Ugh...water weight, frustration, and question about calories
Alright, I'm pissed, lol. I've been plateau-ing for the last 3 weeks. I thought I was out of it, nnnnope! I just don't get it. My weight loss was perfectly linear since November, then it just came to a screeching halt. I seriously have not left 150lbs for 3 weeks. I fluctuate as low as 148, and then this morning I was 151 at the gym! (Granted, I don't usually use that scale, and I was wearing workout clothes and shoes, I normally weigh in my skibbies).
Annoyingly, my weight loss stopped right when I started exercising. At first I was going for 30min walk jogs for about a week, and now I've joined my gym. I've discovered that I love the gym, and I do 3 sessions of weight training and 5-6 hours of cardio on the stairstepper, elliptical, or treadmill per week. I also have a fairly active job at a barn, lots of walking and lifting and carrying. So I AM burning calories. My diet hasn't changed with the increased activity, if anything, I've gotten more restrictive about it. I gave in and joined caloriecount.com, and I've recorded every speck of fat free mayonaise and carefully weigh and measure portions. I'm cycling between 1200 and 1400cal. My BMR is about 1900, so that's definitely a 500 cal deficit each day, not counting my workouts. I'm not eating terrible foods either, I get my proteins in, eat whole wheats and grains, watch fat grams and sodium and sugar. I've been spreading meals out to 4 or 5 mini-meals, and I'm not hungry, I don't sneak bites of stuff that I don't record.
I realize that at my smaller size I require less calories than I did, so I have lowered my calories. A few weeks ago, I was eating 1400-1800 and losing 1.5lb+/week. But I'm starting to wonder if I should take the chance and raise my calories a bit now that I'm more active? Instead of 1200-1400, maybe 1300-1500?
I also FINALLY started my damn TOM. I was hellaciously bloated for the last week. So I'm hoping to see at LEAST a pound or two loss on Thursday, my official weigh in. I've also been somewhat stressed for the last week or two, but I don't know if that would cause me to hold onto so much weight. I haven't been emotionally eating or anything.
So, this is kind of just a vent. I'm going to stick with it, I'm in no way quitting. I'm just annoyed. Probably PMS-y, lol. But if anybody has any suggestions, especially about the calories, please share. I'm open minded and feeling somewhat desperate at this point, lol.
You probably should try adding a few more calories...think about it...you were losing nice and steadily, so you had found a good balance for you body. Then all of a sudden you started expending more and eating less, disrupting the balance...if you add in more calories you may balance back out.
For what it's worth, if I eat 1200 calories a day I lose very very slowly, but If I eat closer to 1500 calories a day I tend to lose 1-2 lbs a week. It's just how my body works, maybe it's how yours works as well.
Edit: I just re read that you have an active job at a barn, my job is fairly similar I would imagine( I work at a kennel) That is another reason I believe I seem to need more calories I hose, mop, clean, run, jump, tackle dogs all day then go run at the gym, I guess when you think about it no kidding I need more calories....so think about all you do in a day and consider that when adjusting your calories.
I don't really have any firsthand experience with this to give you a 'what worked for me' kinda thing. BUT I did want to post that I know how you feel. I've been stuck at 160 for a while now (2-3 weeks) and it's very frustrating. I'm sure you'll break this plateau!
Thanks guys I do think I'm going to try to up my calories a bit by adding fruits and such throughout the day.
And not to be a total Downer Debbie, I am happier with my body now than I ever have been. Even after losing 30lbs, I still didn't have much of an increase in self esteem, but now that I've been working out, I'm soooo much happier with myself. I don't know if it's much of a physical change, a body can only change so much in 3 or 4 weeks, but I just feel so much more positive after a workout.
Now if I could just lose these last 10lbs, I'd be golden, lol.
I'm going to second the "eat more" - you've drastically increased your activity and not increased your calories. Maybe try cycling between 1300 and 1500 (or 1400 and 1600) and see what that does for you?
1. EAT MORE. Poor woman haha. If you're working out, especially with the strength training, your body needs fuel. And you just took it away! Since it's not getting enough, whatever you eat is turned into storage. So eat more! Veggies or protein would be good.
2. You've lost 30 pounds. There's a point where your body just wants to hold on to the fat. It's called a set point. The last 10 pounds are supposed to be the hardest. So be patient
I also echo that maybe you should try cycling. And make sure you are getting enough water. When I up my exercise I retain water like mad if I'm not well hydrated.
Everyone needs a day to vent so dont apologize for letting your feelings out. TOM can be a cruel thing!!! I co-sign with everyone who said to increase your calorie intake. Adding an extra 200 or 300 calories wont hurt especially since your working out and your job is pretty vigorous. Good luck to you and I hope you find a balance. I hit a plateau for the whole month of Feb and it was really disheartening because I was losing a 1 to 1.5llbs a wk almost and just all the sudden stopped. I had to tweak my eating habits a bit and my exercise program and now Im back to losing again
Redlight, yes, I'm definitely seeing a change in my body with working out. I'm also really enjoying it, surprisingly.
I ate 1450 calories yesterday, and it seemed like a LOT of food! I was actually having to think what else I could add for the day to get more calories in, lol. I'm just nervous about adding calories, it's so counterintuitive. But I'm going to try the zig zagging at higher calories for a week and see if my weight budges. Hopefully it doesn't do more harm than good, lol.
I've been stuck at 150 since September. So I feel your pain.............................................. .............
I tried eating more and my weight went up. I raised my exercise intensity, and the main result is that my butt is a bit perkier. Not complaining there.
Our bodies are a mystery. All we can do is keep at it. And work on self-esteem/self-acceptance.
Ugh...water weight, frustration, and question about calories
I do think I'm going to try to up my calories a bit by adding fruits and such throughout the day.
