Need a little help

I am three years out and not at goal. I have lost 264 pounds and need to loose 40 more. I have recently joined a Weight Loss Challenge Group at my gym to help me be motivated to loose the last 40 pounds. The first week I didn't loose any weight. Very disappointing but decided to continue. Here is a typical day for me: Breakfast - Quaker Weight Loss Oatmeal Snack - Protien Shake Lunch - 4 ounces steak Snack - Protein Shake Snack - 1 bite protein bar Dinner - Hamburger patty with cheese I drank 104 ounces of water and did a half hour on the eliptical and 1 hour of weight training. I am still not loosing. I don't think I am doing anything wrong. I'll go over it with my trainer tonight but wanted to get input here in case I am missing something. Thanks, Fran

Hi Fran. Are you getting at least 1000 calories per day? You are doing weight training that probably builds muscle. Muscle weighs more than fat. You may just be in a rearranging mode. How's the carbs? Does your gym have a nutritionist or is your trainer knowledgable in that area? You have done fantastically!! You are bound to succeed!! Diane

Diane, Thanks, I actually think I burning off more calories than I take in. According to fitday I'm burning off three times the calories I consume. I have been eating any carbs except for the oatmeal. The oatmeal I started this week hoping that adding a good carb would jump start my system. Thanks, Fran

HI Fran: Sounds like you're doing great but the one thing I see is no veggies! Balance has been my key. I'm just over 2 years out & have a real hard time loosing now, bu****er, protein, veggies, & exercise have improved my weight loss. I have 13#'s to go. Hang in there. Beth

Beth, Thank you. I'll try to get some veggies in but by the time I eat the protein I usually don't have room for anything else. But, I really want to get the last forty off so I will try it. Thanks again, Fran

Hi Fran I see a few things. For one thing, my nut told me for best results to drink protein as soon as you get out of bed and right before going to sleep. My protein mix says exactly the same thing only adds that you should have it after strenuous exercise. How much dairy are you getting? Another thing, i was told that since you're working out, you need complex carbs. Also, a change in routine sometimes will jump loss weight loss. Hugs Linda

Linda, The protein information is interesting. I'm going to try it tomorrow. I can't do dairy I've become lactose intolerant since surgery. I do mix soy milk with my protein powder but it probably doesn't count as dairy. Thanks for the tips I'll try them out, Fran

I became lactose intolerant after surgery too, but it only lasted around six months. Have you tried it lately? If you are, i highly recommend lactaid milk. It tastes the same as regular milk and that way you can get some dairy. They say three servings of dairy helps to lose weight. Linda

I tried dairy about two weeks ago it was nice. I'll try the Lactaid. I was afraid that it would taste terrible but since I got the courage to try soy milk I'll try Lactaid too. Thanks, Fran

Yep, I agree with the comment on carbs. I've been doing a lot of reading on carbs lately and amazed at what I'm finding out. Most recommendations I see is that your body needs 30-40grams of carbs per day just to function. Your brain is the carb hog and can't use other forms of energy (protein) to function properly. If your brain isn't getting the nutrients it needs, it will hold on to the fat stores to survive. The best way to get carbs is through veggies, fruits, nuts and seeds (not necessarily wheat or grain products). HTH Pam