Need Advice

  • I have successfully lost 70lbs. in a years time. I have 50 more pounds to lose. For 15 months I have been stuck at a plateu. I have tried Slim Fast for 4 months...no loss. I have been on Nutrisystem for almost six weeks and have only lost 2lbs.

    My calories average about 1,400 a day. I have even dropped to 1,200 calories and gone up as much as 1,800. Still no loss.

    I work out alot. I walk 7-10 miles, 6 days a week. I ride a bike 4 miles, 6 days a week. I lift weights 3 days a week. I take a water aerobics class one night a week. I have tried varying the work outs to other things and I still don't lose.

    Does anyone have any suggestions? I am beyond frustarted.

    Annie
  • If you have the budget, and are really stuck at this serious of a plateu, then it might be worthwhile to look into a personal trainer. They can evaluate better than most as to what you are doing wrong or right to help you get off those last few Lbs.
  • Have you had your thyroid checked?
  • Have you been taking your measurements? Since you work out a lot it's possible that you are getting smaller, but not seeing it on the scale.
  • I am not an expert but I remember that fat is the last source which body used. So in some people working out could not be useful. So as "freshman15" said you should see a personal trainer. The body does not have to obey the rules.
  • Are you eating real food now? Nutrisystem is very high in sodium, which may be part of the problem there. Try switching to lean meats, veggies (but skip the high starch/sugar ones like potatoes, carrots, sweet corn, peas), fruits (but sparingly with sugary juices, bananas, etc), and keep it lower on the carb/sugar intake. You'll have to do your own portion control, but can bulk up with things like fresh spinach if you feel a need for a big portion. Drink your water. Watch the energy drinks, which can be high in sodium as well.

    Your workouts sound long, but possibly not very intense...? If you're walking 10 miles a day, 6 days a week, maybe it's time to switch it up to a running program? Are you lifting heavy to build muscle, or lifting light/high reps? You might do well to get with a personal trainer, at least to evaluate your workouts and give you a new program that will increase intensity and shake things up at least a few days a week. You're probably just fit enough now that your body isn't getting a lot from the workouts you're doing.

    It can't hurt to see a doc, to rule out a medical cause, but just thought I'd toss those ideas out there for you. I'm sure you'll find a way to get things moving again!

    Cheryl
  • Just here to cheer you up!

    You did a great job so far, I bet you look great with all this exercise. I would definitely check the thyroid. And the personal trainer is a great idea. You must be very fit by now, so your body needs much more of a challenge that a same weight "couch potato" to start shedding pounds again. I know how that feels - I walk a lot and always have been, so walking doesn't help me lose a gram! I need much more - so I started running. I don't know yet how it will work, but I was impressed by how quickly I adjusted to higher and higher amounts of effort - that walking really helped I think.

    Also, look into tae bo/kick boxing. Very very good for cardio, fat burn and even muscle development/definition (a have great arms only from punching air!). And if it's a new physical exercise for you, it might just trick your body into losing again.
  • Thanks everybody for your input and suggestions.

    Looks like I need to consult with my doctor. Try changing up the work outs again. I'm afraid I can't afford a personal trainer.

    Annie