Hi there,
I don't think I've posted before, although I've been reading for quite awhile. On the 1st of January, I commited myself to a new way of eating. I eliminated sugar, simple carbs, and processed food. I'm eating about 1800 calories a day of lean protein, veggies, fruits, some low fat dairy, and a few whole grains (I'm 5'11" and have nearly 100lbs to lose) and exercising 30 minutes daily.
In the first week, I lost 8 pounds. I was thrilled, but of course didn't expect to keep losing at that rate. In week 2, I lost 3 pounds, which was great.
In the nearly 2 weeks since then, I've not lost a single thing. I've gone up a little, down a little, but no additional losses.
There's no question in my mind that I will keep going, but I guess I'm a little frustrated because I have so much to lose, and it seems way to early to be hitting a stall for so long- especially with how drastically and consistently I have changed my eating and exercise habits. Is this normal? Should I be concerned that I'm doing something wrong, or just keep doing as I'm doing?
I think many people experience a short stall after they drop a lot of weight quickly. Just stick with it and you should see the scales move again soon.
It happened to me when i started too and i had to post for advise too. I was advised to hang in there and not be discouraged, pay attention to your meals, your system will get used to it and the weight loss will continue again before you know it.
I have had the same issue...I'm stuck as well and dropped quick the first week. My support team is telling me I'm ahead of the game. If you are only suppose to lose a pound or two a week, then you are still a head of the game! HANG IN THERE!!!!
foneill - I am experiencing the exact same thing. I lost good for the first 6 weeks. I lost about 18 pouonds during that time and as of today, I have been stuck for 2 weeks. I've fluctuated between 217.0 - 218.0 for 2 straight weeks! I am getting so frustrated but I am trying to hang in there as I know it has to eventually drop. Today I'm trying to eat more protien and drink more water. I also plan to up my exercise this weekend.
I hope we both break through our stalls very soon. Hang in there as I plan to do the same.
Not all weight loss is "linear". Everyone is different, and we loss "on the scale" at different times. You could be the type that looses in "whooshes" (term used for sudden large drops on the scale, followed by a period of no loss). You should probably expect to lose anywhere from 8-10 lbs per month. If you're not losing at least 8lbs within a 4 week period, then you should consider reducing your calories 100 cals/day and perhaps upping the INTENSITY of your workout.
Currently, you have not reached plateau yet. A "true" plateau occurs when your bodyfat % has gone low and your trying to lose the LAST 10 lbs.
I've learned in the past that too much time on the scale will eventually discourage you. That was one of my problems. For me, throwing out my scale and weighing once a month at my Dr's office has worked tremendously.
Also, if you haven't done so already, it's always a good idea to get your measurements. You're probably losing more inches than pounds right now.
Thank you all for the words of wisdom and encouragement- it's good to know I'm not the only one who has had this happen! I was determined not to let the scale get me down, but I was finally just overcome by the frustration of going up and down the same pound over and over.
I am going to take my measurements today and make that a measure of my progress.
I agree with joyfulloser - Your body isn't going to do what you want exactly when you want. Fluctuating calories with exercise is the best way. It's also good to look at the type of foods you eat on higher calorie days compared to lower calorie days. Change up carbs and proteins with fruit and veggies. (cashews and almonds are really good sides maybe with a yogurt or fruit.)
Am also in that "plateau mode" these past 2 weeks. I had added some carbs 3 weeks ago and lost 1lb. that first week (BIG surprise) but have lost nothing since. I find myself at various times of the day saying things like "I'll never get thin" or "what's the point if I'm not losing" -BUT thankfully sanity kicks in because -drumroll please ....'' QUITTING IS NOT AN OPTION!"
Think about it -the ONLY "benefit" to quitting is the momentary comfort/satisfaction of a refeed. ALL the rest is negative -weight gain,inability to move easily,all the things that brought us here to begin with -so why start the cycle over???
You're far from alone in this journey -so keep the faith and stay on the path with us. The journey is worth it!!
I can easily go 4 weeks or more without a loss. Then all of a sudden more lbs will disappear. Hang in there, you're on a sensible plan and the weight will come off.
Your plan is very sensible and you are doing a tremendous job. I experience the whooshes someone else was talking about. I lost 4 lbs last week, so I KNEW not to expect much at this week's weigh in. Nevertheless, I still let it affect my mood for a few minutes. Even being well into this and experiencing it a whole lot of times, it still trips me out. I might not lose much again next week (grr), but within a couple weeks, if history is any indication, I'll have another 4 pounder or so.
Keep doing what you're doing, it is going to work!
A plateau....already??!
