If you read through this, bless you for having the patience of a saint.

For the past 3 weeks or so, I've been stuck between 212-209. My weight has gone up and down depending on what I eat and other variables. I am on day 5 of TOM today (U G H.) and since I have not paid attention to my weight gain/loss during previous TOMs since I have started dieting, I'm not sure if I will have a whoosh when it's totally over. But I have no been exercising. Horrible!! I know. But I just don't have the motivation. I used to take birth control and that helped a considerable amount with my energy, cramps, etc. Since I came off of it many months ago, I get totally wiped out during my TOM and hardly do anything. I will pick back up with my walking today, though! I had a burst of energy come through.

I have gotten up to my daily recommended calories. Woo! It was hard but I did it for the past week or so. Quick side question, Would it be better to be a little under 1,680 calories or a little over 1,680 calories if I can't be exactly on target every day? Yesterday I had oatmeal for breakfast, a necatrine for snack, a chargrilled chicken club sandwich from Chik-Fil-A for lunch with some sauce and half the bun, a baked boneless, skinless chicken breast with macaroni salad for dinner, some sweetened tea to drink and some (dare I say it?) German chocolate that my friend bought me while in Disney World as my dessert.. 180 calories for 2 mini chocolate bars. Three months since I've touched chocolate and it was SO worth it!! And I saved room for it in my calories. Today I had oatmeal for breakfast, a chicken breast for lunch and a plum for snack. And I will eat the rest of my calories for dinner with a bottle of water and unfortunately, no chocolate today!

Is it possible to diet and exercise and not lose any weight? I've been keeping up with my work out regimen, when I'm not on TOM. I walk 1 + 1/2 miles on Tuesdays and Thursdays, box on Wii on Monday and Wednesday and ride my bike 2 miles on Saturdays and I've been sticking to healthy eating habits. I'm just nervous. I dropped 20 pounds fairly quickly and painlessly and now the rest is just.. not coming off. Is this normal??

Thank you for reading this and thank you in advance for your help!

From what I've read plateaus are natural and will occur while you're losing weight.. I don't think it's too much to worry about as long as you're eating healthy and exercising.

I had a similar experience. I dropped my first 25 lbs pretty fast at the beginning of the summer. Then in July I just got stuck in the 264-267 range. You just have to keep at it and push through, maybe change up your routine a little. I've come out of my plateau now, but I'm losing more slowly than before.
As far as exercise, when you are tired try to make yourself do just a little bit. Sometimes when you get going the energy hits you and you're able to go further than you thought. I know I'm most tired on the days when I do nothing!

I agree with the previous two - with one aside.

Even though its harder to exercise during TOM, I find that when I do, it REALLY helps with cramping and lack of energy. I don't do anything too strenuous (I can't stand to go spinning when I'm at TOM) but if I walk for an hour, it really helps.

Just because you are not losing weight doesn't mean that you are not losing fat. 3 weeks is also a small amount of time to break through a plateau, especially if you are going through a period. I remember getting angry because the scale wasn't moving during my TOM and right after I had dropped 6 pounds. I gain a LOT of water weight and it's really hard to get motivated when you feel like crap. However, I can't say that it's a good idea to remain sedentary during your period because exercise can actually alleviate some of the symptoms. Be active, but take it easy. Get at least half an hour in and you'll be amazed at how much better you feel. Plus you can cross it off the list and pamper yourself for the rest of the day.

I would start adding strength training to your workout, too. You have probably gotten to the point where you're going to have to amp up your routine. Muscle is going to use a heck of a lot more calories than just doing cardio alone which means that while you are doing absolutely nothing, you are going to be burning so much more fat.

But anyway... Yes... It is possible to diet and exercise and NOT lose weight. DON'T be concerned with weight because body composition is much more important. As for your question about going over or under calories, I would go over and then make the deficit by doing more exercise.

Have fun on your walk! ; )

I think you should calorie shift. 1400 calories one day, 1600 the next, then 1700, and then 1300, etc.

Also, my body 'plateaus' every 25lbs or so. I just need to take a break and not be so stressed. Sometimes eating high calories helps shake off that plateau.

Also TOM likes to bring water weight. Usually 2 to 3 days post-TOM I'll see good loss.

Is there a reason why you can't continue with the pill? If it was helping you before, it will probably still help. I was horribly anemic til I started it and that really helped with my overall energy. That doesn't always stop the dreaded TOM! He's visiting me too and I was completely WIPED today. I didn't want to do anything! But I wasn't going to let that stop my progress. TOM can go take a long walk off a short cliff while I go for a jog

Your efforts will be rewarded! Just stick with it!!! YOU GOT IT!

8 months of diet and exercise and I am the same weight. So yeah, its possible. You just gotta trug on with it

Wow we have the same..just about..starting weights and heights...150 was also my original goal..lol. Believe me when I tell ya..I went thru many plateaus as well. I think the main thing is to change it up...calorie cycle like WormwoodDoll had said. I didn't count calories..I followed the weight watcher point system..but there were some days I'd eat a little more than others....or i'd have a 'treat' meal on the weekend. I don't advise everyone to do it..but I found that it really helped to break a plateau.

Try not to let TOM stop you from workin out..even if you can go for a short brisk walk. I find exercising helps so much.

Good luck!

Angela, that's really inspiring to see someone who was at the same spot I am now almost 88 pounds lighter. You look great! I would love to see before pictures. I'm scared that my skin won't shift back into place and what not because having a baby really stretched everything out. Ugh!! But thank you everyone for all of your answers! I did switch up my calories a little bit this weekend (ate more calories than usually on Saturday and a little less Sunday) and got in some exercise, TOM ended and I weighed myself this morning and weighed in at 205! I'm going to just keep up what I've been doing and hope it works out!

Yes, it's natural. If you are certain you are under your calorie allotment, then just continue on. Calorie cycling is a very good idea. Also, get moving! It will make you feel better. Even if it's just taking a walk or whatever. Also, I know you didn't ask for it but I would SO up my intake of veggies if I were you. I would up my veggies, decrease my processed carbs and throw in some additional movement. That should knock that plateau relatively quick.