not losing

[dmfroom305]

Hi All,

I am consistently at a daily calorie deficit but not losing weight. I walk 4 miles a day (one hour) and I stay within the goal zone or under (not significantly under though). Any idea as to why I'm not losing?

[Dominique]

The caloric deficit reported by Fitbit is the difference between calories burned, as estimated by Fitbit and your intake, as logged by you. There’s a margin of error with both, and it is not uncommon for calories out to be overestimated and calories in underestimated. If Fitbit overestimates your calories out by 250 and you underestimate your intake by 250, what should be a deficit of 500 ends up in no deficit at all. 

Which food plan intensity did you choose? Let’s say it’s "Medium" (daily deficit: 500 calories). Change it to "Kinda hard" (750 calories), understanding the actual deficit may in fact be smaller than that.

When did you start your plan? 

[dmfroom305]

I started about a month ago both with the walking and with tracking the calories.  I was previously on WW and plateaued, so I thought I'd change things up a bit.  I am actually only looking to lose about 10 pounds, and I know these are the hardest.  I have to say, prior to starting the daily hour/4 mile walking,  I wasn't exercising at all and I feel like I've really watched what I am doing so I'm frustrated.

I appreciate your help with this-I will change my deficit to "kinda hard" and see where I go for the next few weeks.

[Dominique]

Your weight loss "history" is one factor to consider: if you lost a significant amount of weight in a relatively short time with WW (before starting counting calories with Fitbit), you are not in the same position (metabolically speaking) as someone who maintained the same weight for a longer period of time. How much did you lose with WW, and in what time?

[dmfroom305]

I had only lost about 4-5 pounds.  I am not looking to lose a ton of weight, just take off these stubborn 10 pounds.  I changed my plan to the -750 deficit, and I will see what happens over the next couple of weeks.  I appreciate your help with this Dominique!  Let's see where things go (hopefully down!).  🐵

[Maria527]

I feel your pain!  I have a stubborn 10 lbs too.  I think some of my mitigating factors involve past diet hopping, age (53), post menopause, thyroid, and being at a plateau weight right now.  So... I've added some strength training along with walking/jogging in hopes of boosting my metabolism.  Also, I have found that eating low-carb is the only way I lose weight.  I was encouraged this morning with a small weight loss. Maybe it is just a matter of forcing yourself off of a plateau weight in order to get moving again.  Don't give up!

[Jarred03]

Best bet is to start weight training or some form of resistance training to increase your metabolic rate. Consume higher protein foods and higher fibre intake and reduce the amount of carbs you are consuming. Cut out processed foods and bottled juices

[dmfroom305]

Thanks everyone ~ I appreciate the feedback and will try incorporating some weights into my daily plan.  Fingers crossed!!