So I've never struggled to lose before when I was doing really good. I've been maintaining so long (not working out or attempting to diet) so it's not like my body is used to diet and/or exercise. About a week and a half ago I started back up (I gained ten back months ago *sigh*) I've been back to my Jillian videos and Richard Simmons diet. That combo has never failed me. My diet has been a healthy balance, including fruit and veggies. It's a balance of carbs and protein. Also I should note I never go over like 1300 calories, but I've been clsoer to 1100-1200 every day. Last Monday I was the exact same weight. Now after another full week of doing great I am up .4lbs!! I'm so frustrated!!! I know some of you are gonna say try adding a couple hundred calories, but I can't imagine losing eating more. It seems like my body doesn't wanna lose the weight and I feel like I need to be super strict to make it happen. And again, I've lost a healthy 1.5-2lbs a week doing this diet before. So why would it now be too low in calories or not effective? Any help, advice, or similar stories (with success) to help keep me going would be very appreciated!!

Also, I know this needs to be a lifestyle change. It shouldn't matter so much when you don't go down on the scale, but that number is all you have. My measurements haven't gone down, and clothes feel the same. I feel like this really needs to be the year where I do this. I really wanted a head start before Summer, but I'm already super discouraged!

If you are exercising, 1200 calories is pretty low and you are also 5'9''

Have you ever tried eating a bit more? lean protein?

Thanks for the response! I suppose it wouldn't hurt.. Would you all recommend me going to like 1500 to see if that works? Lower, higher? I mean I know everyone is different and I guess trial and error is the only way to know for sure, but don't wanna push it either.. on MyfitnessPal app it tells me to eat more when i workout, but 1200 is the set amount for when I don't exercise, and most people don't eat their added exercise calories. Also, should I only raise calorie level on days I exercise? I usually workout like 4 days a week.. Or is 1200 too low on any day?

I feel the same as you and I eat 1200 or less and workout 6-7 days a week, despite what everyone says and what the internet says I lose pretty steadily, HOWEVER, I find when I happen to have a higher calorie day, I still seem to lose and usually have one of those 'whoosh' es.. where I lose a little bit more. Honestly, I think there is something to this calorie thing and not to go too low. Don't get frustrated, try a higher cal count for a few days and see where it takes you. I think you're gonna be fine..

Yes, i would definitely raise it on your workout days good luck!

Thank you SO much, Alisha!!

This is why I love this site, encouraging words go a long way

Will try what you're suggesting starting today

you're welcome.

just don't give up, cuz you really are doing all the right things, you just need to tweak it a bit

if you find it too hard to redo your diet for workout days vs non-workout days, just add a protein shake 20min before and *immediately* after your workouts and leave your diet as it is.

Tons of people eat their exercise calories back. The ones who usually dont are the ones who eat 1500-1800 calories per day. You should look into "Net Calories" on google. It should never fall below 1200. So if I eat only 1200 and burn 400 through exercise, my net is only 800 which is not good to do on a regular basis. I had no ideas about net calories until I met with a nutritionist. Anyways, I would recommend uping your calories to atleast 1500 if you are doing cardio, especially because of your height. My net always averages to 1400-1500 and I am shorter, and I am losing pretty steady. So I basically eat 1700-1800 on days I exercise.

The protein shake idea is a really good one! Thanks!! I actually have Natural Whey protein powder from GNC so maybe I'll start having that.. Think it's like 70-100 cal for one scoop..

Wow, I had no idea people were able to eat that much and still lose. I don't really do straight cardio, but those Jillian videos get me sweating and heart pumping like crazy so I'm thinking it's along the same lines. It's all circuit training, so even if your heart rate drops for one move, it skyrockets for the next..

Will google about net calories too, thanks Candeka

Again, can't thank you all enough This is usually the point where, in the past, I'd give up and eat junk all day.. You're all awesome!