I'm seriously ready to cry

I just can not lose weight! In fact, I've gained 2lbs. I know that muscle weighs more then fat, but I've been eating really well, staying well within my limits on MFP, I've been working out like a nut, and I gained 2lbs! It's just so discouraging.

Re: I'm seriously ready to cry

Did you gain 2 lbs in 1 week? Maybe it was just an off week. Have you been tracking your sodium intake? One week I was eating things I didn't even realize had sooo much sodium and I freaked out when I got on the scale. Make sure you are drinking a lot of water, eating a lot of fruits and veggies and lean protiens.

Re: I'm seriously ready to cry

I am sorry you are so frustrated. Weight loss is so hard and takes so much effort.

But just a few thoughts -

Are your calories set too low? I know you said you have an active lifestyle (teach dance and work out a lot, so I am just wondering if maybe you are not eating enough for what you are burning. I know eating too little can grind your metabolism t a halt, too!

If you think you are good on the calorie target, then are you eating the same amount of calories each day? I find I lose weight more if I eat a little more on some days and a little less on others, rather than eating the same each day. It seems to jump start my weight loss. So maybe shoot for a calorie range instead of a set target, and some days stick to the low end, and other days go to the higher end, to see if that helps.

Are you weighing yourself every day? I would just try to do a weekly weigh in in the same type of clothes, same time of day, same scale, to get an accurate reading. Because I think our weight normally fluctuates up to a couple of lbs up and down over the course of a day.

To stick within your calories - Do you measure -- or better yet -- weigh your food when you can? I've started losing more consistently since I've started using my food scale again instead of estimating. I even use it for things like cream cheese or peanut butter (when I can, I am not a lunatic! LOL). But it's really helped me.

It seems you have a smaller amount to lose, so I think it's always harder and slower than for people who have a bigger weight loss goal. Hang in there!


(Also - I remember your post about feeling hungry - are you feeling better with that now?)

Re: I'm seriously ready to cry

Thanks Christine, those are some really great tips. My calories are set to 1200 a day, and then I earn extra with my workouts. I do vary my calorie intake, so I don't know if that's the problem.
I do think I should probably invest in a food scale, because I guess on my portions. Maybe I'm just eating more then I think. Though I have been trying to eat a smaller portion then I normally would.
As for being hungry. It's actually been a bit better. I've been trying to train my body that less food is still filling. Or I do as suggested and save a portion of my lunch to eat a little later to keep me fill longer.
I guess I'm just disappointed with how much work I feel I'm putting in with no change in the scale. I have never been this over my normal weight and I've certainly never had o work so hard just to lose a couple of pounds. And that's coming from someone who gained and lost 50lbs with two kids.

Re: I'm seriously ready to cry

First muscle does not weigh more than fat. Muscle might make you retain water, when you first start using weights.
I do not think you are eating enough. Have you calculated your tdee and your bar? My friend weighs 120 and eats 1800 calories and steadily loses a pound a week.
Read the forums on myfitnesspal.

Eta bmr not bar

Message edited 2/26/2013 3:59:45 PM.

Re: I'm seriously ready to cry

Dont get discouraged, & don't be too tied to the scale...find different numbers to measure yourself by (minutes, intensity, days/week, inches, clothes sizes)...look at the overall picture & you'll reach your goals. Just keep challenging yourself & mixing it up (including food choices), so it doesn't get stagnant & boring.

(muscle does weigh more than fat, in terms of volume. a pound is a pound on the scale....but It takes more fat to equal a pound than muscle.)

Re: I'm seriously ready to cry

Re: I'm seriously ready to cry

Is AF coming?

out of the 1200 calories, are they distributed among the food groups? I can stay within my calories but eat them all in sugar and fat and I won't lose.

Re: I'm seriously ready to cry

I know just how you feel!

When you say well within your limits, how low are you going? To lose, I'm supposed to ingest 1500-1700 calories per day but today because I ate light and exercised, I was below 1000. Normally I'd think that's a score, but I know that when you go too low, your body may adjust in a way you don't like.

I'd be looking at sodium as well, I am very sensitive to water weight and bloating.

When I'm being really good but I plateau, I look to 'shock' my body. I change my workout routine, take time off, eat a carb heavy meal... Something to get out of my routine.

Re: I'm seriously ready to cry

Posted by greenfreak

I know just how you feel!

When you say well within your limits, how low are you going? To lose, I'm supposed to ingest 1500-1700 calories per day but today because I ate light and exercised, I was below 1000. Normally I'd think that's a score, but I know that when you go too low, your body may adjust in a way you don't like.

I'd be looking at sodium as well, I am very sensitive to water weight and bloating.

When I'm being really good but I plateau, I look to 'shock' my body. I change my workout routine, take time off, eat a carb heavy meal... Something to get out of my routine.

Re: I'm seriously ready to cry

I think 1200 is too low.. supposedly that is what a sendentary woman is supposed to eat at the minimum. I would try increasing your calories.

Re: I'm seriously ready to cry

I am having this battle with myself- even thou I don't agree with it

I feel like we want to see instant results and when we don't we get frustrated

I was going along good- dropping a lb a week and then for the last 7 days I am the same number every day- not even an 1 ounce difference

but when I look in the mirror and get dressed I see a difference

I was giving myself a gift for losing pounds - but I changed it last night

if I do hot yoga 5 times this week- I am buying the $72 (redic yes but I love them) pants at the gym

if I go on saturday before work and 5 times next week- I am getting the gucci glasses I have been drooling over

I am trying to reward good behavior rather then pounds lost

Message edited 2/27/2013 11:34:04 AM.

I'm seriously ready to cry

If you are hungry and not losing weight you may want to increase your calories a bit. 1200 calories is very low especially if you are exercising a lot.

Re: I'm seriously ready to cry

Re: I'm seriously ready to cry

Re: I'm seriously ready to cry

How long have you been dieting? I find personally it always takes me 4-6 weeks to jump start things and "detox" and get my body used to the lower calorie count. Ughh. I am in the same boat...hungry all the time and the scale was not moving BUT it finally did start to budge last week! I am eating my calories back when I work out and trying to do low carb. It is super hard !!

Re: I'm seriously ready to cry

I remember when I started dieting, I was losing weight. I added working out (Jillian Michaels DVD) to the mix and I gained 2 lbs. VERY frustrating! I decided that I wasnt ready to see a weight gain of muscle (even it was healthy weight) at that point in my weight loss program. So I just stuck with dieting and actually never went back to excercising and I lost over 40 lbs and its still off over a year later. I know its not the best advice, just wanted to add my personal experience in case it makes you feel better. Plus I made the mistake of not drinking enough water and it was holding back my weight loss for a while there. Try to drink a ton of water! Good luck!

Re: I'm seriously ready to cry

Re: I'm seriously ready to cry