What now?

alikat42
alikat42 Posts: 213 Member
Basics: 26, female, 5'5", 160 lbs, 27% bf, exercise 6x weekly (3x running, 3x weights & cardio cross training)

I started this journey in January around 1400 net calories (eating exercise calories). I lost 30 pounds by the end of March and then everything came to a screeching halt. About 4 or 5 weeks ago, I found the fat2fit ratio and upped my calories to 2277 gross (not eating exercise). From the sticky posts on here I knew to expect gaining/maintaining for awhile. I've stayed pretty steady around 160 (between 159.8 & 161.4 usually) during this time. No change in bf% or measurements, either.

So, I looked at the TDEE/BMR/cut formula on this board, which would put me at around 2000 gross. So, should I give 2200 a few more weeks, try 2000 for awhile, or accept 160 as the end of the line? I was hoping to get closer to 145 and/or 23ish% body fat.

Replies

  • sugarsquare
    sugarsquare Posts: 60 Member
    I have similar stats to you 5'6.5 149 (now after upping, before I had got down to 143 and plateaued) 30% BF estimate run 3x per week and a DVD 3x per week. according the the scooby site my BMR is 1425 and my TDEE is 2208 fat2fit is a similar reading of 1371 BMR and 2221 TDEE. I was eating 1200-1400 since Jan. 1 on Weight Watchers and found MFP in March and EMTWL a 2 1/2 weeks ago. I am eating my maintenance level for one month to reset my metabolism before I cut. This was recommended by folks here and I am enjoying eating all of this food! I am going to do the 15% cut on June 1 which would be about 1950 calories. If you have been eating at maintenance for 4-5 weeks you should be able to start your cut. My goal is 135 but with 26% BF. I definitely carry more weight in my midsection so fat reduction is my biggest concern.
  • ANewLucia
    ANewLucia Posts: 2,081 Member
    Basics: 26, female, 5'5", 160 lbs, 27% bf, exercise 6x weekly (3x running, 3x weights & cardio cross training)

    I started this journey in January around 1400 net calories (eating exercise calories). I lost 30 pounds by the end of March and then everything came to a screeching halt. About 4 or 5 weeks ago, I found the fat2fit ratio and upped my calories to 2277 gross (not eating exercise). From the sticky posts on here I knew to expect gaining/maintaining for awhile. I've stayed pretty steady around 160 (between 159.8 & 161.4 usually) during this time. No change in bf% or measurements, either.

    So, I looked at the TDEE/BMR/cut formula on this board, which would put me at around 2000 gross. So, should I give 2200 a few more weeks, try 2000 for awhile, or accept 160 as the end of the line? I was hoping to get closer to 145 and/or 23ish% body fat.

    I can't run your numbrs bec I'm on my phone, but they just don't seem right. Did you use the scooby calc in the TDEE board. How many hours are you working out? Honestly I would cut back on some of the cardio and focus on heavy lifting 3 days for an hour and other two days HIIT for 30 min and rest the other 2 days. That will get you burning fat. You are not losing or gaining means your body stilll needs fuel. With all the cardio I have a feeling you really aren't at the right numbers.
  • ANewLucia
    ANewLucia Posts: 2,081 Member
    I have similar stats to you 5'6.5 149 (now after upping, before I had got down to 143 and plateaued) 30% BF estimate run 3x per week and a DVD 3x per week. according the the scooby site my BMR is 1425 and my TDEE is 2208 fat2fit is a similar reading of 1371 BMR and 2221 TDEE. I was eating 1200-1400 since Jan. 1 on Weight Watchers and found MFP in March and EMTWL a 2 1/2 weeks ago. I am eating my maintenance level for one month to reset my metabolism before I cut. This was recommended by folks here and I am enjoying eating all of this food! I am going to do the 15% cut on June 1 which would be about 1950 calories. If you have been eating at maintenance for 4-5 weeks you should be able to start your cut. My goal is 135 but with 26% BF. I definitely carry more weight in my midsection so fat reduction is my biggest concern.

    Yay for you doing the reset! If you can focus on some serious liftng that will help in burning off the fat.
  • alikat42
    alikat42 Posts: 213 Member
    Basics: 26, female, 5'5", 160 lbs, 27% bf, exercise 6x weekly (3x running, 3x weights & cardio cross training)

    I started this journey in January around 1400 net calories (eating exercise calories). I lost 30 pounds by the end of March and then everything came to a screeching halt. About 4 or 5 weeks ago, I found the fat2fit ratio and upped my calories to 2277 gross (not eating exercise). From the sticky posts on here I knew to expect gaining/maintaining for awhile. I've stayed pretty steady around 160 (between 159.8 & 161.4 usually) during this time. No change in bf% or measurements, either.

    So, I looked at the TDEE/BMR/cut formula on this board, which would put me at around 2000 gross. So, should I give 2200 a few more weeks, try 2000 for awhile, or accept 160 as the end of the line? I was hoping to get closer to 145 and/or 23ish% body fat.

    I can't run your numbrs bec I'm on my phone, but they just don't seem right. Did you use the scooby calc in the TDEE board. How many hours are you working out? Honestly I would cut back on some of the cardio and focus on heavy lifting 3 days for an hour and other two days HIIT for 30 min and rest the other 2 days. That will get you burning fat. You are not losing or gaining means your body stilll needs fuel. With all the cardio I have a feeling you really aren't at the right numbers.

    Running my numbers the way it's described on the fat2fit ratio (which I'm currently using) the maintenance calories for my goal weight @ moderately active is 2277. This is what I've been doing for the lat month, in which I have maintained.

    Running my numbers as described on the TDEE/BMR sticky, my TDEE is 2369, 15% cut is 2014, and BMR is 1528.

    Three days a week I run for 30 to 45 minutes. Three days a week I lift weights (good and heavy ones! :) ) for 45 minutes to an hour and then cardio cross train (ARC trainer or bike) for 20 to 30 minutes. I'm unwilling to cut back on running; I get so much more from it than just cardio. It has truly changed my life. However, I could eliminate the lift day cardio if that would be beneficial.
  • sugarsquare
    sugarsquare Posts: 60 Member
    I just ordered the New Rules of Lifting Book! I should be here in a week. What type of equipment do I need for this? My husband has a dip bar/pull up bar. Weight bench with I have NO idea how much weights. I do know that he wants more so that should be good for me! I think he also has some dumbbells. I am a weakling and my 5 lbs. dumbbells are hard sometimes on my Jillian Michaels DVDs! I also have a 10 lb. kettlebell that I use for a DVD but that is actually not enough weight anymore!
  • jackiecroberts
    jackiecroberts Posts: 115 Member
    I feel for you, I too am a cardio person. I am doing a reset for about 8 weeks, then going to cut. Right now I am having to get back in the habit of ONLY lifting on my weight days, no cardio. I have bought into this theory that lots and lots of cardio is a good thing. I am realizing that I never gave my body a break. Friday I did a legs only workout and let me tell you I am sore, so I know the last thing I need is to hit it hard with cardio. I know my body shape is changing and the ultimate number has become less important to me. I am now focusing on the size of my clothes and my muscle tone. I am just so happy to be off threat race of worrying constantly about what I am eating. Hope you have great success!!
  • ANewLucia
    ANewLucia Posts: 2,081 Member
    Basics: 26, female, 5'5", 160 lbs, 27% bf, exercise 6x weekly (3x running, 3x weights & cardio cross training)

    I started this journey in January around 1400 net calories (eating exercise calories). I lost 30 pounds by the end of March and then everything came to a screeching halt. About 4 or 5 weeks ago, I found the fat2fit ratio and upped my calories to 2277 gross (not eating exercise). From the sticky posts on here I knew to expect gaining/maintaining for awhile. I've stayed pretty steady around 160 (between 159.8 & 161.4 usually) during this time. No change in bf% or measurements, either.

    So, I looked at the TDEE/BMR/cut formula on this board, which would put me at around 2000 gross. So, should I give 2200 a few more weeks, try 2000 for awhile, or accept 160 as the end of the line? I was hoping to get closer to 145 and/or 23ish% body fat.

    I can't run your numbrs bec I'm on my phone, but they just don't seem right. Did you use the scooby calc in the TDEE board. How many hours are you working out? Honestly I would cut back on some of the cardio and focus on heavy lifting 3 days for an hour and other two days HIIT for 30 min and rest the other 2 days. That will get you burning fat. You are not losing or gaining means your body stilll needs fuel. With all the cardio I have a feeling you really aren't at the right numbers.

    Running my numbers the way it's described on the fat2fit ratio (which I'm currently using) the maintenance calories for my goal weight @ moderately active is 2277. This is what I've been doing for the lat month, in which I have maintained.

    Running my numbers as described on the TDEE/BMR sticky, my TDEE is 2369, 15% cut is 2014, and BMR is 1528.

    Three days a week I run for 30 to 45 minutes. Three days a week I lift weights (good and heavy ones! :) ) for 45 minutes to an hour and then cardio cross train (ARC trainer or bike) for 20 to 30 minutes. I'm unwilling to cut back on running; I get so much more from it than just cardio. It has truly changed my life. However, I could eliminate the lift day cardio if that would be beneficial.

    Ok usually for metabolic reset we suggest doing it for 8wks, then you can do a 10% cut to start losing. You then can cut another 5% after. Few weeks.

    No, don't drop any lifting:flowerforyou: