New to this board

Avatar for schnappsers
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
New to this board
10
Sun, 07-08-2007 - 11:40am

Hi! I'm new to this board, but I thought you guys might have some feedback for me. I'm 35, and about 3 years I was at my goal weight of 145. Ever since then, it has been creeping back on and I'm up to 168. I know poor eating habits and a lack of exercise are to blame. When I started a new job 3 years ago, I dropped my daily workouts because my commute had more than doubled and I was just too tired to workout. I also stopped being so diligent about my calorie intake.

Now, 3 years later, I've already gone from an 8 to a 10 and I'm pushing the limits of the 10s. I refuse to go higher (which leads me to look for clothes that are cut a little big, so I can fool myself into thinking I'm still a 10). About a month ago, I decided it was time to get back to my old weight. I cut my calorie intake to 1400-1600 per day (with the occasional cheat day). I saw no progress in the first 2 weeks, so I added in daily brisk walks of anywhere from 45 minutes to 90 minutes. I work out every day that it's not raining and it's under 95 degrees. So, in the past 2 weeks I've walked 11 times. All I have to show for it is a nice tan and a 1/5 pound weight loss. Needless to say, I'm not pleased with the results. I assumed I'd lose about a pound a week, but 1/5 pound a month just isn't close to that! I work my upper body at home twice a week, but I doubt I've gained enough muscle to balance what I should have lost.

Does anyone have any ideas of why I'm not losing any weight? I'd appreciate any feedback anyone has. Thanks!

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2003
Sun, 07-08-2007 - 4:31pm

First of all welcome to the board! I can certainly understand your frustration. I mean you seem to be doing everything that the experts tell you to in terms of healthy eating and exercise.

I would first of all double check with the doc to make sure you don't have any medical issues that can contribute to weight gain. Talk to your doc about your b/c pill if you are on it - some are more prone to weight gain than others and my sister had a horrible time finding one that worked for her.

Next, start logging your food with a site like fitday.com so that you can see not only how many calories you are taking in but where they are coming from. Sometimes your body wants a certain combinatin of fat/protein/carbs to really get that needle on the scale moving - I know that when my protein is a bit higher and my fibre is a bit higher my body sheds weight a bit more quickly.

Check out your heart rate. When you are doing your walks are you strolling or pushing yourself? Here is some info on target heart rates and why we should pay attention to them:

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4736

Anyways, welcome again to the board!!





June 11 – July 16

The WeatherPixie
Avatar for schnappsers
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sun, 07-08-2007 - 5:14pm

Thanks for the response. In answer to your question about how I walk, let me just explain what I do first. I live about 1/3 mile from a lake with a 1/2 mile path around it. I walk to the lake at a pace just above leisurely, but not pushing it. I then do 1-4 laps around the lake (I only did one once because there was a lot of thunder and I thought it best to go home). The number of laps typically depends on the temperature and how much time I have available. I push myself during those laps and then return home at a more leisurely pace. I'm usually struggling with the return trip, since it's all up hill.

As for the diet, I've made an effort to up my fiber intake to fill me up and I read it can lower cholesterol, so I have 25-30 grams per day, but I think I've been light on the protein. I love my carbs, so I tend to load up on them, whether or not I should. I will try to reduce them a bit and eat more protein and see if changing that balance helps at all.

I don't think there's any issue with me medically, I just think I haven't yet found the right plan for me. If I continue to have no luck losing weight, I'll go to my doctor.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Mon, 07-09-2007 - 10:41am

Hi Stacy- and welcome to the board!


It really does sound like you are doing all the right things- cutting back on carbs may be your ticket to success. I'm the same way! Congratulations on making the decision to get back onto the horse (so the speak) and well done on getting out for so many walks recently!


Like you said this weight has slowly crept back on (I'm in near enough the same boat as you)- unfortunately it won't pour right off with some walks......it does take time. (Not exactly what you want to hear, but true!) You'll get there- keep up the beat :-)


Looking forward to having your around with us :-)







_____________________________________________________

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2003
Mon, 07-09-2007 - 11:12am

Well it sounds like you are doing all the right things. And I understand about the carbs, I'm a bit of an addict myself. LOL


I do find it's really trial and error in terms of finding what works. And then I usually try to stick with exactly the same thing which can get boring so it's a struggle all the way around! BUT I do find that logging my food has just made me more aware generally of what works and doesn't work for me.


Avatar for schnappsers
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 07-09-2007 - 6:07pm

After I read your previous message I created a FitDay account. I had been tracking my calories and fiber, but nothing else. I was shocked to see just what percent of my diet is carbs! I think I may have found the problem.

Today I ran into another obstacle. It was 102 degrees when I got home and really humid. Walking was out of the question, so I managed to drag myself to the gym. In the same amount of time as I normally walk, I burned almost 3 times as many calories and went 2 1/2 times the distance on an elliptical, but I was so bored. So, do I stick with the less effective but more fun workout or go with the higher calorie burn? Tough one! At least I have the gym as a backup for days like today. We have at least 2 more coming this week.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Tue, 07-10-2007 - 11:35am
Ugh- now that is some heat!!! I'd be like you; now way I'm out there in that- but I can understand the fun (more enjoyable) workout over the boring one (I have an exercise bike- but would much rather walk, although I know the bike would burn more cals). It's a tough call- how about making a plan of getting to the gym (for the boring workout LOL) about 2 times a week, and doing the more fun ones 2-3 times a week? Even things out a bit you know??






_____________________________________________________

Avatar for schnappsers
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 07-10-2007 - 1:55pm
That's a good idea. I think the weather will determine when I go to the gym. Today will be another gym day, even though it's only 97 degrees. It feels cool compared to yesterday, but it would probably still be too much to handle! I got home early today, so I can get to the gym before the crowds hit, so I have no excuse to not go.
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-12-2001
Wed, 07-11-2007 - 11:39pm
Welcome to the Board - isn't fitday eye-opening?






Avatar for schnappsers
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 07-12-2007 - 5:27pm
VERY eye opening. Since I've started using it I have been much more aware of what I'm eating and I have even finally started losing weight. I am struggling to keep my carbs below 50%. That's about a 10% decrease, so it seems like a good start and it's working. I find myself checking Fitday in the evenings when I'm hungry to determine what, if anything, I can have for a snack.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Fri, 07-13-2007 - 11:21am
That's great that you're seeing some results from the changes you've made! Good idea about checking things out over there before you eat a snack at the end of the day :-)






_____________________________________________________