Trying not to become discouraged

fluturca · May 2012

So, I started my weight loss journey on May 1st. Started eating lots of fruits, lean meats, proteins, whole grains, cut out junk food (except once a week). Drinking only water. Started running. I burn close to 4000 calories per week. I've been making nothing but good changes.... AND I have lost a measly 3 lbs. I am 5'8, and 171 lbs.

Any advice ladies?

4my2jays · May 2012

Keep it up, dont quit. You will see the results sooner or later. Just make sure you are eating enough calories and drinking plenty of water. I promise you it will get better. Remember even thought the scale may not be moving your body is changing. Just please don't give up.

Jennylovette · May 2012

It could be that you are gaining more muscle which does weight much more than fat.

moepwr · May 2012

Slow and steady! It has only been five weeks and you should aim for about 1 pound a week. It will be an up and down for sure! I gained two pounds this mornign but I am going to try and stay the curse and not get discouraged! You are also gaining muscle mass with the running which is going to be heavier than fat. Add me if you want some encouragement!

hfzimmerman · May 2012

Dido! You are probably gaining muscle first so your body is shifting but if you stay stronger the pounds will eventually drop off....plus 3lbs is better than nothing so be proud of that!

SafireBleu · May 2012

3 lbs is good. You ave only been at this about 4 weeks so don't stress it and keep doing what you are doing.

dougii · May 2012

Stay the course....don't give up. when I started changing my life back on January 10, 2012 the thought of losing 10 pounds was terrifying....then 25 was daunting....i just clebrated going past 50 this weekend which 4 months ago I would have thought to be impossible. You will go through periods of time when the pounds come off fast and others when it seems they aren't coming off at all. Take measurements now and then you will have another comparison - I didn't know I needed these so now I just get to compare my belt holes and pants waist size (44 tight to 38 comfortable). If you are "religious" with counting all calories in and stay at or below your total calories for the day (MFP goal plus exercise, assuming you set up as sedentary) you will lose the weight. Best of luck!!!!!

AshleyNicole0710 · May 2012

I am 5'8 and when I started this I was 176lbs (March 31st) I am now down to 153. I hated when people would tell me it takes time, but it does... My least favorite comment was "you didnt gain it over night, so you wont lose it over night" but it does make sense!!! The biggest things I changes was my portion control, alcohol consumption, water intake, and working out.... I cut my portions to where I always have about 4oz of protein, chicken, turkey, fish ect, and fresh veggies... I learned that carbs arent your enemy, but to eat them in correct portions and eat the right kind of carbs... I use to drink Iced tea all day... I NEVER drank water.... I was always hungry and couldnt figure it out... I drink more water in one day now, then i probably did in a year! lol If i know i ate breakfast and its not time to eat but im feeling a little hungry, i drink water, and it helps! What i was told, is that your brain takes 20 minutes to realize its full... most people over eat because they dont know they are full after downing that burger in 5 minutes.... Also, your brain doesnt have a "im thirsty button" it gives you that "im hungry" feel... So if you drink some water, you more than likely wont be hungry if its not time to eat. I know you said you have changed your habits for the better, so this may be useless information, but even when im making healthy choices, i like to be reminded of these things.... Working out is always going to be a big part of weight loss as well... Keep that heart rate up, run, do some crunches, build that muscle! I still have another 15lbs id like to lose, but i feel so much better about myself!!! feel free to friend me, even though i just went on a lecture. haha I just want everyone to see the results, and even if there was one bit of info that i just stated that you didnt know, it might help you like it did me!!!

good luck!

hazymary · May 2012

Patients is a virtue, so they say.....I hear ya it can be soooo frustrating. Give your body a chance..slow and steady wins the race. Probably has nothing to do with gaining mascle at this point, it's too soon and you really can't gain muscle when your're in a calorie deficit. If running is new to you, at times your muscles like to retain water to protct themselves from injury when doing somethig new. Kudos for your 3 pound loss...make sure you're eating enough too......keep up the good work !!

srriley66 · May 2012

I feel your pain, as I actually gained weight when I added going to the gym. I'm talking 8 pounds, over a month ago and I have only lost 6 of the 8!!! HOWEVER, I have lost 2 inches in my thighs, 1 inch in my upper arm, etc...And I feel great!! The greatest thing is my blood pressure dropped in one month of exersice that my doctor actually lowered my BP medicine dosage!!! KEEP IT UP!! It's not about the scale like we are trained to believe. I'm looking at all my NSV's, (Non Scale Victories) instead of my wieght! And

kevin3344 · May 2012

Lose "only" 3 pounds each month for a year and you've reached your goal! What took a while to put on will take some time to take off. Just keep doing what you're doing..

fluturca · May 2012

Thanks so much everyone for the advice and kind words. I'm going to keep at it. I just happened to notice last night that my legs have firmed up a bit! If anything, I want to be healthier. If skinny doesn't come right away, then I need to accept that. I have to stop comparing myself to how I used to look when I was younger!

neverstray · May 2012

When ever you change multiple variables at the same time, like diet and exercise, it's hard to tell what's going on. For now, just keep at it. 3 lbs since May 1 is pretty good.

meemo88 · May 2012

It could be that you are gaining more muscle which does weight much more than fat.

ur dumb

minadee · May 2012

Make sure that you are eating AT LEAST enough calories to cover your BMR. There are tons of calculators out there.

blondejester · May 2012

there is nothing wrong with 3 pounds at all, keep it up and before you know it more and more will come off!

znm100 · May 2012

We all want to look good, but if you think about it, the most important thing is that we FEEL good. I'm willing to bet that after a month of eating better and exercising, that you definitely feel better than when you started... That should be the first thing that you notice and it should give you encouragement. The 'looking good' will soon follow.

Chantal34 · May 2012

Focus on other aspects of the journey besides weight loss. You are building strength and endurance! How long are you able to run now as compared to May 1st when you started out. Your body is changing in other ways besides weight loss.

amazondakini · May 2012

keep drinking all that water, it takes 3 weeks for the body to shift, get the hint and start losing. do not give up!! And that is still about 1 pound a week. You want it to be slow and steady so that it stays off, and we are women, our bodies fluctuate a ton during the month with water and hormones. So just keep at it, it will happen, trust it!