What am I doing wrong?

Here is the basic info:

age- 23

height 5'8''

starting weight 238

current weight 218

started CC May 16, 09

1 child (4 yrs old)

I started CC eating about 1800 cals and walking for 38-40 minutes each day.  I dropped 20 lbs so quickly, and then started to plateau.  I haven't moved from 218 in about 2 weeks.

I read up on how to bust a plateau and started running/walking each day.  I run 3 lenghts of a block and walk 1, repeating that 3-4 times.  I also cut my calories to about 1400-1500 and eat healthy-- no fast food, no fried foods, whole wheat, fruit, veggies, salads.  I don't really feel hungry.  I also only drink water and a small amount of milk... no pop or fruity drinks.

Can anyone tell me what I'm doing wrong?

I want to get down to 200 by the end of August.

Thanks

You are on the right track.  To have started Mid May and drop 20 lbs in six weeks....that's a little over 3 lbs a week.  What is suggested is a weight loss of 1-2 lbs a week...nice and slow.  When things are averaged out, it may end up being just that 1-2 lbs a week. 

You appear doing all the right things....drinking water, counting calories and eating cleaner coupled with your exercise. 

I would venture to say that your body is adjusting to the new lifestyle.  Please dont be harsh with yourself about no loss in two weeks.  Give it time.  Concentrate on the healthier you.  I know how frustrating it can be to look at that scale and wonder why it hasnt moved, but please focus on your health and the rest will come I promise.

Thanks for your reply... It's encouraging to hear that I'm on the right track.... I've never had to deal with losing weight before (I was always under 150), but gained all of that weight while I was pregnant and never was motivated to get it off.....

Do you think running will help to jumpstart things back again?  I also do 30 min. of pilates on the exercise ball every other day, just to try to tone up a little, so I can have a decent body after all this fat leaves!!! :-p.... 

The exercise you are doing is wonderful.  If you want to tone things up, I am a huge fan of strength training in addition to cardio (cardio every day). 

You do have a decent body...you are just perfecting it a little!

One thing you may want to consider is that after a while, your body gets used to certain exercises and movements.  Variety is wonderful.  If you can do a different form of cardio during the week, go for it.  For instance, one day I may run, the next, I may bike etc.  Mix it up a little and have fun with it.

Take a peek in the Fitness forums.  There are many fantastic ideas in there.

I agree with devilish patsy.  You sound like you are doing all of the right things.  Make sure not to eat too low below recomended calorie intake.  This can send you into starvation mode.  Instead focus on the little results.  Are you feeling better, stronger?  How are your clothes fitting you?  Many times, the scale is only one indicator of results.  Because our weight can fluctuate 2-3 pounds in any direction from one day to the next, it is best to focus on all aspects of your lifestyle change.  The weight will come off, when your body is ready to let it go in a healthy way.  A little thought for the day:  Progress, not perfection.  Just keep at it, and I guarantee you will see the results you want, over time. 

Do you eat any protein from fish, chicken or turkey breast, eggs or red meat? Protein is a huge component when it comes to weight loss - you definitely need it.

Also, perhaps you should reread your whole wheat product labels again because there could be some secret ingredients in there that could in fact be hampering your weight loss - also you may think these foods are whole wheat but in actuality they are white in disguise! Make sure each serving has AT LEAST 3 grams of fiber - that way you know there is WHOLE GRAINS in it! :)

When you eat vegetables, what do you put on them? Dressing you bought at the grocery store? If so, stop! Make your own using olive oil & balsamic vinegar or flaxseed oil and dijon mustard - by far 10 times healthier - plus you know EXACTLY what goes into it so you can really count the calories!

What types of fruits are you eating? Bananas and Watermelon? Try and stick to the lower sugar higher nutrient fruits like kiwis, limes, lemons, apples, berries & pears.

Your exercise sounds good but perhaps you should start up with some weight training?? That always jumps starts the metabolism!

Good Luck! I hope you reach your goals!

thanks for replying, everyone! I do eat protein...

When I eat veggies, I usually have them in a salad or plain.  Today I had a wedge of laughing cow light cheese and spread it on my carrots....

As for the fruits, I do eat bananas, but I also eat apples, grapes, berries, melons, and always put lime juice (just a splash or two) in my water

Here's what I ate today, just as an example:

1/2 piece of homemade pizza w/ cheese
Homemade Italian Sausage w/ peppers and onions (no bun)
Potato (with a Tbs. homemade hot sauce)
Carrots w/ laughing cow cheese wedge (35 cal ones)
egg subsitute and 1 egg white scrammble
one pancake
one banana
a few m&ms and a 1/2 homemade cookie
a lot of water

Usually I will eat a salad for dinner, though.  The weekends are a little difficult because everyone is home....

Should I be eating my largest meals for breakfast/lunch and having a salad for dinner?

Thanks!

You're doing great and I am inspired to be patient with myself by reading your story.  Thanks!

You are doing a great job, please just think about this time next year (and the rest of your life) when you will be at your goal!  One thing that might help is only weighing yourself once a month.  I can get really upset when I weigh myself to frequently.  Sometime weight can shoot up a pound when you know you ate properly.  And maybe don't expect more than 5 lbs a month.  Wish you the best!

I'm personally more encouraged by the way my clothes are getting looser.  If I just went by the scale, I'd give up.  It moves so slow.  You are doing a really great job.  It makes me think I need to be more on the ball.  Thanks for writing this post.

Thanks, everyone! It is frustrating weighing in everyday.... I still do it (I'm obsessed with seeing smaller numbers :-p), but I only log it once a week.  My clothes are fitting a little looser, but I'm certainly toning up more.... Everyone seems to be noticing, but considering that I would loooove to be down to 170, this seems like such little progress.... I have to keep telling myself that it will come off ONE POUND AT A TIME..... Best of luck to everyone else too.... we can do this!