Hi everyone :)

  • I live in Texas and it is really starting to become a really HOT summer! And with that I would like to wear shorts and cute tops without being consurned about how my body looks....
    I've had a hard time to lose weight ever since I was a kid so I'm hoping this will help keep my motivation and reach my goal. I originally started at 180 and have been able to work down to 165 but now it seems no matter how hard I workout or watch what I eat I can't get passed 165.
    Any advice?
  • Welcome to 3fc! Sounds like you've hit a plateau. Perhaps you can switch things up a bit to re-boot your body. You could calorie cycling (1500 one day, 1200 next day, 1300 next day etc). What worked well for me was reducing carbs. Good luck!
  • Welcome to 3FC, LP! Congrats on the loss so far, 16lbs is no mean feat. As for your plateau, there's a number of things to consider. First, what's your sodium level like? Too much sodium can retain water in your body, making the scale stall even though you're not overeating. Secondly, and in relation to the first point, make sure you're drinking enough water. 1.5 litres per day is the recommended amount, and it will also help flush out your system, prevent dehydration and water retention (combined with watching your sodium intake) and aid greatly in metabolising body fat.

    Another possibility, make sure that you eat regularly throughout the day. I would recommend eating something every four hours. It just keeps your metabolism ticking. Try also not to eat after 7 or 8pm.

    If you have a high carb intake and suspect that might have something to do with it, try switching to wholegrain 'brown' carbs if you haven't already. They take longer to digest, are more nutritious, full of fibre and a lower glycaemic index.

    Other than that, keep plugging away at your fitness routine and watch your calories, and you should see that scale move in no time. Do you track your calories? If not, have a go, it's really useful for keeping yourself accountable and on track. You can use My Fitness Pal to do it for free: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/

    Good luck!
  • Thank you!
    Thank you both for the advice, the calorie counter looks great starting to use it and I'm feeling much more optimistic
    Sticking mostly to veggies and fruit, cut out bread and using little to no salt when I cook.
    Hoping for some results !