4LBS-8Weeks I'm in need of HELP

Well, my target calorie count is around 1350-1500.  I have gone over, but only rarely, and NEVER do I go over my estimated burn amount.  And I'm really good about measuring everything and counting everything (even when I'm bad).

Since Thanksgiving I've worked from being able to only jog for a 30 second stretch to being able to jog a full 1.5 miles (18 min).  I was over-doing it on the treadmill for awhile, and was REALLY causing myself problems with leg aches and such, but they have subsided for the most part since I've started doing more weight training/cross training.  So now I use the treadmill every other day, and strength train the other days.  Giving myself Mondays off.

Now, the real stinky part of the deal....  I have lost only 4 lbs in 8 weeks.  I feel better, have more energy, know I'm better off, but the scale just isn't moving like I feel it should.

Recently there was a girl that left a post asking what she was doing wrong.  Well...   What am I doing wrong?  I'm 43, 5'6", 178lbs, going to be 140lbs (eventually).  Typically I leave a deficit of 700-1000 cal a day between what I eat and what I supposedly burn.  I do get enough fiber, I tend to get more sugar than I should, and I have to really try to drink enough water.  Historically I have always had a hard time losing weight, and get really discouraged.  I've done the yoyo dieting since a young age.  The only time I've ever felt like I was losing weight while on an actual diet plan was when I was on the 6-week diet makeover.  I've tried weight watchers, slimfast, etc.  That is why instead of focusing totally on the weight loss issue, I've tried to set goals focusing on the what I want to achieve fitness wise this time.  I want to be able to run a 5K by Memorial Day weekend; this Memorial Day weekend!  I am going to make that goal, but I'd really like to look good doing it too. :-)

I haven't gotten into the whole community thing on the Calorie Count website because it seems like everybody else is losing weight when I am not.  I could use some help now though.   My husband's no help, he's lost 2 lbs without even trying and he has cookies and milk every night...

Is there anyone out there that can help me?

Try keeping measurements - Hips, Thighs, Waist, Biceps, Forearms, Neck and anything else you want to measure. Add this routine to your weigh-in once a month.

Also, note how your clothese are fitting. Pick your favourite outfit or the outfit that got the most wear last month and check if there are any loose spots.

Often we lose weight from places we don't notice, like calves or under the arms... only to replace it with heavier, healthier muscle. You could be down an inch in size somewhere but nto have a lot of weight lost to show for it.

Good luck and remember that 4 pounds is better than none! 

I don't know that I can help you, but I would like to give you some encoragment. I am very impressed with your excersise routine, keep it up and it will work.

I have so many things in common with you. I am 44 and have been on the yo-yo roller coaster too. My weight as today is also 178lb, and I am 5feet 5". I started at 185lb this time. I have been loosing about 2 pounds per week, but I have been constantly under my recommended amount of calories. I try to stay as close to 1200 as I can. I am excersising about 4 times a week. I do stretches for by back problem almost every day for 20 minutes, walk for 1 mile at 3.0 and lift weights for about 10 minutes. As you can see you are doing way better...

This is my first reply to a post.

I hear a lot about problems with thyroid in women in our age group. Could that be a factor with you?

Also, how are you close fitting?

Keep up the good work!

Hi, I too am somewhat discouraged.  I weighed myself 6 weeks ago & promised myself and my trainer i wouldn't get back on the scale.  I'm trying to rely on how clothes are fitting - some fit a little less snug.  Popped on the scale this morning and saw that I hadn't lost an oz. nor gained (so that's good) but for 6 weeks of counting calories, writing everything down & splugring maybe twice with good health-heart chocolate (2 pcs.) not having lost weight is very discouraging.  We're now going another route - this morning my trainer took measurements and we'll remeasure in 5 weeks before a trip i'm due to take.  I also think if you're like me (5 lbs. good - 10 lbs. GREAT) and i'll be where I'd like to see myself again - that is really not much body weight percentage wise to lose and it just comes off slower & as akasharaine mentioned in places we might not really notice (bra getting looser??) ~ so I'm going to hang in there and continue to eat right for me & work out as I do - bumping up cardio is the only thing I haven't done quite yet.  I've a heel injury and have been babying my foot...so possibly once I can restart that I'll drop a lb. or two.  Good luck.

WOW!

You guys are great!  I wasn't really expecting such a response so quickly! It's so nice to know that you are there, and that not everybody loses weight so easily.  Thank you for your support. 

About the thyroid, actually my doctor checked that a few months ago, and it was okay, but my mother does take medication for that problem.  I was worried about it especially since my hair was thinning.  But, I started taking a multi-vitamin and I've got all sorts of new growth coming in.  Kind of messy haircut wise, but definitely a welcome site.  LOL 

About what I like to eat, I'm a carnavore!  I really have to force myself to eat my veggies.

Measurements...  I take neck, shoulders, bust, chest, waist, hips, thighs, knees, calves, upper arms, and forearms.  I've lost 2" off my waist, and added 1/2" to my thighs, none off of my hips, or anywhere else (typically I lose off the bust first).  So, clothes fit differently, but I can't fit into my smaller clothes (yet).  I'm sure there are those of you out there that have a full range of sizes like I do....

No kidding about the range of clothes... I have from 10 to 16 in my closet!

I am not a big meat eater. I am a bread junkie, so I am trying to stay away from the bakery section of the grocery store. I am eating cereals and oatmeal, so hopefully my cholesterol will go down.  Also I try to stay away from pasta, because it so hard to eat only one  portion.

I have not taken measuraments, except my waist, and I have only lost 1/2" there. I think that it is great that you lost 2" and I think that before you know the scale will catch up with the inches.

I think that using the scale as the 'tool' of progress is far better for some than others.  If you have a lot of weight to lose, and you see some progress - i say by all means, get on that scale once a week.  But for me, since all i see when i hop on the scale is ounces lost - it can be more of a disappointment especially when i'm feeling 'thin'!  So - i think the taking of measurements will be the way for me to go.  I work out with a personal trainer 3x a week - then do a run on the treadmill 20 min. 2x a week with a doggie walk 1.5 miles daily.  I'm a carbo lover - so i try and eat my carbs before 3 p.m. and only eat protein, veggies for dinner.  If i have a sweet tooth - i'll have a cup of green tea with a splash of soy milk with 2 little dark chocolate squares - yum!

First off, congrats on the running!  I've started running recently too and I know what a wonderful sense of accomplishment it can be when you improve.  Congrats!

Have you been measuring yourself over these past weeks?  When you jog you will build leg muscles and muscle weighs more than fat. Also, to improve with running you will need to ensure you have enough calories or you will hit a wall. 

I recommend you keep up the good work and enjoy feeling good.  Slow weight loss sucks but it's more likely to stay off in the long run.  Plus if it is muscle you are gaining it will help speed up your metabolism!

Cheers!

2" off your waist?  I consider that a great sucess!  Yay you!

I have been losing a little more than you.  But I dont even care.  I care that I can now button the last button on my shirt and I cant see my belly sticking out farther than my breasts.  Nothing jiggles as much as it used to - that is so much better than a silly number.  I am still wearing the same size clothes but I look much much better in them. 

I want to thank you guys for all of your support!  You are right, 4 lbs lost is better than 4lbs gained, and I am making positive steps.  It just isn't as easy as sitting on my butt eating bon bons.  LOL

Thank you, you've helped get me over a rough day of feeling sorry for myself.

you could also try seriously varying the calorie intake.  Try once a week eating the burn number and see what happens.  I give myself a break every sunday and it always seems like monday I lose weight. 

Whenever I am stalled out a bit I eat to my burn number for a day.  It is weird but it seems to get things going again lately. Maybe your body just needs a little more fuel once in a while.

Let us know if that works.