Why Can't I Lose Weight???!!!???

The Adipex DIDN'T work? Wow, I found that stuff to be a giant miracle and have lost 32 pounds since October. I work out like a mad man everyday and REALLY watch what I eat.

My friends SWEAR by a vegan diet but that's an entirely different story but that MIGHT be what you need to do to get the results you want.

1) Strong 2nd for a nutritionist to make sure you're eating ENOUGH (not enough and your body goes into starvation mode, and it hoards every calorie) AND that it has the right nutrients in it. It's always nice when they tell you to go eat a steak. Like. Now. Similarly, if you're low in certain nutrients (protein and calcium being the 2 big ones), they'll tweak your diet so that your body relaxes because it's getting what it needs.

2) It's drop dead NORMAL for your body to either "hold it's breath" or GAIN weight the first 6-8 weeks of a HEALTHY lifestyle. It (essentially) wants to see if you're just kidding / if this is the new normal / hedges it's bets against another period of starvation. Regular exercise and healthy diet DON'T show immediate results, and esp. not if you've done starvation or chemical diets in the past. For most people it takes 1-3 months for your body to start ditching stored energy (fat). Our bodies LIKE being fat. It's money in the bank for them. Just like you would be hesitant to spend if your account is low, your body gets hesitant to spend. You have to convince it that this is a "steady check" coming in and not just a nice little windfall. Actually, a GOOD sign of a lifestyle change is NO IMMEDIATE EFFECT in weight loss. If you're getting immediate effect, be prepared to gain it all back and then some. ((Unfortunately if you've been doing the yoyo thing for awhile, or worse, starving for awhile... it can take up to 2 YEARS for your body to start having a "normal" metabolism. The standard "diets" that are out there for quick results TANK our metabolisms. They trick our body into thinking that we live in a precarious are where famine is common. Even fast metabolisms tank with repeat dieting. As a matter of fact, standards "diets" are EXACTLY what med professionals have anorexics do to GAIN weight. Unless you've been doing the anorexia thing for awhile, though... it usually only takes 1-3 months for your body to take this as a new/healthy normal and start shedding it's "savings".)

3) AVOID DIET ANYTHING. Aspartame has zero calories. It ALSO makes cell membranes less permeable. Which means fat does not get burned easily AND the rest of your cells aren't getting the nutrients that they need (making you hungrier, breathe heavier, etc.). Aspartame has been out for ages (my mum helped develop it AGES ago... it's bananas and milk. That's all. The chemical reaction that happens when you add milk to bananas), this information is only out RECENTLY. Personally... I stick with sugar. All the new fangled diet zero calorie whatevers? We'll need 30+ years to find out the ancillary effects (like making cell membranes less permeable).

Right now... your muscles are growing, but your body isn't burning a lot of fat yet. That will change. It just takes patience and a good diet (meaning what you eat, not "diet" like 'going on a diet not eating diet')... and you'll be slimmer and stronger. Work on your diet and your endurance. You'll be good! It just (sigh) takes time if you want it to actually stay off.

PS! LEARN TO LOVE PLATEAUING!!!! A lot of people mistakenly "push through" plateaus. Don't. Plateauing is your body "resetting normal". They ALSO last for 1-3 months. You won't lose any weight during this period BUT, if you go on a cheesecake binge for a month, you also won't gain ABOVE that plateau (unless you become a bump on the couch eating badly for SOME time). Plateauing is your body telling you it TRUSTS you, and is about to continue losing more weight. Love. Them. Love, love, love them.

One thought is that you may be cutting back too far with diet. Just something to consider. I did SparkPeople.com and they put me on a 1,200 calorie diet. I worked out regularly and followed the plan, but the weight didn't budge. Turns out my body was in starvation mode. I joined Weight Watchers, ate more and suddenly the weight started coming off.

I also agree that it might be worth getting a second opinion on your health. Doctors can make mistakes. Mine recently ran a bunch of tests and couldn't find anything. When I continued to complain I was falling asleep in the afternoon and waking up tired, he did two more tests and finally realized my iron levels were too low. Ugh, wasted a lot of time feeling lousy. Wish I'd sought a second opinion earlier.

When was the last time you did weightwatchers because things have changed in the last little bit? I really recommend the online version. I am on it and I have lost 3 lbs since Friday. You don't have to weigh publicly, it is easy to keep track of. Yes, you actually have to weigh and measure your food, but it's well worth the time for the results and it really showed me how much I was eating as opposed to how much I *thought* I was eating. I am NEVER hungry. I am not eating things that taste like paste or sawdust. I am making sure my diet is well rounded and I am getting all of the food groups. It even has a tracker for that. It tracks how much activity I do and I get activity points for cleaning the house.

I have a slipped disk so can't do any activity more strenuous than walking to the bathroom for weeks at a time, and the program is geared so that I can still lose weight. It puts "cheat" points in, so that if I want to go out to dinner with my husband I don't feel like I have blown my diet and if I don't use them then I feel even better.

I am at risk, due to family history, of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and within days I *feel* better and that's the best part. I don't get headaches, have more energy.

If it's been awhile, I would recommend looking at weightwatchers again.

Sounds to me like Thyroid!!!!!!!!!!! I know you say the tests are fine but I had to force the issue with my doctor. Finally losing weight. I am doing weight watchers and as long as I track my points and work out I have seen some nice results.

You may need to see a metabolic specialist. Not sure of one in your area. If you are saying all these things are normal and you've tried the aforementioned you should be seeing results.

Just from what you have written do weights first then cardio you will burn more calories that way.

The other thing you need to do while exercising to lose weight is keep track of inches as well. Muscle is leaner than fat so even though you don't lose weight you will lose inches.

Oh also don't cut back too much on calories when exercising, your body goes into starvation mode (not the correct term) and doesn't want to burn calories and stores them instead. There is this poor woman at work who eats like a bird, around one eighth of what I do, and gains weight. I feel so bad for her. :(

Belly fat tends to be from carbs, have you cut back on your carbs?

Been there. I would recommend counting calories. It can be really enlightening -- I had NO idea I was taking in so many calories. Once I started counting, I realized how much I had been overdoing it -- even though it felt like I was not eating that much before. I used an iPhone app to put in all my food -- even things like ketchup, WINE, etc. and it added everything up for me.

Also make sure you are getting enough sleep. Not getting enough sleep can stress your body and make it try to retain fuel.

Good luck!

M.:

Keep in mind that muscle weighs more than fat. So since you are working out - you are most likely putting on muscle weight...

Talk to a trainer at the gym to make sure you are using lighter weights for tone instead of muscle development.

I would talk to the doctor AGAIN about your thyroid not working right...hormones play a huge role in it...maybe see an endochronologist for a more thorough exam and blood work up.

Talk to your doctor about seeing a dietitian...yes you've made changes in your diet but they might not be the right ones for your body.

I know how you feel only I am also breastfeeding.
Everyone says the weight flies off when you are nursing but my scale won't budge.
I workout and eat healthy and am so frustrated as I am not getting any results.
I started taking classes at the YMCA as previously I lost weight doing so.
This time around isn't happening and another girl in there asked me if I was pregnant? :(
I mean would I be doing an intense cardio class if I was pregnant?
Anyway, so far no advice but I do know how you feel if that is any consolation
I also want to add that eating fake sugars like splenda etc. can be harmful.
I was developing a horrible rash on my legs sometimes back and finally pinpointed it to drinking water with splenda in it.
I think the best thing is to just use a little sugar or honey or agave nectar or just try and cut it out altogether.
coming from a sugar addict that is hard but in time it gets easier and you feel much better

I think I would get a 2nd opinion and more tests from a doctor. The thyroid is a very complex thing and I have read stories from people whose "numbers" read fine but they are not right for them. Even folks whose numbers come out showing they need medication have a difficult time regulating the dosages b/c everyone reacts a little differently to the hormone levels.

I'd get a second opinion and really push and question and tell them everything you are telling us about your efforts and diet, and the lack of results and see what they say.

Are you counting calories? I weighed 160 and struggled for a few years. I was cutting back calories to 1600 and it didn't work. I just got pist and started doing 1200 calories a day. I was very strict about it too. The weight finally fell off. I lost 10 lbs in 3 weeks. I'm getting ready to do it again. And no, I didn't work out because I already am on my feet alot being a mom, but doing 1200 calories, I didn't want to burn up all my energy with working out. If you want to work out, I would do 1400-1500 calories a day depending on if you're burning 200 or 300 calories. I would just focus on cardio right now. That's how the weight comes off. If anything, just do more cardio than strength training. Maybe you gained weight cause you were building muscle? This is what I did for meals and snacks:

Breakfast-8oz milk with 1 scoop of chocolate Jillian Michaels whey protein with 1 hard boiled egg. OR 3 hard boiled eggs with a banana.

Lunch-sandwich on whole wheat bread with 1/4 cup of mixed nuts.

snack-fiber bar

Dinner- whatever I cooked for the family as long as I could get a calorie count. If I couldn't, I would just bake some chicken breast and steamed veggies.

You have to count everything! I think that's where I went wrong most of the time and write it all down.

I have just be reading about a diet that I am planning on trying. It's called "Cinch" and written by a nutritionist for Prevention magaizine. It does not offer instant success, but souuns pretty to integrate into your life. The 1st five days is programmed to help reset your metabolism. It is filled with great nutrition inform ti=o.

Updated

I have just be reading about a diet that I am planning on trying. It's called "Cinch" and written by a nutritionist for Prevention magaizine. It does not offer instant success, but souuns pretty to integrate into your life. The 1st five days is programmed to help reset your metabolism. It is filled with great nutrition inform too.

Updated

Please disregard my first answer where sounded liked I was an uneducated hick. I have corrected the typing errors and now it's much easier to read!

I have just been reading about a diet that I am planning on trying. It's called "Cinch" and written by a nutritionist for Prevention magazine. It does not offer instant success, but sounds pretty easy to integrate into your life. The 1st five days are programmed to help reset your metabolism. It is filled with terrific nutrition inform too!

M.,

I'm so sorry to hear about your frustrations. It's so hard when you feel like you're doing everything right! I have been a WW member for a long time and am feeling similar struggles. My mom is trying a new program through the Vemma company called Bod-e--it's focus is on building lean muscle. A lot of people have lost weight, but more people lose inches and dress sizes first. Check it out at www.vemma.com and click on the Bod-e portion and see what you think. I'd be happy to connect you with her if you feel it's right for you. I know this program is working for SO many people who feel like they have tried everything--my mom included. You can also go to www.meetmarla.com to see one REAL woman's transformation--not a spokesmodel! :) Good luck; hang in there and don't give up. Your health is worth it!

Have you specifically tried a low fat diet? Meaning that no more than 15% of your caloric intake is from fat? I have no idea if that would work for you but it can't hurt to try, right? Google "FitDay" and enter your foods into their system...it will then give you a pie chart indicating how many calories are from fat versus carbs or protein. Also, like the others have said, if you eat fewer than 1200 calories a day, you will be less likely to lose weight. Good luck.

Definitely see a nutritionist.
Everyone's bodies and systems are different and work differently.
Even certain combinations of foods can make a difference.
Your blood sugar levels, etc, all play a role in it.

Since all else has failed, apparently, see a nutritionist who can help you not only with diet, but also WHEN to eat, etc.

Best wishes.

You've gotten a lot of good advice, please speak w a doctor.

Also consider the "eat half of each meal twice" approach - Suppose your ordinary breakfast is a cup of coffee, a banana, two whole grain waffles and a yogurt cup, and you eat it at 9 am. Drink 1/2 a cup of coffee, 1/2 a banana, 1 waffle, and 1/2 yogurt cup at 8:30. If you are famished, have half a cup of berries, an unsweetened fruit salad, a handful of grapes, etc, and a cup of water or a cup of unsweetened tea. at 10:30, you can eat the second half of breakfast (if you can manage), and again bulk it out with the healthy low cal foods/ beverages.
same strategy with lunch and dinner. you will be eating only half of your usual serving at a given seating. you can bulk each out with additional non processed fruit vegetables, broths, beverages.

Slowly but surely, you will find yourself wanting less and less of the 2nd half of the meal. Unable to eat it (because your stomach capacity has shrunk, and because you are full of other healthy low cal items). What could be nicer than dieting, and finding yourself overwhelmed by the amount of food.

Give up the second half as/ when you are ready, continue to bulk out with the healthy food items.

Do realize, the healthy food items are caloric too. Too many calories, whether healthy, or otherwise, will ultimately have you gaining.

Good luck to you and yours,
F. B.

Things you didn't mention but should consider: How often you you poop? Are you experiencing stomach gas or intestinal gas? You don't need to answer these questions for me but for yourself.

Have you saught the counsel of a nutritionist and worked with a personal trainer? They specialize in these matters and could really help you develop routines that work for your lifestyle, health and temperment.

You may want to consider a more Holistic approach and try something totally different and outside of the conventional box - Acupuncture. What I like about this practice of Eastern medicine is that it looks at more than your symptoms and does more than to just throw a pill at whatever ails you.

If you are fortunate you will be able find one that also has a license in regular medicine too. I hope this helps.

Measure and log every single thing you eat. We do a lot of mindless snacking and not even notice that we're doing it. If you eat a bite of your kids' left over mac n cheese from their plate, log it. That lifesaver you used as a breath freshener, log it. Every. Single. Thing.
Yes, it's REALLY tedious at first, and makes you kind of mental, but it will give you a good idea of what exactly it is you're eating.

There are websites that you can use to log that also can give you a plan of how many calories you should be eating for how long you giv eyourslef to lose the weight. I use sparkpeople.com and I saw someone else noted fitday.com both are great sites.

Both those sites will also let you log exercise. The calories burned on the machines also are not a good indicator of exactly how many calories you burned as they usually don't account for weight, height, etc.

You may find that you are not eating enough for your level of activity, that can make you not lose. You may find that you are eating too much even though it doesn't seem like it.

It's tough! I know!

I would also encourage you having your thyroid done by an endicrinologist, instead of your regular doc, who typically just checks TSH levels.
There's a lot more to it, and you may have something like Hashimotos disease, where your TSH levels are fine, but other components of your thyroid are off. A friend of mine has this, and has needed to see a specialist for years.

Just a thought. Everything else you're doing looks good, although you MIGHT be overworking in the gym, too. An hour a day is typically good. More than that tends to lean towards overtraining, esp 6 days/week. You might back off of it just a bit and see how your body responds.
If you are overtraining, you can actually prevent your body from dropping weight.

I have not seen anyone mentioning to watch your carb intake along with your exercise routine. This is the only thing that ever works for me although I will admit that I fell off my diet since the holidays and cannot seem to get back on track :( It is not the easiest diet to do as most everything has carbs but I try to eat around 100-150 net carbs per day rather than 300. Try to eat foods high in protein and try to stay away from sugar (there are several things you can get for a sweet tooth like sugar free pudding which still tastes great). Of course you should follow up with any medical issues first and make sure your doctor is ok with it . Also if you have Netflix consider watching "Fat Head" which is a documentary I found very interesting. Good luck.

M.,

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