Before I started this I skipped meals and so I started low and yes I plan to keep increasing my calories but I am taking it one day at a time because this is all new to me. All I can say is I am trying to get to where I can eat normal and I just need to take it one day at a time. Thanks

Well, it's been 19 days since I last gave an update. I'm feeling pretty discouraged and ready to throw in the towel :frown: but on reflection I think perhaps I really haven't been consistent enough with *anything*. On the whole I've been pleased with my efforts this year (major changes...regular exercise, counting cals, upping my protein, trying to make better choices about portion sizes) but every now and again I can't help feeling that I'm just not making the progress that I see alot of you guys making, so I must be doing something wrong.

I really, really would appreciate some constructive criticism and comments on why I don't seem to be getting much in the way of results (or maybe I'm just expecting too much now that I'm over 40 and my progress is as it should be?)

Here's some background info and also some stats that I've been keeping track of both here on MFP and on a spreadsheet.
Age 43, 5 ft 7, TDEE for a moderately active me, minus 15%, is around 2180

My workouts consist of up to 3 days at the gym doing circuit training on the cross trainer and with dumbells (up to 11 pounds in each hand) and body weight (squats, lunges, planks) for an hour. Lately I've cut back a bit on exercise hours due to work commitments and a cold/flu which has left me a bit drained. If I don't make it to the gym I'm doing some Turbofire or other DVD workouts a couple of times a week and some gardening at the weekends. Other than that I'm pretty sedentary as I am a tutor. There are a couple of big gaps on my exercise report, the latest being when I felt too ill to exercise and the one in April was when I went to Spain. There are gaps in my records of calories consumed for these periods but on the whole I ate reasonably sensibly.

Anyway, here's the stats, please feel free to offer advice, I just feel like it's me against my body at the moment and it's a lonely struggle!





Quite a few peaks there, a bit too high. PMT cravings and generally feeling tired and in need of a boost -> eating too much.




Since following EMTWL I've made sure I net above my BMR of approx 1650. I've always loved my food so I never really have a problem eating up to my TDEE.

The only other thing perhaps affecting my progress could be my water intake. Most days it's at 4-6 cups with a few cups of decaff coffee and the odd soda (only lately, mother in law bought me some!). My food diaries are open too.

What do you think? Be totally honest. I think I know the answer, not enough focus, maybe I'm confusing the hell out of my body by not sticking closely to numbers and routines, but I need to hear it from others with experience.

Edit: some of the data has disappeared on the right of the images, I can see it by right clicking and selecting view image.

Hi,

I'm over a month into the process and up 4-7 lbs depending on the day. I just started lifting weights last week and will begin New Rules next week. I do feel better physical.

I'm at 1969 calories a day, and I'm not gonna lie........ it's hard to see the scale and feel myself getting bigger. I've decided to track weight daily on the hacker site to notice trends associated with weight training and sodium, etc. As the scales holds a lot of power over me and I need to change my relationship with it

Hopefully my next update with be with some inches or pounds down.

Ruby, trust the process. In two weeks, follow up with me and give me all details...ok?