I realize that you were sick, but 700 calories is way, way too low; your body will react to that and put you in a stall. It will take some time for things to balance out again. I agree with all the others, that you could very easily stand to add in some healthy protein for a while; 100 calories worth would be a good start, but this means on top of what you are eating, not instead of your shakes.

I think you definitely need to talk to your family as you need more support at home. You have to trust those who have been there and know from experience that you have to trick your body into letting go of the lbs, esp when you were sick recently. Your body will protect itself first and foremost; so you need some time to recover ... :hug:

I just wanted to add that the frozen meals (which I eat too) are filled with LOTS of sodium and can make you retain water, which may make it seem like you're losing a lot less. Are you drinking enough water? I find also that the more natural foods I use (less frozen meals and less shakes or bars), the fuller I feel and the faster I lose. For dinner, instead of having a frozen pizza, I am always better off eating shredded broccoli cole slaw (just the veggies without any mayo or anything) and some chicken breast and salsa on top. It ends up being VERY filling and healthy. For snacks, I would try to change it away from the protein shakes and maybe try an apple with a small yogurt or some celery with portion controlled peanut butter. Maybe your body would appreciate whole foods instead of processed. Some people just do better on that.

Finally, I would also suggest getting a serious workout 5 to 6 days a week. Maybe you could get a dvd at the library if price is an issue. A lot of people like Jillian Micahel's 30 day shred...there's a whole thread on it under the exercise forum here.

I hope you figure this out. This can be SUCH a tough and frustrating journey, but try to figure out what is going on. Have you had your thyroid checked? That can also make things more difficult.

Best of luck to you.

Wow. Good info and food for thought, everyone.

My husband, well that is a bag of other issues. My son is 6, so he learns by his father's example. He is very sensitive though, and when I told him things like that hurt mommy's feelings, I thought he might cry. Too bad my husband isn't sensitive to my feelings. Anyway....the task at hand.

I know I am probably not getting enough water, and I think you gals have something with the 'natural' foods. At the beginning, I was loading up well with veggies, etc., but I get a monthly budget, which unfortunately does not last. Two weeks in I ran out of everything (fresh produce wise) but iceberg lettuce, which isn't the most nutritious of lettuces, and that's about when I saw nothing come off.

I know frozen meals are not the best, but they have helped me understand my portions. I have gotten better at portioning my dinners (which are home cooked), and realizing that I don't need two + cups of cooked spaghetti to feel full.

I have panic fits about sugar too, and tend to avoid fruit JUST BECAUSE it has sugar. I know, it isn't refined but ever since I did SBD in 2004, I am paranoid abut my grains and sugars. :o

WhiteRabbit can I suggest stocking some canned veggies? I like fresh alot better but at the end of the day if you don't have fresh and can't go to the market atleast you will have some veggies in the house.

Maybe get your thyroid checked, too. Even if it's a little bit off, it makes a BIG difference.