The Stall from H_LL

6 WEEKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What in the world.?!  I've had enough already. Nothing. Nada. Zip.

I'm really getting frustrated (can you tell?) Tomorrow makes 8 months since surgery so I'm pretty sure that the honeymoon isn't entirely over. I expect it to slow down - but come on lets be serious about this - NOTHING??

For those who've been through them - The stall coincides with me really getting serious about my exercise. I do some sort of aerobic exercise  for a minimum of 30 minutes per day - every day. My calories really haven't changed (between 800 & 1000 per day). I drink at least 64 oz of water every day plus 24 oz of coffee. My protein typically avergages 65 to 85 grams per day. I'm faithful in tracking everything that crosses my lips on the daily plate.

I'm tickled with my weight loss thus far - just a bit discouraged that things have stopped at the moment. The WOW moments have been rolling in lately and I really think this month's measurements will show a loss again. Clothes definelty fit differently than they did last month. With warmer temps the spring styles are coming out and well - I'm loving them. I've become a girlie girl. (God help me because I never, ever, ever saw that coming) I've always been a heavy handed, redneck tomboy. This morning I've had a ton of compliments on how much I've lost, how happy I look and how baggy the seat of my pants have become (I think that was a compliment?)

Any advice on the stall situation would be greatly appreciated.

-Iris

I don't have any advice but I do want to tell you to hang in there.  I hope the weight will just peel off again soon.  Good luck!!!!

Leslie

Thank you Maam. How are things going for you?

- Iris

Hi Iris,
How many calories are you burning with exercise?
Once you figure that out you subtract that from calories you are taking in.
You could be in starvation mode and not even know it.
I found out I was in starvation mode for weeks and increased my calories not an easy task.
I am on strike with the scales I refuse to become a scale slave.
I do know something is helping because of how I feel and how clothes fit.
                                                     Annie

I'd say starvation mode is a definite possibility because the calories I listed are prior to exercise. It just feels so unnatural to think that I'd ever need to eat more. ha ha ha Who'd a thunk it?

- Iris

I never in a million years thought I would hear You Need To Eat More OMG
From my understanding when in starvation mode your body will hold on for dear life to any fat you still may have.
I am actually making some simple changes like eatting regular cottage cheese versus  nofat cottage cheese.
It is tough getting more calories in plus sugar and Bubbles do not do well.
I have read encreasing calories by eatting things like more whole grains and nuts help.
So far today I have had 660 calories and still need to get in at least 1280 more Oh My and as far as protien I have only had 40 grams so far need to get in at least 60 more.
As for calories burned today 812 probally more because I went shopping at HT and I spend lots of time not just shopping but reading labels LOL
Some days I do well getting in my calories but then some days like today they seem unreachable.
Today I have a cold and could not take my mom to the pool.
                                                                     Annie
                                             

OK...you have done GREAT!  And the loss will begin again, I promise!  Are you writing down everything you put in your mouth?  Sometimes we eat more than we think we do, and are surprised when we add it up.  Exercise will cause a weight gain sometimes b/c muscle weighs more than fat.  (But it looks a heckuva lot better on the ole' bod!)

Here's my suggestion. (dont' throw things at me)  Protein shakes!  Yep, dig them out of the pantry and replace a meal or two with a high-protein shake or bar.  Drink lots of water.  It works for me to bust those blasted stalls.

Oh, and sometimes I get frustrated b/c I actually GAIN a pound or two...but now I know that's a GOOD thing...b/c the next day, the scale drops several pounds....you just gotta figure your body out and what works for you.

I use Chike, and make 2  shakes ( 1 meal replacement, 1 as a snack) and that adds almost 60 g of protein....then it starts to drop off.

Hang in there, you girly girl!  This too shall pass!

Hi Lisa,
Loved your post and it all makes sense and thanks for sharing your tips.
                                      Annie

Yes Maam - I just dug the protein mixes out of the cabinet and have added one - early a.m. shake in the mornings and usually a click espresso for the afternoon ride home. So you're safe - I won't be throwing things at you. Last weekend I made a batch of protein pudding (SF banana pudding, banana protein powder and skim milk) while I'm not going to say it was delicious - it was very tolerable and provided me with desserts that I haven't been having. It almost felt like a guilty little pleasure.

I just passed the 72 oz mark for water today. I'm going for 100 oz. Oh Gawd - I know I'll be in the potty half the night for sure.

Thanks for the hints.
- Iris

((((Iris)))),

I know how frustrating this can be ... Ben is struggling with a similar issue. It's kind of scary, but I have to tell you that it's probably because you are doing so much right that you are a bit stuck. Don't give up on the activity, but you may need to look at your caloric intake vs. your activity to be sure that you aren't falling below 800 to 1000 calories a day. When do fall below that threshold after factoring your activity, you can actually cause your body to start going into what's commonly known as starvation mode. When in this mode, it actually starts to function even more 'effectively' on less, thwarting our efforts. So be sure that you are getting in enough calories. The activity is a healthy and good part of your new lifestyle that you want to keep up.

It will get better.

Hugs,