I can't lose weight?

[Lauriebell82]

So I am aware of how to lose weight. I lost a lot and have been able to keep it off. I did gain about 5 or 10 pounds since I started working at a grocery store. I think the reason is because cashiering makes me SO hungry! I can't figure out why! And you can't eat until your break and you don't get to chose when it is. I literally stuff myself beforehand and STILL get hungry. I get so hungry that I start to feel sick and weak. It's bad. Staring at food makes it worse! I still work out 5-6 times a week running 3 miles each day and weight training, eliptical machine also. I upped the amount of working out I do!

 

I have weighed myself everyday for the past 2 weeks as an experiment. I usually don't do that, but I wanted to see. I have noticed I will lose a pound on days that I don't work and then gain it back on the days I do. I work out on days that I work also and STILL gain a pound back. I don't get it.

 

So may last day was yesterday thank goodness so I don't have to work there anymore. Maybe I will start to lose weight now.

 

Anybody think it is weird? I don't get it.

[threebyfate]

Lb, when you're trying to lose weight, it's not surprising you're focused on food, since it's something you "can't have". Top that with being reminded about food, pretty much every second/minute you're working, and it's going to get to anyone!

 

Have you considered bringing a bottle of water with you? Perhaps you can break the food conditioning, with a reasonable level of water consumption.

[Lauriebell82]

Lb, when you're trying to lose weight, it's not surprising you're focused on food, since it's something you "can't have". Top that with being reminded about food, pretty much every second/minute you're working, and it's going to get to anyone!

 

Have you considered bringing a bottle of water with you? Perhaps you can break the food conditioning, with a reasonable level of water consumption.

 

You mean while on the register? We aren't allowed to have any food or drink anywhere near the register and can't get off to get something until break. I try not to drink too much on my break either because then I have to pee. And when you have a long line of people you can't get off to go to the bathroom and have to hold it. I don't like doing that because I get UTI's that way. And they get pissed when people have to go to the bathroom when it's busy.

 

Thank goodness I don't have to work there anymore!

[curiousnycgirl]

It is also possible that on days you are working you are retaining water because you probably can't drink as much water (the more you drink the less you retain) as you normally would because you don't have so many breaks, and because you are on your feet all day.

[Lauriebell82]

It is also possible that on days you are working you are retaining water because you probably can't drink as much water (the more you drink the less you retain) as you normally would because you don't have so many breaks, and because you are on your feet all day.

 

That is possible. I drink water when I am working out (like a HUGE bottle of it) but then I really don't drink that much at work because I don't want to have to keep going to the bathroom.

 

Now that I don't work there anymore I am going to keep working out at the same intensity and weigh myself everyday this week to see if there is a difference. If I'm continuing to maintain then I'll have to try something else.

 

I just joined a new gym and you get a free personal training consultation session as an incentive so I have an appointment tommorrow with a trainer. I'll run this by him as well.

[Star Gazer]

Didn't you already lose the last 5 pounds you wanted to months ago? Didn't you say you're skinny now?

 

5 pounds is not "weight" to lose, LB. I'm really concerned about how obsessed you seem over this.

[Lauriebell82]

Didn't you already lose the last 5 pounds you wanted to months ago? Didn't you say you're skinny now?

 

5 pounds is not "weight" to lose, LB. I'm really concerned about how obsessed you seem over this.

 

I lost the weight a few months ago, yes. (like 10 pounds) Then I gained it back since December.

 

5-10 pounds shows a LOT on someone who is 5'2. I can tell the difference. My pants fit tighter also. It's frustrating becuase I was real happy with where I was before.

[torranceshipman]

It isn't weird-it is actually very simply biology. Eating too many carbs in one sitting causes a massive drop in blood sugar, and as a result your body sends hunger signals to your brain as soon as it slumps to tell you to eat again - not because you have an empty stomach - but because your body knows it is the only way to bring blood sugar back up. That blood sugar crash is also exactly the reason for the dizziness. The simple answer to all this: do not stuff yourself. Eat small, every 3 hrs. I have worked a million and one jobs and there is nowhere I've ever been when I couldnt find a way to sneak to the bathroom and wolf down a protein bar (for example) when I wasn't allowed an actual break.

 

Really, don't stuff yourself! Also if you lost a bunch of weight that suggests you were a bit overweight to start with and excess weight comes off far easier than when you are close to an ideal weight. When you get close to ideal weight you need to switch up a bit - probably lower calorie intake a bit, and change your workout - you likely need more muscle on you, so you may need much heavier weights and a bit less cardio. That way you push your metabolic rate right up in a way that cardio alone couldnt manage.

 

Well done on the weight loss so far!

 

Edited to add: I just read through the thread and I agree about possible water retention: also I understand about you wanting to lose more weight as I think what you might really be thinking is that you want to be more toned. You have to do more weights - and heavy - for this. Knucklehead idiot men sometimes say 'urgh I don't want a muscly woman' so if your boyfriend says that (not that he might but just in case!) say, well thank goodness I am a girl and have 10% the testosterone of a man, then, because that means its physiologically impossible for me to gain any significant muscle without steroids-I#ll just be happy with the flat stomach and shapely butt, thanks (-; Seriously, weight training - your way to go.

Edited February 26, 2010 by torranceshipman

[Lauriebell82]

It isn't weird-it is actually very simply biology. Eating too many carbs in one sitting causes a massive drop in blood sugar, and as a result your body sends hunger signals to your brain as soon as it slumps to tell you to eat again - not because you have an empty stomach - but because your body knows it is the only way to bring blood sugar back up. That blood sugar crash is also exactly the reason for the dizziness. The simple answer to all this: do not stuff yourself. Eat small, every 3 hrs. I have worked a million and one jobs and there is nowhere I've ever been when I couldnt find a way to sneak to the bathroom and wolf down a protein bar (for example) when I wasn't allowed an actual break.

 

Really, don't stuff yourself! Also if you lost a bunch of weight that suggests you were a bit overweight to start with and excess weight comes off far easier than when you are close to an ideal weight. When you get close to ideal weight you need to switch up a bit - probably lower calorie intake a bit, and change your workout - you likely need more muscle on you, so you may need much heavier weights and a bit less cardio. That way you push your metabolic rate right up in a way that cardio alone couldnt manage.

 

Well done on the weight loss so far!

 

Edited to add: I just read through the thread and I agree about possible water retention: also I understand about you wanting to lose more weight as I think what you might really be thinking is that you want to be more toned. You have to do more weights - and heavy - for this. Knucklehead idiot men sometimes say 'urgh I don't want a muscly woman' so if your boyfriend says that (not that he might but just in case!) say, well thank goodness I am a girl and have 10% the testosterone of a man, then, because that means its physiologically impossible for me to gain any significant muscle without steroids-I#ll just be happy with the flat stomach and shapely butt, thanks (-; Seriously, weight training - your way to go.

 

Yeah, you are probably right about the blood sugar thing. The store is so busy that there is no way to sneak into the bathroom to get something to eat. If there is nobody to take you off the register you can't even go to the bathroom unless you close down your register after ringing out the rest of the customers.

 

I did stop weight training as much since I started working at the grocery store. We have to bag all our own groceries (there are no baggers) and it's really hard on your back and arms that I am too sore to even lift that much.

 

I also am close to my ideal weight. I am not fat at all, actually on the slimmer side. I guess I just have some "problem areas" that I want to get rid of where I gained some weight back. So it is going to be harder to lose the weight then before. I am going to step up the weight training again definately.

 

Thanks!

[torranceshipman]

You'll do really well...if you are quite lean now, every couple of pounds you gain or lose does tend to be noticeable quite quickly...just a thought - are you allowed to sip from a water bottle when on the till, when it is quiet? Because if you could wangle that, you could hide a protein shake in there...

[Lauriebell82]

You'll do really well...if you are quite lean now, every couple of pounds you gain or lose does tend to be noticeable quite quickly...just a thought - are you allowed to sip from a water bottle when on the till, when it is quiet? Because if you could wangle that, you could hide a protein shake in there...

 

Nope, no food or drink while you are on register. They have fired people who have done that. And it is NEVER quiet at that store..it is always very busy, almost no downtime at all.

 

But I have already quit-my last day was yesterday. So hopefully I can go back to my regular routine that I did before to lose weight.

[laRubiaBonita]

additionally if you are at your bodies ideal wieght (not necessarily your ideal number) and you continue to try and lose weight- your body may "think" it could be nearing a starvation mode and may start conserving extra calories instead of burning them like you want.

 

i do agree that upping your water intake will most likely help- but it will be good for you regardless.

 

have you started your new job yet?

[Lauriebell82]

additionally if you are at your bodies ideal wieght (not necessarily your ideal number) and you continue to try and lose weight- your body may "think" it could be nearing a starvation mode and may start conserving extra calories instead of burning them like you want.

 

i do agree that upping your water intake will most likely help- but it will be good for you regardless.

 

have you started your new job yet?

 

I start next week. That's interesting about the ideal weight suggestion. I'm definately not at the ideal "number" but I don't have the normal "5'2 build" (I have hips and big boobs) therefore I think for my shape I would look weird being at that low weight. My hip bones would stick out.

 

I know that I could stand to lose a few pounds though and I did it before so I know that I can do it again. I'm just trying to think about how I lost the weight before.

[laRubiaBonita]

i think also with your new job, once you get settled in- you will get some structure.

 

i personally think structure/ pattern is usefull when maintaining and losing weight. retail/ the grocery store etc.. the restrictions at those types of jobs do take a toll on your bodies function and how your body uses it's fuel.

 

you would eat alot before, then starve- which is a big roller coaster for your metabolism.

 

i would bet that once you get settled and have more structire you will get that last bit done and then will maintain.

 

good luck with the new job too!

[Neutrino]

Hi LB - with the new job and all - maybe it is the best time for some routine adjustments

 

I know what you mean saying on a small person every gram shows.... I'm 1.6 m and know it too....

 

To determine whether you have a small, medium or large frame - try to wrap your pointing finger and thumb around your wrist (of the other hand of course....) if you can encircle your wrist completely - your frame is small.

 

What you eat, food combinations and when, is very important. Stuffing yourself in advance is unhealthy and will cause even more hunger later on.

 

Being a bit of a fanatic myself, I started tracking my weight and periods and everything on www.mymonthlycycles.com..... Really helped.

 

Small food advice (and keep in mind every person is different) : don't eat in advance when you're not hungry, carbs in the morning (depending on your planned activities for that day), fruit at mid-day, vegies and protein in the evening. No food later than 2 hours prior to bed-time. To maintain some sugar in your blood keep some lollies with you (not sugar-free, but not too large either) eat one every 2 hours. Works well for me...

[Lauriebell82]

Hi LB - with the new job and all - maybe it is the best time for some routine adjustments

 

I know what you mean saying on a small person every gram shows.... I'm 1.6 m and know it too....

 

To determine whether you have a small, medium or large frame - try to wrap your pointing finger and thumb around your wrist (of the other hand of course....) if you can encircle your wrist completely - your frame is small.

 

What you eat, food combinations and when, is very important. Stuffing yourself in advance is unhealthy and will cause even more hunger later on.

 

Being a bit of a fanatic myself, I started tracking my weight and periods and everything on www.mymonthlycycles.com..... Really helped.

 

Small food advice (and keep in mind every person is different) : don't eat in advance when you're not hungry, carbs in the morning (depending on your planned activities for that day), fruit at mid-day, vegies and protein in the evening. No food later than 2 hours prior to bed-time. To maintain some sugar in your blood keep some lollies with you (not sugar-free, but not too large either) eat one every 2 hours. Works well for me...

 

Yep, I can wrap my pointer finger and thumb around my wrist. My wrists

are soooo tiny. I am very petite but I also have curves so I guess I'm tiny with hips and boobs lol.

 

I didn't work yesterday and did a similar workout to the one I did on Thursday. I only ate when I was hungry and just enough to keep me going. I had something small every few hours. I weighed myself this morning and I lost a pound...I'm the same weight I was on Thursday morning before I went to work. So it's definately water retention due to having to eat so much and when I'm not hungry.

 

I'm meeting with a personal trainer today also to see if he has any tips on good exercises to do to lose the remainder of the weight. Basically I want to lose about 10 more pounds. Any more then that and my bones with stick out.

[Neutrino]

10 pounds is just under 5 kg, right ?

 

should be easy enough. Make sure you do enough cardio, and IMO power training is also useful. Having boobs means that gravity works on them.... So be absolutely sure you get a good supporting bra (sports level 3 or 4)... If you're not careful with that you may be tripping over your own nipples when you get older

 

Daily changes in weight are normally fluids, notice changes around your ovulation and before your period. If you chart your weight over a few weeks you should see a longer term steady decline.

 

you also want to develop a good nutritional routine and stick to it also after you reach your target weight.

[Lauriebell82]

10 pounds is just under 5 kg, right ?

 

I'm not sure..I'm terrible at math!

 

Daily changes in weight are normally fluids, notice changes around your ovulation and before your period. If you chart your weight over a few weeks you should see a longer term steady decline..

 

I don't ovulate or get my period because of my birth control..depo provera. So I don't usually see weight fluctuation TOO much. I'm more or less maintaining right now, but I want to start to see a steady weight loss now instead of fluctuating between a pound or two.

[Neutrino]

I have no idea if my own personal method would work for you, but here are a few of my "ground rules" :

 

Drink a full glass of water before each meal.

 

Eat slowly, food takes about 20 minutes to get from your mouth to your stomach, if you stop eating when you no longer feel hunger - this means already 20 minutes of over-eating...

 

No junk food, no snacks in the house, nothing deep-fried, no dining out more than (max) once a week. I'm not saying you should never have another chocolate cookie again... but decide that you are having just one (eat it slowly in small bites to enjoy it longer), and never take the entire box with you, or buy only what you plan to eat right then.

 

You are physically small (like me) so keep small portions.

 

Make a good plan and stick to it. You can make a few adjustments once you reach your target weight, but not let go completely.

[GrayClouds]

No food later than 2 hours prior to bed-time. To maintain some sugar in your blood keep some lollies with you (not sugar-free, but not too large either) eat one every 2 hours. Works well for me...

 

Actually most current information suggest that is a myth, in fact some suggest it good to do so to aid weight loss:

http://www.aolhealth.com/medical-myths/medical-myths-eating-before-bed

 

Regarding lollies they a simple carbos of empty calories there is much more effect and beneficial ways to keep blood sugar consistent. For one eating 5 times a day rather then three.

[Neutrino]

Actually most current information suggest that is a myth, in fact some suggest it good to do so to aid weight loss:

http://www.aolhealth.com/medical-myths/medical-myths-eating-before-bed

 

Regarding lollies they a simple carbos of empty calories there is much more effect and beneficial ways to keep blood sugar consistent. For one eating 5 times a day rather then three.

 

May well be possible - and don't forget each person is different... This is why I stated clearly and repeatedly that this is my individual plan and it works for me - it may not be as suitabke for another person...

 

Eating before you go to bed also depends on what you eat... I know for a fact the digestive system is hardly active during sleep and this is the main reason for my decision (think about what actually happens to the food, just sitting there all those hours...), the few times I happened to eat before going to bed, I felt still full the next morning and did not sleep well at all.

 

As for eating 5 times a day..... I would probably try that if I had the time... Unless if you mean like an apple or a pear.

[cuppa]

10 pounds is just under 5 kg, right ?

 

should be easy enough. Make sure you do enough cardio, and IMO power training is also useful. Having boobs means that gravity works on them.... So be absolutely sure you get a good supporting bra (sports level 3 or 4)... If you're not careful with that you may be tripping over your own nipples when you get older

 

Daily changes in weight are normally fluids, notice changes around your ovulation and before your period. If you chart your weight over a few weeks you should see a longer term steady decline.

 

you also want to develop a good nutritional routine and stick to it also after you reach your target weight.

 

Actually, losing the last 10 lbs is the most difficult IMO.

 

LB, I am 5'2 too...I started tracking my meals & exercises in this website. I don't know your body composition but I am building a lot of muscles at the moment and I shrink in inches even though I gain in lbs. After tracking my meals, I realized that I have way too much sugars & sodium in a day hence I retained a lot of water.

 

I listed my meals, exercise routines, my weight lifting routines, and my goals in here. I got a lot of useful advices over there too....here is my profile:

 

http://www.livestrong.com/profile/lindahwa/

 

You don't have to do this everyday but I found having a food journal actually help in examining my eating habits .

[Neutrino]

Of course building muscles means you loose cm but gain weight (initially and briefly) - muscles weigh a lot more than fat (put a piece of red meat and some oil in a glass of water and see what happens).

 

However, once you stabilize in your training routine - the rate of muscles build up should decrease and the rate of loosing fat (and weight) should be more evident.

 

The website looks nice

 

I have to admit that during the week - I eat the exact same things each day... Many people find this boring, but I really don't see food as a source of entertainment.... I do make sure my weekly intake is balanced though - which is not always easy.

Edited February 28, 2010 by Neutrino

[cuppa]

Of course building muscles means you loose cm but gain weight (initially and briefly) - muscles weigh a lot more than fat (put a piece of red meat and some oil in a glass of water and see what happens).

 

However, once you stabilize in your training routine - the rate of muscles build up should decrease and the rate of loosing fat (and weight) should be more evident.

 

yep, agree.

 

I only started lifting 8 weeks ago so I don't expect the weight to fall off yet but I do shrink in inches and things firm up (difficult spots too like lower abs and triceps). So I don't know where OP is at, if she's at the same stage as me, that it can be very likely that our weight will be the same or fluctuates 1 to 3 lbs then hopefully will start to fall off at some points.

[Neutrino]

Mind - that BMI thing makes no sense at all - it only considers your weight vs your height, totally ignoring body structure or composition...