frustrated

i decided i was going to gauge my weight loss by month. i started logging my weight on march 10, so what my trend number says on april 10 will be what i go by for this month.

the way it's going, i'll have lost 2 pounds. 2 measly pounds. i know i don't have a whole lot to lose (my goal is 12 pounds--from 137 to 125), but when i think of all those tough sessions at the gym, and the sipping tea while my coworkers eat birthday cake...it's just frustrating to have only lost 2. yarrr!

How many calories do you eat a day?

my ceiling for calories is 1500, but i usually come in somewhere around 1300.

my exercise routine is some combo of elliptical/treadmill/stationary bike 4-5 times a week, about 45 minutes a session. i play soccer in the park (casual) for about an hour a week and do pilates 2-3 times a week. i just finally bought some free weights, so that's up next. what am i doing wrong??

I know how frustrated you must be because I'm in the same boat! I started logging all my calories - actually had to increase my calories because I wasn't eating enough - and have not lost even an ounce in a month! I don't have a whole lot to lose either - only 8 pounds - you wouldn't think it could be so hard.  I also go to the gym 5x a week, -do cardio 30 min 5x/wk  and lift weights 50 min 2x/wk

I'm not much help - I'll be checking to see if others have any suggestions.

You need to eat more.  At your weight and doing so much exercise you should be aiming for 1600 (and hitting it) rather than skimping along on 1300.  If you go too low your body adapts to maintain on less food and then weight-loss becomes a long, slow grind.

Have a day this week when you eat the birthday cake and tuck into a good 1900 cals.  Then go to 1600 and take it from there.  The scales will then start to move.

hmm. i definitely have days where i go over 1600 (this past sunday i ate dinner at my grandmother's, which means EAT UNTIL YOU CANNOT MOVE) so i know i'm not at a low intake all the time...so you really think if i eat 300 more calories a day, i will lose weight?  

also, sorry if i am beating this subject to death, but what kinds of things can i eat to up my calorie intake? i am vegetarian, by the way. i mean, i could snack all night on celery and carrots and that won't help me. i love nuts (and can ALWAYS use the protein) but then there is the sodium issue. any thoughts??

My high school-aged daughter is a vegetarian at the moment so I keep trying to think of healthy foods that that don't get boring.

How about veggi fajitas with sour cream, cheese, (unless you're vegan) guacamole, black beans, and a multi-grain tortilla. Or lasagna, pizza with artichoke hearts, spinach, olives and sun-dried tomatoes.

Add a banana, or a big bowl of berries to your day. Multi-grain chips or crackers and humus are a good 200 calorie snack.

thank you! i'm not vegan, but as a general rule tend to avoid dairy (it upsets my stomach...i know, i'm being such a wimp.)

but the rest of those suggestions sound great, thanks again!!

I definitely do not have this problem. 

But I know when you are cooking, add in some extra virgin olive oil.  This will give you some extra calories, and its the good kind 

And the nuts are a good idea too, just get the plain ones (unsalted and NOT honey roasted).  I like to get the plain nuts and pop them in the oven with some paprika and lemon sprinkled on top.  Its a yummy snack.   

ooh, that's a really good idea too! i am definitely trying that. thanks!

i do not think so. losing weight means not eating much food. sorry

I was eating 1200 calories a day and had stopped loosing weightfor several weeks so I moved up to eating 1500 a day and started loosing weight again. The 1300 was just enough for my body to get by on and not to starve, but 1500 gave my body what it needed to get working. So yes, eating more really can make you loose weight. (I didn't believe it till I tried it myself.) Good luck!!