55 pounds to lose - Need advise on why I am not losing weight?!
Question:
55 pounds to lose - Need advise on why I am not losing weight?
I am 1 month postpartum. Was on bedrest for 2 months. Pre-pregnancy weight was 135. I am now 190.
I am not breast feeding so I am choosing a lower carb diet that consists of steel cut oatmeal, blueberries, almonds, cottage cheese, spinach salads, low fat cheese, chicken and limited amounts of complex carbs such as brown rice and whole wheat bread. I have cut out sugar and all white flour. Total calories are 1200-1500 per day
Exercise consists of walking/jogging in 2 min intervals for 30 minutes 5x a day using walk away the pounds walk and jog video. Also, just started Kathy Smith's lift weights to lose weight 3x a week.
Been doing this for 3 weeks but have not lost even a pound.
Because I am so overweight I thought the pounds would melt off in the first couple of weeks and then slow down.
I am already getting discouraged - Any suggestions?
Answers:
Are you losing inches? and using the same scale?
I'm in nearly the same boat (started at 194, also aiming for 135). I'm losing about 1/2 lb per day right now, lost 10 so far.
My plan -
- Eat every 2-3 hours (about 1200-1300 calories per day)
- Basic veggies are free, eat as many as you want (not corn or potatoes)
- No more than 30 good carbs per meal and half as many lean protein (i.e. 30 carbs / 15 protein or 20 carbs / 10 protein) The trainer told me that your body can only process 30 carbs in a 2-3 hour period, and anything over that, goes into storage (fat)
- Include good fat in every meal (olive oil, pb)
- Tons of water (minimum 80 oz per day)
- Treadmill 5 days/week 30-60 minutes depending on how much time I have (I go in the am so nothing can get in the way)
- Light weights every other day
The one thing I wasn't prepared for, is how great I feel. My skin is healthier, I have more energy and I sleep better.
Also, take your measurements. I lost alot in inches first, then the lbs came off.
Balance bars are a great snack. 22 carbs to 15 protein. The best ones are the Peanut Butter, Cookie Dough and Mocha chip.
Also, if you check the carbs/protein counts in your foods you will find an incredible range depending on what you pick.
Hang in there!
You know you can do it.