Frustrated...why am I gaining?!

[gailb79]

Getting frustrated I've been getting up early and doing 25 minutes on my elliptical, then after I eat lunch I use the other 15 minutes to get 10-15 stairs in and short walk, then after work I've been going for a 2-2.5 mile walk (weather permitting) and I gained 1 pound when I got on the scale yesterday and another pound this morning.  I've only lost 1/10 of a pound since Friday.  I'm usually either in zone on my calories or under by 100-150 calories.  I'm only drinking water, no soda or juices and getting 100-130 oundes in a day.  Suggestions please, I'm getting frustrated and discouraged!

[tiffsterr]

I'll just tell you what works for me.  I hate counting calories and all that.  I limit my carbs instead and eat as much as I like.  I read a couple Atkins books a few years ago and learned a lot about myself and the myths of limiting fat.  I eat as much veggies, meat, & cheese as I want (minus potatoes).  I also eat a limited amount of berries and unlimited melon.  Other fruits are very high in sugar (carbs.)  Drinking wise I stick to water, green tea, coffee and Crystal Lite or some other diet drinks.  Exercising every day makes me drink a lot more water and not want to drink beer or wine (I am a beer fanatic so that's impressive if I don't have a craving for a beer.)

Combine the above with the workout you are currently doing and you might see the pounds fly off.  You'll also gain more muscle this way.  I never get hungry on this diet. 

[tlmarmstrong]

Might you be gaining muscle mass? 

I was a competitive swimmer for many years. I always weighed a lot more than most would guess because of the muscle mass. For me, it is about the size of my clothes and the way I look. I will always have a higher weight because my legs are solid and strong. My idea pant size is 8 because that is when I look my healthiest. Right now, I'm in a 12. Although I attach as estimated number of pounds I want to loose, I'll have truly met my goal when I'm back into my size 8 pants. 

I hope this helps. Please don't beat yourself up. That is the quickest path to forgoing your dreams. 

[Tave]

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@gailb79 wrote:

Getting frustrated I've been getting up early and doing 25 minutes on my elliptical, then after I eat lunch I use the other 15 minutes to get 10-15 stairs in and short walk, then after work I've been going for a 2-2.5 mile walk (weather permitting) and I gained 1 pound when I got on the scale yesterday and another pound this morning.  I've only lost 1/10 of a pound since Friday.  I'm usually either in zone on my calories or under by 100-150 calories.  I'm only drinking water, no soda or juices and getting 100-130 oundes in a day.  Suggestions please, I'm getting frustrated and discouraged!

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Do yourself a favor and stay off the scale for a week.  Seriously.  Weight loss is not instantaneous, and it won't happen every day.  You won't automatically drop 1 lb after burning 3600 or whatever extra calories.  Everyone's body reacts differently.  And the extra pound can be from anything: swelling, undigested food, anything.  If you are certain you are carrying a deficit, and are exercising, then you will eventually see a loss.  

[maygan33]

Haha I also have this same lifestyle plan..It doesnt always seem to stay this strict but it has always worked for me in the past! Here's hoping it works again! I do miss bread though! lol

[gailb79]

Thanks for all the suggestions and encouragement.  I'm going to stick with it, really do love how my fitbit pushes me to move more! 

[RubyH]

Weigh yourself once a week only, daily fluctuations are caused by fluid withheld or undigested food. Unless you have a heart or liver issue and have to weigh yourself daily because of fluid issues and have to monitor that, I would only weigh myself once a week or better yet, once a fortnight as the scales vary through theday continually and never weigh yourself after you have had a big meal or have drunk a water, wait a few hours first. Best time is just before bed at least a couple of hours after eating or drinking. It will also be your heaviest weight on that day and a better guide.

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@gailb79 wrote:

Getting frustrated I've been getting up early and doing 25 minutes on my elliptical, then after I eat lunch I use the other 15 minutes to get 10-15 stairs in and short walk, then after work I've been going for a 2-2.5 mile walk (weather permitting) and I gained 1 pound when I got on the scale yesterday and another pound this morning.  I've only lost 1/10 of a pound since Friday.  I'm usually either in zone on my calories or under by 100-150 calories.  I'm only drinking water, no soda or juices and getting 100-130 oundes in a day.  Suggestions please, I'm getting frustrated and discouraged!

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[maureent63]

I don't know what is going on with my body??!!  I exercise 5 days a week....40 min of cardio, & 20 min of weights & stretching...60+oz of water, avoiding almost all processed foods, eating very clean & healthy.  A pound or 2 come off then 1 comes back, it goes & 2 come back, 2 go and 1 comes back etc etc.  This has been since September & I am past frustrated.

[Move.It.Move.It]

Take your measurements once a month too. I am aiming to get smaller not weigh less. Its the same thing to an extent but concentrating on reducing centimetres allows for getting toned and gaining muscle. Good luck!

[emili]

eating healthy doesn't mean eating at deficit. The only way you will know is to figure out how much you should eat and monitor how much you actually are eating. If you are in deficit, you will lose weight (assuming there are no medical issues)

[artinfabric]

If you limit your calories too tightly it makes your body think you are starving it. Don't skip meals. Eat breakfast every day. It fuels your body and energizes the your metabolism. We all hit these little road blocks. Keep working toward your gools and good luck.

Respecfully

Artinfabric

[DominicJ]

Age / Weight / Gender

Whats your target weekly loss?