When should I expect to see a loss?

[PrincessTori]

Ok, To give you some background....I started out doing Atkins in March of 2003, lost 55lbs then basically stalled out. Kept it off until last fall where I went of the wagon so to speak and gained 22lbs. Started back in March and lost 5 lbs. So I decided to start exercising. Never really done it before, didn't do it all with my inital weight loss. So in April I started walking around my neighborhood a few times a week, then starting May 2nd I started doing it every day. Haven't missed a day. I am up to walking around 1 and 1/2 miles a day on that route, doesn't sound like much, but our neighborhood is on the side of a hill so a good 1/2 to 3/4 of it is a pretty steep incline. I'm still quite winded on it, though it has gotten better than the first time I did it. I know I need to increase intensity so on Monday I added in doing High Intenisty Interval Training on my tredmill instead of the neighborhood walk. Starting out at incline 7 at 3.5 speed, lowering the incline to 5 and raising the speed to 4.5 and running for a few minutes, the lowering the speed a few minutes and uping the speed, changing the incline, etc, etc. This coming from a person who has never ran. As of today I have gained 2lbs and lost nothing. I know I'm building muscle, or at least should be, but I feel no difference in my clothes. I thought for sure since I have never been one to exercise I should at least see some change. Trying not to get discouraged, but when should I start to be concerned that I'm not seeing a change. I had stalled out before I added in the exercise, so I thought adding it in would help me out. So far nothing. I also have been very diligent with my diet, not eatting late, having 3 meals a day, no bad carbs, just good ones. Haven't had a cheat since I started walking everyday on the 2nd. I also have no medical issues that I'm aware of, have always been in good health.


I've got a two week vacation coming up in Nov, one week cruise, one week in Orlando, and I really wanted to be past the 55lbs lost.
Any ideas?

 

[mking624]

Keep in mind that any fast weight loss will be water loss...not actual loss of fat. Real fat burning weight loss is typically more slow and gradual than the more instantaneous weight loss that happens when you do things like Atkins or any diet that promotes fast weight loss since a lot of it is water coming off. That's why that weight is also easy to gain back quickly. Real fat loss takes about 3500 calories burned per pound. Keep in mind too that as you're losing fat and gaining muscle, you're not going to see dramatic shifts in your weight. However, your body composition can become smaller even if your weight doesn't change much at all (but this also takes time). Also remember that true weight loss will be a gradual shift, not immediate. I started doing all my exercise and eating better back in April and am just NOW started to see a change in my body composition. I remember getting information from some nutritionists a few years ago that explained that real changes can start happening anywhere from 3-6 weeks so not to be discouraged if you don't see it right away or even if you don't see it in 3 weeks. Every body is unique.

As for the high intensity training, that's actually not the best method to promote weight loss. High intensity promotes weight maintenance more than anything. Low intensity/high endurance such as walking & jogging (running is considered high intensity/low endurance since very few people can actually run for miles). I know it usually seems that the higher the intensity, the better the chances for weight loss...but it doesn't seem to work out that way. I danced for many many years which is considered a high intensity activity and I never actually lost a pound...just maintained it. Do you have a pedometer? I would suggest getting one and try getting your steps between 10,000 to 12,000 a day. That also helps.

Don't be discouraged hon....remember that gradual weight loss (even with a slow start) is more likely going to help you actually keep it off.

 

[PrincessTori]

Thanks so much for taking the time to post. I'll follow your advise and pick up a pedometer to see just how many steps I'm taking in a day.

 

[Mickeefan]

Hi!

After reading your post, I feel like I'm in the same boat. I've been doing Weight Watchers for about 3 weeks and started exercising (treadmill & weights at a local fitness club) 2 weeks ago. Well, my weight on my CHEAP scale at home is staying the same. I am trying very hard not to get discouraged, but . . . I know I can do this. I've lost and gained an entire person over my lifetime. I really want to lose between 40 & 50 pounds before my October trip.

Coming to this site and reading all the posts with support and encouragement should help with my attitude.

 

[Purrrrfecta]

Well keep on keeping on!!!

When I started in January, I gained weight before I started losing weight. I went to my doctor's office, and I thought I was going to try. I knew that it was impossible to be gaining that much weight so I realized it was water weight do to my monthly cycle. DON'T GET DISCOURAGED! YOU CAN DO IT!
Your body will get into the burning mode, and the weight will start to drop off. Make sure you are not consuming too many carbs a day if your body is insulin resistant.If you are insulin resistant you can do is walk or move for at least twenty minutes after you eat. This helps your blood sugar levels.

This is what I have decided to do:

Write down everything I eat count both carbs and calories. Even if it is a bite of someone else's food!
Journal my exercise and minutes
Keep an emotional diary so I can understand why I have certain cravings at diffferent times.
Keep a close check of my blood sugar levels using a monitor especially after I exercise ( I have diabetes.)

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I thought I would offer my encouragement. Keep at it. Your body is seeming to resist this change and it is holding out for the time being. Keep at it.

I might suggest if it is possible to split any of your 3 meals in half and have a part of it then a couple of hours have the rest. This may help a bit.

Don't forget your water too. It is quite important to have the water, exercise and the healthy food choices. Keep at it you can do it.