Super Frustrated!! 53 pounds down...40 to go...

cherbapp
cherbapp Posts: 322
edited December 19 in Motivation and Support
Ok so I read a lot...try hard and thought I had this all figured out, but I have been stuck for 2.5 weeks and it finally got to me.

I lost around 40 pounds doing 1200 calories plus eating back some exercise calories...until I got stuck mid-january. After reading all the eat more lose more stuff on here, I upped my calories to 1600-some, and rarely eat back more than 100. I only eat those because based on my BMR and TDEE, I should be eating about 1750. I mentally can't do the 1750 (BMR) every day if I don't get exercise in. I did lose a little more...but very slowly. I generally walk 10 miles a week. Usually 3-4 times....2-4 miles each. I am a stay at home mom to teenagers but I am a clean freak and spend a good 2 hours on that project daily which I don't enter as any cardio or anything.

So...on April 30 I got down to 215.2....TOM came and went in the past 2 weeks, and I am still up 3 pounds...every morning...exactly the same. No loss of the water weight plus some...as every other post suggested would happen. Ugh! I am so frustrated...this weekend I ate all the crap food my kids had for their party. Only went over by 400 calolries for the entire weekend though...and I am extremely accurate counting calories...erring on the side of putting in too many if anything.

So I desperately need motivation...tell me if I stick to it, the scale will move again?!? Or give me tips to get it going...please? My diary is open though go back to Friday for a typical day in my life...or last week anyhow. I still want to lose 40 pounds...and was hoping to ditch 20 before going to Paris in September, but at this rate I could be fatter for the 9 hour flight!!

And if anyone feels the need to check numbers on me...I'm 5'9", 215lbs, 37 years old...and around 45% body fat.

Thanks!
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Replies

  • cherbapp
    cherbapp Posts: 322
    So...I motivated myself...bought a bike last night!
  • Snapshotgirl
    Snapshotgirl Posts: 57 Member
    I envy you-losing 40 pounds would be a miracle for me. I haven't lost a single pound. :(
  • janalayn
    janalayn Posts: 510 Member
    53 pounds is pretty impressive ... maybe you just need to change up your workouts. I try to add something new every couple of months. Finishing up Jillian Michael's 30 day shred and have got some awesome abs hiding out under my fat.
  • alysonleanne
    alysonleanne Posts: 65
    Ok so I read a lot...try hard and thought I had this all figured out, but I have been stuck for 2.5 weeks and it finally got to me.

    I lost around 40 pounds doing 1200 calories plus eating back some exercise calories...until I got stuck mid-january. After reading all the eat more lose more stuff on here, I upped my calories to 1600-some, and rarely eat back more than 100. I only eat those because based on my BMR and TDEE, I should be eating about 1750. I mentally can't do the 1750 (BMR) every day if I don't get exercise in. I did lose a little more...but very slowly. I generally walk 10 miles a week. Usually 3-4 times....2-4 miles each. I am a stay at home mom to teenagers but I am a clean freak and spend a good 2 hours on that project daily which I don't enter as any cardio or anything.

    So...on April 30 I got down to 215.2....TOM came and went in the past 2 weeks, and I am still up 3 pounds...every morning...exactly the same. No loss of the water weight plus some...as every other post suggested would happen. Ugh! I am so frustrated...this weekend I ate all the crap food my kids had for their party. Only went over by 400 calolries for the entire weekend though...and I am extremely accurate counting calories...erring on the side of putting in too many if anything.

    So I desperately need motivation...tell me if I stick to it, the scale will move again?!? Or give me tips to get it going...please? My diary is open though go back to Friday for a typical day in my life...or last week anyhow. I still want to lose 40 pounds...and was hoping to ditch 20 before going to Paris in September, but at this rate I could be fatter for the 9 hour flight!!

    And if anyone feels the need to check numbers on me...I'm 5'9", 215lbs, 37 years old...and around 45% body fat.

    Thanks!

    You need to switch it up. Walking 2-4 miles 3-4 times a week has become your "routine." Your body thinks that this is what you will be doing to maintain. Just as you clean daily for two hours or so, this is daily routine. For example, I walk to work both ways M-F (5 miles total per day)...I don't count this as exercise after I "plateau" and my body becomes used to it.

    Run. Bike. Take a class. Resistance training. These are all things you can do to switch it up. If you like, after a little while, you can go back to your walking/running regimen, or just add things to supplement. I have experienced three plateaus (I'm still KIND OF in my third after 6 months...I'm just adding more muscle than I'm dropping in lbs).

    Hope this helps!
  • areaves1011
    areaves1011 Posts: 5 Member
    I'm stuck too. And it's making me bored with everything because I keep on eating right and exercising and nothing is happening. I've lost 27 pounds and have been stuck ever since.
  • alucard75
    alucard75 Posts: 207 Member
    I just looksed at your diary, and I wouold suggest droping the sugar snacks, up your protien and try to switch to black coffee. I also didn't see a lot of fruits or veggies, losing 40 lbs is great, but I think if you had a more balance meal plan you could start losing again. the bike will help also.
  • alysonleanne
    alysonleanne Posts: 65
    Also, you only eat three meals per day on average. Split your calories up between 5-6 meals...this makes a considerable difference in metabolism and energy, not to mention, you'll feel less hungry if you eat more often.
  • Koorogi
    Koorogi Posts: 21 Member
    Also don't forget that if you ate stuff from the party, if it didn't really have any nutritional value...that's going to stick around a bit longer as well. So keep up with the other stuff and you should see a difference. Just remember that 400 cals over from chips, cake, etc. is going to hang on a bit longer then 400 cals from things like fruits/veggies, etc. Just don't get discouraged, it's a lifestyle, meaning there are going to be ups and downs in your journey. *smiles* You can do it!
  • amandamotley
    amandamotley Posts: 63
    Definitely keep it up! You've made so much progress. I get really frustrated with plateaus too, and know how you feel. Bike is aweosme, and I'd maybe try to change your diet up a bit just to shake things up. (Not suggesting that there is anything wrong with it, just that changing things up always seems to work for me.) What about keeping your calories in the same range but switching up your ratios of carbs/fat/protein?
  • zombiefarmboy
    zombiefarmboy Posts: 221 Member
    I think sometimes you'll hit that plateau and have to switch things up.
  • runfatmanrun
    runfatmanrun Posts: 1,090 Member
    Also, you only eat three meals per day on average. Split your calories up between 5-6 meals...this makes a considerable difference in metabolism and energy, not to mention, you'll feel less hungry if you eat more often.

    I do this and it helps me a lot. But 53 is awesome and now you have a bike so ride like the wind.
  • sarajane31
    sarajane31 Posts: 18
    Do you do any weight/strength training? I haven't lost any weight yet (just starting to count calories today) but I've been doing You Are Your Own Gym for 3 weeks and have noticed a definite change in my body (clothes fitting better, feeling stronger, etc.). Check it out: http://marklauren.com/20-minute-workouts.html
  • themommie
    themommie Posts: 5,033 Member
    maybe you should try zig zagging your calories it worked for me, it is worth a try.
  • cantante_lirica
    cantante_lirica Posts: 1 Member
    Don't give up hope. Sometimes your body reaches a plateau and needs some time to re-adjust. Stick to what you're doing. After your body realizes you mean business on this diet, it will start letting you lose again! You can do it!:happy:
  • SierraElegance
    SierraElegance Posts: 86 Member
    I have to give you some tough love-- you are not eating like someone who is trying to lose weight. You eat a ton of crap and fast food and sugar, and very little to give your body fuel and nutrition. Base each of your meals around a lean protein-- such as egg whites with old fashioned oats for breakfast instead of non-nutritious coffee drinks or cereal. Get rid of the sweets-- just let them go! I was the biggest sugar addict in the world, so if I can do it anyone can! You can plan one cheat meal a week on the weekend-- but don't just let it happen. You need to decide when it will be, and it's one meal and you're done.

    Drink tons of water and nothing else. Eat more often-- every 3 hours is good. There is so much you can change and you will have great results! Did you eat like this after your surgery?
  • Koorogi
    Koorogi Posts: 21 Member
    Don't forget that there are plenty of other exercises out there as well that aren't too high impact if you like things like just walking. I use the Leslie Sansone videos, but then I switch it up with some Yoga that I do with my kids, etc. If you happen to have Netflix there are quite a few workouts available on there as well including the Crunch series, the 10 Minute Solution series and the Yoga for kids...Shanti Generations, which I recommend especially if you're new to Yoga. There are others as well, but your muscles stop reaping the benefits as nicely if they become too accustomed to the way they're being used.
  • Ke22yB
    Ke22yB Posts: 969 Member
    I have been changing my life for almost 4 years ( May 22 is 4 years) I have had times that my weight was the same for months and I keep going trying to stay healthy and adding to my workouts as my abilities changed I noticed my measurements did change my BF% dropped and sometimes my skeletal muscle % went up so I was more fit even if the same weight. Frustrating sure go a month hit your numbers nd no weight loss go a week and eat crap and go over your calories and drop 2 punds so you never know.
    I have to laugh at all the experts and the advice my body does what it wants when it wants whether I like it or not
    so I just keep being as healthy as possible and let the chips fall where they may
  • close68
    close68 Posts: 2
    Hnag in there and keep doing what you are doing and it will come around. Sometimes just doing one little change will make the difference. Keep in mind that the feeling of being frustrated could be hindering you. Relax and just keep eating senisbly and counting your calories. When you are finished entering it in just walk away and think and do something. else. Good luck
  • chrystee
    chrystee Posts: 295 Member
    I agree, your body is totally used to the walking.. I never lost much when I walked, even though I did 3 miles a day, because my heart rate didn't elavate too much. I bought a heart rate monitor and that helped a lot, cause I could see that my heart rate wasn't rising very high..

    I had to get into pretty heavy exercise routine, running, biking, etc.
  • WorkitoutBev
    WorkitoutBev Posts: 29 Member
    Hello Everyone,

    Well I just getting started and this is my 2nd day on this site, actually logging my food. Not sure if I like it or not, having to log everything that goes in my mouth. But I will give it a good try, who knew that the things that I love had so many calories. I guess not me, I made it a habit not to look and now I find myself looking.

    I would be so happy to lose 53, please I can't wait to say that I lost 20 lbs. But I'm determine, I have no choice I need to get off all these meds that this doctor feel I need.

    I started the gym last week and haven't weighed myself , will do it Friday morning, wish me luck. I'm looking for a good number, but will be happy with anything as a lost.

    Bev
  • cherbapp
    cherbapp Posts: 322
    Also, you only eat three meals per day on average. Split your calories up between 5-6 meals...this makes a considerable difference in metabolism and energy, not to mention, you'll feel less hungry if you eat more often.

    I actually eat about every hour. My diary is just divided into 4 sections of the day...but I eat really small meals or pieces of the meals throughout the day. And I'm never hungry...which was a problem when I was trying to eat clean. I did really good the months that I was on 1200 calories but now at 1600 I have room for the crap. I do need to go back to the fresh foods...
  • jallen1955
    jallen1955 Posts: 121
    I had a look at your diary.

    First thing, eat more protein for breakfast. Split your calories over 5 meals a day ( or 3 meals and 2 snacks), eat a LOT of veggies and some fruit (not bananas!), cut out the coffee creamers!!

    What I see in the diary is a low calorie count and a lot of "empty" calories. Your nutrition is poor and your body has likely gone into starvation mode.
  • cherbapp
    cherbapp Posts: 322
    Thanks everyone! I am feeling good about my bike now...you gave me the motivation to go get on it! Hoping this is the change that will get the scale moving again!
  • Christi6604
    Christi6604 Posts: 247 Member
    If you stick with it, you will succeed. The only way you won't succeed is if you stop working to be healthy. Here are some things that have worked for my plateaus (my last plateau was six months long before I figured out the problem...so less than 3 weeks? nice.):
    - re-doing the weight loss settings on mfp. As you lose, you occasionally need to go in and have mfp recalculate. I didn't know that at first.
    - more water
    - changing my exercise routine a bit.
    - working out with greater intensity. (I hadn't realize the intensity had dropped until I focused on it).
    - eating my BMR (I had dropped my net too low without realizing that it wasn't working).

    I would recommend incorporating more water (if you aren't), either switching up your workout a bit or upping the intensity (power walking..jog a bit in between...add some inclines or adding a lap, etc.), or maybe dropping your calories 100 a day. You have to find what works for your body. Over and over again. :-) With each plateau. Just don't let the frustration get to you.
  • chyde4
    chyde4 Posts: 1 Member
    Have you tried P90X? It would be a good change of routine, as well as a very challenging workout!
  • jonibeeps
    jonibeeps Posts: 6
    My goodness! I just looked at your food diary and your diet is terrible! You have lost all you can lose by going on calories alone. Now you need to add actual nutrition. You become nutrition starved and your body will hang onto fat. Try making fresh food. Steamed veggies, broiled fish, baked chicken, etc. Limit your sweet stuff to once a day and under 100 calories. Get rid of the fill-me-ups like breads, and eat fruits and veggies with high water content to fill you up instead. Don't do any pre-packed pre-prepared foods.
  • cherbapp
    cherbapp Posts: 322
    Hello Everyone,

    Well I just getting started and this is my 2nd day on this site, actually logging my food. Not sure if I like it or not, having to log everything that goes in my mouth. But I will give it a good try, who knew that the things that I love had so many calories. I guess not me, I made it a habit not to look and now I find myself looking.

    I would be so happy to lose 53, please I can't wait to say that I lost 20 lbs. But I'm determine, I have no choice I need to get off all these meds that this doctor feel I need.

    I started the gym last week and haven't weighed myself , will do it Friday morning, wish me luck. I'm looking for a good number, but will be happy with anything as a lost.

    Bev

    You can do it! And I agree, I was appalled at how many calories were in my favorite foods! I had never eaten any big amount of anything, but when I started counting calories I realized why I was fat on a bird sized diet!

    The greatest motivation I get is when the scale moves...when it doesn't, I need people! You will be losing in no time and have tons of motivation to keep it up! Good luck!
  • alysonleanne
    alysonleanne Posts: 65
    Also, you only eat three meals per day on average. Split your calories up between 5-6 meals...this makes a considerable difference in metabolism and energy, not to mention, you'll feel less hungry if you eat more often.

    I actually eat about every hour. My diary is just divided into 4 sections of the day...but I eat really small meals or pieces of the meals throughout the day. And I'm never hungry...which was a problem when I was trying to eat clean. I did really good the months that I was on 1200 calories but now at 1600 I have room for the crap. I do need to go back to the fresh foods...

    My trainer once told me..."if you aren't hungry enough to eat fruit or veggies...you aren't hungry."
    That's a good way to look at consuming the junk.
  • ResilientWoman
    ResilientWoman Posts: 440 Member
    What works for me is a way of living designed around my health, not weight loss specifically. I've shed 110 lbs. in about 3 years, still have around 65 or so to go. I am a 45 yo single mom to a 6 yo daughter, an independent small business owner for the first time ever, have no family or local support and TONS and TONS of stress.

    If it weren't for staying connected to folks that live thousands of miles away via Facebook and my crew here at MFP, I'd never have shed so much belly fat or kept it off.

    Stress makes cortisol. Cortisol makes belly fat. Eating sugar can wreck havoc with your insulin response. If you've shed weight in the past and aren't now, you've got a right to your frustration and I was happy to see that you've already been given several pieces of good advice. Here are my thoughts on reading over your original post and many of the replies:

    * Where are your calories coming from? Junk or real, whole foods?
    * Why did you get fat?
    * What are you willing to be consistent at in order to change things?

    I became willing to do what actually healed my body, rather than focusing on the morbid obesity which was a symptom and NOT the underlying problem.

    What worked for me was 60-85% healthy (saturated) fats from well sourced meats/cold water fatty fish, FCLO, Coconut Oil, and grass fed/pastured butter with the remainder of my nutrition composed of grass fed meats, pastured pigs/bacon, pastured chickens/eggs, grass fed HWC, safer seafoods (salmon, sardines, mackarel), dark chocolate AND under my physician's orders avoiding fruits and veggies and any raw foods like the plague while I healed my digestion.

    Adding supplements to heal my body from all the damage that made me morbidly obese was done with several physicians collaboration along with many hours of my own research. (I am not a doctor and cannot tell you what you should do.) My ND prescribed Betaine HCL Acid, Digestive Enzymes, Vitamin D3 in very High, therapeutic doses and B Complex. My physician adjusted my thyroid medication and stayed on top of all of my labs to monitor whether my body was utilizing the supplements. When we stopped feeding the disease process and started feeding my body so that it could digest food, several month long plateaus ended and I began to feel better. Shedding extra pounds was a side affect not a result.

    Now I finally have digestion strong enough for veggies as long as I take my supplements. I can have a small serving of berries but usually avoid other fruits. There will be plenty of time to add them back in when I've healed myself sufficiently. Stress increases my need for HCL, Happiness and relaxation decrease my need for them.

    In this phase of my healing, I'm working on stress management, meditaion, neuroscience answers to my challenges and finding ways to play more. Looking for tribe is also important to me. Finding ways to increase my authenticity and heal my finances has also been part of my journey.

    You might be more successful at your goals if stopped being concerned about your calories and started smartly sourcing your food. I eat between 2000-3000 calories when I"m training and 1400-2400 when I'm at rest. Just depends on what my body needs in the moment. YMMV
  • gsager
    gsager Posts: 977 Member
    Ok so I read a lot...try hard and thought I had this all figured out, but I have been stuck for 2.5 weeks and it finally got to me.

    I lost around 40 pounds doing 1200 calories plus eating back some exercise calories...until I got stuck mid-january. After reading all the eat more lose more stuff on here, I upped my calories to 1600-some, and rarely eat back more than 100. I only eat those because based on my BMR and TDEE, I should be eating about 1750. I mentally can't do the 1750 (BMR) every day if I don't get exercise in. I did lose a little more...but very slowly. I generally walk 10 miles a week. Usually 3-4 times....2-4 miles each. I am a stay at home mom to teenagers but I am a clean freak and spend a good 2 hours on that project daily which I don't enter as any cardio or anything.

    So...on April 30 I got down to 215.2....TOM came and went in the past 2 weeks, and I am still up 3 pounds...every morning...exactly the same. No loss of the water weight plus some...as every other post suggested would happen. Ugh! I am so frustrated...this weekend I ate all the crap food my kids had for their party. Only went over by 400 calolries for the entire weekend though...and I am extremely accurate counting calories...erring on the side of putting in too many if anything.

    So I desperately need motivation...tell me if I stick to it, the scale will move again?!? Or give me tips to get it going...please? My diary is open though go back to Friday for a typical day in my life...or last week anyhow. I still want to lose 40 pounds...and was hoping to ditch 20 before going to Paris in September, but at this rate I could be fatter for the 9 hour flight!!

    And if anyone feels the need to check numbers on me...I'm 5'9", 215lbs, 37 years old...and around 45% body fat.

    Thanks!

    I really think you should up your calories. I'm 5'2" and eat about 2000 a day and am still losing weight.
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