I'm new here. I started my "health journey" on Saturday. I've been great this whole week -- sticking to 1,500 calories, eating fruits and veggies, replacing most carbs with whole wheat options. I've also rode the stationary bike 4x at 30 minutes each. I got on the scale this morning so excited to see the results, and I haven't lost any weight!!! These past five days are honestly the best I've been in three years, and the longest I've been able to stick with anything. I'm teetering on the edge of feeling like this is all useless and just grabbing McDonald's for lunch. I'd love some encouragement right about now!

It will take sometime for your body to adjust to the changes. Just stick in there keep eating good and drinking a lot of water. You are doing awesome with the workouts. If you keep sticking to it then you will start to see changes. Don't quit or grab that mcdonalds you can do this and more time and more hard work will pay off in the end.

When I started this (a very long time ago) I gained 3 lb my first week, then dropped 7 the second week. Don't give up!

Don't give up, please. You know that McDonald's burger is not worth it, you deserve better! Stick to what you are doing and give it some time

I know how frustrating it can be. There are a few people on here that have gone MONTHS w/out a loss. MONTHS!!! But just remember, the only thing you're going to gain if you give up now, is more weight. If you continue doing what you're doing, the weight will come off. Give it more time, be patient. If after 6-8 weeks you still haven't lost anything, I'd consult your doctor to make sure you don't have any medical issues. Good luck. You can do this!! xoxo

Girl, you are doing all the right things! Just keep it up! This is so hard for me, too. I can't even tell you how many 5-day diets I've done. But this time I'm trying to remember that if I didn't lose any weight this week, going to McDonalds certainly isn't going to help things!! I would just say build some breathing room into your plan. I am doing WW and save a few points for a beer at the end of the day, or a little scoop of ice cream. Otherwise backsliding can be a killer when you try to fill up all those cravings you've been denying.

After this great week, reward yourself with a new purse or new workout pants or a haircut or something (non food). You deserve it! It's all about calories-in, calories-out. If you keep it up, it has to work! The only thing that definitely won't work is giving up!

Wow. You all are so great. I'm so glad I found this site. I just made this post about 20 minutes ago, and already five people have responded with kind words. Thank you so much, it really helps.

You're welcome. That's what we're here for

Victoria, welcome to 3FC. This is truly the most supportive and educational site you will find on the net. Believe me, I've looked.

I started my "health journey" on June 16th with the exact same weight and height that you are at. So far in 9 weeks I've lost 15.7 lbs. I've had two weeks where I gained, but the other 7 weeks I've lost anywhere from 5.4 lbs to .8 lbs. I eat 1500 calories on most days, and I exercise 6 days a week. I tell you this because losing weight is very possible.

Look around and you will see one amazing story after another from people who really know what they are talking about. You will see people who share their struggles and their victories. This is a battle we are waging and it's hard and sometimes very frustrating. But I believe with all my heart that if I don't give up the fight I will see my own victory. You will too!

Also, remember that sometimes the body acts strangely and seems to dump the pounds overnight instead of shedding them gradually. You could wake up tomorrow and see a 3 lb. loss for all you know!

Just keep drinking that water and doing what you've been doing. It will come off.

Hang in there. Tell yourself it will come off and stick to your plan, don't let a number on a scale dissuade you. Remember you also want to be healthier, have more energy, feel more alert, etc. so the weight loss is only one part of it and that part will happen if you keep at it.

I know it just sucks but I bet most will say it happens to them too some weeks.

I am not a professional at all (!) but I will say that the plan I am on did something I had never done to jumpstart the body into weight loss mode.

3 days (VERY HARD) all protien and green veggies. You can cook the meat any way that you want. You can have as many veggies as you want. NO carbs and NO other colors. I lost 7lbs my first week and I have steadily lost a couple pounds a week on a similar plan as what you are on now. Its just telling the body... "This is the time to let go of the fat!!"

listen to these ladies, they really know their stuff!! weight loss is so weird, its not always consistent. even by sticking to my plan i gain some weeks, lose some weeks, and stay still some weeks. the only potential problem is if you're not carefully counting your calories (i fell into this trap early on). not bothering to measure things, or grabbing a few chips and not counting it. if you're counting your calories fastidiously, then just wait! i know it sucks, and i know its frustrating, i STILL want to cry every time i weigh in and ive gained or not lost or whatever, but just stick to it!

dont EVER give up!

Five straight days of great nutrition and exercise is AWESOME - stick with it a few more days and it will become a maniacal obsession! ;-)

Whenever I'm demotivated and feeling as though I may "cheat," I think back to how I felt BEFORE I changed my nutrition: I'd constantly wish I was doing more to change my weight. But right now, you're DOING it! Don't let yourself go back to wishing. Just think about how at this moment, you are doing what you can to change your life. The alternative puts you back to square one.

I'm a huge M.Don's fan - the movie Supersize Me just made me want more M.Don's! But yesterday, my husband and I drove by one and the SMELL. Oh. I wanted to puke. This is a smell I used to enjoy. Now, only after a week of good nutrition it makes me sick. You'll get there, too.

Thanks again, everyone! You've completely dissuaded me from giving up and caving in. Your stories are so helpful. I am excited to go home tonight and ride the bike while watching my favorite shows.