Opinions Requested

Now, I understand that with increased exercise, muscles tend to retain water. This does not prevent me from becoming extremely frustrated.

When I started the 30dayshred 9 days ago, I weighed about 157 pounds. I eat between 1500-1600 cals a day, with a cheat day during the weekend (usually 2000 cals) and I'm 5'6''. I've done the shred 8 out of 9 days so far, and I do feel great, and I can tell that my muscles are stronger. That said, I was hoping that this would kick me out of the plateau I've been in for the past couple of months! The scale has been 161-162 the past few days.

So my question to you all is this: am I consuming enough calories or too much? My BMR is around 1500 so I don't think I would be in starvation mode. I am large framed, so I know that I'm only 10-15 pounds away from my goal, but I'm trying real hard not to become exasperated. I will continue to watch what I eat (especially sodium), drink more water, and exercise, but it'd be nice to hear what you all think. How long did you retain water when you first started HIIT?

Anyone?

I unfortunately don't have any answers for you, but I am in the same boat with similar questions.  I try not to get too obsessed about these calories but I want to make sure I am doing everything right.  For all I know, I could be off on my calories by 200-300/day!  That isn't going to help me lose any weight.  Here are my stats:

5'3"

SW - 146

CW - 141

GW - 125-130

The calculators show that I should be around 1400-1500 calories/day.  I put in light activity.  I have a weight resistance class (low intensity) Mon & Wed, 30 Day Shred DVD Tues & Thurs and a water aerobics class on Sat. 

I am scared that maybe i am not eating enough but I have no idea.  I never knew this would get this confusing!

Your calories look fine.  You definitely don't want to go lower than that, but there's no immediate need to increase them either.

Water retention can last anywhere from days to weeks, depending on how new the new exercise program is to you.  Also, you may be experiencing some bad timing in terms of your month cycle.  If you're retaining water for both reasons, that would easily explain what you're observing and is nothing to be concerned about.  Give it another week; I'll bet you'll see most, if not all, of that water weight gone.

Thanks Sus. I'm hanging in there, just nice to get some reaffirmation.

I was going to say the same thing as susiecue. If you are measuring your food, then you may just have to wait it out. Yep, really frustrating. Did you measure? You can often see changes in meaurements in just 2 weeks, so check it out. Good luck!

I am on Day 17 of the Shred, and I'm just now breaking my plateau. Yea, its discouraging, but if you didn't see the numbers on the scale would you think you had lost? You said you noticed changes in your body. After a week, I noticed physical changes, and felt stronger too. Finally after more than 2 weeks it'd starting to come off again. Don't give up or become frustrated because of the scale. You seem to be doing everything right, just be patient :)

The same thing was happening to me.  I found that when I forced myself to rest for at least 2 consecutive days - EVERYTHING changed.  The number went down on the scale, my muscles looked more defined, I looked slimmer...I think my body just needed a break in between all of the working out.