Folks,

It takes a long time for women to gain enough muscle to make a difference in weight--and two weeks is not enough time. So, it is probably not due to muscle gain.

Jay

Although doing weights does make you retain water. I generally weigh heavier the day after a weight workout due to water retention.

WOW, thanks for all the support and words of wisdom, guys! I just back from the gym, and all that exercise did bring my mood up a little bit (AND I got to check my jiggly self out in the mirror and noticed that my love handles weren't jiggling as ferociously as usual, so maybe I'm losing inches in places my clothes don't know about yet)

I know for a fact that Atkins is not for me. I tried it a few years ago (during the craze) and did lose weight, but felt SO sluggish from all the meat. Besides, I'm a vegetarian now, and I don't think there's much I can eat on that diet, especially in the first few weeks when you can't have much veg or fruit.

Here's a typical day for me:
B: Special K with added protein (100 cals per serving, and 10 grams protein) with light soy milk (80 cals)
S: Special K granola bar (140 cals, 10 grams protein)
L: Spinach wrap: low-carb wrap, fat-free cream cheese, spinach, tomatoes, bell peppers, and broccoli sprouts (about 200 cals)
S: cucumber slices w/ hummus (about 100 cals)
D: 1/2 can soup with added fresh veggies over brown rice (no idea on cal count, probably something like 350-400)
Aaaannnd I usually munch on an apple or celery sticks if I get the nibbles.

I do eat a lot of carbs, but they're always whole-grain (brown rice, multigrain bread, etc).

Maybe I just need to be patient... I guess I was hoping for a more rapid weightloss, since I was the drive-through queen before I started eating so healthy, and now that I still miss french fries and jalapeno poppers, I don't feel I'm getting the immediate results I want.

And don't worry... no Dunkin' Donuts for this gal today!

Black B - thank gawd you're not going to Dunkin' Dummies

I'm so glad you posted that you might have lost weight where your clothes don't know. I think that might be true - and ESPECIALLY if you are not jiggling the same!!!!!!!!! It has to be true.

I remember once when I lost a lot of weight my double chin went first - I should have measured my head!!!!

ray

blackbetty, when I add up your calories, I get around 1100. 1100!!!

That's too low! No wonder your body is trying to hold on to everything you've got!

Second, I just don't see enough protein there to support all that exercise. I don't know whether you are a strict vegan--but if you're not, I'd suggest adding in some cheese, some eggs, some 1% milk, some whey protein powder in a drink, to say nothing of protein foods like beans and nuts--maybe peanut butter. With all that exercise, you could use about 80 grams of protein a day.

And, I don't see enough "good" fats in there, either.

So, make some adjustment--you might do better!


Jay

Well, not to pooh-pooh everything, but I personally don't think that you could gain much muscle in just two weeks. You may be retaining water, which often happens when you first start weight training. It's also too soon to see much change in your measurements.

Overall, I thinks two weeks is too short a period to say that your changes are not working. It is frustrating. I know when I have a day of perfect eating and working out, the next day I'm like "okay, why am I not down a pound or too? I've been good." Weight loss takes sooo much patience and commitment to the long haul. Dunkin' Donuts = And way too many carbs and fat.

Wow - I wonder about those poor men and women who hit plateau's for weeks and months. I would shoot myself.

ray

i second jay...it looks like you aren't eating enough...and there's very little protein in your mixture. I would recommend more lean protein (ie tofu if you are a vegan, cheese fish or chicken if you aren't). You really don't look like you are eating enough. Becareful of that...if you cut out your cals too fast your body will get mad...and as you loose weight you'll have to back down your cals to cont to loose..then what if you are already at 1100 cals. also you do need some healthy fats such as olive oil or avacados. Dont be afraid of fat...your body needs healthy fat to keep regular metabolism going. if you don't have enough fat in your diet some things you may notice will be dry flaky skin and hair loss...not to mention things you won't see. Try get more of the healthy fat and proetien...it will also help you feel fuller if you are getting fats and proteins. Good luck!

I third that motion...not enough food intake. But, since this is a low-carb forum, and your a vegetarian...you might get the best advice from the veggie forum. To be honest, my sister lived the vegan lifestyle and I am completely dumbfounded by it...I am an advid carnivore (as I am sure many here in this forum are) and have no idea of the best sources of protein, and essential vitamins a vegetarian would need SO NO ADVICE HERE....OTHER THAN "STEP AWAY FROM THE DONUT...PLEASE"! Smile....Joyce

I think there is a lot of great advice here, but overall I just think you haven't give it enough time

Two weeks? Thats nothing really. But I know how you feel, it took me FIVE before I saw even a one pound loss and it can be very very disappointing after a while you get used to the idea that two weeks with only losing a pound or less can be normal (well it is for me anyway, lol).

Good luck.

Bah! I just finished a great post for you and lost it before it could post. Hate when that happens. So here is the short version:

Patience. When we begin weight loss coupled with strength training we are rebuilding ourselves from the inside out. The first type of fat that the body attack is the marbled fat in the muscle. After that has been depleted it goes on to the fat that is closer to the surface that we all associate with the dreaded cellulite. Before this can even happen your body is beginning to prepare for these changes to occur. Consistency is key here. Your body is gearing up to do some work on the inside that will eventually appear on the outside. Don't let it down by stopping now. Not that I think you would.

One of the things I hope you will experience as you continue are all of the wonderful changes that will happen on the inside long before the evidence of all your hard work appears to others. Things like standing a little taller as a result of strengthened muscles and self-confidence, a little more bounce in your step as a result of the endorphine rush from your cardio workout, and, oh yes, the anticipation of your next workout. Sick, I know but really it happens to a lot of us.

Hang in there. You'll be fine. Your body will know what to do. Just keep working with a combination of consistent cardio, and strength training. Also be sure to feed yourself well. Yep, that means more protein. Treat yourself to a protein shake once in a while. Egg whites are one of my best friend too. If you feed those muscles well they will develop and help to increase your metabolism. They kind of "pay for themselves" in that way. Good Luck!

Oh yeah, about Dunkin Donuts. Since you have so bravely stepped away from the donut you have more than earned your right to a great protein pancake.

Wow Lydia! That's the best advice I've heard yet on this forum...it makes perfect since. When I work out, I feel my muscles getting pumped on the inside, but the cellulite is still there and I'm like "what the f"...I felt so lean and pumped. I guess, patience is really a virtue! I think this time around I am going to get some exercise advise. Something we all have to do, but some of us dread it more than others. It's weird...I love the way I feel afterward, but the thought of it makes me want to go lye on the couch and stuff my face! Crazy...right??? I'll get over it. I guess the more I do it, the more I will come to not be so scared of it.

I smoke almost a pack of cigs a day though...I know...I know...quit...quit...quit...I know, but for now I smoke. I still want to exercise and finally, yes finally get rid of those damn saddlebags I call my upper thighs. It's weird to see me in a short skirt...you'd think I was an athlete, but put these legs in a bikini and boy!..it's another scene. I know this is not the forum for that but.....

Lydia...you have lost so much weight and seem to know alot about the effects of exercise...any suggestions....signed, need help with the saddlebags and pouch!

P.S. I am not gramatically challenged, so excuse the mispels/typos...my thoughts run so quickly and I am truly excited about being able to express myself this way! smile...joyce

No excuses there, bambi! I smoke two packs a day (although I'm quitting really, really soon!) and still manage to run and lift weights and do longer sessions on the elliptical. I just go slower to spare my poor lungs.