I’m having a hard time.
So the general idea behind dieting and exercising for me anyway is to loose weight. I however am a total failure at this and I have no idea why. Currently I am counting calories and I am using this really cool website called Calorie Count Plus to track my calorie counting and add my exercise. When you enter you personal information about yourself into the forms it gives you two numbers one is Burn Meter number: 1800 and the Eat Meter: 1400. Then you are supposed to add your exercise into your burn meter number and make sure you have a difference of at least 500 calories to loose 1lb a month.
Now yes sometimes I do over indulge but not enough to not loose any weight over the last three months that I have been doing this. I just don’t know what to do or were to go. Like last week with the exception of two days I ate at or just below my calories. And I didn’t work out as many times as I would like to last week but I did work out for at least 4 hours. I track all of the food I eat, write everything down and I drink at least 64oz of water a day. Last week I gained 2 pounds.
There is no explanation for this, I almost feel like just quiting.
March 24th, 2008 at 10:38 pm
Well, first of all (((Big Hug))). Probably everybody who reads your post will identify with your frustration. You’ve taken a big step in admitting what’s not worked so far, making yourself accountable, and basically asking for help.
The only thing that helped me get going was to do the really tough “mental work” before I started focusing on diet and exercise. The best resource for that worked out to be Dr. Phil’s book, Ultimate Weight Solution: Seven Keys to Weight Loss Freedom.
Hope that helps. Keep your chin up. You’ll make it!
March 25th, 2008 at 8:57 am
Hi Rebecca
Thanks for the support, I might look into the book. It’s been a long time since I read a “diet” book. I had a friend who once lost a bunch of weight following his plan.
Thanks for the hug too!
March 25th, 2008 at 9:05 am
In my experience, most people who have a hard time losing weight, but think they should be losing weight are either under estimating how much food their eating or over estimating how much exercise they’re doing. From your blog, your calories are at 1400. I would lower that number by 200 calories per day, putting your number still within the safe guidelines, but a little less restriction.
Plus, calories aren’t the only important aspect of eating. Are you eating healthy; including plenty of fruits and veggies, especially veggies?
As far as exercise goes, I don’t know what type of exercise you’re doing, but 4 hours in a week hits the target of 30 minutes per day. But, that is a minimum number, so if you kick it up a bit, it might be better for you.
I don’t want you to give up. You’ve made progress and just aren’t seeing it on the scale.
One more thought is that the scale isn’t the only way to measure results. Do your clothes feel looser? Can you see any difference when you look in the mirror? Do you have more energy?
It takes time, but it will happen, and you’re on the right track.
BTW, don’t forget about Iowa Avenue. You’ll get some additional support and advice there…………….:)
March 25th, 2008 at 9:30 am
Thanks for the suggestions Lisa, I am at 1400 a day right now also because I didn’t loose anything the month I was at 1200(minimum calorie restriction for women). Maybe I need to lower it again and see what happens. I do a fairly well rounded diet, not many processed foods and at least 5 servings of fruits or vegetables a day. I am thinking about posting my food logs for a few days and seeing what kind of feedback I can get from that.
As far as exercise goes I run for 5 miles or an hour for me three days a week and do 30-45 minutes of strength training either dvd or free weights. I do feel more fit, I can run for 15 minutes in a row without taking a minute air and everything fits better.