[lassieashley]

Hi there! I'm new to this community but desperately need some advice and encouragement...

I am 38 years old (no kids), 5'8" and currently weigh 166 lbs, which is up from 142 when I got married 4 years ago. My husband and I are going on a cruise in 55 days and I was hoping to lose 10 lbs before then. I started working towards that goal 4 weeks ago (when we were 95 days away from cruise) thinking that 10 lbs in almost 100 days was very feasible. However, nearly 5 weeks in, I have lost absolutely nothing and depending on what day it is, am up 2-4 lbs. And yes, I know about all the different reasons weight fluctuates , but I would still have expected to be down at LEAST a pound or two! My clothes aren't even feeling much looser at all, so I don't think I'm losing inches either. Maybe centimeters... lol

I keep a daily food journal and stay within a 1200 - 1500 calorie range per day - AFTER counting back in calories burned working out. I do a 30 min high intensity elliptical workout 4-5 days/week (with wrist weights for added resistance) followed up with a 30 min brisk walk and some toning exercises (squats, lunges, pushups, standing side crunches). I allow one rest day per week and the one other day that I am not doing elliptical, I do a 45 min walk plus toning. I have also started doing a 15-20 min power walk during my lunch 3 days/week.

I have cut a lot out of my diet (was eating fast food almost every workday) and eat small meals/snacks throughout the day. A typical day looks like this:

Oatmeal or protein bar for breakfast
Low fat Greek yogurt cut topped with whole grain granola
Snack pack of plain almonds
Tuna (prepared) with 6 whole wheat crackers
Turkey w/ pepper jack cheese (I roll them together - no bread)
Celery or carrots w/ 2 TBSP peanut butter
A fruit of some kind
Gluten free mini rice cakes or peanut butter protein bites
2 TBSP chocolate chips to get my sweet fix

I very rarely deviate from this since I have the calories down to a science. If I eat out, I always choose something low calorie/low-fat from the menu (usually salad) and replace an item or two from the list above of the same calorie amount. I do have one cheat meal a week - Taco Tuesday! But I still keep my portions down and will add a little extra to my workout that day to help offset the splurge a bit.

I have almost cut soda out completely, except 1-2 diet Dr. Peppers a week (can). I do not drink coffee and only hot tea with honey occasionally. I drink at least 10 cups of water a day and usually 4 of those with lemon. No alcohol except a glass of red wine on special occasions, but none actually since I started this regimen.

Sorry this is so long... just trying to give you as much info as possible to give you a good frame of reference. I am SO discouraged and now 10 lbs in 55 days seems impossible!! I am tired of being hangry, counting calories religiously every.single.day., working out and not seeing any result! I was so frustrated this weekend that I ate a big piece of chocolate cake!

What am I doing wrong?? Am I missing something? Eating too little? Too much? Not working out enough? Any advice or encouragement would be so very appreciated!! And please forgive me if I am posting this in the wrong place or not following correct guidelines!

Thanks in advance!

[Salix]

I would like to offer advice but I only know what works for me. I don't count calories exactly - I use the weight watchers point system. I only lose weight if I log everything (even my 4oz of coconut water in the morning). I can't imagine why your body is holding on to the weight and I hate to throw this out there but are you sure you're not pregnant?

Good Luck. Try to enjoy the cruise even if you don't lose what you hope to lose.

[EagleRiverDee]

For me, your diet would be too high in carbohydrates. I fall into the camp that believes macros matter as much as calories, and I lose weight far more quickly if I reduce my carbs. There's science behind it that I won't bore you with, but that's what I'd try is tweaking the macros- more protein and fat, less carbs. I'd also cut out the processed food and make my food from scratch using whole ingredients.

[lassieashley]

Thanks so much! I am not pregnant and guess I should mention that I am not on any medications either. I have wondered if my carbs are still to high, but have read conflicting views on what is too high and what your body needs - especially with working out as often as I do. But I think I will modify my intake and see if that makes any difference!

I will for sure enjoy the cruise even if I am still carrying around these extra pounds!

[EagleRiverDee]

Good luck! Hope your cruise is a blast!