Help me- I need to lose 10 more pounds, but it's not going well despite all I'm doin

[fj62]

I have already lost 4 pounds, but only 1 pound/week. I realize that to lose it slower is better, but I have never been so diligent with eating and exercise(run 2.5 miles 5xs week). I seriously couldn't eat any healthier- high fiber, low-fat, enough protein and keeping track of point(weight watchers method). I was hoping for 2 pounds/week. The funny thing is, I feel thinner, like maybe I've lost inches. But why wouldn't that translate into more weight loss? I'm 5"4' and 148 pounds. Is 2 pounds/week unreasonable when you have less to lose? Any info, advice or resources would be appreciated!

[NevadaRabbit]

[quote=fj62;405502] I was hoping for 2 pounds/week. The funny thing is, I feel thinner, like maybe I've lost inches. But why wouldn't that translate into more weight loss? quote]

A few years ago, I lost a bunch of weight. It came off 2-3 lbs/week when I had a lot to lose, and more slowly when I had less to lose. I think it's pretty well accepted that the body will try to hold on!

You mention you feel thinner - and you probably are - because muscle weighs more than fat, and if you've lost fat and built muscle, your weight could remain the same (or actually increase) but you're shaped completely differently.

Sometimes I intentionally went off the wagon for a weekend - not ridiculously so, but certainly outside my usual boundaries - and I'm not sure if it was psychological or physical, but that would often break a plateau. Try just changing one or two things - like switch from 2% to 1%, throw in a weight workout in place of your run, or cut out two "treats" per week - that can break a plateau, too.

Is your thyroid in good shape?

[Mom to Aly]

Yes, when you are close to your ideal weight, it can be very hard, close to impossible, to lose weight. And, just as Nevadarabbit said, if your fat is turning to muscle, it will weigh more. That is why so many say to measure, not weigh.

Plus, with running, water weight can do a lot, and if you are near your period, or it is hot, that can add to it.

Sorry you aren't seeing it on the scale, but if you are seeing it in the mirror, that is really better, isn't it?

[milovaný]

I would suggest listening to your body's hunger and full signals for awhile. Don't eat unless your body is calling for food (through a true physical signal like a growl in your tummy or a truly empty feeling), and stop eating once you feel satisfied (eat slowly so you can "hear" this). I learned these principles through Thin Within and have lost 30 lbs a couple of times following them (regained via pregnancy). I've just started doing it again since my little one is almost 4 mos old and have lost 7 lbs in two weeks.

HTH!

[gandpsmommy]

If you are really serious about trying to eat a truly healthy diet and you really want to lose weight more quickly, I would highly recommend the book Eat To Live. I checked it out of my public library after it was highly praised by Abbeyej. The first week I followed the diet strictly and lost 5 pounds in 1 week. I am 5'2.5" and weighed 131 at the beginning of that week and weighed 126 at the end of the week.

[LG Gone Wild]

I have already lost 4 pounds, but only 1 pound/week. I realize that to lose it slower is better, but I have never been so diligent with eating and exercise(run 2.5 miles 5xs week). I seriously couldn't eat any healthier- high fiber, low-fat, enough protein and keeping track of point(weight watchers method). I was hoping for 2 pounds/week. The funny thing is, I feel thinner, like maybe I've lost inches. But why wouldn't that translate into more weight loss? I'm 5"4' and 148 pounds. Is 2 pounds/week unreasonable when you have less to lose? Any info, advice or resources would be appreciated!

I do have a thyroid problem that has contributed to very difficult weight loss. I did see some movement when I did a couple of things. I did a cardio bag class which is super intense. I only do it once a week but I am quite pleased with the result. So you may want to intensify one or two workouts a week. The other thing that I did which seems to be helping was taking a super duper multi vitamin. My doctor recommended it (of course, she conveniently sells it from her office but I happy with it).

One last factor which is most annoying is body type. I have that body type that requires LOTS and LOTS of exercise to get going and see results. You might be the same so hang in there and work out.

[kim in ks]

I started SparkPeople the first week of July! It's really helped me count my calories, fat and carbs, and it tracks my fitness, I love it!
Nestof3 told me about it
http://www.sparkpeople.com/
kim

[Blessedchaos]

Hi! I just lost 13 pounds over the past 4 months. Like you, I didn't have a lot to lose, so maybe my experience may help you some.

I changed my diet and increased my exercise. I bought The Biggest Loser Cookbook and regularly use some of the recipes in there. I cut down on carbs (I am a bread lover) and increased my protein intake. I watched my caloric intake carefully (too few and you will plateau, too many and you will gain); I switched to low fat or fat free options of as many foods as I could (i.e., fat free mayo on sandwiches, no calorie butter spray, fat free sour cream, etc.). I started out exercising 6 days per week, then cut down to about 5. I do a combination of step aerobics (1 hour class) and an intense circuit strength training (75 minute class); both are classes I take at our gym. Through this combo I saw not only weight loss but a huge amount of body sculpting as well. Last, but almost most importantly, I drank A LOT of water! This helped to curb my food cravings and kept me feeling full. I also tried to eat small, healthy snacks between meals so that I wouldn't feel too hungry.

The first few weeks I lost the most weight, then slowed to one to two pounds per week. This is actually desirable, as too much weight loss at once causes your muscles and skin to sag. Also, remember that muscle weighs more than fat, so as you build muscle mass, you may not see the numbers on the scale decrease as quickly as you like, but you will notice a difference in how your clothes fit and how you look. This is what is most important anyway.

Good luck on your weight loss journey!