Feeling Discouraged

[AggiePaige 8]

I've been tracking my calories, with My Fitness Pal, since 6 weeks after the birth of my second child- right after I got filled again. I've lost several pant sizes, but only two pounds. I have now plateaued, even with NSV, despite continuing to cut1000 cal. a day. I also use an elliptical at least one time a week, in addition to chasing my 2 year old around. Any thoughts??

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

It sounds like you're building muscle, hence losing several pants sizes despite not seeing the scale get lower.

How long have you been at this scale plateau?

[AggiePaige 8]

I just reviewed my stats-I haven't lost anything in 2 weeks. In the last 4 weeks, I've lost only .4. I am serious when I say I log everything that goes in my mouth.

[☠carolinagirl☠ 18,721]

well, if you are losing (sizes) then you are losing in my opinion. and that means more than what the scale says. i am proud and happy for you.

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

I just reviewed my stats-I haven't lost anything in 2 weeks. In the last 4 weeks, I've lost only .4. I am serious when I say I log everything that goes in my mouth.

It sounds like a pretty typical plateau. Considering you're losing inches despite not losing pounds, I'd be willing to bet you'll see a rather sudden drop in weight eventually.

I've hit a couple of them, and I've found a couple things:

One, switching up calories will very often get me off a plateau. If I haven't seen the scale budge in a couple weeks, I do a big calorie shift to jolt my metabolism into activity. Normally I eat between 1000-1200 calories a day, closer to 1200 a day. When I'm trying to break a plateau, on day one I'll drop down to 800 calories. On day two, I'll jump up to 1500 calories. On day three, I'll go back down to around 900 calories. On day four and on, I'll go back to my normal calorie routine. For whatever reason, it always helps break the plateau for me.

Two, I have found I actually need more calories. I actually wrote a blog entry about it, have a read, perhaps it can help you too. http://www.lapbandta...issys-thoughts/

Hang in there. Just remember basic math- you're burning more calories than you're consuming, so you will drop pounds. Even if you do nothing but continue eating as you have been and exercising, the plateau will break on it's on eventually. It's only a matter of time.

Best wishes to you.

[AggiePaige 8]

Those are some really goo suggestions. Thanks so much for the input and help!!

[Kinley7390 80]

It sounds like a pretty typical plateau. Considering you're losing inches despite not losing pounds, I'd be willing to bet you'll see a rather sudden drop in weight eventually.

I've hit a couple of them, and I've found a couple things:

One, switching up calories will very often get me off a plateau. If I haven't seen the scale budge in a couple weeks, I do a big calorie shift to jolt my metabolism into activity. Normally I eat between 1000-1200 calories a day, closer to 1200 a day. When I'm trying to break a plateau, on day one I'll drop down to 800 calories. On day two, I'll jump up to 1500 calories. On day three, I'll go back down to around 900 calories. On day four and on, I'll go back to my normal calorie routine. For whatever reason, it always helps break the plateau for me.

Two, I have found I actually need more calories. I actually wrote a blog entry about it, have a read, perhaps it can help you too. http://www.lapbandta...issys-thoughts/

Hang in there. Just remember basic math- you're burning more calories than you're consuming, so you will drop pounds. Even if you do nothing but continue eating as you have been and exercising, the plateau will break on it's on eventually. It's only a matter of time.

Best wishes to you.

Great advice. I've been on a plateau too, so I'm going to try your suggestion of mixing up the caloric intake for a few days. Thanks! Oh, and great blog entry too! Very helpful info.

[FLORIDAYS 3,040]

Im addition to the calorie mix up idea which I also do.... do the same with your Water. If I am at a plateau and am doing everything else right I will double my water intake for a couple of days. That seems to move the scale.< /p>

[PattyGirl66 1,243]

I also agree with Mis73. I honestly think our bodies need to be 'tricked' or 'tweaked' every now and then. If my weight starts to slow or even stand still I up my calories and keep a good eye on my 'fat' grams making sure I am getting enough of both to burn fat.

I track everything, my 'main' nutrients I want to see daily is my: Calories, Fat, Fiber, Carbs and Protein. Healthy fat is very important and you can eat a lot of calories and realize your fat grams are very low, you won't burn. Example: If you are eating a lot of foods 'fat free', you might want to make sure you are getting adequate healthy fats in your diet daily. I choose foods that are 'light', 'reduced', 1 % or 2%. If my fat grams has reached its quota, I usually would go to fat free, that is why its important to track everything.

[PattyGirl66 1,243]

PS: I remember attending a Weight Watchers class a long time ago and woman there hit a plateau for weeks. I clearly remember the leader saying to her "instead of eating a half banana eat the whole thing", Instead of 1 tablespoon of Peanut Butter, 2 tablespoons.. she was refereing to 'uping' her fat intake.

Sure enough the next week at her weigh in, she lost 5 lbs! Moral is we have to play around too see what works for us in order to jumpstart our bodies function...

[Kinley7390 80]

Im addition to the calorie mix up idea which I also do.... do the same with your Water. If I am at a plateau and am doing everything else right I will double my Water intake for a couple of days. That seems to move the scale.

Thanks! I will try that too!

[Kinley7390 80]

I also agree with Mis73. I honestly think our bodies need to be 'tricked' or 'tweaked' every now and then. If my weight starts to slow or even stand still I up my calories and keep a good eye on my 'fat' grams making sure I am getting enough of both to burn fat.

I track everything, my 'main' nutrients I want to see daily is my: Calories, Fat, Fiber, Carbs and Protein. Healthy fat is very important and you can eat a lot of calories and realize your fat grams are very low, you won't burn. Example: If you are eating a lot of foods 'fat free', you might want to make sure you are getting adequate healthy fats in your diet daily. I choose foods that are 'light', 'reduced', 1 % or 2%. If my fat grams has reached its quota, I usually would go to fat free, that is why its important to track everything.

You know, I'm glad you mentioned the fat grams b/c I have noticed that I rarely eat the fat gram requirement that myfitnesspal allows for, so I will pay closer attention to that and work toward meeting goal. Thank you!

[Kinley7390 80]

AggiePaige, I didn't mean to hijack your post by commenting on everyone's great advice! It's just that I am going through a similar experience, and I am so glad you asked the question and that there has been such helpful feedback. Thank you, and thanks to all of you who take the time to share your experience and wisdom. I love LBT!

[AggiePaige 8]

Kinley!! You didn't high jack at all! We are all here to encourage and learn from each other. I'm glad all this great advice is helping you as well!! Thanks everyone for the great suggestions!