Frustrated... gaining when I should be losing

SparkPoints: (681)
Fitness Minutes: (730)
Posts: 3
2/12/13 11:30 A

Thank you so much for the support. I really needed to hear a 'voice of reason' yesterday. It can just be frustrating because I am in what I hope is the last 10lbs of my weight loss journey and losing the weight is getting harder and harder. It helps so much to have positive reinforcement and sensible advice. I hope you have a wonderful day!

SparkPoints: (7,798)
Fitness Minutes: (6,588)
Posts: 63
2/11/13 2:21 P

Believe it or not, if you eat too LITTLE, you can derail your weight loss efforts. I have found that the weeks I'm super strict and stay at the low end or even below my range, I don't lose as much as the weeks when I stay mid-high in my range, and even seem to lose more when I have a day or meal mid week that takes me over my calories for the day (I know this isn't recommended...it's just what I've noticed). I think when you stay low, you can force your body to hang onto all that it can and it won't allow you to lose easily.

I do think maybe you need to also shake up your exercise routine. Sweat longer or work to a higher intensity and even add a bit of weight training to increase your muscles which will ultimately increase your metabolism.

The pill could also be affecting things, as others have said. But it shouldn't take long for your body to adjust.

One last thing...be vigilant with your nutrition tracker. Weigh and measure everything. It's possible that a few miscalculated food items could be throwing you off. It's happened to me.

Don't give up! It's worth it!

current weight: 503.0

645 580 515 450

385

Posts: 1,353
2/11/13 1:43 P

Cyania - from your post, it sounds like you don't have much to lose....if that's the case, you MUST realize that the weight is going to come off slowly! It took me over 6 months to lose those last 5 "vanity" pounds.

Check out all of the data you initially entered into spark (starting weight, calories burned for exercise, etc), and then make sure your goal date is reasonable---you're not going to lose that much by summer. Once you tweak everything, see what ranges it gives you (not just calories), and then do your best to hit as many of them as you can every day. Focus on getting the highest quality, most nutrient-dense foods possible. With only a few pounds to lose, it's been my experience that quality matters just as much as quantity.

It sounds like you might need to up the intensity of your exercise. How about 2 full body strength training workouts and 2 or 3 cardio sessions per week? You can't phone it in....make it short but intense. You should be worn out when you're done.

Lastly, some of your problem may well be the b/c. Just think of it this way....if you throw in the towel and just give up, where will you be then? At least stay in the fight!!!

Posts: 796
2/11/13 11:42 A

My guess is that your body is adjusting to your new pill. Give it a few more weeks. Hopefully your hormones will settle down and you'll see some results.

current weight: 130.0

153 144.75 136.5 128.25

120

SparkPoints: (681)
Fitness Minutes: (730)
Posts: 3
2/11/13 10:32 A

I am feeling really frustrated because I have been slowly GAINING weight over the last six weeks, when I should have been losing. I looked back through my tracker and came to three conclusions:
1. I went through an extremely strict two weeks where I ate only roughly 1,200 calories per day and was having a protein + fruit or veggie in every meal. But I didn't lose any weight the first week I did that. So then I relaxed, stayed in my ranges but was less strict, and I packed on weight quickly.
2. I am not exercising enough. Maybe three times per week, but only really sweating 2x per week, the other is long walks (3+miles). Perhaps that is the issue?
3. This may be over sharing, but hopefully the ladies will understand. I had to change BC pills. My doctor said I might see a slight weight increase, but that it would be due to eating more... haven't been eating more but I have seen the increase. When I asked her about it she said after a few months it would "even out," no clue if that should make me feel better or worse but it is frustrating.

I am basically completely frustrated and unmotivated and starting to wonder what on earth is the point? My current weight is 150.8, my starting weight on SP was 148.5 Goal: 142 - 145, a weight I maintained over the last decade until I had a really stressful and inactive last year.

Any words of encouragement or ideas would be so greatly appreciated. Thank you for listening.