So, i've been good. Since the beginning of calorie counting on Sept. 1st, I have only went over 1700-1800 calories (majority 1700) twice. One day was a special birthday party and the other day I was terribly sick with an odd cold/flu thing (and chocolate cake was my only saviour). Even those days I ate around 2200 cal.

I have lost and the scale has shown my loss. I seem to have a larger frame, so 158 means I am somewhat lean (not skinny, maybe "somewhat slim" is a better word). But the past few weeks, even though I am feeling slimmer and my clothes are fitting looser, my ole' scale still isn't budging past 158 (my scale is really old, plastic, non-digital).

Just keep in mind that the pounds are not going to fly off me at this weight! A quarter pound weight loss in a week is normal.

On the one hand I have motivation, on the other hand, I feel like I am making no progress. I unfortunately never took measurements.

Anyway, I am considering dropping down to 1500.

This would seem like an easy solution. However, I told myself that this time would be different: That I would let the process happen slowly, eat a moderate amount of calories and get a moderate amount of exercise.

Of course my fear is yo-yoing back up to 170-180 if I restrict myself too much and then completely quit calorie counting because it is a pain.

I'm wondering if you guys have any thoughts on my silly calorie dilemma?

Sometimes the changes aren't scale-related. You're seeing it in how your clothes fit and in how your body feels. I think your body needs time to adjust to the weight you have lost too.

Have you ever tried zig-zagging your calories? Eat say 1350 one day, 1450 the next day, 1700 the third day, 1500 the fourth day, etc.? Sometimes that's the 'jolt' your body/metabolism needs to start the scale moving down again. If you consistently eat xx numbers of cals/per day your body gets used to it and, like doing the same exercise everyday, your body becomes more efficient on what you're giving it. Keeping your body guessing by zig-zagging cals and changing up your workout should help nudge that scale.

Good idea. I could fit a zig-zag in on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday - when I am super busy anyway (so, decreasing to 1350 wouldn't be too hard as I would be distracted).

Thanks loose seal! I actually hadn't thought of that.

Also you can start measuring now. It'll only take a few weeks to see if your measurements are improving even if your weight isn't dropping. I didn't measure for the first few months, I didn't have the courage, but I quickly found it useful once I did start.

Unna, I agree with loose seal. I have zig-zagged from the beginning, and honestly, I can't remember a weight loss attempt being as easy as this has been. I did not weigh myself at all during my weight loss attempt, but I could tell that the weight was consistently coming off. I was getting smaller every month.

Another thing you may want to try is to up your calories to maintenance level for a week, and then the next week, get back on your losing calories. Don't weigh yourself until after week two. I've experienced weight loss after a period of increasing calories followed by a decrease, and I've read many accounts of this working for others as well. I think the body adjusts very easily to a consistent level of calories and a consistent type of exercise. We need to up shake things up sometimes by "fooling" it. The important thing is to stay off the scale for at least the two weeks. (Frankly, I do not believe in frequent weighing as I think it discourages us from continuing behaviors that ultimately would work for us if we just stick it out).

At 158, 5.9, and you're very active, at this point could you be building muscle and getting leaner instead of losing? I think, just my opinion but if anyone else wants to chime and and agree, at your current weight/height, you are probably perfect, even tho you still want to see a lower figure on that scale. I know that you have been a voice of reason on these boards so I can only repeat what I've seen and stated to other people -- diet smart, not hard, and good luck. The calorie cycling sounds better to me than a drastic drop daily.

I am going to implement each of these solutions: zigzagging, week of maintenance calories (I would assume would be close to 2000 for me), taking measurements, and "dieting smart, not hard".

As far as my body is concerned, I am interested in losing weight for two reasons. First, I think I was meant to look quite lean! Sounds silly, doesn't it! I take after my father's side of the family, quite exactly. They were all very lean when they were my age. The build looks better lean. Even my armpits have this interesting arch and then it looks like fat is sort of loosely attached to my arm. In general, I don't have the muscular build at all (unfortunately).

I think I do not look lean like my father and his siblings because I am dealing with some psychological issues when it comes to food. I had a tendency most of my life to take larger portions than necessary, eat when I was bored, and then to yo-yo diet down through extreme measures.

Second: I am a pear shape, and even though my top is a solid medium, I still wear the largest size in women's pants (if it fits) here in Europe (sizing is also a bit smaller). One time I lost weight in the past and dropped down to 137. My butt and thighs noticeably only then became more proportionate with my top (my bottom half is always the last to take effect)

But, I told myself this time would be different. I am turning 30, I found this lovely website. I want to practice "body sculpting" with patience. I know most people deal with short plateaus by lowering their calories - but I don't know if I necessarily want to do that so soon. I still, theoretically, have 20 lbs. (but maybe I will be content after the next 10 are off).

But, now, after reading your replies, I think I will try a week of maintenance and zigzagging first.

I suppose the journey this time is more of an experiment. And 124chicksinger, you capture it best - I do in fact want to diet smart and not hard.

And lin43, I do think I was doing better without the scale. I moved it to an easy place to get to because I thought it would be motivation, but it isn't. I keep naively waiting for a woosh - but I doubt I'll be fortunate enough to ever witness one of those.

I'm so glad to have found this website - otherwise I do think I would have thrown in the towel. It is no fun to do this alone!

My sister has the same build that you are describing and I have always been envious...you look so curvy but thin. Unlike me...I'm short and stocky. Do you by any chance use My Fitness Pal? If you do a search for Olivia Method, she explains in full detail how to break plateaus without depriving yourself. Have a look!

Here we go:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/s...up-your-mfp-go

Ciao!