LadyDi Posted April 2, 2010 Share Posted April 2, 2010 There has GOT to be an explaination! I hired a PT 6 weeks ago, am following a clean diet, drinking water & eating every 2 to 3 hours, watching my carbs, fat, fiber and protein intake and work out at least an hour 6 days a week. I've lost 6 lbs. Thats it. I should be losing more weight, even the trainer says I should be. I am beyond frustrated. I am 49, but still, even in middle age....working out this much and eating clean should be having better results. Anyone have some suggestions?? Link to post Share on other sites
Rearden Metal Posted April 2, 2010 Share Posted April 2, 2010 It's likely that your body composition is changing. Muscle weighs more than fat. You have probably put on 2 or 3 (possibly more) lbs of muscle, so have lost 8-9 lbs of fat. 1.5-2lbs weight loss per week is a healthy, sustainable amount. Much better than losing a lot of weight fast. Less chance of yo-yo. Stick with it. You should be happy, not frustrated. If you hit a wall where you don't lose for 2 weeks at all, then you need to check your diet. You could be eating too restrictively and as a result, slowing your metabolism. Conversely, you could be measuring food wrong and eating more kcals than you realize. Good luck, don't give up! Link to post Share on other sites
USMCHokie Posted April 2, 2010 Share Posted April 2, 2010 Eat less. It's not just about eating clean...the amount you eat is just as important, if not moreso...calories in must be less than calories expended... Link to post Share on other sites
carhill Posted April 2, 2010 Share Posted April 2, 2010 Sounds like a lifestyle change. A pound a week. Not bad, IMO. Remember, you're adding muscle, which takes up less space for the same weight. Keep track of your other numbers too (inches) as well as vitals (HR/BP/Resps) and, at your age (I'm 50), blood sugar. Weight loss and maintenance is a nice byproduct of a healthy lifestyle. Looks like you're on the right track Also, ask your trainer about breaking plateaus. The body reaches plateau levels and sometimes needs a kicker to break through them. I ran into them when endurance training, but have never done a weight-loss related program so don't know if it applies there. Link to post Share on other sites
Author LadyDi Posted April 2, 2010 Author Share Posted April 2, 2010 I guess the bright spot on losing slowly is no lose skin, but geeze! I wanted more of a number drop. I have lost a few inches, but not in the waist yet (damned middle age!) That's another question, if its calories in/out.....I am not exagerating here, I am only eating approx 1600 to 1800 a day. I'm burning at least 500 a day, usually much more with so much exercise. I'm 5'9 I should be melting away! Link to post Share on other sites
USMCHokie Posted April 2, 2010 Share Posted April 2, 2010 That's another question, if its calories in/out.....I am not exagerating here, I am only eating approx 1600 to 1800 a day. I'm burning at least 500 a day, usually much more with so much exercise. I'm 5'9 I should be melting away! That's a good target caloric intake range for someone looking to lose weight while getting plenty of exercise...rearden and carhill brought up excellent points...it will take some time, especially if your body composition is changing...just stay patient with it and you will soon reap the rewards of your hard work... Link to post Share on other sites
Arabella Posted April 2, 2010 Share Posted April 2, 2010 (edited) I don't believe you're taking in enough calories, actually. Considering that the minimum caloric intake a woman should survive on is 1200 calories, and if you're burning 500/day, that puts you at a minimum of 1700. And that's a bare minimum! Your caloric needs change with age, weight and activity levels, but remember that if you drop your calories too low, you WILL slow down your metabolism and weight loss will become much more difficult. Try raising your caloric intake to 2000 a day and see how that goes. And don't believe anyone that tells you that you shouldn't have carbs... they are a good energy source, if they are the right kind (not sugary!). Just make sure you have most of them early in the day, preferably a few hours before working out. I've lost 155 lbs myself and I've broken through several plateaus... this is what worked, and continues to work for me. Arabella Edited April 2, 2010 by Arabella spelling Link to post Share on other sites
D-Lish Posted April 2, 2010 Share Posted April 2, 2010 I guess the bright spot on losing slowly is no lose skin, but geeze! I wanted more of a number drop. I have lost a few inches, but not in the waist yet (damned middle age!) That's another question, if its calories in/out.....I am not exagerating here, I am only eating approx 1600 to 1800 a day. I'm burning at least 500 a day, usually much more with so much exercise. I'm 5'9 I should be melting away! You should be- with your low cal intake... My secret has been to go to the grocery store and buy the low-cal frozen meals. I know those 3 meals are 900 calories a day. I add organic veggies to the meals- things like beans and asparagus to fill me up without added calories. I eat low fat yogurt for snacks, and I load up on the water to flush fat. I add cardio, not weights. I like the results of straight cardio. Are you drinking anything that might add unwanted calories? Staying away from alcohol works- and staying away from juices or even diet pop that injects unwanted salt (which promotes water retention). I just turned 40- and it's harder than ever to keep weight off. Everything that goes into my mouth seems to stay on my body. Water flushes fat- water is your friend. 6 lbs is still an achievement though. Just make sure to add lots of green to your diet- and start your day with an egg (protein)- it helps excelerate your metabolism. Link to post Share on other sites
deux ex machina Posted April 2, 2010 Share Posted April 2, 2010 That's a good target caloric intake range for someone looking to lose weight while getting plenty of exercise...rearden and carhill brought up excellent points...it will take some time, especially if your body composition is changing...just stay patient with it and you will soon reap the rewards of your hard work... Definitely. ---------- Keep at it, 1 pound a week is a healthy, sustainable rate of loss. Don't let any of those plateaus bring you down. If it helps, I find that right when progress seems to slow or stop altogether, it's virtually guaranteed there will a big leap in progress right around the corner. Almost as if you are getting rewarded for consistency. Right now, keep your focus on the non-weight related improvements and benefits you are experiencing. As long as you stick with it, everything will even out, given time. Good luck! Link to post Share on other sites
SarahRose Posted April 2, 2010 Share Posted April 2, 2010 Have a full blood work up done. Thyroid and other things can make it hard to lose weight. I eat very strictly and lose weight like you do but my cortisol levels are high. My daughter stayed with me for a month and ate what I did and lost 13 pounds and she didn't even need to lose any weight. Link to post Share on other sites
Author LadyDi Posted April 2, 2010 Author Share Posted April 2, 2010 Thanks all, I'll keep at it. I was just hoping to be alot lighter by now. Its a marathon though...... The trainer actually echo'd what a few of you said, to eat more. Seems crazy and I'm really not hungry but if things don't turn around soon, I'll go that route. Link to post Share on other sites
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