Help! I can't lose weight no matter what I do!

[lizjk]

I've lost 50 pounds in the past (going on 4 years now). I've gained 15 of that back.
I've noticed in the past year or so that no matter what I do, I can't lose any more weight...I even feel as though I may be gaining. I work out 5-6 times a week, which includes cardio 20-60 minutes each workout and weight training. I also eat very healthy, no pop, no fast food etc...
I'm female, 22, 5'9" and weigh 210, I can't deal with it anymore. Have I ruined my ability to lost weight by too much dieting/diet pills? I know a lot about fitness and nutrition because of the career path I want to follow, but my weight is deterring me and I don't know what to do. Help! Please!

[TelusLob]

Learn how to count calories. Eating healthy =/= weight loss. Eating at a calorie deficit does. You can't out train a bad diet.

[louie0407]

I've lost 50 pounds in the past (going on 4 years now). I've gained 15 of that back.
I've noticed in the past year or so that no matter what I do, I can't lose any more weight...I even feel as though I may be gaining. I work out 5-6 times a week, which includes cardio 20-60 minutes each workout and weight training. I also eat very healthy, no pop, no fast food etc...
I'm female, 22, 5'9" and weigh 210, I can't deal with it anymore. Have I ruined my ability to lost weight by too much dieting/diet pills? I know a lot about fitness and nutrition because of the career path I want to follow, but my weight is deterring me and I don't know what to do. Help! Please!

Figure out how much calories your body is burning each day.

eat 300-500 cals below that. you are sure to lose weight.

even if you do cardio everyday if you don't take in less calories than you burn. you won't lose weight.

goodluck!

[lizjk]

Figure out how much calories your body is burning each day.

eat 300-500 cals below that. you are sure to lose weight.

even if you do cardio everyday if you don't take in less calories than you burn. you won't lose weight.

goodluck!

Thanks!
I burn about 1700 a day, I eat 1200-1500 a day (sometimes less :/) plus whatever I've burned exercising. So, it's not calories.

[MikeyMinaj]

Learn how to count calories. Eating healthy =/= weight loss. Eating at a calorie deficit does. You can't out train a bad diet.

As embarrassing as this is to admit, I thought eating healthy > counting calories... boy was I wrong... took me two years to figure that one out. Haahahahahaha!

[lizjk]

Learn how to count calories. Eating healthy =/= weight loss. Eating at a calorie deficit does. You can't out train a bad diet.

I count and record EVERYTHING I eat. I burn around 1700, eat 1200-1500 sometimes less, which is an issue all in itself. My carb and sugar intake are low. I don't eat meat. I wouldn't be asking for help if I've already been doing the obvious things.

[StrongMeat]

Learn how to count calories. Eating healthy =/= weight loss. Eating at a calorie deficit does. You can't out train a bad diet.

this so so much

the calorie aspect is alot more important than people think

I count and record EVERYTHING I eat. I burn around 1700, eat 1200-1500 sometimes less, which is an issue all in itself. My carb and sugar intake are low. I don't eat meat. I wouldn't be asking for help if I've already been doing the obvious things.

it seems obvious but 95% of the people that come in here underestimate how much they are really eating

at the bolded, what are you doing for protein sources? is fish/milk off limits?

but i can honestly say, with or without working out, eating at a deficit WILL cause you to lose weight regardless, so im willing to bet youve been alot closer to maintenance up until now

-StrongMeat-

[louie0407]

Thanks!
I burn about 1700 a day, I eat 1200-1500 a day (sometimes less :/) plus whatever I've burned exercising. So, it's not calories.

maybe you're just on a plateau.

Im also in the process of cutting, about 54 pounds cut.

I like to take a week off if im not seeing any progress, that usually does it for me.

[TelusLob]

I count and record EVERYTHING I eat. I burn around 1700, eat 1200-1500 sometimes less, which is an issue all in itself. My carb and sugar intake are low. I don't eat meat. I wouldn't be asking for help if I've already been doing the obvious things.

How do you log your foods? Do you weigh your foods (all solids)? Have you had a recent physical exam from the Dr. to rule out thyroid issues?

[lizjk]

this so so much

the calorie aspect is alot more important than people think



it seems obvious but 95% of the people that come in here underestimate how much they are really eating

at the bolded, what are you doing for protein sources? is fish/milk off limits?

but i can honestly say, with or without working out, eating at a deficit WILL cause you to lose weight regardless, so im willing to bet youve been alot closer to maintenance up until now

-StrongMeat-

I don't eat fish, but milk, eggs, etc...I usually get protein from yogurt, cheese, beans, tofu...I limit dairy because it tends to make me feel sick.

[lizjk]

How do you log your foods? Do you weigh your foods (all solids)? Have you had a recent physical exam from the Dr. to rule out thyroid issues?

I weigh/measure most grains, protein and fruit...vegetables I don't.
I know I'm extremely deficient in vitamin D but I've been taking a supplement. My doctor knows my issues and sent me for blood work, but never said anything other than the vitamin D. I might go back to her and see what else she could test for because I'm at the point where I'm going to give up.

[daveel]

You are either eating to much or not doing enough. Pick one and run with it.

Go see the doc if you are worried.

[TelusLob]

I weigh/measure most grains, protein and fruit...vegetables I don't.
I know I'm extremely deficient in vitamin D but I've been taking a supplement. My doctor knows my issues and sent me for blood work, but never said anything other than the vitamin D. I might go back to her and see what else she could test for because I'm at the point where I'm going to give up.

How do you log your foods? Do you use a website? Why don't you count vegetables? Do they not contain calories? (rhetorical question I might add)

[StacksItRich]

It could be a thyroid issue. Just pops out at me by what your saying. Plus your diet seems to lack fats which can cause hormone problems. Soy like tofu can decrease thyroid function and therefore lower metabolism. Same thing with the beans. Women are more prone for thyroid issues. As much as this board likes to say eat w/e you want and you will lose in a calorie deficit. It's not the case for a thyroid sufferer.

I'd get checked out for a thyroid issue if you are sure you are counting calories right.

To self diagnose just take your temp in the morning if it's below 97.6 then you may have a problem. Being colder than other, low heart beat, depression, and etc.

Good luck to you.

[ejthomp]

I burn around 1700, eat 1200-1500 sometimes less

If you were to eat between 1200 and 1500 calories each and every day for a month....with ZERO cheats. You would lose weight. No cheat meals, no cheat weekends, no drinks...

You can fool yourself into believing you are a magic human being, but you can't fool physics.

I read an article that put it very simply.... If your entire diet consists of only an egg a day, and you aren't losing weight, then eat half an egg.

But you have to be CONSISTENT and you must be PATIENT. A minimum of 3 FULL WEEKS.

When is the last time you went 3 full weeks with no cheats? Since you count and record everything you eat AND drink... give us the log for the past 3 weeks....each and every day.

[lizjk]

No need to be a prick. Just because I'm fat doesn't mean I'm lazy and stupid.

If you were to eat between 1200 and 1500 calories each and every day for a month....with ZERO cheats. You would lose weight. No cheat meals, no cheat weekends, no drinks...

You can fool yourself into believing you are a magic human being, but you can't fool physics.

I read an article that put it very simply.... If your entire diet consists of only an egg a day, and you aren't losing weight, then eat half an egg.

But you have to be CONSISTENT and you must be PATIENT. A minimum of 3 FULL WEEKS.

When is the last time you went 3 full weeks with no cheats? Since you count and record everything you eat AND drink... give us the log for the past 3 weeks....each and every day.

[lizjk]

I was on medication that made it near impossible to lose weight (I didn't know it for about a year of trying) but I got off of it. It threw me off because I've never had issues losing weight before. I lost 50 pounds no problem and pretty much maintained it. I thought it was a plateau but I'm not entirely sure anymore. I think it might be a good idea to see my doctor, I'm sure nothing is really wrong and I need to tweak my diet somehow but better safe than sorry.

It could be a thyroid issue. Just pops out at me by what your saying. Plus your diet seems to lack fats which can cause hormone problems. Soy like tofu can decrease thyroid function and therefore lower metabolism. Same thing with the beans. Women are more prone for thyroid issues. As much as this board likes to say eat w/e you want and you will lose in a calorie deficit. It's not the case for a thyroid sufferer.

I'd get checked out for a thyroid issue if you are sure you are counting calories right.

To self diagnose just take your temp in the morning if it's below 97.6 then you may have a problem. Being colder than other, low heart beat, depression, and etc.

Good luck to you.

[cyco85]

No need to be a prick. Just because I'm fat doesn't mean I'm lazy and stupid.

He wasn't... Everything he said is spot on. You're eating too much most likely not measuring properly.

[Xorgath]

No need to be a prick. Just because I'm fat doesn't mean I'm lazy and stupid.

I think he's just saying that everyone has told you most of everything they can. Without being there and observing your day to day activities, all we can tell you are the "obvious reasons" that are the rules to lose weight. Eat less calories than your body needs for maintenance, and you will lose weight. I'm not sure what more you can expect from an online forum. If your body is not "following the rules", maybe you should consult a physician/weight loss specialist. I'm not undermining the wealth of knowledge on these forums, but if you say you have knowledge of nutrition and have covered the obvious reasons, there probably isn't too much more to tell you unless you want to write out everything you do on a day-to-day basis, and even then there's no guarantee, as you said yourself there aren't any obvious reasons for your trouble losing weight.

This wall being written, I should probably go to bed. Good luck with your weight loss goals of 2012.

[StrongMeat]

ITT OP wants help
receives help
then debates helpers

-StrongMeat-

[TelusLob]

I was on medication that made it near impossible to lose weight (I didn't know it for about a year of trying) but I got off of it. It threw me off because I've never had issues losing weight before. I lost 50 pounds no problem and pretty much maintained it. I thought it was a plateau but I'm not entirely sure anymore. I think it might be a good idea to see my doctor, I'm sure nothing is really wrong and I need to tweak my diet somehow but better safe than sorry.

This forum is filled with people who've lost a sh!t ton of weight. All we hear from people constantly are excuses why *insert lame excuse here* is keeping them fat and they can't lose weight. It always comes down to two things and two things only. They aren't moving enough or they are eating too much or a combination of both.

Let me quote Mr. Lyle Mcdonald -
"All over the internet, on forums dedicated to everything from weight loss to muscle gain, people will loudly argue that they are different. “My metabolism is different.”, “My nervous system is different”, “My muscles are different”, things of that sort. Everyone is a unique and delicate flower, just like their mom told them.

This usually follows them explaining why the good advice that others have used can’t possibly work for them. They are also usually the ones making no progress who won’t even consider trying something else. THEY. ARE. DIFFERENT.

...

In short: you can’t beat thermodynamics anymore than anything else in the universe. You. Are. Not. Different. You can’t gain bodymass unless your energy intake exceeds your energy output because you can’t make something out of nothing (muscle or fat). And you can’t lose bodymass unless your energy intake is less than your energy ouput. These are rules that every system in the universe has to follow, including the human body. Nature’s rules, not mine to quote the all-knowing Mr. Miyagi. We may not like them, but we have to live by them anyway."

[illriginalized]

Get rid of carbs. Only carbs you want are from vegetables.


Enjoy.

[camtheram]

Learn how to count calories. Eating healthy =/= weight loss. Eating at a calorie deficit does. You can't out train a bad diet.

This ^^^

You are wasting your time in the gym if you are not eating in deficit.

[camtheram]

Just did a quick BMR calc for you based on your stats. Guess what... Your BMR is 1,772

So... 1,772 - 500 = 1,272

Could be a medical issue but I think you are eating too much.

I'd think your 1,500 cal days are what's hurting you.

[kushnoj]

Use the sticky and calculate your maintenance and deficit off those numbers. "eating back" cardio cals is usually a nightmare. Cardio machines grossly overestimate your burn, I was shocked when I got my bodybugg. I recall reading on these forums you're supposed to include your cardio in your activity factor (if you do it fairly regularly).

Also, I am a 21 y/o female who is shorter and weigh less and I burn more than 1700 on my nonactive days. Too much of a deficit is a recipe for binging.

[Fozzy13]

For 1.5 weeks: Write EVERYTHING you eat everyday and post it here and list what exactly you do when you workout. Aim for 30min of cardio EVERYDAY and post what exactly you did for cardio and also post your lifting routine.


also, mind=blown that your are 208lbs.....you dont look it at all...im taller and wiegh less and you seem smaller than me...i dont even...

[lizjk]

Thanks to all the people who helped without coming off as rude. This site actually said to eat 2200 calories which I thought was insane. Thanks for the tips.

[HealthResearch]

Thanks to all the people who helped without coming off as rude. This site actually said to eat 2200 calories which I thought was insane. Thanks for the tips.

Can you post what you usually eat in a week? I have to agree with what many have said here... something must be off. If you are eating 1200 calories, you should be losing weight.

It seems often that people don't count oils that they cook in. e.g. Fry a chicken breast in oil and only count it as 120 calories.

After someone has lost significant weight, often their metabolism is a little lower than a normal person. But it's just a couple hundred calories. So, you may have to go a little lower on your calories than you expect.

If you do have hypothyroidism, supplementing with iodine (kelp) and zinc can improve it. But again, these are just minor amounts of calories. People seem to use the whole thyroid thing as an excuse.

[lizjk]

Yeah, people do use thyroid problems as an excuse that's why I'm not overly worried about that.

What I eat daily is usually similar, I get stuck in routine and it's just easier. An example would be...

Breakfast: non-fat yogurt, 1 cup of pineapple or melon.

Snack: granola bar (I like the praeventia 100 cal ones at the moment)

Lunch: salad(2 cups romaine, cup bell peppers, few cucumber slices, sometimes quarter cup of low fat cheese) tsp of olive oil tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, little bit of salt.

Snack: 1/2 medium apple, 10 natural almonds

Supper: 1 whole egg, 3 egg whites, 1/4 mushrooms, 1/2 cup spinach, 1/4 feta(sometimes) 1 slice whole grain bread w/ tsp low cal margarine

That's usually the norm for what I eat daily, like I said, I get stuck in liking certain things and will eat that way for months, which probably also effects my weight loss.

Can you post what you usually eat in a week? I have to agree with what many have said here... something must be off. If you are eating 1200 calories, you should be losing weight.

It seems often that people don't count oils that they cook in. e.g. Fry a chicken breast in oil and only count it as 120 calories.

After someone has lost significant weight, often their metabolism is a little lower than a normal person. But it's just a couple hundred calories. So, you may have to go a little lower on your calories than you expect.

If you do have hypothyroidism, supplementing with iodine (kelp) and zinc can improve it. But again, these are just minor amounts of calories. People seem to use the whole thyroid thing as an excuse.

[Fozzy13]

Yeah, people do use thyroid problems as an excuse that's why I'm not overly worried about that.

What I eat daily is usually similar, I get stuck in routine and it's just easier. An example would be...

Breakfast: non-fat yogurt, 1 cup of pineapple or melon.

Snack: granola bar (I like the praeventia 100 cal ones at the moment)

Lunch: salad(2 cups romaine, cup bell peppers, few cucumber slices, sometimes quarter cup of low fat cheese) tsp of olive oil tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, little bit of salt.

Snack: 1/2 medium apple, 10 natural almonds

Supper: 1 whole egg, 3 egg whites, 1/4 mushrooms, 1/2 cup spinach, 1/4 feta(sometimes) 1 slice whole grain bread w/ tsp low cal margarine

That's usually the norm for what I eat daily, like I said, I get stuck in liking certain things and will eat that way for months, which probably also effects my weight loss.

wow, that seems VERY low...just a quick estimate is about 1100 and thats being pretty liberal with the calories....i think you might even be getting as little as 900-1k calories. For a couple weeks i would up calories and protein to around 1500 and focus on lifting and cardio.

One easy way to do this would be to add a protein shake everyday.
ice
1scoop whey
1-2tbsp of PB
1 banana or other fruit
1 cup of greek yogurt or cottage cheese

that would add an extra ~4-500calories and plenty of protein