[rockstar87]

I'm getting really frustrated right now. I ran my first half marathon in October and didn't lose a pound all summer while I was training. Now I'm off running (to that extent, anyway) and I've started to Crossfit (been at it for about 3 weeks) and I'm still fluctuating between the same three pounds.

At this point I really don't care if I hit my goal. I'd be happy being in the 140s. Am I doing something wrong to lose this last little bit? I'm eating between 1500 and 1700 calories a day (on average throughout the week) and I'm eating clean, whole foods as much as possible. I workout 5 times a week (between running and Crossfit). The only thing I can think to do really is up my protein.

Help!

[fatburner77]

I think you need to decrease your caloric intake. When I was in the 150s, I could not drop weight unless I ate 1200-1300 calories daily and did my 3.5 mile run, 6 days per week. The lighter we get, the more of a sacrifice needs to be made. See if this works!

[mkroyer]

agreed....drop your cals

[Ciao]

Well, since you're a runner, it's not like
you can just drop calories. Those are
calories your body needs and will burn
off easily if you're running half marathons
and working out 5 times a week.

Maybe try 1400 to 1500 calories at first
and see if that makes a difference. If not,
then just decrease your calories a bit
more until you're satisfied. You also have to
think, what you're losing in fat you could be
gaining in muscle. I know some tri-athletes
who are 150 lbs and look physically fit and trim.

Good luck!

[Mitza24]

I would try a different workout. If all you are doing is running, your body gets conditioned after awhile and doesn't challenge the muscles enough since you you are doing the same motion over and over again. I had this issue when I was younger and thinner than I am now. Once I did more cross training instead of running, the problem was fixed

[thesame7lbs]

Congrats on your first half marathon!

I agree with Mitza that changing up your exercise could help. Give the crossfit a little more time to work.

What's your usual carb/protein/fat balance now? I do find that more protein helps me drop weight.

Do you drink a lot of soda -- even diet? This was a topic of discussion amongst some women I was with yesterday. I don't know if there's evidence or if it's just a theory that diet soda can work against weight loss. I drink one a day, and I'm going to cut it out and see if that helps with my maintenance bumps and drops.

[Oboegal]

I dropped my calories from 1500 to 1400 when I got to the mid 150's, and it seemed to help.

[rockstar87]

I have changed up my exercise in the last month actually. I was weight lifting all along (even when I was training for my run) and am now doing Crossfit (with a bit of running in between). I think I may have to either decrease my calories and/or up my protein intake because of all the intensive weight lifting I'm now doing. My concern was undereating and stalling my weight loss that way as well.

I actually don't drink any diet soda (or any soda unless it's soda water), thesame7lbs. I found it to make a big difference too. I eat as close to natural/organic food as possible so no artificial sweeteners for me.

I'll try dropping my calorie range a little guys. Thanks for the help