Last 5 Pounds

Susan V

Susan V

New member
Okay - I had posted a couple of questions in the Newcomers forum and realized that I should probably be posting here instead :blush5:

So here goes: I'm 5'8", 138 lbs., 46 years old. I am currently trying to lose about 5 pounds. This has always been relatively easy for me before. I started about 7 weeks ago with my normal "get back to the gym and cut calories" to lose the extra weight I'd gained over the Winter. After about 4 weeks of eating around 1500-1800 calories per day and getting to the gym about 3 times a week, I had not lost a single pound. So I kicked it up and reduced calories to around 1300 a day and started going to the gym every day. I've managed to lose a couple of pounds and I see muscle tone, but that extra fat around my waist, stomach and upper thighs just won't budge.

So here are my questions: Does anyone have insight on what might be causing this to be so much more difficult this time? Could it be my age, hormones or stress? Also, would it hurt anything to drop calories even further for a couple of weeks just to shed that last 5 pounds?

I have been reading lots of articles on this forum and on others and I'm really not seeing much when it comes to these questions. Granted - there is a lot to search thru and read - so I apologize in advance if I've missed something obvious - please kindly point me in the right direction! Thanks in advance for your suggestions and advice!
 
Its hard. Damn hard. Just remember your not going for weight loss. You want fat loss. Hit the gym hard. I wouldnt advise going any lower on the calories. Don't get hung up on the scale number, thats all it is, a number. Work hard and be patient. You will get it.
 
It is really frustrating. I've always believed it was more of a science - calories in, calories out. I guess now after all this time, I'm realizing that it's just not that simple. Guess it does make sense though when I really think about it. Everyone says that 3500 calories equal one pound. But if your body is not burning as "efficiently" as it used to then maybe now 4000 calories equals a pound?

Thanks for the reply - it helps to at least hear someone agree that it is difficult and to NOT hear the "don't worry about it" response that I usually get!

Just remember your not going for weight loss. You want fat loss
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AND - thanks for this comment - you are exactly correct and I should state it that way instead of saying it in pounds. Thanks!
 
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Susan V said:
It is really frustrating. I've always believed it was more of a science - calories in, calories out. I guess now after all this time, I'm realizing that it's just not that simple. Guess it does make sense though when I really think about it. Everyone says that 3500 calories equal one pound. But if your body is not burning as "efficiently" as it used to then maybe now 4000 calories equals a pound?

Thanks for the reply - it helps to at least hear someone agree that it is difficult and to NOT hear the "don't worry about it" response that I usually get!



AND - thanks for this comment - you are exactly correct and I should state it that way instead of saying it in pounds. Thanks!
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Well just remember numbers are just that. Being pounds, calories, dress sizes, etc.... Everyones body is different that is what people DONT want to hear. All those numbers mean jack except they can help you establish baselines as to what YOUR body needs. Person X maybe able to cut his calories by 200 per day and see amazing results where as person Y may do the same and see nothing. In a way it is as simple as calories in and calories out. Assigning specific numerical values to that process is the tricky part. Only you can find out what works for you. That being said 1300 calories should be more that enough for most anyone to see a weight loss. You may think about going up a little bit and make sure you are tracking them VERY accurately. Make sure that what you think you are eating=what you really are. You may also want to place an emphasis on protein intake as you are pretty lean now and are only after 5lbs.
 
I have been journaling everything that I eat. I am averaging 55% from carbs, 25% from proteins and 20% from fat. I eat mostly complex carbs and good fats. A couple times a week I break out and have a couple of drinks or a glass of wine. Other than that - I have been sticking to the program for a solid 2 weeks. I work out about 45 minutes a day - combination of aerobic and strength training. Based on that - do you think I should increase my protein intake?

Also - what about fasting for 24 hours? I've been doing some research on that and have read that it can be a good thing to do every so often?
 
I’m going back to your original question about why it’s challenging to lose weight again. Age and stress can make losing weight again that much tougher. Also, metabolism may decrease with yo-yo dieting, but researchers are still questioning that one. The best course of action is to make permanent lifestyle changes instead of dieting. Eating healthy and regular exercise year round will help to prevent weight gain.

In losing the last 5 pounds, keep up with what you’re doing. Hang in there. Losing weight can be frustrating at times. I agree with edco76 that focusing on the scale can add to the frustration. Instead, try focusing on how you’re fitting into clothes and how you feel physically. You’re getting more muscle tone, which is good. If you keep up with what you’re doing, I bet you’ll continue to be more tone and will lose the last 5 pounds.
 
Eating healthy and regular exercise year round will help to prevent weight gain.
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Yeah - this is the secret isn't it! Seems like it's so difficult to get on track in the first place and then so easy to get off. I have been trying to pay more attention to how my body shape is changing instead of focusing on the lbs. Yesterday I was able to wear a shirt that I would not have been able to wear 2 weeks ago since my muffin top was almost totally gone (even tho my weight is exactly the same) - so that was really sweet!

Thanks for the reply!
 
Susan V said:
I have been journaling everything that I eat. I am averaging 55% from carbs, 25% from proteins and 20% from fat. I eat mostly complex carbs and good fats. A couple times a week I break out and have a couple of drinks or a glass of wine. Other than that - I have been sticking to the program for a solid 2 weeks. I work out about 45 minutes a day - combination of aerobic and strength training. Based on that - do you think I should increase my protein intake?

Also - what about fasting for 24 hours? I've been doing some research on that and have read that it can be a good thing to do every so often?
Click to expand...

You may want to try changing your ratios to a 40/30/30 split instead of a 55/25/20 split and track it in Fitday, and I'd ditch the alcohol.

Fasting? I don't know anything about that, its not something I'd do, but to each their own.

Good Luck.
 
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