Thread: This is not working!!!

Ok so I am on week two of my diet and exercise lifestyle change and I haven't lost a pound. Not even a friggin ounce. WTF? What is going on with me?

My poor boyfriend was subjected to this on Friday night. I had 350 calories left to eat that day and he made some comment about "Even though you have those calories doesn't mean you should use them." Well, I basically lost my sh*t ,m:: and we got into a big fight...and then I proceeded to cry (read: bawl) for an hour. ..cr.:

I am so effing bummed. What is going on? Why can't I lose weight? I am counting calories and working out!!! Last time I had weight to lose, it came off pretty fast...now it's just sticking to me.

..c::

When I first started exercising and calorie counting, it took awhile for my body to adjust and for the weight to start coming off. I know that for me, I find I lose weight better if I eat more calories (by about 200) than the Daily Plate was recommending for me. My body tends to hold on to weight when I eat less or equal to what they recommend. I would try that Andalee and see if that doesn't make that scale budge.

Also remember this, you're striving for a healthier body, not just a skinnnier one. Weight loss is just a bonus. Focus on those good healthy habits like a good diet and exercise and eventually the scale will reflect your efforts.

OMG, I've been there, done that! It's SOOOO frustrating!!! You have my sympathy, it sucks and it's hard and men don't get it because they can lose weight by deciding to only have donuts four times a week.

Here's what I had to do:

1) I had to accept that I probably would have GAINED weight during those times if I hadn't been counting every friggin' calorie, and I had to learn that the scale/measurements not budging was actually success. (learned that by giving up for a week or two and putting on 5 pounds. Ugh.)

2) Had to become more vigilant about measuring, etc. because I was sneaking in 50-100 calories here or there, and they were adding up

3) Had to stop eating in the evenings. Period. I just can't eat in the evenings and lose weight. Maybe other people can.

4) I had to add just a little intensity to my workouts. Not a lot, just tiny intervals of jogging into my walking, etc. My regular workouts just weren't making me breathe heavy, so I knew I wasn't pushing my body.

5) I actually have my Yahoo calendar set up to send me an e-mail twice a week with a quote that says words to the effect of 'If you keep trying, you must eventually succeed.' The quote reminds me that it's simple math. If I expend more calories than I take in, then over time I *have* to lose weight, whatever bumps and ridges I may encounter along the way that make it appear otherwise.

Hope something here might be helpful to you!!

How long ago did you have weight to lose? The body changes, and it may take longer to see a difference

Also, as dumb as this sounds, maybe you gained muscle? Are clothes starting to fit differently?

I'm doing Weight Watchers and I've had my frustrating weeks. I find that not eating enough is as bad as eating too much---don't restrict yourself too much or it can backfire in an eating binge. Give yourself something yummy to look forward to in each meal (for me it's avocados, mangos, or sauteed mushrooms) that is good for you too. Make sure you get your good fats every day and take it one meal at a time. Focus on how much better you're feeling and ignore what's going on with your scales. Good luck and keep us posted!

Oh yeah, don't throttle your boyfriend....they just can't help being that way sometimes!

Originally Posted by indigostars

How long ago did you have weight to lose? The body changes, and it may take longer to see a difference

Also, as dumb as this sounds, maybe you gained muscle? Are clothes starting to fit differently?

That was like two or three years ago (Spring of 05). I did weight watchers and I am thinking of switching back to that. I am not sure the Daily Plate is doing it. I prefer the daily plate though because it tracks nutrition.

Originally Posted by Doozer

Oh yeah, don't throttle your boyfriend....they just can't help being that way sometimes!

It hard because he is skinny and eats full fat everything. He balks at my low-fat, low-cal picks. But what makes it really hard is that he has this super helpful personality. He thinks he needs to say something to help. I feel like he is controlling me and because of my personality, if someone tells me I can't eat a brownie...I will eat 5 of them. He also is slightly enabling...bringing me cookies and doughnuts and such.

So we have to constantly have these talks, where he says he wants to help but doesn't know what he can say because I will get mad. All I want him to say is, "You're doing great" and "You look beautiful" and "I'm here for you." You know the basics...

Originally Posted by andalee-oriental

All I want him to say is, "You're doing great" and "You look beautiful" and "I'm here for you." You know the basics...

Maybe make him up some cue cards? ..l;,

Hello,
I am also dieting right now. Here are a few things I've noticed that help while I've been on a diet;

Have an egg in the morning. This will help keep cravings down.

Periods often effect your diets. One week after your period you could loose five pounds, the next week you would loose three, the next one or nothing due too water weight that you gain becuase your period is coming up.

Take a walk in the evening after dinner. Even if it does not phase you to do so you are reminding your body that gaining weight is not an option. If it does phase you, then it will aid your diet.

Go to bed hungry. The point of dieting is to make your body use it's fat and sleeping on it eliminates having to feel being hungry. I find that if I eat before bed I do not loose any wieght the next day or worse, gain weight. (one- three pounds as a matter of fact)

Replace as much red meat as you can with fish. It's health verses the fat between the vains of your beef that your dealing with here.I always try to have fish once a day.

Drink a glass of skim milk to keep up the protein.

Watch Biggest Looser to encourage your self.

And of course, dance! Nothing like burning some of those calories!,r:;

Good luck too you! I must say I like seeing the pounds roll of my body following these rules...l;, I hope you do too.

Originally Posted by Lauren_

Maybe make him up some cue cards? ..l;,

..l;,

Andalee~

I feel your pain. I've been trying to lose weight for months, and I just keep packing it on.

What I keep telling myself is this: The weight didn't come on over night, so I'm not going to lose it over night.

My recommendations: drink LOTS of water. watch your sodium intake. Make sure you're eating plenty of veggies, and getting your protein in (that's a hard on for me...that and iron.)


What is your workout routine like? I had a session with a personal trainer and they recommended to me alternating cardio with weight training...now...I have yet to TRY it (illness and back problems=no gym for Yasmin. lol), but it might be something for you to try...

The most important thing though is this: don't give up! If you are really uncomfortable at the weight you're at, then you owe it to yourself to lose the weight...make YOURSELF happy. But set realistic goals...:)
You've got a great support group here on bhuz.

~Yasmin

ps, I agree about the cue cards. ;) Good idea Lauren!..l;,

Thanks y'all for the support. I meant to saying I am on week 3. :)

Andalee, I went on the South Beach Diet many years ago: assiduously avoided ALL carbs for TWO FREAKIN' WEEKS and didn't lose a pound. My mom lost about 12lbs in that same time. I think my problem was that I started exercising at the same time that I started cutting carbs...NOT a good combination.

Anyway, what works for one person doesn't necessarily work for another...tape measures are also probably the best measurement of how well you're doing. I haven't lost any weight in a few months, but I *did* just run a 10k, which is something I wouldn't have been able to do a few months ago. So I know that I'm getting stronger and healthier! :)

Andalee, I read in the October diet thread that you've got your calories set for the maximum loss. I would recommend backing that off and going down to the lowest loss per week. I think the reason that you're not losing like you want to is because you're not eating enough. Don't make it so hard on yourself, you'll have a harder time sticking with it.

I've got my activity level set at sedentary (which I'm usually not) and my weight loss goal at the lowest amount per week, and like I said earlier, I find I do better when I eat more than they recommend.

Everyone is different - what will work for others may not work for you. It's very doubtful you will see any kind of significant change in two weeks. Just hang in there and be patient. You're putting a lot of hope on loosing weight in just two weeks - seems self defeating to me. Are you drinking lots of water? Right when you get up in the morning you should drink two 8 oz glasses of water - seems like a lot, right? Well you've been sleeping for 6-8 hours without water so you are thirsty (and you don't even know it) and need that water.

One thing I've found in the times I've lost weight is that any amount of alchohol stopped me from losing weight. Even just a small glass of red wine which the South Beach diet allows.

Originally Posted by jasani

Everyone is different - what will work for others may not work for you. It's very doubtful you will see any kind of significant change in two weeks. Just hang in there and be patient. You're putting a lot of hope on loosing weight in just two weeks - seems self defeating to me. Are you drinking lots of water? Right when you get up in the morning you should drink two 8 oz glasses of water - seems like a lot, right? Well you've been sleeping for 6-8 hours without water so you are thirsty (and you don't even know it) and need that water.

I usually drink water when I wake up (and days that I don't I really feel it). Maybe not a whole 8 oz, but something. I also keep a large mason jar on my desk at work and I refill it daily. I also carry around a plastic water bottle and I drink a lot when I work out.

As for self-defeating...that may be true, but I don't think my expectations where set too high. Most people lose weight their first week of dieting, right?

Originally Posted by andalee-oriental

That was like two or three years ago (Spring of 05). I did weight watchers and I am thinking of switching back to that. I am not sure the Daily Plate is doing it. I prefer the daily plate though because it tracks nutrition.

I totally failed using Sparkpeople (which is essentially the same kind of thing as the Daily Plate) but lost 25 pounds slowly but relatively painlessly using Weight Watchers.

I find the healthy habits in the Weight Watchers program covered my nutrition needs pretty well (And I am of the opinion anyone who is doing the flex plan who doesn't get all of their veggies, healthy oils, etc isn't actually on plan even if they're within their points), the only thing I tracked on the side was how much fiber I was eating. For me, the weekly meeting and the flexibility of the activity points/weekly bank were essential for me to lose well.

stop reading the scale! if you're working out, then muscle is built, which is denser

use a tape measure, seriously. i've been 140 lbs for 5 years, but there's a difference of 3 inches....i've lost those inches, but the scale didn't budge, my clothes fit better and i LOOK more trim, but still 140 lbs

they started falling off when i started having breakfast, then made sure i kept at least 3 meals a day, but stopping eating when i started FEELING full, not when i WAS full, cutting down (not eliminating) on refined carbs and sugar, and on salt (a biggie for me, love the stuff, and have a MAJOR sweet tooth)...and of course, dancing........and occasional cross training.....

now, i have my 3 moderate meals, and at least 2 snacks (2 boiled eggs, for 1, a banana for second, you get the idea)........it boosts your metabolism and puts it into burn mode......if you skip meals, or don't eat, your body thinks 'starvation', so it holds on to fat for fuel, cuz it feels it's not getting enuf nourishment to burn, so it stores fat.......moderation is the key.....

Um...beau has dessert waiting for me when I get home. Some sort of pears with vanilla ice cream...yeah, now I see...Only 46 calories over (net calories that is).

If you're like me, and it sounds like you are, you'll go for weeks seeing no results as your body builds muscle. Then, suddenly, the scale will plummet by 3 or 4 pounds each week as you keep eating the same smallish amounts but your body burns it instead of converting it to more muscle mass.

I've had a fierce cold and been doing no exercise and eating steadily - gotta feed a cold and rest, right? I'll see if I can intimidate the scale into telling me what I want tomorrow morning.

Are your clothes fitting any different? I know I replied to one of your other threads andalee with the same issue. My scale never moved in the 3 months I restricted my eating (the bad news) but my clothes did feel looser and I felt less bloated, more energetic, just better all around (good news)

Until I found the box of Crunch berries.... Hang in there. I too suspect you maybe cut your cals too drastically and your bod is in starvation mode and hanging onto every calorie it gets. I feel your pain.

Clothes are still fitting the same, unfortunately.

Andalee:

Are you measuring/weighting your food to ensure that your caloric intake estimate is fairly accurate?

How many calories per day are you eating?

You mentioned low fat. How low fat are you going -- what percentage of your calories each day come from fat? Perhaps you shouldn't be cutting back on the fat, but rather replacing bad fats with good. You should be getting about 30% of your calories from fat.

Unfortunately, unless you started out extremely out of shape with atrophied muscles (unlikely since you are a dancer) or have started an intensive strength-gaining weight program, the "fat weighs more than muscle" seems unlikely to be the explanation IMO.

Originally Posted by andalee-oriental

I had 350 calories left to eat that day and he made some comment about "Even though you have those calories doesn't mean you should use them."

I disagree with your boyfriend. It is disastrous to go 350 cals *under* a number that already has you in a calorie deficit. It will just make you feel like crap and eat more than you should the next day.

on the other hand, it just may be a plateau.............those SUCK! i went thru a 2 year plateau before the inches finally dropped, and did so BIG time................just take care of yourself........continue eating right and exercising...........also.........make sure the calories per day you're permitted matches your activity level, the more active, the more calories you need to maintain energy and your metabolism...........sedonia's also right in the amount of good fat you need...............its a crazy balance

Originally Posted by lilya

Andalee, I went on the South Beach Diet many years ago: assiduously avoided ALL carbs for TWO FREAKIN' WEEKS and didn't lose a pound. My mom lost about 12lbs in that same time. I think my problem was that I started exercising at the same time that I started cutting carbs...NOT a good combination.

Anyway, what works for one person doesn't necessarily work for another...tape measures are also probably the best measurement of how well you're doing. I haven't lost any weight in a few months, but I *did* just run a 10k, which is something I wouldn't have been able to do a few months ago. So I know that I'm getting stronger and healthier! :)

Yeah girl-if you started running AND cutting carbs at the same time I'm sure that was miserable! Cause you do need em in that case!

By the way Andalee-I found that no amount of dieting made me lose weight-it kept me at a steady place, but no loss. I think if you really want to jump start things, put more effort/emphasis into exercising. When I started running, the pounds melted off, even when I was eating MORE so that I could exercise. Whatever you do like everyone else said, DON"T starve yourself-get in the amount of calories you need, otherwise it screws with your metabolism.

Originally Posted by ssipes

Andalee:

Are you measuring/weighting your food to ensure that your caloric intake estimate is fairly accurate?

How many calories per day are you eating?

You mentioned low fat. How low fat are you going -- what percentage of your calories each day come from fat? Perhaps you shouldn't be cutting back on the fat, but rather replacing bad fats with good. You should be getting about 30% of your calories from fat.

Unfortunately, unless you started out extremely out of shape with atrophied muscles (unlikely since you are a dancer) or have started an intensive strength-gaining weight program, the "fat weighs more than muscle" seems unlikely to be the explanation IMO.

As for measuring and weighing...I don't usually do that, but I did for the first time today. I counted out 20 pretzels and put them in a baggie. Then I counted out 10 grape tomatoes. Nice little snackie. I know all about portion sizes, but I am sure I often under-estimate.

TDP says I should eat 1527 calories a day to lose 2 lbs a week. Most days I go a little over my calorie allotment so I could expect to lose less than 2 lbs per week but not nothing...When I exercise (elliptical and walking) I eat anywhere from 1700 to 1900 calories per day. Less for days I belly dance because I don't usually get a lot of cardio.

As for fat...My fat is not that low. In fact, I think I am still getting too much. Yesterday for instance I got 110% of daily fat (according to TDP Gold Member nutrition label) and it said 33.4% of my calories were from fat. The day before I got 117% RDA of fat, which made up 35.5% of my calories. Could it be that I am still eating too much fat?

Originally Posted by JasmineRose

By the way Andalee-I found that no amount of dieting made me lose weight-it kept me at a steady place, but no loss. I think if you really want to jump start things, put more effort/emphasis into exercising. When I started running, the pounds melted off, even when I was eating MORE so that I could exercise. Whatever you do like everyone else said, DON"T starve yourself-get in the amount of calories you need, otherwise it screws with your metabolism.

Yeah, I feel the same way...but I have a lot of issues with fatigue, so it is extra hard for me to work out. Plus I have a crazy schedule, so fitting in exercise routines is difficult.

Here is my routine:
Monday - 90 min belly dance class and 60 minute troupe rehearsal (not very heavy on cardio though, mostly muscle and technique work)
Tuesday - Gym for 30-45 minutes. Walking and ellipitcal
Wed- Break
Thursday - Teaching BD class for 60 minutes
Friday - Gym for 30-45 minutes. Walking and ellipitcal.
Sat - Break
Sun - Teaching BD class for 75 minutes

I could add workout on Wed and Sat, but I really think I need time off. I guess it wouldn't kill me to add one more day.