BMR by the appropriate activity factor, as follows...
Is it better to calculate based on sendentary, and then log each exercise session, or calculate based on moderate and not log exercise?0 -
I can empathize with you!! My youngest is just over 2 years old I have been strictly trying to lose for a year now. Watching calories and working out and my weight comes off sooo SLOWLY. I have to work way to hard to lose so little.
I believe breastfeeding has some to do with it. Your body is hording the fat to make milk. NO bashing here. It prob sounds weird but I miss nursing. I miss being the only one to be able to calm her down or get her to sleep
( LOL
I say good for you! Sounds like you work hard and are in GREAT health.0 -
Are you taking measurements? I, too was having difficulty losing but my measurements were showing consistent loss, so that was a great motivator. I have only lost eight pounds in three months, but I have lost four inches off of waist and three off hips. I do think that your running is causing a lot of muscle build up so that may be the problem with you actual weight.
As for your belly, I know that people say you can't spot reduce, and that is true, but I have found that taking lifting classes at my gym has definitely trimmed down my belly and all other areas. Lifting works your core muscles and your will see a huge difference. Eventually, the scale will move, albeit slowly, but the inches will fall off and you will see much less belly fat.
Hang in there, you will succeed!0 -
Okay, based on moderate activity level, my TDEE is 2431, so basically double what I have been netting, without accounting for the BFing. Should I jump right in to DOUBLING my calorie intake? Or should I ease it up to that point, so as to not send my body into shock?0
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Holy moly... I just calculated my BMR and it is 1569.
I thought MFP calculated that for me and took it into account when it gave me the 1200 calorie goal!
Okay, silly question perhaps...
When I do this part: To determine your total daily calorie needs, multiply your BMR by the appropriate activity factor, as follows...
Is it better to calculate based on sendentary, and then log each exercise session, or calculate based on moderate and not log exercise?
Calculate it based on moderate. The sedentary is for those that literally do nothing most of the day...you are a mom and so am I...we surely don't qualify for sedentary.
Your TDEE is 2432...you breast feed, so you could happily eat your maintainence of 2432 and still be at a deficit because of the 500 burn from nursing.
Also, try getting in at least 1gr of protein per pound. If you haven't started strength training, that is another body transformer...it tones the body beautifully.
I believe if you start eating your TDEE (again you already are at a 500 cal def w/ nursing) you will see your body start to let go of the weight. I would say give it no less than 6 wks. Remember at first the body will think you are binging so you will have a slight gain and then it will say, oh this is consistent and the fat will start to roll off.0 -
Are you taking measurements? I, too was having difficulty losing but my measurements were showing consistent loss, so that was a great motivator. I have only lost eight pounds in three months, but I have lost four inches off of waist and three off hips. I do think that your running is causing a lot of muscle build up so that may be the problem with you actual weight.
As for your belly, I know that people say you can't spot reduce, and that is true, but I have found that taking lifting classes at my gym has definitely trimmed down my belly and all other areas. Lifting works your core muscles and your will see a huge difference. Eventually, the scale will move, albeit slowly, but the inches will fall off and you will see much less belly fat.
Hang in there, you will succeed!
I haven't been measuring, but my clothes aren't getting any looser... I should start measuring though.0
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