Weight loss question

Gene · 10-25-2008, 05:29 AM

Ok, I have been on my diet for five weeks now. Gave up ALL sweets, bread, potatoes, beer, fried foods, and everything else that tasted good. I have stayed at 2000 calories a day, NO exceptions, haven't cheated once. The first three weeks I lost 20 pounds. The last two weeks I have lost ZERO pounds, not even an ounce. As this is my first diet I have ever gone on, is there some reason I have quit losing weight the last two weeks???

**Anne** · 10-25-2008, 07:15 AM

What are you eating to get yourself to 2000 cals? Meat? Fruit and veggies? Are you exercising?

I am no nutritionist, but I do know a little bit about weight loss. (Kinda makes me wish I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

)

I would think that your body is reacting to your large weight loss the first 3 weeks. 20 lbs is a LOT of weight! You must be very dedicated to cut out everything all at once.

Gene · 10-25-2008, 07:44 AM

Originally Posted by Anne

What are you eating to get yourself to 2000 cals? Meat? Fruit and veggies? Are you exercising?

Broiled chicken breasts, broiled fish, pork steak, lots of green vegies, watermelon, and hard boiled eggs. Lots of exercise, also. I lost the 20 pounds real fast because I went from 5,000 calories a day to 2,000.

**Jinx** · 10-25-2008, 09:16 AM

i had and still do have a cheat day once a week. i don't go crazy, but i do eat a few things i don't normally allow myself. maybe it jump starts my metabolism. you need to change up your diet now and then.

i have put back on 3lbs and it's wigging me out. rationally i know it's because muscle weighs more than fat and i'm doing more exercising(including lifting weights.) still, seeing those numbers pisses me off. lol.

oh, are you drinking lots of water? people don't take into account the calories from beverages sometimes and add that to their daily calorie tally so i was just wondering. i have my coffee and the rest of the day i drink water. having a soda or tea is a rare treat.

**sarah** · 10-25-2008, 09:19 AM

what I think has happened is that your body went into shock from your sudden change in routine and diet. You're now eating better and exercising and you've done it all at the same time. A big "whoa" factor for your body. After you body gets used to the initial change it's common for it to plateau out slightly and because your metabolism is probably quite slow from your original lifestyle habits, you are now at a proper weight loss stage where you need to work at it still.

The weight did not go on overnight and it will not come off overnight. Are you finding some exercises easier than when you first started? Are you doing the same exercises all the time? Are you doing cardio exercise combined with weight conditioning? How many hours are you exercising per week? How much water are you drinking every day? All these questions can help you shake up your routine a bit to keep your body working and not let it adapt to a routine and slow down your results.

**Anne** · 10-25-2008, 11:07 AM

Well, it certainly seems like you are eating the right things.

Have you considered adding one serving of brown rice or whole wheat (not the blend) pasta once a day? A little more fiber, dontcha know.

I second what Jinx said about a 'cheat day'. I used to work with a personal trainer and I was once lamenting about stalling out in my weight loss. He said to go get a pepperoni pizza. Wha??

I did, and I was down something like 2 lbs that week. I think a 'cheat day' can be a good thing. IF you keep it scheduled and planned.

**Linda1** · 10-25-2008, 03:58 PM

You might not be eating enough with the exercise you do. When I started out, I tried staying at 1200 calories and lost a little but then stalled. I went up to 1500 and the weight started coming off again. At the 1200 I think my body was telling me it wasn't enough for my active life style.

**MidwestGirl** · 11-03-2008, 04:54 PM

CONGRATS!! I have no advice because I am still trying to lose 20lbs!! :ugly:

**joflake** · 11-05-2008, 12:11 PM

Originally Posted by Linda1

You might not be eating enough with the exercise you do. When I started out, I tried staying at 1200 calories and lost a little but then stalled. I went up to 1500 and the weight started coming off again. At the 1200 I think my body was telling me it wasn't enough for my active life style.

I agree with Linda. I think your body goes into starvation mode and won't burn any fat because it thinks you're starving it. That's what happens when people skip meals.