Hello ladies-
I am trying not to get stressed out about the numbers, but it's really bugging me out that I've gained back 3 of the 12 pounds I've lost, because I'm being so good! My body is definetly changing, and that's great...but you know how it is....gaining weight sucks. I've been eating right and working out consistently for about 6 weeks now, so I think that's when they say results really start. I do have my occasional birthday outings, social gatherings, etc...but that's like twice a month (compared to twice a week before, sadly!). I just feel like although I am not being perfect, I have so much to lose you think it would come off a little easier. I used to starve all day because I was so busy, then pig out on a huge meal at around 4...not good for the metabolism. Now I eat a small snack every 2-3 hours (granola bar, yogurt, slim fast, etc.), and my meals are probably half the size they used to be.
Does anyone have any ideas or pointers for me? Like I said I'm eating much more often, doing cardio 5-6 times a week, and strength training 2-3 times a week. I've replaced about anything I could in my house with a fat free or light version of itself. I'm more active than I've ever been...and I'm probably eating about 1600-1800 calories a day. My muscles are sore, so I know I'm doing something right....a little motivation, please!
Thanks!
Amber
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6 comments:
By the way, as a reminder, I'm 5'8", and 207 pounds.
Thanks!
Amber
Hi Amber,
Congrats on the 10 pounds that have already come off, and for sticking (more or less!) to your routine!
I have a couple of comments that might be helpful for you:
1. average weight loss should really be 1-2 pounds per week. It sounds like you were losing MORE weight for the first couple of weeks of the program. Perhaps now that you've lost the initial weight (some of it is water weight, remember), your body is slowing down to the average.
2. I'm super impressed with your 5-6 cardio sessions each week! A suggestion might be to either increase the time per session and decrease the number of sessions and/or to add resistance. For example, if you're running on a treadmill, put the incline on 1.5 or 2.0. If you're biking or ellipticaling, increase the intensity a couple of numbers. If you are walking on the treadmill now, try adding in 1-2 minutes of jogging/running every five minutes.
3. You mentioned that you've cut your diet in half, and replaced your food with low cal/low fat. Have you also reduced your sugar intake? Think lots of starches, sodas (even diet...), lots and lots of fruit, etc. Cutting back on the sugar (as Kia has posted) and increasing the intensity/time of cardio sessions (and then you can give yourself a break!!) should give you some results. One of my favorite diet snacks is fat-free/sugar-free instand pudding (use skim milk). Jello makes it, and some grocery chains make off-brands as well.
Hope that helps!!
-Beth
Hey Amber---I totally understand where you're coming from!!! I have about 90 pounds to lose, technically, and I thought the weight would just drop off, but it hasn't!! How are your clothes fitting? Try to look at that instead of the number (even though the number is discouraging sometimes). Also, maybe you should reduce your caloric intake a bit more--try 1500-1600 calories instead of 1800. Good luck!!
--Lins
Another thing to think about - if you've been working out a lot you probably are gaining some weight because of extra muscle you're putting on. Don't let it worry you too much- especially if you are feeling better and your clothes are looser. It's a catch-22 at the beginning of any diet/exercise plan
Amber - you sound like me --no patience! I agree with Beth that body is probably protecting it self by saying "if she's going work out so much and eat so much less, we might want to hang on to some of this weight for protection"(there's a great voice over of that statement in my head!) And then, when your body starts to trust that you are not hellbent on destruction, it will respond nicely with the 1 - 2 lbs per week.
Hang in there and keep it up!
Hi Amber--don't fret about the 3 lbs. as others have pointed out, use how your clothing fits as more of a gauge than the actual weight. you're developing muscle, you've adjusted your diet and really seem to be working out hard.
the one thing that sounds like you could do without are the granola bars. make sure you look at the ingredients to see if there's hidden sugar and fat (which for granola bars is usually the case). If you love granola, try making a big batch of your own that will last through the week. OR just substitute the granola for a handful of nuts.
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