Hey everyone I'm new here. My name is Alexis. I'm 19 and I used to weigh 259 and I am 5'6". When I was about 14-18 I was very ill and lost a lot of weight. I now weigh about 170-175. I was 165 about 3 days ago and then the scale went to 175. I exercise everyday for about an hour. This includes running for 15 minutes, doing stairs. I also do 4 minutes of stablizers and 120 sit ups. I then do about 30 minutes of pilates. I eat about 1,200 calories a day and I weigh in about once a week. I just don't see how I'm not losing weight and how it says I've gained. Is it normal for the scale to show you've gained when your losing weight? I'm just very confused and discouraged. I also drink the gallon of water a day. I'm a vegetarian so no meat is in my diet just veggies and fruits. I also don't eat sweets. Only once a week and I refuse to eat chocolate (it makes me sick). If I could have any feedback on what I may be doing wrong.. Or if it's normal to gain before you lose.
Gaining weight even though doing it the right way?
- Thread starter Lexy9e
- Start date
maverick2
New member
1,200 calories a day seems a little low for your weight. If your body goes into a famine cycle (where it thinks you're going hungry) your metabolism will shut down and your body will refuse to lose fat as a survival mechanism. If you're doing all that physical activity and only eating 1,200 calories a day, there's a good chance your metabolism is rebelling against you.
If I were you, I would do some research into what is a reasonable amount of calories for your weight and activity level, then try increasing your caloric intake by a few hundred calories and see if that doesn't jumpstart your metabolism a little.
Also, as a vegetarian, make sure you get plenty of non-animal protein.
If you don't, it can screw with your metabolism, too.
If I were you, I would do some research into what is a reasonable amount of calories for your weight and activity level, then try increasing your caloric intake by a few hundred calories and see if that doesn't jumpstart your metabolism a little.
Also, as a vegetarian, make sure you get plenty of non-animal protein.
If you don't, it can screw with your metabolism, too.
RadiantPebble
New member
Yes, make SURE you are getting enough protein and other nutrients that you aren't getting from meats. How long have you been working out? Personally, I went up a little and didn't see anything drop for a little while.. but you just have to keep up the motivation to keep going because it will turn around. Did you weigh yourself at the same time both days.. and had you been wearing different types of clothing or eaten/drank anything differently. All of those things can make, believe it or not, a few pounds difference on the scale.
As maverick said, your cals are probably a little low for you. Don't try to starve yourself. If you want to lose weight healthily and KEEP IT OFF, it's going to be a gradual thing, and eating right is part of it.
As maverick said, your cals are probably a little low for you. Don't try to starve yourself. If you want to lose weight healthily and KEEP IT OFF, it's going to be a gradual thing, and eating right is part of it.
1,200 calories a day seems a little low for your weight. If your body goes into a famine cycle (where it thinks you're going hungry) your metabolism will shut down and your body will refuse to lose fat as a survival mechanism. If you're doing all that physical activity and only eating 1,200 calories a day, there's a good chance your metabolism is rebelling against you.
If I were you, I would do some research into what is a reasonable amount of calories for your weight and activity level, then try increasing your caloric intake by a few hundred calories and see if that doesn't jumpstart your metabolism a little.
Also, as a vegetarian, make sure you get plenty of non-animal protein.
Hey thanks for the tip! I looked online and it said around 2,300.. Because of my activity level. That seems like so much! I honestly don't have a huge appetite... And I can't eat much in a day 1,200 is a lot I upped it from 1,000. I'm going to try super hard to at least make it to 1,500 a day! I didn't know that 1,200 was considered low.... And I had no idea that could mess up your metabolism so bad. I always have a lot of trouble losing weight my doctor says it could be because of my ovarian disease I have so I suppose I should see him about that as well.
As for the vegetarian thing it is super hard to get your protein. Thanks for the suggestion! I try to eat at least 1 tablespoon of peanut butter enough, but I know that probably won't cut it.
It's just hard to stay in the mode for weight loss when you expect to lose at least a lb and you see you gained 10?
I've been working out for at least a year or 2... Not the same manner but simliar. I used to do 3 miles a day, but I changed it because I found it to be way to tiring after a while so I decreased the cardio to only about 1 and a half to 2 miles and then I did pilates. I'm wondering if I'm gaining muscle? I used to just do cardio and now I do a lot more muscle work.
Also I dropped in size a little, but the weight says it's more interesting? Oh and yes I do weigh myself the same time and pardon me for saying but I wear no cloths when I weigh myself, because I just use the cloths as an excuse for my weight haha. :Oh they weigh at least 8 lbs". I try to avoid the scale. They aren't your friends it's really how you feel I believe rather than weight, but the numbers alarmed me... expecially since I've been trying so hard.
ExercisePhysio
Guest
If you are a vegetarian can you eat fish/chicken/eggs?
If not, eat beans and get a soy protein powder. You are clearly not getting enough protein in your diet.
Remember that humans are omnivores, we are meant to ingest protein.
As for your weight, it is obvious that your system was probably cleaned out and you were massively dehydrated or there is a scale issue. It's usually the former.
Michael
If not, eat beans and get a soy protein powder. You are clearly not getting enough protein in your diet.
Remember that humans are omnivores, we are meant to ingest protein.
As for your weight, it is obvious that your system was probably cleaned out and you were massively dehydrated or there is a scale issue. It's usually the former.
Michael
Omega
Moderator
I think that you should speak to your doctor about the weight gain and the ovarian disease. I think that it may be connected. You may need to change hormonal medication.
What is your ovarian disease? I am a PCOS lady and I remember putting on a great deal of weight.
Take care
Best wishes
Margaret
What is your ovarian disease? I am a PCOS lady and I remember putting on a great deal of weight.
Take care
Best wishes
Margaret
I eat fish and eggs. I don't enjoy it but I at least eat fish once a week. I just don't understand how I'm gaining being so active? I find it nearly impossible to lose weight... and the harder I try the more I put on.
Omega
Moderator
Hi Alexis
PCOS ladies gain weight easier than other people.
PCOS ladies find it harder to lose weight than other people.
Our hormones can make us suddenly increase weight at an astronomic rate.
Losing weight is possible though.
Set up a diary.
Visit other people's diaries - especially those of other PCOS ladies to see what they are doing and what success they are having.
If you can - increase your walking as much as possible. I only achieve a "normal" rate of weight loss if I try to average 30,000 steps per day. Walking seems to work very well for me.
Take care
Love
Margaret
PCOS ladies gain weight easier than other people.
PCOS ladies find it harder to lose weight than other people.
Our hormones can make us suddenly increase weight at an astronomic rate.
Losing weight is possible though.
Set up a diary.
Visit other people's diaries - especially those of other PCOS ladies to see what they are doing and what success they are having.
If you can - increase your walking as much as possible. I only achieve a "normal" rate of weight loss if I try to average 30,000 steps per day. Walking seems to work very well for me.
Take care
Love
Margaret
Follow these tips
I suggest you these tips:
Eat proteins (Cheese, Yogurt, Milk and eggs), They give useful substances that plant proteins don't have
To increase your metabolism:
Eat 5 times a day:
1. Breakfast
2. Snack 11:00 (fruits)
3. Lunch (Mid carbs, proteins and veg)
4. 18:00 Snack (fruits)
5. Dinner (plant proteins, bread and veg.)
It's better eat fruits out of the principal meals (lunch and dinner), you'll absorb more nutriments and help digestion.
Gym after you weak up before breakfast (you'll increase your metabolism)
A good recipe idea could be:
- Pasta and beans, you can combine plant proteins and carbs....really good.
Hope been useful
Enrico
I suggest you these tips:
Eat proteins (Cheese, Yogurt, Milk and eggs), They give useful substances that plant proteins don't have
To increase your metabolism:
Eat 5 times a day:
1. Breakfast
2. Snack 11:00 (fruits)
3. Lunch (Mid carbs, proteins and veg)
4. 18:00 Snack (fruits)
5. Dinner (plant proteins, bread and veg.)
It's better eat fruits out of the principal meals (lunch and dinner), you'll absorb more nutriments and help digestion.
Gym after you weak up before breakfast (you'll increase your metabolism)
A good recipe idea could be:
- Pasta and beans, you can combine plant proteins and carbs....really good.
Hope been useful
Enrico
ExercisePhysio
Guest
Those tips blow.
Michael
Michael
Omega
Moderator
Hi Alexis,
Be wary of eating too much cheese.
I am a PCOS lady like you and I discovered through analysing a number of occasions that I put on weight every time I eat any cheese. Even pre-measured cheese slices for which you could accurately tell the calorie content.
You should definitely ensure that you eat enough protein - but please be wary of eating too much of any one type without carefully monitoring how your weight reacts.
I lose weight very well with fish. It may be worth experimenting with more fish until you stabilise your weight at a level that is healthier for you.
I am sure that you want to increase your protein and thus gain the stamina to increase your walking. I think you want to be doing more walking not less.
I am sure that you will be aware of the health risks that are associated with PCOS.
Take care
Love
Margaret
Be wary of eating too much cheese.
I am a PCOS lady like you and I discovered through analysing a number of occasions that I put on weight every time I eat any cheese. Even pre-measured cheese slices for which you could accurately tell the calorie content.
You should definitely ensure that you eat enough protein - but please be wary of eating too much of any one type without carefully monitoring how your weight reacts.
I lose weight very well with fish. It may be worth experimenting with more fish until you stabilise your weight at a level that is healthier for you.
I am sure that you want to increase your protein and thus gain the stamina to increase your walking. I think you want to be doing more walking not less.
I am sure that you will be aware of the health risks that are associated with PCOS.
Take care
Love
Margaret
Ianthe
New member
Hi dear
Like they've said, up your calories intake, 1200 won't help you in a long term.
Sorry to ask this, were you menstruated when you weighted yourself that one time?
For the vegetarian diet, you're not doing it right, be careful. Peaunut butter isnt an healthy choice if you want keep being a veggie.
Eat tofu, soy, seitan, soy products, learn how to cook them.
OR
Eat in the same meal:
rice + beans
pasta + beans (exemple: pasta fagioli - look for the recipe on web)
wtv, just make sure you eat a cereal and legumens in the same meal.
That gives you an whole protein.
I've just read you eat fish.
I don't know what's with you people, there's no vegetarianism in eating fish. It's a mainly vegetarian diet.
Vegetarianism is about not eating animals at all. Point.
Well, what I said before works even without the fish, so if you turn to a 100% vegetarian, you already know what to do.
Like they've said, up your calories intake, 1200 won't help you in a long term.
Sorry to ask this, were you menstruated when you weighted yourself that one time?
For the vegetarian diet, you're not doing it right, be careful. Peaunut butter isnt an healthy choice if you want keep being a veggie.
Eat tofu, soy, seitan, soy products, learn how to cook them.
OR
Eat in the same meal:
rice + beans
pasta + beans (exemple: pasta fagioli - look for the recipe on web)
wtv, just make sure you eat a cereal and legumens in the same meal.
That gives you an whole protein.
I've just read you eat fish.
I don't know what's with you people, there's no vegetarianism in eating fish. It's a mainly vegetarian diet.
Vegetarianism is about not eating animals at all. Point.
Well, what I said before works even without the fish, so if you turn to a 100% vegetarian, you already know what to do.
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try this...it works.
Lexy9:
Tried all that calorie, low fat, daily weighing thing and it does not work. Watched a little girl in my office eat fat and calories only walking 30 minutes per day (every day). She lost 100lbs in 3.5 months! Avoided sugar, starches. I did the same and lost 65lbs in 3 months! Have kept it off for 5 years by simply walking, avoiding sugar & starches. Some days I eat over 4000 calories and 600g of fat too!! Weight is misleading...go to the restroom for 10 minutes and you can lose 2 pounds. Drink enough water and you will gain 6lbs...but no body fat is ever effected. Weight is a psychological killer and should only be used once every 90 days. Your clothes will tell you how you are progressing. 90% of the battle is eating properly. 10% is simple walking. If you are killing yourself in the gym you will lose...not weight, but the will to continue. And we are in this game for a lifetime. Keep it simple, Eat meats, veggies (not starch or sugar ones), dairy (no yogurt or milk), nuts and avoid ALL starches for now like a disease. Stop counting calories and fat. They are not the culprits. Sugar and flour are poison for your body right now. Once your size gets down, you can eat them about once a week. Even avoid the 'whole grain' and 'natural' stuff. Good luck. Surffman
Lexy9:
Tried all that calorie, low fat, daily weighing thing and it does not work. Watched a little girl in my office eat fat and calories only walking 30 minutes per day (every day). She lost 100lbs in 3.5 months! Avoided sugar, starches. I did the same and lost 65lbs in 3 months! Have kept it off for 5 years by simply walking, avoiding sugar & starches. Some days I eat over 4000 calories and 600g of fat too!! Weight is misleading...go to the restroom for 10 minutes and you can lose 2 pounds. Drink enough water and you will gain 6lbs...but no body fat is ever effected. Weight is a psychological killer and should only be used once every 90 days. Your clothes will tell you how you are progressing. 90% of the battle is eating properly. 10% is simple walking. If you are killing yourself in the gym you will lose...not weight, but the will to continue. And we are in this game for a lifetime. Keep it simple, Eat meats, veggies (not starch or sugar ones), dairy (no yogurt or milk), nuts and avoid ALL starches for now like a disease. Stop counting calories and fat. They are not the culprits. Sugar and flour are poison for your body right now. Once your size gets down, you can eat them about once a week. Even avoid the 'whole grain' and 'natural' stuff. Good luck. Surffman
Not sure I follow.
First you imply you DO count fat and calories........
" Some days I eat over 4000 calories and 600g of fat too!! "
Then you said.....
" Stop counting calories and fat "
Which is it ?
Oh, and on those days when when you consume " 600g of fat " ( i.e 5,400 calories ) to keep weight off - how many grams of protein do you consume ?
btw - how much do you weigh ?
Omega
Moderator
Surffman
Since PCOS ladies put on weight easier than other groups of people and have greater difficulty losing weight than other groups of people, and face severe health risks - it could be fatal if they adopt a diet based on the calorie and fat levels that you suggest.
A PCOS woman can put on a vast quantity of weight in the 90 days that you suggest between weighings.
A woman with PCOS is 7 times more likely to develop diabetes than a woman of the same age and lifestyle who is not a sufferer; 7.4 more times at risk of a heart attack and 4 times more likely to suffer from high blood.
In addition they have an increased risk of some forms of cancer.
Since PCOS ladies put on weight easier than other groups of people and have greater difficulty losing weight than other groups of people, and face severe health risks - it could be fatal if they adopt a diet based on the calorie and fat levels that you suggest.
A PCOS woman can put on a vast quantity of weight in the 90 days that you suggest between weighings.
A woman with PCOS is 7 times more likely to develop diabetes than a woman of the same age and lifestyle who is not a sufferer; 7.4 more times at risk of a heart attack and 4 times more likely to suffer from high blood.
In addition they have an increased risk of some forms of cancer.
Ianthe
New member
I agree with the fact that weight is a fooling number and shouldnt be considered just by itself...
Now... the amount of fat you mentioned is just sick :| You're very afraid of sugars, but they arent the devil, there's no devil in nutrition, there's just people eating too much or too less of a thing. Your brain needs sugar, if you are expecting it to live just on fat, remember keto bodies are toxic to it. Avoiding "whole grain" and "natural" stuff? What for? Where do you get your fiber? There's something called health that can be seriously compromised latter if you continue to think like that...
People should do whatever works for them, if counting calories and going to the gym everyday works, then they should do it. What works for you might not work for other people.
This is very interesting Margaret and I'm sure very true. Do you know the general scientific basis of this? So many people insist that its just calories in v. calories out and therefore there is no possible way that any other factors can matter in a significant way, which is completely silly for our complex system. And I dont mean we should use whatever factor as an excuse, but it may require special ways to combat that specific problem that has caused your metabolism to behave inefficiently or inaccurately.
Eating too little is certainly the quickest way to slow down your metabolism, so to Lexy it seems pretty apparent that you arent eating enough for your body and your activity level. Maybe you need to build back to a normal calorie intake before trying to lose more weight.
Omega
Moderator
Hi Blancita
I am afraid that was what my gynaecologist told me. I have no idea of the scientific basis for it.
Sorry that I cannot help you with that.
My biggest concern regarding Alexis at the minute is not the fact that she has stopped losing weight - but the fact that she has gained 10 pounds so rapidly. This happened to me in my youth and I kept on gaining. I havent been 126 pounds or anything like it since then!
She knows that she has this gain because she was weighing on more than one set of scales and both show the same gain.
We have been in touch via PM and I have told her to see her doctor and discuss some medication which may be affecting her.
I fully agree that to lose weight she needs to be eating more protein and more calories generally.
I keep very careful records of everything associated with my weight loss project and was able to deduce that cheese did not agree with me. I dont know why - I just avoid it. If she makes herself aware of how different food items react with her she will know what to favour and what to avoid - not because she is PCOS but because she knows her body best.
Once she stops her body gaining rapidly she will be able to adopt more traditional weight loss methods. Personally I would recommend that she does more walking because that works very well for me. I have walked over 11 miles so far today. She posted on 6th Dec that she had recently cut her walking to about 2 miles because she found it tiring. I think that we are back to her protein level and this may be linked to her vegetarian inclinations.
Best wishes
Margaret
I am afraid that was what my gynaecologist told me. I have no idea of the scientific basis for it.
Sorry that I cannot help you with that.
My biggest concern regarding Alexis at the minute is not the fact that she has stopped losing weight - but the fact that she has gained 10 pounds so rapidly. This happened to me in my youth and I kept on gaining. I havent been 126 pounds or anything like it since then!
She knows that she has this gain because she was weighing on more than one set of scales and both show the same gain.
We have been in touch via PM and I have told her to see her doctor and discuss some medication which may be affecting her.
I fully agree that to lose weight she needs to be eating more protein and more calories generally.
I keep very careful records of everything associated with my weight loss project and was able to deduce that cheese did not agree with me. I dont know why - I just avoid it. If she makes herself aware of how different food items react with her she will know what to favour and what to avoid - not because she is PCOS but because she knows her body best.
Once she stops her body gaining rapidly she will be able to adopt more traditional weight loss methods. Personally I would recommend that she does more walking because that works very well for me. I have walked over 11 miles so far today. She posted on 6th Dec that she had recently cut her walking to about 2 miles because she found it tiring. I think that we are back to her protein level and this may be linked to her vegetarian inclinations.
Best wishes
Margaret