Hitting the Gym, Counting Calories, but Still Not Losing Weight? My Journey So Far
Hey everyone!
I wanted to share a bit about my fitness journey in hopes that someone out there might have some insight or advice to share.
I’m a college student currently struggling with weight loss. Life is stressful—between school, deadlines, and everything else, it can get overwhelming. But one thing I’ve been consistent with is my workouts. Exercise has become my escape—my “me time.” I train 4 to 6 times a week without fail. I started with just cardio, but as I learned more and wanted to challenge myself, I added weightlifting into the mix. Switching things up gave me a fresh boost of motivation… but the results? Not what I expected.
Trying Low Calories… Then Higher Calories
In the beginning, I stuck to a low-calorie diet, eating around 1300 to 1600 calories per day. I was hoping to see the scale move, but unfortunately, nothing changed. So, I did some research and found that sometimes eating too little while working out can actually prevent weight loss. That made sense, so I increased my intake to somewhere between 1800 and 2200 calories a day. Still—no change.
The Macro Counting Phase
Then I turned to macros. I got serious about tracking my protein, carbs, and fats—making sure my ratios weren’t just "acceptable" but actually aligned with what experts and fitness communities recommended. I focused on higher protein, lower fat, and balanced carbs. And guess what? Still no noticeable difference. No drop on the scale. No slimmer feeling in my clothes. Just… frustration.
Where I Am Now
Currently, my routine looks like this:
Lifting: 2x a week
Cardio: 3–4x a week
Calories: Staying under 2000 per day
Workouts: Burning no less than 500 calories each session
Macros: Tracked carefully with an emphasis on protein and keeping fats low
Despite all of this effort, I haven’t lost weight, nor do I feel physically leaner. And to be honest… it’s starting to get really discouraging.
If You’ve Been Here—Help!
I’m not giving up, but I’m definitely feeling stuck. If anyone reading this has been in a similar boat or has any tips—maybe something I’m overlooking—I would be so grateful to hear from you.
Thanks for reading, and thank you in advance for any support or insight!
