One thing I definitely beleive is true form experience (I also recall an article from several years ago). Your body had different set points along the way. As you get to each of these points, you just have to work a little harder to push through.

I definitely see that now. I lose lose lose then stall for a bit then lose lose lose etc. Eventhough my plan is exactly the same along the way. This is where logging is so important If you can honestly say that you are staying on plan then just stay focused and the weight will come off.

Lori

I'm with her on this one.

Thought I'd jump in and give my 2 cents. Right now I would love to be 185 pounds. I am 5'8", and that is what I weighed when I got married and I looked pretty darn good! I have not lost anything for over 3 months now. I have been doing an aerobics class for an hour 3 mornings a week. I also have been doing water aerobics 2 nights a week, and I have now changed to doing them 3 mornings right after my aerobics. I'm not doing the evening classes this summer.

According to my doctor and my aerobics instructor, I should be eating 1800-2000 calories a day for my height, weight, and age. Most days I am between 1600 & 1800.

One of the women in my class has lost 21 pounds, and most of the others have lost 5-10 since we started the class in April. There are a few of us who actually gained a couple pounds. Now that is frustration.

When I started typing this, I had a purpose for posting, and now I feel like I have lost all train of thought!!!! My hubby just came in and started talking, so that's my excuse!!

You burn less calories the more you continue to do the same exercise - this is because it becomes a learned behavior for your body.

You should be mixing up your exercise along the way and include a combination of aerobic and strength training.

I have been at this for 15months and make some type of change to my routine about every 3 months.

Lori

Hi Lorilove,
Thanks for your advice and words from your experience. This is really a first time for me-- in terms of losing the weight in a healthy, controled and monitored fashion (in terms of logging calories and going to the gym)-- so I found your posts pretty encouraging, since you're speaking from experience.

I also agree with Heather's advice. I do this often-I will lose steadily for a while, and then have a couple of weeks where I don't lose anything. After a few weeks it tends to get going again.

I don't recommend going lower than 1200 calories a day. I would recommend changing up your exercise (to surprise your body) and maybe take a look at WHAT you are eating. Sometimes it helps me to eat cleaner for a few weeks.

amen sisters, I have some responses.

I hear you about 1000 not being enough. I had originally thought to bump it up, but then I was met with 'eat less' from lots of places. I'm moving it to 1400 because I DO want to have an easy segway into maintaince.

I talked to my dad, who has lost a lot of weight, and he said also to add in some beneficial fats like pistachios and avocado. i had been avoiding them because they are high cal, but I've just started adding them in (I have an avocado sandwich at my desk )

I think that I am at one of my 'set points' my body likes 185 and I don't blame it! I kinda like 185, beats the crap outta 230! I was ranting at my mom about "whats wrong with maintaining at 185 for a while?! I've lost 20% of my body!!" she agreed. I just can't give in to maintenance because DH and I are going to TTC when I get to goal. I really really really want children. That and I'm so close!!

I wish that I would have started measuring. I didn't do it at the start, I guess I could start now. I have noticed that things are shifting. my arms are smaller, my legs and face are smaller. I am grateful for that!

I will admit that I have been taking bitefuls where I shouldn't have. I will make DH give me 1 of whatever he has as a snack (one being one M&M or one cornchip) I know that these add up and I should cut them out.

Most of all I want you ladies to know that you are a wealth of knowledge! Thank you so much for your support. I know that you know how un motivating it can be when you don't see a single budge for 3 weeks. Especially with the losses that I had been seeing. Talking it out really helps!!

Sounds like you're in a better mind-place. This is such a long journey and has significant ups and downs. We have to learn how to ride them out!

I find coming here for advice and support really helps!

Good luck!

I think that I am at one of my 'set points' my body likes 185 and I don't blame it! I kinda like 185, beats the crap outta 230! I was ranting at my mom about "whats wrong with maintaining at 185 for a while?! I've lost 20% of my body!!" she agreed. I just can't give in to maintenance because DH and I are going to TTC when I get to goal. I really really really want children. That and I'm so close!!



You're exactly right. You're doing so fantastic; just keep that in mind. This isn't easy. I bet that we'll both get over the plateau soon enough.

You know for me 175 was a "set point". I stuck at 175 for several months and only recently have started dropping again. There's nothing wrong with taking a break for a bit and working on maintaining. Give your body time to adjust to losing 50 lbs ... and then move forward from there.

Sounds like things are going better. Yay.

.

Well, I weigh in on Fridays-- and guess what??? I am down 3.4 lbs from last week! Officially out of the 180s! For a week straight, I have ADDED weights-- free weights and a couple of 'machines' to my work out routine, due to the advice here-- I still do cardio, but not as much as I did, cause I don't like to be at the gym for more than an hour and 20 minutes, five times a week. Food, in terms of calories, I was better, and was usually a little lower than 1500 a day, but not by much lower than that, or I feel hungry. I know that it probably isn't 3.4 lbs of fat, as last week, I still had my period-- but man, it feels GOOD to report that-- because I have been STUCK at 180 point something for 4 weeks straight-- until today!

And, I am really enjoying the sort of slightly sore muscle feeling in my arms and back-- I don't overdo it-- but I am starting to feel a difference. I am really happy today.

Good job! Sounds like your new plan is working.

Lori

I have been on a plateau for 4 months and finally got real with myself and started keeping track of EVERYTHING and i lost 2 lbs!! Now for you i'd say bump up those calories and see what happens...your body really probably does need a kick in the right direction!

I also have good news to report I'm at 180.6 I've done this before where I won't lose an ounce for a week or 2 then all the sudden let go of 5 lbs. Definatly not complaining! I am officially 3/4 of the way to my goal! I've been taking quarterly pictures, so I got to take my picture today. I look like a completely different person so 15 lbs here I come!!

Here are some pics because I know I like pics I know I don't have to tell you which is 230lbs and which is 180 lbs!

All right!! Excellent results!
High fives coming your way!!
Kick that plateau's butt