Hello all.
I'm new here, and new to starting my weight loss crusade.
I started trying to lose weight at the beginning of December, (after being HUGELY inspired) and so far I've lost about 15 pounds. I'm quite proud of what I've done so far, but despite my eating well (including additionally cutting down my calorie intake on certain days), and exercising several times a week, I've gone for almost 10 days without losing an ounce.

I was just wondering if this is because I've plateaued, or am I retaining water, or is it just one of those random this-happens-from-time-to-time things and, with time, the weight will go back to getting lost?

I'm sure people ask this kind of question all the time, but I'm at a loss.

Thanks so much!

Here is a sticky that can help
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=115826

Basically, it is nearly impossible to lose every week although you can have a streak of losing for many weeks. The scale is not the best measure of fat loss so its a tool to use to gauge success over time but hard to use as a day to day, week to week measure.

First of all... congrats on getting healthier and losing those 15 lbs.!

Can you give us an idea of what you're eating? Plan, calories, etc? It could also be possible you're not eating enough! A lot of people find that they actually need to increase their calories rather than eat less/burn more. It sounds backwards but it could be the case! I would go a full 2 weeks without loss though before making changes.

What Nelie said! The scale fluctuates on SO many things, sometimes things we can control (like water retention), lots of times things we can't. Keep going and see where you are after 2-3 weeks...you can adjust what you're doing then if it keeps up.

Nelie posted a great sticky. Otherwise sometimes its good to change up the eating. Try a new way of eating for that week. Like try no meat for a week, or no dairy for a week etc.

Btw congrats on your weight loss so far!

Thanks so much, everyone! Your advice is much appreciated.

As of right now, I'm doing my best to take in around 1600cals - rare days it is slightly more, some days it is a little less. I've been keeping a food diary, and I've been eating more veggies now than I think I ever have in my life! It's been a very pleasant change.

There's no real 'plan' as such, except to keep within my calorie range. I still eat things that I like, but I make them work for me. For example: today I really wanted pastry, so I for supper I made two tart sized spinach and cheese quiches at about 320cals. I try not to eat things that are loaded with super loaded with fat, and I eat a LOT of salads (I didn't realize how much I liked red peppers and cucumber until I starting having a salad most days for lunch).

I've been really... anxious, I suppose, for the scale to start moving again. I don't mind reducing my calorie intake, but I don't want to drop down too quickly and then have nowhere to go. I'll wait until a full two weeks are up, and see if anything changes.

Thanks again!

Whooo! You're doing so good. Though I still think you could afford to eat more, especially with the exercise.

I would wait longer than 2 weeks. I know it is hard to be patient. I wouldnt even think about changing anything food wise for at least 3.

And if you do decide to make a change, remember to look at both food and exercise to make changes to, not just to food. Several times a week may be come everyday or with more intensity or 10 minutes longer, etc.