Only about a month in and losing hope.

  • I'm using my fitness pal, doing at least 1 hr cardio or strength a night and saw great results the first 3 weeks. I dropped 10 lbs and 3 pant sizes. My belly fat has become squishy and has "dropped" or shifted, if you will. I can't already be at a plateau as I have 89 lbs to go. I feel like I'm stuck already. My husband thinks it's in my head, but I swear I'm losing hope because I haven't seen any type of difference in the last week or two.
  • Hang in there! Weight loss is not linear... Many of us have a stall for a week or two at some point in the month (hormone related water retention) that masks fat loss. Continue doing what you are doing and it will start moving down again! Measurements really can be motivating too, sometimes if the scale doesn't move, the tape does, or vice versa. You are doing great!
  • Thanks. I think the first few weeks were so euphoric, I got discouraged because it's not now.
  • Nothing is euphoric forever. Is your marriage? Probably not, but you don't give up on it just because it gets mundane or you have a disagreement. You made a commitment and you stick with it. Same thing applies here. Weight loss isn't always sexy and fun with pounds dropping every day. But its worth it.
  • Weight loss can happen in "whooshes". Keep doing what you're doing. I personally find that for me to see big results in weight loss, I need to severely limit my carbs. Not all people do, but I have a metabolic type that requires it. As a rule, I will at least completely stop eating wheat products, and often white rice and potatoes as well, and of course candy, juice, things like that. You might try adjusting your carb ratio down and see if that helps you into your next "whoosh".
  • Quote: Thanks. I think the first few weeks were so euphoric, I got discouraged because it's not now.
    I know the feeling, believe me, I've been there. You have a long road ahead no matter how you slice it - you have to hunker down, take it a day at a time, and keep on keepin' on.

    Set mini-goals - I chose weights that were milestones for one reason or another, like "wedding weight" or "199" - you could also use clothing sizes as goals. If rewards motivate you, then think of some to attach to each goal... mani/pedi, new purse, etc.
  • Three pant sizes in 3 weeks! If I expected results like that then I would have quit a long time ago. I changed my diet around July/August of 2011 and I've lost 78 pounds. That's less than 5 pounds a month on average. I'm very happy I've stuck with it and plan to continue doing what I'm doing, but it's very slow going. I'm sure I could work harder and lose it faster, but I want to make changes I can stick to for life, not just for a short time. You surely can't be considering giving up. Most of us on this website can only dream of losing 3 pant sizes in 3 weeks. Just keep doing what you're doing because obviously it's working! Congrats on your weight loss!
  • Thanks all! I know I've just got to stick with it. I think I just need to ditch the scale for a while. It's getting in my head. I know what I'm doing is right and will work. Nobody who rides a stationary bike for an hour 4 days a week and works on upper body and core 3 days a week for 30 minutes will be a "fatty" forever. This is my first time trying a complete lifestyle change with quitting smoking 2 months ago and getting healthier in my eating and activity habits. I CAN DO THIS!! Thank you all again.
  • It will happen. Just don't give up.
  • 3 more lbs down in the last week! Feeling better. Thanks all!!
  • Good for you!!! Keep it up.