What am I doing wrong???

[Angel]

Here is my situation.
I have been since January 1st, eating well, taking the stairs every morning to my office (that's 4 flights with the last being really steep...do that 4 or 5 times a day and it gets my heart rate up) and I am roller blading after work 3 miles...here is the problem.
I am noticing nothing. I know it has only been a couple weeks. But it is really frustrating.

I am tired all the time. My clothing fits no differently. I feel as if I am in a rut. Isn't it too early to already feel this way?

[nancy_east]

I am certainly no expert on nutrition/health/weight management, and there are many, many more informed people that contribute to these boards that could help you out, but since I am trying to lost about 10# I can empathize with your situation! I have finally started to lose a few pounds, and I'm basically eating less and exercising about the same amount, which includes weights and cardio, roughly 6 hours/wk. Before I really watched what ate, I didn't realize how much I was just snacking on stuff throughout the day--a little handful here and there added up when I started to count the calories! So I'm trying to keep track of what I eat, and trying to stick to about 1600 cal/day. In 4 weeks, I've lost 5 pounds, and I don't know if that's good pace of loss or not, but it sure feels nice!

Last year, I trained and ran the Disney Marathon and even though I felt like I ate the same amount, I never lost more than 2 pounds with 4 months of training. But I think if I had paid attention back then to how much I was consuming, I would have definitely lost a few pounds.

Another thing you might want to look into is a book called Body for Life. It's a program that combines weights/cardio/nutrition and the results with people that stick with it for 12 weeks are pretty amazing. My cousin did it and he looks like a new man. I'm actually incorporating some of the exercise and all of the weight portion into my routine, but I'm not as strict about the nutrition (he's a little more enthusiastic about protein than I normally eat) but his program was reviewed in Health magazine and for the most part they liked it. And even though I've only lost 5 pounds, I can tell a bigger difference in how I look in the mirror--definitely more toned.

Anyway, that's my 2 cents! I look forward to seeing other's responses!

[SusanT]

Angel -

Nancy gives some great advice. Weight loss is all about using more calories than you're consuming. Awareness of just how much you're really eating is important. Try keeping a food journal - you may be surprized at how much grazing you do.

You need to give yourself more time. As you say yourself, it's only been a couple of weeks. We all want quick results but our bodies take a little time to adjust. If you feel like you're in a rut, try varying your exercise routine - do some speed walking or if you belong to a gym, try a spinning or aerobics class. If you don't enjoy your exercise, chances are you won't keep it up.

Regarding your tiredness, are you getting enough sleep? I find that when I increase my activity, I need more sleep. Your body needs time to recover and heal itself.

Angel and Nancy - I'd invite you both to join us on the Me I Want to Be thread. It's mostly people on Weight Watchers but a very supportive and knowledgable group. I'm doing another e-counseling program www.dietwatch.com which I've found very helpful. You can track your calorie intake, exercise and other activities. Weight Watchers also has an online membership.

[AZLorena]

Angel....

I know exactly where you are at. When I started working on losing weight this past May, it took about 3 weeks to a month for me to see any results. It was the most frustrating. I would cry almost every day. My husband encouraged me to keep going. I did and after about a month I started to see some poundage coming off. Keep going! Certainly do check to make sure your portion sizes are aligned with your weightloss goals. I am sure you are doing just fine. Just be patient. I am now 8 months into this lifestyle change and I am down 60 lbs (from a size 26 into regular women's sizes).......Just keep on trucking.

AzLorena

P.S. you can check out my website at http://renahead.50megs.com

[Angel]

Thanks for all the great advice. What I guess I am reading is I really need to check my portions, hmm.....I never really thought of that. I guess I just kind of assumed that the fact that I am eating better should just be enough. I am going to try to pay more attention to that.
As for my tiredness, I think I get enough sleep. My husband jokes that I go to bed before most children. Now I don't sleep straight through the night, that might have something to do with it. Someone at work today mentioned to me to check my Vitamin B & Iron intake. I take a prenatal vitamin everyday so I know I am getting enough Iron. I am not pregnant but the plan is to start trying later this year. That's the other reason for my health motivation. I am not really trying to loose too much weight I just would like to be tone, healthy and have ENERGY before I have such a huge life changing experience. Kind of werid I know:)
Thank you again to everyone. Keep the good advice coming, you have all been really helpful. Nancy_east I am going to look into the book, it sounds interesting.

[wallycat]

It really does take some time to see actual weight loss...
The hardest thing to accept is that gaining or losing actually takes time.......I know that sound ridiculous, but think about how long it takes before we notice that our pants are a little tight in the waist :o --it could take anywhere from a month to two months...so if you lose the same rate you gain, it will take about that long.

The first month is the most frustrating, but then it seems like it starts melting off.....keep at it...exercise, stick with healthy eating and you'll see results.

There seem to be lots of threads for support so don't feel alone.....at one time or another, most of us try to lose weight!:D :D

[SusanT]

If you're not sleeping soundly and wake up during the night, that will definately make you feel tired. Do you normally wake up during the night or has this started since you started your exercise program?

[Angel]

You know SusanT actually I think I might be sleeping a little better since I have been roller blading. I know last night I don't believe I woke up. Wow!!! I was pretty tired, I could barely finish my 3 mile ride. I think maybe towards the end of the week I get kind of burned out and come Friday I just crash.
I try not to drink any caffine besides my coffee in the morning...ok...and my ocassional run to Starbuck's for a Mocha Frappicino. I know bad but when I am just having one of those crappy days I just leave work for 20 minutes, go to Starbucks and then I can go back to work happy ;)

Does anyone have any suggestions for getting a good nights sleep? I don't want to take medicine.

[Angel]

Hey just a thought I was on another thread and it was about werid food people crave. Now recently I have wanted a burgers....I know that may not sound strange, but I really don't eat red meat maybe once a month if that. Hmmm....any thoughts???

[SusanT]

Angel -

I used to be a restless sleeper but I've also found that with more activity (especially yoga) I sleep much more soundly. I also don't drink any caffiene after noon and that's helped tremendously. So observe on the days that you have the afternoon frappuchino how well you sleep that night - perhaps it's the caffiene. You can still go for a break but get a decaf instead.

[Angel]

Yoga....hmm...that sounds interesting & fun. Maybe that is something to try. I am up for any suggestion right about now.

I read something somewhere that most women have trouble sleeping due to hormones. I guess I just always assumed my lack of a good sleep was due to that.

[Chiffonade]

While I'm reining in control of what I'm eating, I just can't jump start my exercise as you obviously have! Brava!

* Check portion sizes.

* Check fat contents.

* Look for lower fat ways to make food taste better. (i.e. Chopped onions, garlic, splashes of hot sauces, etc.)

* Keep track of every morsel that goes into your mouth. It's real easy to pat yourself on the back for eating small meals if you've been grazing all day.

* Foodwise, plan ahead. There's no getting away from it if you want to control intake and lose weight. It's easy to grab something fast which can pack on calories and fat, if you don't plan meals and snacks in advance.

* Gaining weight did not happen overnight, and it won't take overnight to solve the problem. The re-training we need to do to get ourselves healthy takes time and concentration. Don't shortchange your efforts by berating yourself because you aren't losing fast enough.

I need to lose at least 15 lbs. before anyone notices and when they do notice they say, "Have you done something different with your hair??"

Keep fighting the good fight. I came here for diet support and exercise inspiration and it looks like I'm in the right place.

[desertdaisy]

Angel,

I can completely relate to the hamburger craving! I know that you said you are taking a prenatal vitamin so you are sure you are getting enough iron, but that could still be the problem. I crave hamburgers for two reasons - either my iron is low or my protein is low. Make sure you are eating enough protein! I know that the new trend is to eat WAY more protein and I'm not recommending that, but make sure you are eating enough. I find that making sure I have enough protein in my diet makes a huge difference!! I eat less because it is filling and I stay fuller longer! I snack less. I have more energy, especially in the afternoon. I don't know if this can be proven scientifically, but I feel like my metabolism speeds up when I incorporate protein. It certainly doesn't have to be beef, it can be chicken or fish, or even beans and cheese.
Anyway, I just wanted you to know that you aren't the only one out there with that craving!!
As far as sleep aides - I would recommend a caffeine free tea, like chamomile. Also make sure you are getting enough water during the day. I have trouble sleeping when I am dehydrated! The heaters we run during the winter can zap our water supply so drink up!! You might try a humidifier too!

Okay, good luck!!

Judy

[Pasha Luber]

Angel,

Looks like a lot of great insight coming your way. Everyone is always so helpful and supportive at CL boards. I thought that I would mention a new spot that I have been using for free.

www.fitday.com

It is an online food and activity log/journal. Most diet experts seem to always recommend keeping a food journal (helped me) because it raises your awareness of how much/often you eat, what you are eating and why you are eating. Maybe you are a stress eater and should be more aware of food traps on bad days. Or you could be a "bored" eater like me, and snack all day if you are not kept interested in work or something to do at home. Anyway, I heard about the site from a testimonial in Fitness magazine and have been using it ever since. The food listing is not perfect and all-inclusive of every known food, obviously a tough task, but is very helpful once you get the hang of it. The pull-down lists within items are very interesting to see the difference between a small or larger portion of a food - you'll see.

Anyway, the best thing I read and wanted to reinforce is to keep it up - the weight didn't come on overnight and won't come off overnight either. We gain 20 pounds over 5 years and want to lose it in two months... Best wishes to you, you can do it!

Pasha

[LynnSC]

I have personally found Weight Watchers the best route for me to loose and maintain weight. I am forced to record what I eat and watch portion sizes. I also have to include daily activity....just a thought.

Just to throw a wrench in......are you sure you're not pregnant? :) I craved McDonald's hamburgers with my second child. ;)

[onnaday12]

Hi, just read all the helpful hints and tips.Have you tried soaking in the bath tub B4 going to bed, as the a cup of tea there's a brand called sleepy time. it's very soothing, you might want to give it a try.Good luck and don't give up.