I don't know what's going on? - 3 Fat Chicks on a Diet Weight Loss Community

heartinoregon · 05-08-2013, 07:08 PM

I don't even know where to start.

It's been a while since I have posted on here, because I have been ridiculously busy (college, internship, work etc.). Despite that, I have not given up on my weight loss journey and to this day I am still 100% on board with everything. I am to the point however, where I am ready to throw in the towel and just be fat for the rest of my life, because it seems as though that is my destiny. I am so depressed and have never felt so defeated at anything in my life. I am now down to 195 lbs (which is great) but I have been 194-195 lbs since December 24th, 2012. I CAN NOT lose weight, and I don't know what's going on. I do have PCOS, but it is very mild. I do not have actual cysts on my ovaries, and I have a "regular" 32 day monthly cycle. I have hit an enormous weight loss plateau (which is completely normal, I know), but 5 months is a little ridiculous.

About my plan:

I eat about 1200-1500 calories a day.
I do not fallow a specific diet, other than calorie counting, but I would say I am closest to Paleo more than anything. I eat mostly salmon, tuna, and chicken for my meat source. I eat a lot of leafy greens, dark red kidney beans (fiber), eggs, berries, and generally just the most unprocessed diet I can. I do the occasional dairy (about 1 Greek or Icelandic yogurt 2-3 times a week). I try and keep under 100 grams of carbs a day. Some days I hit 130, but that's not on a regular basis. I drink nothing but water, and occasionally unsweetened almond milk. No soda, no diet soda, no juice, or tea. I drink no less than 60 oz of water a day. I also watch my nutrient break down, so I know I am getting plenty of fiber and not an excess of sugar or sodium.

Exercise:

I run about 2.5 miles, 3 days a week.
I bike about 2 miles multiple days a week.
I basically try and get a minimum of 30 minutes 5 days a week.

What I have tried to do to break the plateau:

Calorie cycling, I have increased my calories as far as 1,700-2,000 and gone down to 1,1000.
Eating different things, basically switching up my diet/meals.

I know I am not "just gaining muscle" from working out because I take body measurements, and nothing has changed since November, except I gained an inch around my waist!??

I can't afford to see a doctor right now (especially a specialist) because I do not have insurance and I don't have money; I am a full time college student who works a part time job. I am just so at loss here, and I am starting to forsake this weight loss journey. Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated!

energie · 05-08-2013, 08:26 PM

Are you strictly counting your calories? I ask because if you are eating that range I dont see you wouldnt be losing.

punkrocksong · 05-08-2013, 10:27 PM

I have no advice as I haven't gotten to this point yet, but I'm sorry to hear about your frustrations.

heartinoregon · 05-08-2013, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by energie

Are you strictly counting your calories? I ask because if you are eating that range I dont see you wouldnt be losing.

Thanks for your input, I am strictly counting calories.

I use the fitbit app on my iphone or on my computer (that goes along with my fitbit and my fitbit scale) to track and log all of my calories. The only thing I don't log are breath mints (tic-tacs, maybe 2 a day) or chewing gum (Orbit, maybe 1 stick a day).

heartinoregon · 05-08-2013, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by punkrocksong

I have no advice as I haven't gotten to this point yet, but I'm sorry to hear about your frustrations.

Thanks. Hope you never hit this point!

Riestrella · 05-09-2013, 02:48 AM

Sounds to me you're not eating enough! 1200-1500 calories for someone who works out a LOT just won't cut it. I know it sounds mad to eat more, but your body needs to refuel. I'd say bump your calories by 500 and see what happens. Green tea is good for you, so if you're going to drink tea then go green! Remember your metabolism is a fire, too much oxygen (exercise) and not enough fuel (food) and it will die out. Everything has to be balanced for the machine to keep going.

Waterdog2442 · 05-09-2013, 03:01 AM

It takes a lot to count calories, and I am very impressed you lost all that weight by yourself! Great job! I agree with "Riestrella", my coach says that sometimes you need to eat a few more calories to keep your metabolism up then you would think, especially if your stuck. I hope it works for you!

Iconised Ghost · 05-09-2013, 03:10 AM

I think you need to increase your exercise, especially if you've been doing the same thing since the beginning of your weightloss journey. Your food sounds good to me, but increasing workout intensity and duration has worked for me. Each workout should push your limits!

Riestrella · 05-09-2013, 03:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iconised Ghost

I think you need to increase your exercise, especially if you've been doing the same thing since the beginning of your weightloss journey. Your food sounds good to me, but increasing workout intensity and duration has worked for me. Each workout should push your limits!

This too! Keep the body guessing and push yourself to run faster and for longer!

appyfizz · 05-09-2013, 07:17 AM

Hugs....I feel for you. I am also sailing in the same boat. The entire month of April, I was stuck at 195.something despite being on plan. This month I was down a couple of lbs but have again gained and am now 196.2!!! And I can just imagine your frustration for being stuck for the past 5 months....

glitterhairdye · 05-09-2013, 01:28 PM

Try interval training or some other form of exercise to use your muscles. If you're running and biking at a consistent pace then you're not doing a whole lot of good. You said you're in school, so I bet there is a gym you can use for free that has weights. Try and weight lift some. Once you build some muscle mass you will burn more calories. Try 30 Day Shred or any number of workout videos on Youtube.

Does your school have a doctor on campus you can talk to for free? She might be able to help, too.

I know it's frustrating, but keep at it. If nothing else, you're doing good for your body by eating healthy and working out!

Missy Krissy · 05-10-2013, 08:58 AM

I wish I had some words of wisdom, but instead I'm here to say you're not alone! In the past month I've only lost 1.2 lbs so far; I can only imagine how frustrated you must feel after having no loss in 5 months. Especially because it sounds like you're doing everything right!

One question about your calorie counting: Do you weight everything on a kitchen scale? I weight out all my food for maximum accuracy.

I second those who suggest lifting weights or upping your exercise routine. Your body has likely adapted well to the workouts you've been doing and is stronger than you think... it might be worth it to try something new.

Please don't give up! You can do it!