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2003/08/04, 10:43 AM
For a few years now I have been changing what I eat so that by now, I don't have a problem with cravings or binges anymore - I find I don't even want junk food. I will be 45 this month, I eat frequent small meals, (I don't have a large capacity for food and don't like feeling stuffed) have switched to whole grain everything, increased the 'good' fats and omega three stuff and increased my intake of protein - I've even learned to like cottage cheese :) - though I"m sure I need more protein.
About six months ago I leared how important weights are, so I added those using an at home routine with dumbells I got from this site and a few others. I also walk a few times a week and use a stair machine when the weather is bad.
I can feel the new muscle underneath all the fat (I'm still carrying 25 pounds left from my last pg) but the fat isn't going *anywhere*. I"m also not feeling any 'fitter' . I still get winded when I walk uphill (everyone leaves me in the dust - and they never exercise!) and I still can't carry my three year old son for any longer than I could before I started lifting.
Thanks for any help you can give me. I knew the increased muscle would mask fat loss at first, but after 5 months I thought I'd start to see some fat loss or decrease in size - I'm so tired of seeing no progress.
CJ
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2003/08/04, 11:13 AM
A couple of things, one is exactly what is your diet?, Another what is your raining program like post that info so we can better help!!!
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Eat More, Drink More, and Lift Harder than you thought you could, welcome to Becoming!
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2003/08/04, 12:00 PM
It could be that as Mutt asked you, how is your diet? See, if you cut out all junk, this is good, but you also state you don't have a large capacity for food. It is quite possible that you cut your calories to a point where metabolism has slowed appreciably, thus stalling any weight loss. As you may or may not know, your bodily instinct is survival. When it feels not enough calories are being consumed to regulate all metabolic functions, and just survive, it goes into fat storage mode and actually stores fat. An increase in calories may be in order. I know that may sound weird, but the RIGHT calories will actually aid you in your fat war. Without knowing more about you, this is an educated guess.
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Great people never want it easier, they just want to be better!
Ron
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2003/08/08, 04:53 AM
Thanks for answering my post.
What you suggest is what I have been wondering about. I never go hungry and, although I am not as strict as many I've read about, I have been increasing protein and decreasing refined carbs and 'bad' fats. It's a work in progress though, but it's getting there. And thinking about it honestly, there are a few places that need more work than others. I recently calculated the amont of food I was eating to check my progress though, and it comes up short in protein (I"m going to go the suppliment route now) and only about 1700-1800 calories. So, from what I understand, it sounds like those two things may be where I am losing the 'war'
My exercise schedule is a whole body routine with dumbells two days a week and 20-30 minutes on the stair machine at least 4 times a week as well as bicycle rides and long walks (min 2 miles) pushing a stroller whenever it fits in with my schedule. I have no access to a gym or bigger equipment at this time because of things going on, so this is what I have to work with. I should say this 'was' my schedule. I got so fed up seeing no progress I haven't done much of anything in a couple of weeks now.
I am happy with slow, steady progress as long as there is progress, and I'm not looking to impress anyone. I just want to be a stronger, healthier 'me'.
So, I'm here to learn. With my limitations on equipment what changes should I make to my exercise? And, what would a good level of calories and p/f/c ratio look like for me? Should I really be eating when I'm not hungry?
Thanks for any help you can give me
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