Only 3 months to go and nothing is helping!! Advice would be appreciated!!

lturpyn

Soo... I'm frustrated.  And I would really appreciate some advice.

Some background info:  I'm 26, 5'3, and about 160 lbs.  I bought my wedding dress TOO small in February (intentionally) determined to lose the weight and fit into my dress.  3 years ago, I changed my lifestyle/eating habits to include LOTS of fruits and veggies, and started working out regularly (4 - 5 times a week).  I rapidly lost over 30 pounds and kept it off for just over a year...

I got a new job that means I'm out of bed at 6am and not home in the evening until 6:30pm.  I hate working out on a full stomach (or generally anytime after I've recently eaten a meal) and since I was hungry when I came home from work, I gradually stopped working out regularly (only 1 x a week) and my eating habits regressed.

Since January of this year, I figured, hey, I did it before... it should be easy.  NOT!  I've tried almost everything I can think of and haven't lost a single pound (and only 1.5 inches) in the last 6 months.  My wedding is 3 months away, my dress still doesn't fit, and I'm getting a little desperate.

So here's a snapshot of my typical day.  If someone has any advice on things I could change that might help with losing weight, I would LOVE to hear it!
-- I wake up and spend about 5 - 10 minutes doing crunches (in intervals of 30 - rest- 30- rest, etc).
-- I drive to work and eat an apple and orange around 9:30/10am (breakfast)
-- Snack on some other fruit (strawberries, melon, mango, grapes, etc) around 11:30
-- Eat lunch at 12:30/1 (this I alternate between cereal-- Special K-- or mixed salad with no dressing)
-- Some afternoons I'll have fat free/low fat yogurt
-- Home from work at 5-ish, 45min - 1 hr on the elliptical, either interval training or a steady but fast pace
-- Dinner around 6:00pm (some type of grilled or baked meat, with something starchy--whole grain pasta, rice, or potatoes, and some sort of veggie)

A few times a week I lift some light weights after the cardio.  I'm working out again an average of 5 times a week, I drink as much water as I feel able (up to about 6 glasses a day-- which is a BIG improvement for me) and I only drink sodas etc in the weekend.  A (body building) colleague of mine suggested that I might need more protein, so I've also started making egg white omlettes w/veggies and bringing those with me for lunch on some days.  I've been doing this nearly every week since the end of February, and aside from a bit of general slimming (1 - 2 inches) I haven't lost a SINGLE pound!  I'm feeling so frustrated!  I feel like I'm putting a lot of effort into this, and I intentionally started a good 8-months before my wedding, expecting to lose weight like I did the last time, but I'm not getting ANY results.

Sorry for the long rant... but if anyone has ANY advice I would greatly appreciate it.

Kate504

I just really read the diet part but.....

try to add more protein at breakfast. like the apple with a piece of toast with peanut butter, oatmeal, or boiled egg.

lunch - also add some protein to the salad and i'm sure that the cereal does not hold you and you get hungry. so you need to eat more protein.

Also if all you are eatting is fruit and some cereal thoughout the day are you sure there isn't some hidden snacking going on when you get home? I'd be starving if all i ate was an apple, cereal and yogurt in a 12 hour day. I'd get home and eat everything in the house! So you may consider eatting a more balaced diet thorought the day instead of hoarding your calories until the end of the day. You may not even be eatting enough calories.

try a site like livestrong.com
caloriesperhour.com

Laur0813

Right off the bat it looks like your daily meals go from smallest to largest.  It should be the other way around.  you should be taking in the most calories early on.  I think this holds true with carbs as well.  more carbs early in the day, getting less and less with each meal.  you said you allowed soda for yourself on weekends.. i have found with myself that a bad weekend can completely offset a whole week of working out. i would try to keep that routine for the weekends too, so you arent sabotaging yourself.  Measure your foods, make sure your portions are right.  Try HIIT; intervals so you keep your body working hard.  thats all i got..

steffydolly

Like the others mentioned, you should incorporate more protein. Also, when you eat fruits and veggies your body needs a small amount of good fats in order for your body to process the nutrients. You can add in almonds, peanut butter, etc. and that should help. Also, make sure you are eating enough calories, otherwise your body will go into starvation mode.

Finally, I understand not liking to work out while full, but you could go on a walk with your FI or a friend after dinner and it probably won't feel like you are working out. You really should aim to be active for 30 minutes each day and walking seems like a relatively easy way to do that.

Good luck!

raynes

Ok, I'm going to tackle this in stages so it stays somewhat coherent.

Food:
I don't think you're eating enough, or at least not enough of the right things.  You definitely need more protein in your diet.  All I see there is carbs (fruits, due to their high sugar content, are carbs!) and not enough fat.   Dietary fat =/= fat on your thighs.  Our bodies need good fats in order to function properly.

My suggestions: eat breakfast much earlier.  You're not eating for 3.5-4hrs after you get out of bed.  You need to get your metabolism moving as soon as possible.  One of the books I've been reading suggests eating breakfast within 15 minutes of waking.  IMO, that's a bit early, but definitely eat before you leave work.  I'm outta bed at 5:30am and finish breakfast before 6:45 each morning.  Aim for something with protien, fats and carbs.  I do a shake w/ a banana, protein powder, skim milk and natural PB.  Very filling and quick.  Your egg white omlette would be great too, but include at least 1 yolk for some healthy fat. 

Also, get rid of the Special K for lunch.  That's not lunch.  Not even close.  And if you're going to have a salad, make sure there's protein on it.  A grilled chicken breast, half a can of tuna, some tofu, 2 hard boiled eggs, anything.  And dressing isn't evil.  Make your own.  Throw some EVOO, balsamic and some dijon in a jar, shake shake shake, BAM, salad dressing. 

Fruits.  Fruits are good things, but too much fruit may slow weight loss.  Melon is pretty nutritionally void, so I'd drop it.  As a way to make your snacks better, add in a handful of nuts or a string cheese with the fruit.  Again, to add protein.

Exercise wise, look at the threads from the last few days on HIIT.  You'd be much better suited with some really ass kicking intervals for 20 mins than an hour slogging away at a steady state.  And stop with the plastic covered dumbbells, 5-8 lbs does you no good, at all.  Muscle is metabolically active tissue (it burns calories at rest) and to build muscle you need to challenge youself.  5 lbs aint gonna do it.  I've got some suggestions for where to look for good training programs with real weights if you're interested.

In the end, you should start tracking your calories.  Use a free site like SparkPeople or MyPlate (through Livestrong.com, my recommendation). 

ETA: A few things I forgot to add! 

Re: working out when full.  I love sleeping.  It's not that I'm not a morning person, but there's no way I'm getting up at 4-4:30 am to get in a workout in the morning, so, I workout after work.   I make sure to have a healthy snack with protien and fats around 3:30-4pm and then workout at the gym when I get home, usually 5:30-6pm.  Then dinner happens when I get home, some nights we don't eat until 8:30.  If you don't like working out while full, don't.  Have a small snack a few hours before then eat after.

Re: your dress.  How "too small" is it?  Is it realistic that you can get into it in 3 months?  You may want to have a back-up plan in case.

OliviaBerg

Do not get down on yourself!!!  Losing weight is extremely difficult, especially for women.  Your plan so far looks great!  Something that is really helping me is adding weight training to my routine.  Instead of using 3-5 pound weights I'm using 10-12 pound weights while doing lunges, squats, dead-lifts, etc.

3 months is plenty of time to get toned for your big day and staying positive will only help you.  I found this helpful video with some great tips about getting toned before a wedding, try some of the tips!

http://www.howcast.com/videos/8013-How-To-Be-a-Buff-Bride
Cheers!
Olivia

[Deleted User]

I would suggest getting rid of the soda. Lots of sugar! If you want to lose weight cut the sugar. Not drinking as much alcohol will help as well (if you drink alcohol).

meghanfeller

i had the exact same problem as you! i was running on a treadmill every day for about 30 minutes and followed that with some weight training on gym machines, and i never saw any improvement.

i started that Insanity program from beach body, and i'm feeling so much better 3 weeks in! look in to programs that offer higher-intensity intervals and things like that. you'd be shocked at what a difference it makes. I strongly suggest checking out workout videos; i personally love the structure of a workout video, because you end up pushing yourself harder than if you're just going through the motions on an elliptical. good luck!!

mjjlaw2001

I agree with Meghan.  You should look into changing your workout routine with something that has highly intense intervals like TurboFire or Insanity.  I use TurboFire which has short bursts of intensity as opposed to Insanity which uses longer intense intervals.  I also drink alot of water, it keeps me full, flushes toxins and helps with my metabolism.  I do between 12-16 glasses a day.  Get a big water bottle, I use 32 oz and refill it 3-4 times a day.  It helps.  I also drink room temperature water.  When its too cold I can't drink it.  I also drink crystal light, or diet snapple, or carbonated flavored water if I need something with taste.  No soda because it makes your retain water and you will be bloated I promise, that derails your efforts.  Believe it or not your weekend splurges can sabotage your weekly losses so be careful.  Have a cheat meal not a cheat weekend.  I also count my calories on sparkpeople.com.  Its free and when you log what you are eating you know what you can and cannot have.  If you are not eating enough calories you will not lose and if you eat too many calories you will gain. 

I hope this helps.  Email me if you need any more advice or support. Email me at monisfitclub10@gmail.com.

Monisha

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

I agree with everything Raynes said. Eat something more substantial for breakfast. Eggs on an english muffin, a hard boiled egg with almonds and berries, or some greek yogurt with fiber cereal mixed in.

For lunch, add some cottage cheese or lean protein to your salads. A splash of vinegar and olive oil are helpful - many vitamins are fat soluable, so you NEED fat in your diet to aid in digestion.

Shift your eating so you can go to the gym after work. I used to get home just after 6 and start dinner so we could eat at 7. Now I got to they gym after work and get home around 7 or 7:30, so we eat at 8 or 8:30. I just shift my meals around and/or have an extra snack. No biggie. Also, track your calories. You need to make sure you're getting enough, but also that you aren't going over accidentally. A few things here and there make the difference.

If you've been doing elliptical for 5 months and it isn't helping, do something else! It's obviously not intense enough for you. Switch up your workout.

meghanfeller

In Response to Re: Only 3 months to go and nothing is helping!! Advice would be appreciated!!:
[QUOTE  I also drink room temperature water.  When its too cold I can't drink it.[/QUOTE]

Fun fact: drinking cold water is actually better than room temp- this is a little excerpt from a beach body newsletter article that i read.

"Almost every nutritionist will recommend drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day, but did you know that if you drink ice water versus room-temperature water, your body will burn an extra 9 calories per glass? Drinking room-temperature water can burn about 16 calories per glass—that's 25 calories per glass for ice water. So, eight glasses of cool water a day can be responsible for burning 200 calories! Plus, water is necessary for all of your bodily processes, including the ones that control your metabolism. If you're underhydrated, your body will underperform. Water also flushes out fat deposits and toxins, which can hamper your energy."

just throwing that out there!

Knot Annie

Just want to hop on to say that I am so impressed by all of the great advice here. Thank you all!

KA

JenO24

I've been doing weight watchers since March...not paying for it but following their methods and from mid march to today I've lost 20Ibs and thats WITHOUT extra exercise and splurging some now and then during the week.  It's about doing a life style change not just a diet.  I have just over 2 months to go before my wedding and cant wait to see how much else I lose.  I would have been happy to lose whatever, but am estatic w/ losing 20Ibs.  Protein, veggies, fruit, and not overdosing essentially on carbs is what did it for me! 

aprilhaynes

I totally agree with the suggestions of ramping up the intensity of what you do, workout-wise.

I also agree that you are not getting enough water in your system.

My hunch is that you are taking in more calories than you realize. Yes, get more protein, but track those calories to make sure that you are creating the calorie deficit you need to incinerate the pounds.

caseyeverhart

I don't think you're eating enough calories.  Your body may think you're 'starving yourself' and has sort of gone into storage mode.

I lost 80 lbs. my freshman year in college, went on a "diet break" and then when I started back could not lose a pound.  This included me jogging 6 miles a day, eating extremely healthy and no alcohol.  I ended up going to see an RD at school with my food journal and everything, she told me I needed to eat more good calories to supply my body with energy. 

I would try that out...and more protein   good luck!

lharri12

Looks like you're getting too many carbs (fruit, cereal, yogurt, pasta, rice, potatoes, etc.).  This was my problem, too, and it took me several months of not losing weight to figure it out.  In addition to egg and veggie omelettes, something easy to keep on hand is nuts, such as almonds.  I will eat these for breakfast a few days a week, and it's nice to have around for snacking because they're crunchy, flavorful, and keep you feeling full.  Pay close attention to the nuts you buy because most of them have added ingredients that add calories and carbs.  Try to get ones that are PLAIN.
Also, I don't think you mentioned alcohol, but this can pack on the pounds as well.  Good luck!
Edit: Remember that it's easier to cut calories out of your diet than it is to work off the calories in the gym.

eshevenell

You've gotten a ton of good advice on this post - definitely follow it!

As a former personal trainer and nutrition fiend, here's my two cents:
-Definitely eat breakfast earlier, and add protein and whole wheat carbs.  Make sure it says "100% whole wheat," not just whole grain.  Studies show that women who eat breakfast within an hour of waking up have a higher rate of metabolism than women who don't.
-The bulk of your food comes at night, especially if you're eating pasta, rice, etc.  I'm not a big fan of a low carb diet, because you really should aim for balance, but if I were you, I'd eat a low fat protein (grilled chicken, salmon, etc.) and a salad or lots of veggies with dinner.  Aim for colorful veggies.  Get your carbs earlier in the day, and make sure they're whole grain.
-Try to get some more calcium.  Studies also show that women who eat yogurt/drink milk tend to have slimmer waistlines than women who don't.  Yogurt is a good source of calcium, carbs, and protein.  My typical breakfast is a yogurt parfait with plain, low fat yogurt, raspberries, granola, and honey.

On the workout side, the interval training recommendations here are really good.  I am not a fan of the elliptical machine, because it can fool you into thinking you're working hard when you're not.  I'm a runner, which I love because you can't kid yourself if you're not working hard.  Try mixing up your cardio - it sounds like you're a gym member - use the bike, the stairmaster, and the treadmill.  The stairmaster is a fantastic workout.  You can do multiple machines in one day to keep you interested and working hard.

Keep up the weight lifting (weight lifting increases your metabolism for more hours post workout than cardio does, and muscle burns more calories while resting than fat).  Follow the guidelines here and increase the weights you're using, or do a lot more reps with the lighter weights.  Try some machines, and some cross training classes at the gym.  Kickboxing is a great workout.  You may even be able to find a 'bridal bootcamp' through a gym in your area.  Mixing up your workouts will challenge your body and keep you interested.

I think that's all!  In case you or other knotties are interested in other fitness tips, check out my running blog: www.therunnerspot.blogspot.com or my friend Tiff's fitness blog, www.justforthefitofit.blogspot.com.

Good luck!  Sounds like you're on the right track, just needs a little tweaking!

loving2011

I don't have any great advice to add, just wanted to say DON'T GIVE UP! You can do it! 

Also- thank you to everyone who posted! It was the most helpful post I have read. I am getting married in 13 months, and want to drop some pounds and tone up.  All this advice is wonderful and very helpful!

golden1215

Everything raynes said.

Also, I know it's not a long term solution, but Atkins has worked very well for me.  I work out w/ a trainer a lot but in 4 months I've lost 40 lbs and gone down 2 pants sizes.  Or, if you love fruit, try South Beach and def do some Jillian Michals or 10 Minute Trainer type stuff, the eliptical gives girls a false sense of work out accomplishment!

legriffin

There's this new bridal fitness DVD - Bridalicious Boot Camp "Size Down Your Gown in 90 Days". I do the live boot camps in Dallas and they are great! Toning already...check it out at www.bridalbodyclub.com.

ElleestJenn

Pretty much everything I would have said has already been said. You need to eat breakfast earlier. I'm a grazer so I don't eat three big meals a day, I eat about five to six meals with the earlier and middle meals being bigger. But when I talk about bigger I'm saying a piece of fruit, string cheese and a sandwich, without all that junk on it. From you what you said I was starving just thinking about your diet. You need more calories. Are you by chance tired more than normal. That can happen when you body doesn't have the proper nutrition. 

Like pp have said you need change your workout. Your body is use to your workout and needs a new challenge. Good luck. 

PeonyPrincesskdd

Wow you were given a lot of great advice and if you just push yourself and follow it, you will get to your goal.  Don't miss any workouts (or try not to) and don't splurge at all on the weekends.  You are allowed one cheat meal per week, not a whole cheat weekend.

Change your diet def.  It seems that your diet is your downfall.  You think you are eating healthy but all the fruit has a ton of natural sugar in it, so you gotta cut down a little bit.

Follow all the diet advice you were giving.  A salad at lunch is not a meal.  Add the chicken or some cheese.  A little protein can make a big difference. 

Also at dinner, watch the carbs.  Have the carbs for breakfast such as a fiber rich cereal or a whole wheat english muffin with eggs.

Work out wise, you gotta do something different to really kick it up. 

gigit54

I'm sure it's a bit overwhelming to get so much advice, and it sounds like everyone has great tips for you.  Just to add on to what everyone else has said, I absolutely love Special K cereal for lunch and pasta, or some type of starch, for dinner.  But, neither of those filled me up and kept me full  during the day.

 I couldn't totally give up the tastes, so I found a couple good substitutes-- I would recommend substituting 1/2 a cup of plain oatmeal with a bit of cinnamon (plain, not cinnamon sugar) for the cereal.  Also, instead of regular pasta, try using Tofu Shirataki noodles. You can find them in the refridgerated section of the grocery store, and if you eat a whole bag then it's only 35 calories! They smell bad when you open the bag, but if you rinse them and microwave them, then they are actually really good!

Good luck!

PeonyPrincesskdd

Let us know about your success you have.  If you lose a lb or 2, that is good progress and we want to know! lol because it's a good sign when you lose a lb or 2 because that means what you are doing is working and if you keep doing it, you will lose more

Maureen679

I do not think you are eating enough.  I work with a personal trainer and had the same problem.  He said I was not eating enough which puts your body into starvation mood and stores fat instead of getting rid of it.  I would suggest www.livestrong.com/">www.livestrong.com, it is a free site.  You tell it your weight, height, daily workout level and how much you would like to lose per week it will then tell you how many calories per day you should have.  From there you track each day your food and exercise.    GOOD LUCK!

PeonyPrincesskdd

wait I forgot the mention that weight flucuations on the scale are not always accurate though.  Sometimes if you think you lost some weight, it can  just be water weight and sometimes if you gain weight it can be muscle and not fat. so don't always trust the scale and more so judge the way your clothes fit and how many inches you lost around target areas such as waist and hips.

hgtvnut63

Try Herbalife!!!  I've lost 10 pounds and two of my friends lost 50 pounds each over a five month period.  Make sure you are eating low fat and good carbs for your one meal and replace two meals with a shake.  One day do some cardio and the next some weights.  walk and pick up some free weights.  Hope this helps!!!

jekkalynn

I would reccomend looking into the south beach diet. my wedding is two months away and it has worked WONDERS for me. good luck.

raynes

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_only-3-months-nothing-helping-advice-would-appreciated?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:238Discussion:4718b860-59dc-439a-aa16-ba1431a944a5Post:0f37945b-3aab-4385-b219-4d711e5a9ef0">Re: Only 3 months to go and nothing is helping!! Advice would be appreciated!!</a>:
[QUOTE]Try Herbalife!!!  I've lost 10 pounds and two of my friends lost 50 pounds each over a five month period.  Make sure you are eating low fat and good carbs for your one meal and replace two meals with a shake.  One day do some cardio and the next some weights.  walk and pick up some free weights.  Hope this helps!!!
Posted by hgtvnut63[/QUOTE]

Yeah, don't do that.

Jax333

P90X abripper is a 16 minute intense ab video.  Get it and do that you will see immediate results....soooooo worth it.  Also Jillian Michaels 30 day shred workout DVDs are 20 minutes, hard core but immediate results as well.  You have to sweat alot during your workout, push yourself with minimal or very brief resting.  You should feel your muscles being worked during a workout.  Elliptical for an hour is wayyyyy too long/pointless.  Have a positive attitude and act as if youve already lost the weight and the rocking body you want...that confidence will be incorporated into your workout.  You CAN do it! 

Jax333

One more thing.  Get off the scale.  Go by the way your clothes fit and the way you feel numbers F*ck with your head.  Nobody ever looks like they weight as much as they do!