Really need to VENT! (Damn Plateau)

So I know there are a million posts on plateaus on this forum, especially since I've been reading every last one of them. I felt the need to join the bandwagon.

When I started this new lifestyle in February 09, I thought that a weight loss plateau would not be my fate. I started at 228 lbs. (23 y/o female and 5"7). I'm happy with the progress that I have made, but would LOVE to lose more at the same pace. Well, for the past month almost, I have been dwindling between 205-207 every morning! I'm sure everyone can more than understand how frustrating this has been! This is almost like figuring out how to lose weight all over again. I am by no means close to a healthy BMI, and have plenty of weight to lose. I know the normal reasons as to why a plateau occurs and I have tried to get myself out of it to no avail!!!! I recently switched up my exercise routine, incorporating my own interval training. I have never been a runner, but recently have begun to run in small spurts while walking at a fast pace on the treadmill. I have also incorporated more strength training into my exercise routine of 4-5 days. I recently started eating between 1750-1800 calories on the days that I do work out, and 1400-1600 on the days that I don't. I'm not sure if any of this is working because the DAMN scale just won't move past 205!!! I don't know what to do, and I am extremely frustrated. --End Rant

Thanks to anyone who reads this post, and offers any words of encouragement.

I am so sorry to hear it!! You even switched up your exercise and it didn't bump you out? Just wow.

So, I did hear somewhere here that taking a maintenance week (? a whole week eek!) and taking it easy on exercise (like walking instead of running) and then re-starting might kick you out of it.

I sure hope so, cause I KNOW I will be at a plateau eventually. :( GOOD LUCK!!

Plateaus suck. They just do.

One thing you can do is make sure that you are being diligent about counting - sometimes we start getting cocky - "Oh, I can eyeball a cup of cereal" or "This looks like about 3oz, right?" and when we go back to weighing and measuring, we find that our portions have been growing.

I didn't run your stats - how much do you think you burn on non-workout days vs workout days? And are you truly sedentary on non-workout days?

With the exception of the numbers, I could have written that entire post! I have been there and I have tried everything. I even changed the battery in my scale thinking it was just malfunctioning! I have told myself that it is muscle since I started weight training and that keeps me going.

I have just this hour, broken down and purchased a GoWear Fit in hopes that will help me. I will let you know once I receive it and start using.

I have vowed that I would not give up and eventually this body will stop betraying me .... if I just don't give in. Congratulations on the wight lost so far and keep your chin up.

Thanks for the replies!!

crazydiamondchrysalis I'm not sure if it's been long enough to see results with my new exercise routine. Its been about 2 weeks, and I haven't really seen anything yet. I did start  weight training intensely last week and my muscles were really sore. They are much better this week, but then TOM started. I have no idea if anything has worked, but its been about a month of fighting with the scale.

amethystgirl I know there's a really good chance that I may have eaten more than normal last month. It was my birthday, my sister's birthday, and then of course Memorial day. Needless to say, a lot of birthday drinks and cakes, and BBQ's. Despite all that, I still counted calories and worked out, and tried not to completely overindulge. On non-workout days my burn meter is set to sedentary which is 2060. I'm never really sedentary, but I just log all of my exercise. I don't have a formal workout day on the weekends, so I just try to limit the amount of calories I consume. Which is usually between 1400-1600.

Remember that if you are new to weight lifting, it can make you retain water after a workout, which leads to the scales not moving (or going up). Same with TTOM... I wouldn't be too surprised if you find that you actually have lost fat, it just hasn't shown up on the scale yet.

amethystgirl You are so right! Hopefully once TOM is gone, I'll see some change in the scale. I started a new lifting routine the week before last, and my muscles were extremely sore. They are better this week, as I continue with my routine. Unfortunately TTOM showed up! I just can't catch a break!

Keep going!  Remember, you are in a healthier lifestyle now, and even if your weight never budged, you would be better for your new lifestyle.  I find that keeping track of my body measurements and my progress in my workouts is a great motivation when that scale doesn't budge.  But that scale will budge!

Plateaus SUCK so I feel you!  I just got over one (I guess).  Believe it or not, this actually worked for me...

Instead of working out 5-6 days a week as usual, I actually cut down to 4 days a week.  I also threw in some circuit training in place of straight cardio.  Instead of eating my suggested calorie intake of 1200-1300 cals during the week, I actually started eating around 1600 during the week and having splurges during weekends.  I didn't weigh myself at all for 3 weeks (usually weigh in weekly) and to my surprise, I actually dropped 4.6 lbs when I weighed in on Saturday!

I honestly think our bodies just need a break from our weight loss "routine" from time to time.  Good luck to busting the plateau and don't get discouraged b/c it will happen. :)

Ugh, the dreaded plateau.  I'm soooo sorry you are stuck right there right now.

You really seem to be doing the right things, though.  I really have no other advice to give you - the other posters seem to have some good tips.  I just wanted to give some words of encouragement since so many people give up because they don't see results for a while.

But never give up!  I know sometimes you want to (I've been there), but it is so so worth it once you bust through that wall that is up right now.  Just keep up your hard work!
And good luck :)

you didnt mention water - are you good about that? takes awhile to teach your body to drink as much as is recommended.

do you drink soft drinks? if so, maybe cut them out. make 1 little change in a daily calorie intake pattern or try getting right with yourself on your water intake if you arent.

  kykena45 Water plays a very important role. Before CC, I desperately needed at least one ginger ale soda a day. Once I started CC, I switched to one diet soda a day. I moved from that about 2 months ago to Crystal Light water packets. For the past month or so, the only liquid I drink is water (no flavored packets included). I manage to drink about 1.5-2 liters of water per day. I know that there are different recommendations on how much to drink, but I go by the urine color test. The closer the urine color is to clear, I know that I'm drinking enough.