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Home >> Diet Forums >> Help! no progress :(

Help! no progress :(

leahsd said: "ok, I am 26 years old, and last April I was at 225 at 5'6". From April to October I lost 40 pounds (give or take with my water weight of the day). I did this through a balanced low calorie diet (1200 a day), along with exercising 20 mins 4 days a week on an elliptical trainer. The weight seemed to just melt off, and I had to watch that wasn't loosing too fast. I had a couple of months where I wasn't so strict with my eating and wasn't exercising consistently at all (European vacation etc etc). But still I kept my food intake around 2000 cals a day, and did not gain any weight. Over a month and a half ago I became "re-motivated" and I really want to start taking some more of the weight off, but I have been completely unsuccessful. I watch every thing I eat, keep a log of all calories, and protien/fat/carb ratios (I shop exclusively at natural food stores, and I am sure to get plenty of whole grains, fruits, vegis, soy and lean meat protien). I have taken up cycling and ride 35 mins a day at a good pace. I have seem a big difference in the muscle mass in my legs, and by my calculations, I should be burning a fair amount of calories on my daily rides (I am riding 5 days a week). So, here is my frustration, I have not lost any weight since last October, nothing, I think my muscle/ fat ratio might have changed, but I just bought a fat measuring scale, so I am not able to compare to my pre- bike riding state. I am buying some small weights, and a cardio/ weight training video this weekend, which I plan to add in addition to the biking. So whats going on with me?? have I been on a low cal diet too long? (I know that some days I fall short of 1200 cals, but not too often) If my metabolism has slowed from the low cal, I should be wasting muscle right? but I know I am building a ton in my legs because they are getting big! HELP!!!! sorry this was so long... any tips would be REALLY appreciated."

pixiechic said: "hello! welcome to the forums. my advice is don't get obsessed with the scale. use it as a guide. it you are paying special attention to what you are eating and exercising, chances are you are gaining muscle mass. how do your clothes feel?"

leahsd said: "yeah, I know I shouldn't be jumping on the scale every moment... Clothes, hum, they feel the same, but as I said, my legs have really changed (my fiancé used to be a pro cyclist, and felt my legs after a couple of weeks, and said people usually have to work really hard for results like that, that cyclist would kill to be able to develop legs that fast). So I am staying optimistic there. I guess I would like to see more upper body, and especially torso results. I am going to start a high rep, low weight routine. I think palliates would really be good for me, but I just don't have the patience for it! I like to move fast! Thanks for the encouragement."

leahsd said: "Yeah, I am staying optimistic, and I have really picked up the exercise (and I think I am benefitting from the good mood it creates!). I bought Lift Weights to Lose Lose Weight by Kathy Smith. I am really happy with it, I had been doing a fair bit of cardio on my daily rides, but was missing any real resistance work, her work out really did a good job of working my whole body, and not just my legs. I do feel really motivated now, got up an hour early today to do some arm work followed by 30 mins on the eliptical. If the rain holds out, I'll go for my noon time ride. I'll keep you guys posted!"

rockprincessFF said: "I'm going to agree, scales can really suck! Don't worry about that! Just keep trying! :)"

leahsd said: "So the scale had been up and down, but my "light days" were averaging 188 (three pounds up from my lightest 185, when I was really working hard at this weight loss thing) and heavy days were up to 192. I picked a day, and called it as the start of when I was going to LOSE weight, and get serious about this. The scale read 192 that day (a Monday after a "bad" weekend). I have been counting every cal that goes in my mouth since then, and really picked up the bike riding (an exercise which I really enjoy, the weightlifting was not my thing, and I haven't been keeping up with it). This morning I hoped on the scale... 182.6.. Whoo hoo! it finally moved! and I have dropped below that mark which I could not get passed. And I don't think it is water weight, the scale has been going down every day, and I have been drinking lots of water. I swear, that’s just what I needed to see, because now I think I can really do this!!!"

shrkntz said: "sometimes when you reach a stuck spot it is good to change your routine around, and also your total calorie intake. I am glad to see that it is coming off for you. You are doing so well. I bet if you used your tape measure, you would see changes more often. Scales seem to just stick and not move, I use it 2 times a month as a visual idea of what I am losing totally. I use the tape measure to see where I am losing and where I may have to kick it up a bit to lose in that area. Drink lots of water too, it helps to ease those heavier days. I also read that if you weigh during your female time, you will weigh heavier. It is not good to weigh then. Each time you get stuck, move things around, change your excercise around. Do one day harder than others, whatever works to trick your body into thinking that something different is going on. Don't cut too much off of your foods you eat if you are active, your body needs the carbohydrates for your muscles to keep toned. 1500 is about average for food intake per day. I change mine periodically as well, allowing for more on some days and less on others."

Heather said: "A lot of good advice. Another thing to do, is not let your emotions get the better of you if you are "stuck" It is just temporary. Keep your chin up and your spirits high!"

Heather said: "Good to see you back and Kudos on your progress. Roll with the changes and keep moving forward! You can do it."

helplesscase said: "[QUOTE=pixiechic]hello! welcome to the forums. my advice is don't get obsessed with the scale. use it as a guide. it you are paying special attention to what you are eating and exercising, chances are you are gaining muscle mass. how do your clothes feel?[/QUOTE] Yeah, I agree. Plus, everyone hits a rough spot now and then."

UniqueMystique said: "I agree with Pixie...muscle weighs more than fat. My advice would be to take measurements instead of relying on the scale. See where you are losing inches. Keep up the exercise and the healthy eating. You're on the right track."

doctoru2 said: "You are also nearing your ultimate weight. The closer you get to your ideal weight, the harder it is to lose. This is true for everyone, even if you still have a way to go. Also, every person reaches a stagnating point in their weight loss regimen. Many people, like you, see weight fly off initially and are excited. However, suddenly, that weight loss slows - sometimes to a dramatic stop. It seems you are exercising and eating well for nothing. Don't be concerned - it is temporary. The clothes comment is a good one. Often the scale stays the same, but you'll see your clothes being a bit looser. You might have to tighten a belt or you see a pair of pants suddenly fit a little better. An old top that was tight suddenly seems just right, maybe even loose! Hence clothes are a great way to monitor progress. Eventually you will overcome this stagnation and resume your weight loss. So stick with it! Good luck!"

Holly said: ":D How exciting! Maybe it was a good thing to maintain for awhile and then push your body again. It is sure a good feeling to see all your hard work pay off! :)"