Is it possible to break a two year PLATEAU?!

B

Blancita

New member
Hey WLF friends! I've decided to start a diary again because I have FINALLY managed to lose a few pounds and am hoping that POSSIBLY?? I can break this plateau??

I have tried very hard to lose weight since I joined the forum, but I actually gained 13 lbs while coming here on a regular basis. Pathetic right? I must not be telling the truth somewhere. Must be lying about my caloric intake and exercise. Or I'm simply eating too much to lose weight. Its my fault and if I just try harder and eat less and exercise more, I'll lose weight. Well, that's been the party line from the "experts" for most of my time here. The theory being that it is simply impossible to eat below one's maintenance and not lose weight. Well I beg to differ!

I've had to carefully watch my weight my whole life, but managed to maintain around 128 lbs. After I gave birth to my only child 3 years ago, I lost 30 lbs the good ole fashioned way (really 64 lbs if you include the baby weight). I calculated my maintenance level, counted my calories and kept them below my maintenance calories, exercised, and I lost a consistent .8 lbs per week and a total of 30 lbs in one year. Worked like a charm. As soon as I calculated a calorie deficit amounting to around 3500 calories, I would drop a pound like clock work. It all worked like its supposed to, until it STOPPED working.

Once it stopped working it became impossible to keep the pounds at bay. I would be starving, yet still gaining weight. I even got more careful about counting my calories, buying a weighing scale that I didn't even use during my 30 lb drop to make sure I was counting calories correctly. Well I was. I did for the 30 lbs, and I was now. Only now it didn't matter. Weight was not dropping.

So here I am today, after 2 years of researching every diet plan known to man. Started looking at hormonal issues and have learned a whole bunch about the fat burning process and how the body functions to a degree. I've been to doctors to check my hormones and thyroid. Doctors have not been helpful or knowledgeable.

Finally I am losing weight again. Dare I hope that the weight loss will continue? Why is it working now? I'm eating around the same number of calories, and not even exercising much, but my moderate efforts have worked for once. I have lost 5.5 lbs and have gone below my plateau weight since last November of 145 lbs. I have not been able to get below that in the past 7 months, NO MATTER WHAT I DID.

My daughter is calling me..will add more about what I'm doing now and how its working in the next post.

Looking forward to tracking my journey -- which hopefully continues downwards -- with you all!
 
Good luck with your weight loss and congrats on the 5.5lbs lost so far. I know how much it sucks hitting a plateau when you think you're doing everything you can to lose. I even tried what you suggested in our thread-upping the caloric intake. It seems like my fitness level has gone up but the scale(wii fit balance board) doesn't budge. I know that with your experience with having done this before and all of the research you've done, you'll overcome this plateau.

Lynn
 
Hi Blancita, that's great to hear! Plateaus are inhuman and insufferable. I'd like to ask - though you will probably write this in soon anyway - what you are eating now? Has your ratio of carbs to protein and fat changed at all?

I hope you continue your loss until GOAL girl! Well done on not just giving up and diving into the bad foods like a lot of us would have done. :hurray:
 
Thank you so much Lynn and Shinsplint for your kind and uplifting words :).

Here's what I ate today:

*1/2 baby watermelon, green tea w/ coconut milk
*toasted buttered biali (like a bagel) w/ smoked salmon, 1/2 cucumber
*shake: 1/2 cucumber & 1 cup cherry tomatoes
*8 pecans, 1.5 cups almond milk
*8 crackers w/ 3 thin slices ham & spinach feta dip
*lge slice spinach kiche (sp?), green salad w/ fork dipping into dressing
*shake: 1/4 baby watermelon, 1 cup almond milk
*1/4 slice spinach kiche, romaine lettuce/croutons/olive oil, 2 rolls

I am trying to eat as many fruits and veggies as possible, raw food whenever possible, less grains and less animal protein. This diet is based on 3 unrelated theories I read about in the past few weeks. All have a different basis but seem to call for the same food so I figure hey, I'll just give it a try! I'm not counting calories but would estimate I had around 1850 calories. Some days I eat less but I was pretty hungry today.

Probably my biggest change is that I am taking a few different hormones only in the past 2 weeks. Based on a blood test, my estrogen levels were low and my testosterone levels were high. I believe this is what caused my normally curvy pear shape to turn into an apple shape (my stomach having gotten gigantic) over the past few years. This may have started as a result of my pregnancy, or because of my IUD w/ fake hormones that I got right after I gave birth and had for about 1.5 yrs. I had some other issues aside from weight loss which make it pretty clear that my hormones have been a problem. This doctor I went to put me on birth control pills for the estrogen replacement and a testosterone blocker. However, I am reading a book about natural hormones and have decided to get my primary care doctor to switch me to bio-identical hormones for a number of reasons. I hope to perfect the right hormonal balance over the coming weeks to alleviate all my symptoms. Some have been immediately alleviated as soon as I started the pill.

Tonight we went shopping and I found my pants size went DOWN!!!! I went down from a loose 12 to a just right fit 10. I couldn't believe it! I worry that my weight loss will stop and I wouldn't be at all surprised..here's to hoping that it wont though..

Hope everyone's having a great holiday weekend!
 
Evening Cita! I'm so glad you posted this link in my diary, I was looking for it earlier this morning and could not find it, so THANK YOU!

I know you had such a hard time the past year losing weight or rather breaking that plateau, womens body's are a freak of nature I tell ya, one minute you think you understand it, then WAM it changes on you. You know how hard I worked out before, yet I still didn't drop weight real fast, it drove me bonkers!

I hope the change in the hormone levels will help you out this time. WAY TO GO on getting to those size 10's, I know how great it feels to start buying smaller sizes it's a rush. I sure hope your body is adjusting now and that it keeps melting away those pounds, you certainly deserve a break.

You do so much research I love it! I rarely have time for that, so I get real excited when you girls post about things you've looked up or read about, it helps me get great ideas and sometimes even answers questions I have as well, so thanks for posting them.

I can't wait to see you get into your size 8's next. heheheh GO CITA!!!!

Hugs and love
Kim
 
Hey there Blancita, Im so happy for you that you see some changes. You know,, hormones can be a huge mountain when it comes to weight loss. I don't always feel that people who are not losing weight 'lie' about what they intake on here, i think more so than not, people are not accurate in portions *looks like 1/2 cup...What do ya mean its a freakin cup and a half!!!!!* People also tend to not count bits and bites... *ill have a bit of this and a bite of that while I cook*
I can see how hard you are trying to make healthy choices..im totally in your cheering section!:)
 
I am glad your finally seeing some changes and it is great you have started a diary again :)
 
Just popping by to say that I am pleased that you are finally seeing some progress. It is fantastic that you are into a new clothes size - as I know just what kind of boost that can be to the ego.

Just glancing down your food list - are you getting your calcium to hit 1,000 ok? That can help...
 
I'm so glad to see you guys! Thank you so much for your support, it is so appreciated :).

I wasn't so great sticking to my diet yesterday, what with that kiche (what is the correct spelling?!). Today I'm a bit worried because we're heading out to a 4th of July barbeque. Who in America isn't going to a barbaque?! lol I bought a large pack of thinly sliced chicken breasts that I am bringing. My friends chef up some nice bbq, considering we have to do it in a public park as most people in NYC do not have yards (though my family does since we own a building). I know the drinks will be flowing with the yummy Jolly Ranchers and I plan on indulging in about 2 of them! They are made of watermelon Bacardi and cranberry juice. So I plan to gravitate toward the fruit and grilled chicken and avoid the chips, pretzels et al. Luckily I hate mayo so wont feel the need to go near the various pasta salads. I better be careful because I remember eating so much at their barbeque last year, they make some good chicken kebabs. I will eat a huge salad of greens and avocado before we leave to try and curb any hunger.

As to exercise, I already did 20 mins on the elliptical and will do another 40 minutes before we leave also!

Happy 4th everyone!
 
Way to go on the exercise and eating!!!

It's spelled "quiche". LOL!! Years ago (9 or 10 I think) I was a waitress at an italian restaurant and this lady ordered a "quickie" and a salad. Hahaha!!! I laughed and told her I wished we sold quickies but she was gonna have to settle for the quiche. LOL!!
 
AmyRB said:
Way to go on the exercise and eating!!!

It's spelled "quiche". LOL!! Years ago (9 or 10 I think) I was a waitress at an italian restaurant and this lady ordered a "quickie" and a salad. Hahaha!!! I laughed and told her I wished we sold quickies but she was gonna have to settle for the quiche. LOL!!
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I don't know if I would be to interested in buying a quickie at any restaurant, you never know who's cooking that day. LOL LOL

Cita, sounds like a good game plan today, your already preparing to eat something before you leave so your less likely to over eat when your there. And i say working out before hand is an excellent way to help shed some calories to leave them open for some special drinks. GREAT JOB! I agree with you about the BQUE most people do go to one during 4th of July it's just like tradition or something. LOL I'm glad because I love them and I love getting together with friends and family, it's a great way to spend the day. Enjoy your 4th!!!!

HAPPY 4th of JULY![/SIZE]
 
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Blancita said:
I have tried very hard to lose weight since I joined the forum, but I actually gained 13 lbs while coming here on a regular basis. Pathetic right? I must not be telling the truth somewhere. Must be lying about my caloric intake and exercise. Or I'm simply eating too much to lose weight. Its my fault and if I just try harder and eat less and exercise more, I'll lose weight. Well, that's been the party line from the "experts" for most of my time here. The theory being that it is simply impossible to eat below one's maintenance and not lose weight. Well I beg to differ!
Click to expand...

HA HA HA I love ya Claud:)

Ive been here with ya and through it and experienced all the same shit ya know...And the so called experts can well ya know...KISS OUR ASSES!!!

Im glad you have a diary and will be posting more:)

I really wanna meet one day...Maybe as my lil one gets older and I start having a bit more freed up money HA!
 
Hey Blancita!!! Congrats on finally climbing off that damn Plateau!!! It must feel amazing to be losing again after all those months of going nowhere.

How amazing are our bodies.. hormones hey! Glad you found something that works for you :)
 
I love all the awesome support around here! Well thanks my old school buddies..now if BB will just stop in here we'll have the ole crew back on. Kori, I love your posts around the forum and appreciate your stopping by.

Weight is bouncing around between 144.5 and 146 lbs. Started today at 145.5, which is good for a monday. Normally my weight is always higher after a weekend so I feel good that I didn't go back to my higher range (above 146 lbs). Now, if I could somehow get to 144 by wed, then I will feel more sure that this plateau is eating dust (that's 1/2 pound below my recent lowest weight of 144.5).

I did manage to complete my hour on the elliptical on Sat, but was too busy taking baby to the beach to get anything in on Sun. Plus I was a tad hungover from the Jolly Ranchers I had at the BBQ. At the BBQ, I had 2 franks and a hamburger, a handfull of chips, a bite of cake, plus 2 drinks and 1 beer. Not too bad I think. Yesterday I got back to eating better. Today I'm having a salad and fruit for lunch. Trying to stick with the raw/alkaline foods as much as possible. Just testing theories, probably silly ones at that, but since there's no cost or special food involved (only healthy raw veggies/fruits/nuts), its worth a try as I really did feel great on the food since starting.

Hope everyone's doing well with their plans :).
 
:smilielol5::smilielol5::smilielol5:Hey you, I cant pm you your in box full. I cant rep ya cuz I need to give out more:smilielol5:LOL:smilielol5:Clear out your in box ha ha ha:smilielol5::smilielol5::smilielol5:
 
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I am glad to hear that you are finally seeing some progress.
Who knows what makes somethings work one day and not the next.
*Shrugging shoulders*
At least whatever it is, is working now.
 
Howdy Ho Neighbor!! happy to see you had a good 4th of July, thank gosh I can't drink liquor I would be three sheets to the wind off 2 of those Jolly Ranchers. LOL LOL I'll stick with my red wine. LOL

You would be proud, I made it to the gym tonight as promised. It wasn't easy and I seriously tried talking myself out of it twice. LOL LOL What the hell right. Did you get a work out in today???

I can't believe your eating raw veggies, did I read that right? I thought you didn't like most veggies, or am I thinking of someone else?? Straighten me out if I'm wrong. But that's fantastic! Veggies ROCK and I love them ALL raw! I'm sitting here eating a bowl of raw veggies as we speak, it's yummy!

Hope your evening is a good one, keep it up sister!
Hugs
Kim
 
OMG!!!! I lost another half a pound and hit a new low of 144 lbs! I can't believe my efforts are finally paying off! I'm still very fearful that everything will stop again but here's to discovering new lows on a scale!

MLB, I'm so proud of you for making it to the gym. I assume it felt very good once you actually talked yourself into going. I'm supposed to go today but already dont feel like it. Wanna put it off one more day.. eeeeeeeeeeeek
 
Bellaryna said:
I am glad to hear that you are finally seeing some progress.
Who knows what makes somethings work one day and not the next.
*Shrugging shoulders*
At least whatever it is, is working now.
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Hey there Bella :). Thank you for saying that, its appreciated. I'm eating different foods (almost a vegan diet), though the calories are the same as when I've dieted over the past few years but was NOT losing weight..I usually just go up and down the same 5 lbs, never hitting any new lows. I would never expect to lose weight when I'm eating normally and/or not exercising, but when you're eating 1600 calories a day and exercising 5 hours a week for 6 weeks straight and you just go up and down the same 5 lbs it gets so frustrating.

I have made some very drastic hormonal changes lately, mainly adding estrogen in the form of a birth control pill and also a testosterone blocker. My blood tests showed that I have low estrogen and high levels of testosterone, hence why I seem to keep my muscle tone no matter what. It seems the lack of estrogen may have caused the inability to lose weight. So it really didn't matter if I was in a "calorie deficit", that fat wasn't budging when my hormone levels were off. Now my weight loss may stop, and then I will have to re-look at this, but for now this is only happening since I started on these hormones about 2 weeks ago.
 
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