Plateau....eat more or less?

I am also 5'7" and started off at 175. I am currently at my goal of 145. I had 2 long plateaus. I started MFP with it set at a 2 lb/week loss which gave me 1200 calories and was way too aggressive. I was hungry but didn't know any better and I plateaued for almost 2 months. I finally read the MFP message boards and started eating more (1400 calories). That worked until the last 15 pounds where I had to set MFP at a 0.5 lb/week loss which got things moving again. There is also the whole exercise calorie issue- after my first plateau I started eating them. I estimate calorie burns conservatively and eat them all back, however I don't do any crazy 1,000 calorie burns. I walk one mile daily at a brisk pace with my dog and do pilates 2-3 times a week, neither of which burns a ton of calories.

Also, when you say your stuck, how long have you gone without losing weight? It is normal not to lose every week, as weight loss is not consistent like that. If it has only been 2 weeks, wait it out. If we are talking a month with no progress, then you probably need to switch it up a bit.

same sinking boat here!!!!not ready to give up just stuck forever and now i have gained. going back to the begining 1200 plus exercise calories and increasing slowly this time! i know 1200 is not healthy but i have to do something to keep myself in the game. waiting another month to see something is not going to make me healthy...its going to make me quit! same stats as you 5'7" sw200 cw 160!

Calorie intake is important but I think you need to look at the Carbs, Sugar, Protein etc. Make sure you balance the pie (chart) and don't starve yourself. Plateau is very frustrating but not impossible, hang in there and stay strong. Don't make food an important part of your life, I am still working on that. Next time you go to a gym look at the people on the treadmills and eliptical machines, most of them have not changed a bit, only maintained weight. Try changing your work outs to a shorter work out and more intensity. Be strong, you will get there.

I am 32, 5'7 and at 215. I started out eating 1200 calories, and hit a plateau and bumped it up to 1400. This worked for a few weeks but now I am stuck again! Do I up my intake again or lower it back to 1200? I walk at least twice a week if not 3 and I hit the gym 2 times a week if not 3. Any suggestions?

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/512956-tdee-what-is-it-and-why-you-should-not-eat-below-your-bmr?

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/510406-tdee-is-everything?

Anytime I get stuck, I eat more and exercise more.

I hit a Plateau recently, stalled for three weeks, lost two pounds, then weighed myself this morning and its back on :S I've only been over a couple of days in the last few weeks (1700 target over by maybe 50) and I've been cycling a fair bit too. its maddening.

Also, can I say that I am extremely frustrated as I initially lost 11 pounds and now I'm up 2 and only down 9 pounds. Been really dedicated to my work out program and "healthy eating" (it isn't really even a diet...just healthier stuff within 1200 calories a day)....not understanding what's happening here.

Also, can I say that I am extremely frustrated as I initially lost 11 pounds and now I'm up 2 and only down 9 pounds. Been really dedicated to my work out program and "healthy eating" (it isn't really even a diet...just healthier stuff within 1200 calories a day)....not understanding what's happening here.

Set you account to 1 lb per week and if you exercise eat 50% of the exercise calories. Also, consider altering your macros to around 40% carbs, 40% protein and 20% fats. Protein will help maintain your muscle mass so you lose mostly fat. Also, what is your exercise routine?

Hey...I have the same question. I'm a 27 year old female.

4 weeks ago, these were my stats: 216 lbs., 5'2", sedentary.

Now, I work out 5x a week (using the Gain fitness app- usually a little cardio, a lot of body weight resistance work) and weigh 207. I've been consuming roughly 1200 calories per day...but now, the weight loss just stopped...which is a bit questionable since I still have so far to go. We aren't talking about the last 10 pounds....we are talking about the last 70 pounds!!

Some folks suggested that I eat non-diet food (stuff I wouldn't normally eat now like one meal at McDonald's, etc.) to reset the weight loss. I know about starvation mode and I'm not entirely sure what I'm supposed to do next. I really want to try and hit 180 in the next 3 months.

Also, can I say that I am extremely frustrated as I initially lost 11 pounds and now I'm up 2 and only down 9 pounds. Been really dedicated to my work out program and "healthy eating" (it isn't really even a diet...just healthier stuff within 1200 calories a day)....not understanding what's happening here.

You lost 9 lbs in four weeks. Where is this stall you mention?

I have lost 21 pounds. I need to lose another 15. I started doing the 30 day shred every second day since Christmas, alternating with aquacise 3 days a week plus a rest day. I have my calories set at 1410. I am 5'8". I am seeing body changes, but have only lost 5-6 pounds since starting this and two of those pounds go off and on. Is there any truth to the "building muscle" theory? I am feeling discouraged. Of course, I am delighted how much stronger I feel and it is GREAT for my mental health doing all this. But my pancreas needs me to dump those pounds. I eat pretty healthy. I try to avoid all kinds of sugar at all costs. Eating breakfast is a challenge, but I try to force myself to do that. I kind of wonder if my body is both adjusting to doing a ton of exercise and coping with an extra meal and... How long is it ok to plateau before you need to do something. And what is the something?

Eat MORE xx

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