I need help please!!

[Lyndsay0602]

Okay, so I have been working out feverishly for over two weeks. I am running 3-4 miles 5-6 days a week. Usually jogging the first three miles at a constant speed, but keeping my heart rate up, and then doing interval sprints the last mile, for 1 min sprints, and 30 sec cool down. I am doing some arm exercises only 2 times a week. I am 180 lbs, 5'4, 25 year old female, and am basically killing myself at the gym. Other than that, I am sedentary at my desk job, but when I am not at work, I am up cooking, cleaning, doing whatever.
My diet has went from fast food and a ton of carbs to minimally processed foods... breakfast is usually some ww bread with a protein, lunch is a lean cuisine or smart one. I will then have a snack after I work out, turkey sandwich or something like that. For dinner is usually always grilled chicken breast, brown rice, and a veggie. If I want a snack I'll have yogurt. So, imo, my diet is pretty okay, or atleast a heck of a lot better than before. I have really tried to watch portions because that is one of the biggest reasons I am overweight to begin with...
But here's the problem. I haven't lost a single pound, inch, nothing. It's becoming very frustrating. Usually I'll lose atleast ten pounds in two weeks restarting eating healthier and exercising, but this time nothing. Could it be the amount of sodium in the lean cuisines? But even still, it does not have that much. Any comments suggestions, or tweaks would be so appreciated. I am seriously over all of this...working myself to exhaustion for nothing! Should I incorporate more weights? I like to lift weights, but after some research, I read that running is a great way to get rid of fat. I have quite a bit of muscle. With the pinch test at my gym I was 30.5% body fat, so not too bad...i guess... But any help on how to train better, or eat better to lose fat I would be grateful!! As soon as I get some pictures of my body, I will post!! Thank you in advance!

 

[Sesha]

Hi Lyndsay! First I just want to say Congrats on your decision to get in shape!! It sounds like you're really putting in a great effort!! There could be a great number of reasons why the scale isn't moving much. I wouldn't worry about the sodium in the lean cuisine, that shouldn't be a contributing factor. You may just need to be a little more patient (I know, not easy!) Sometimes after years of yo-yo dieting (if that's been your experience) our bodies are reluctant to lose the weight and just take a bit more time. If I were you I would absolutely add resistance training to your workouts and I would suggest doing your interval runs before your jog instead of the other way around. I'd really like to help you more, perhaps you could keep a journal of your diet for the next couple of days and post it with the amounts and measurements of your meals. Might help me to determine the cause a little better.

 

[Lyndsay0602]

Thanks for the advice. I will start today switching my intervals. I have been yo-yo dieting for a while. I dropped about 45 lbs. already with minimal exercise, just quit drinking milk and eating red meat...btw, I only drink water, if that helps anyone. I will begin keeping a journal of what I am eating. It is so hard to be patient!! errgghh! I guess I've been overweight my whole life, a few more months won't hurt! But I appreciate your help!