Frustrated and getting depressed

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-14-2003
Frustrated and getting depressed
9
Thu, 04-13-2006 - 12:23pm

Ok I'm stumped and here to vent. I have been working out 4 times a week for an hour, combination of cardio and strength traingn with free weights and have bene losing about 6 pounds a month. I have lost 14 pounds in the last 3 months. This last month nothing I have been the same weight for 3 weeks. Up and down same pound 175-176, I know that muscle weighs more than fat and that you might not lose some one week, but three weeks at the same weight seems to be to much. I stick to about 1500 calories a day. I don't know what to do I have two months until my vacation and I would like to lose at least another 10 pounds. I was hoping to get down to 160 and I had three months to go but I have lost a month and now know that will be hard to do. Any suggestions?

Rainey


Rainey



proud owner of:

Avatar for black_katt
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Thu, 04-13-2006 - 12:26pm
Honestly...I think you're not eating enough. If your body thinks it's starving, it will hold onto the fat for dear life. A simple rule of thumb is 12 X your body weight to lose. So, for you, that would be about 2100 (clean) calories.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-09-2003
Thu, 04-13-2006 - 12:36pm

My suggestion is change your routine and


iVillage Member
Registered: 09-15-2005
Thu, 04-13-2006 - 2:51pm

Have you been mixing up your routines? Or do you do the same workout? If you can, mix-up your cardio. I.e. if you've been running, try aerobics, or run hills. It seems like your body has hit a plateau. Which usually means your muscles know all the same movements, so you need to change it up, work a bit harder (not necessarily longer), and I agree with everyone on the food. You may not be getting enough "good" calories to sustain the weight loss.


Do some reasearch on hitting plateaus. I would help, but I'm busy today. :) Sorry.


iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2003
Thu, 04-13-2006 - 2:57pm

Hey Rainey - I think you are doing great, first of all!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-14-2003
Thu, 04-13-2006 - 2:59pm

Thank you all for the support. I do the same type of exercise but they do change it around a little every time but not much. I'm going to try and something different next week and see if that helps. I take clases at the gym three times a week, and I can tell when we change something cause I start to ache all over and usually I can do the classes no problem, but maybe I will add a day of walking on the treadmill. I can't really run due to asthma.

I guess I just have to keep going.

Rainey


Rainey



proud owner of:

Avatar for lovmy2kids
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 04-13-2006 - 3:13pm
Rainey.... I think that you are doing an awesome job! Just think of how far you have come!!!!

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-06-2006
Thu, 04-13-2006 - 6:06pm

A couple of things I have learned on my quest to better fitness.

- you need to shake things up a bit. too much routine and your body gets used to a certain level of activity. Vary your cadio by 15 min a day can make a difference. 45/60/45/60. Keeps your metabolism off balance so it works more to capacity.

- do not eat too little. Your metabolism will slow down to prevent starvation.

- take a good multi vitamin. Often when dieting we are concerned with the calorie content not amount of vitamins minerals. If you are not nourishing your body enough, again it will think it is starving and it will try to hold onto things, usually stored as fat.

Now all that being said. You have done an awesome job. Be proud of yourself. Celebrate the 14. I know many people, myself included from time to time, that have not been able to do that much. You set a goal for yourself, and you will make it. You have hiked up one side of the mountain now enjoy the view of the valley below before you hike down there.

theresa

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-15-2005
Thu, 04-13-2006 - 6:28pm

Yes, keep on going. You've already done a GREAT job!!! Don't give up yet. I know it seems like you're not getting anywhere, but think about this....


those people who lead the classes you take, or any class, they dont' lose weight at all, because their body is so used to the routine and the exercise. If those people wanted to lose weight (as if), they'd have to do something completely different so their muscles and body go, "whoa, what are we doing". lol.


That's all you need. Have you tried different classes? Take up different sports? etc?


You said you have asthma. Is it controlled with medication? Do you need to use your inhaler prior to exercise or during? Have you talked to your doctor about this? I ask, because my gf has asthma and she runs. I have asthma, but it's not bad, so much easier for me than her. If you know you can't run period, then yeah, try walking, or walking hills, and be sure to take your inhaler with you, just in case. Maybe even swimming. Or a step class, etc.


Good luck...and remmber, don't give up, just change it up.


iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Fri, 04-14-2006 - 3:59pm

Rainey congratulations on your 14lbs!! As one response said 'celebrate that loss' -don't forget about how well you have done!


I agree, this sounds like a plateau, and changing things around should help. Don't stop what you're doing....slipping into that hole is damaging ;-)


Also, have you checked your measurements? Have they changed over the past month or so? Or the 'clothes' test- have you done that one?


Stay focussed and optimistic. As they say 'this too will pass'!

~IslandGirl


Success is 10% talent and 90% heart!

_____________________________________________________