12-11-03, 01:36 PM | |
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Sunny California
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There are a couple of possibilities. You may have replaced fat with muscle so even tho' your weight is the same, you are more fit.
You can get callipers or an Omron fat monitor on e-bay to check your fat percentage. Another possibility is that you may be over exercising causing your body to hold onto fat in self defense. If you work too hard, your body burns sugar, not fat. How intense you should be working depends on a number of factors so even if you think you are not over exercising, you may be for your age, type etc. Two good books to read about this are "Smart Exercise" by Dr. Covert Bailey and "The Maffetone Method" by Dr. Philip Maffetone. You can also check out the low-intensity "Check-in" for good info and articles at: http://205.214.68.83/vbulletin/showt...hreadid=40616/ Last but not least, stay in touch with those who are also in a healthy program so you don't feel alone. There's a weight loss forum with some really good people at: http://forums.about.com/n/nav/start....=ab-weightloss and another exercise forum at : http://forums.about.com/n/nav/start....ise&redirCnt=1 Good luck, Nancy |
12-11-03, 01:40 PM | |
Exchange Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Western NY
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Hi Beth--I'm a Beth also, and I hope I can help.
First of all, I want to say that you're entitled to some discouragement--what a tough year you've had! I'm sorry to hear about your difficult pregnancy and the sad ending it came to. I've never been pregnant, but it must be so hard to have all that excitement and hope and then to be so monumentally disappointed; I really feel for you and can understand why you'd be so down. That being said, I can't help but to be impressed with your continued dedication to your fitness goals. Although I'm not in the same boat as you--my weight is on the high end of normal--I can certainly understand your frustration with the scale not reflecting all of your hard work. Over the past my month, I've been exercising harder and more consistently than I EVER have in my LIFE, but the scale hasn't moved a bit--all I'm asking for is a pound or two! Anyway, I've found that hanging out around these boards is a great way to stay motivated to work out even when I'm not seeing results. Do you belong to a checkin? I've found that this helps. Also, I recently created a 2-week rotation based on all of my videos, and this helps me stay motivated as well; I feel more obligated to do a particular workout if it's on my schedule for that day. You said that you do a lot of cardio and strength--have you considered trying an alternate form of fitness such as yoga? I'm doing much more yoga now than I was before--it hasn't helped my weight, but it hasn't hurt it either, and at least I'm enjoying my exercise more; I find that I get satisfaction from my yoga achievements that I don't get from my other types of exercise. Yoga Conditioning for Weight Loss is a great place to start. I love how it shows women of several different sizes doing the program--in fact, one of the larger women is also one of the most flexible. Finally, I would recommend getting all the support you can--here, from family, going to a group like Weight Watchers, whatever--you don't have to do this alone! Take care, Beth |
12-11-03, 01:40 PM | |
VF Supporter
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Utah
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Beth,
I'm glad you recognized the positive things that a good diet and exercise has done for your body. You had a tough year and I read that stress can cause the body to retain weight (defense mechanism). You might consider having your thyroid checked too. Hang in there and keep remembering all the wonderful things you've accomplished so far. I wish you luck. I turned 40 this year too. It's really just a number. There are lots of VFers in their 50's or older that are still going strong. Helen |
12-11-03, 01:41 PM | |
VF Supporter
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: oklahoma
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You had a hard year - a difficult pregnancy then a miscarriage! That's very painful. But despite that you are moving forward - congratulations to you! I know you are frustrated that you haven't lost weight, but your exercise program may be why you've been able to move forward, keeping you from a downward spiral that happens to many after a miscarriage. After a year like this, most people would have gained weight, you haven't - that's a postive as well.
It can be very difficult to lose weight after a miscarriage - your hormones can take a long time to return to normal. Also, could the medication be impacting your weight loss goals? You've achieved alot of fitness goals this year (a 5k), don't let being too focused on weight keep you from more achievements in the future. You know this, but focus on all the benefits you are getting from exercise - mental and physcial - as a way to keep with your fitness goals. Hang in there, I wasn't too happy about my 40th either but it's just chronological age! - Terrie |
12-11-03, 01:52 PM | |
VF Supporter
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Connecticut
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Hey Beth,
I too have been very impressed with your energy and drive to succeed. I really like to hear your posts in our checkins and you motivate me! It took me several years to tackle my weight loss and I too started with running. I am 44 so I can relate to you in that as well. I have maintained my weight loss for about 3 years. I started trying to lose in 1996. So it took quite a while. The other thing about hitting the 40's is that your metabolism slows down (so unfair). I also agree that you may have an underlying health issue. I was put on synthroid and that has also helped me quite a bit. There is one more thing that causes me not to lose weight even when trying and that is STRESS. I had a job that I hated and was miserable at. Once I admitted that I could not "survive and presevere" at that place, I decided to enhance my own health in order to be healthier at the next job. I lost 25 pounds there before the job ended. The last 35 pounds came off where I have now worked for about 7 years. I have also found that some exercise is better than other types for myself (my latest fling with Slim Series, pilates, yoga and spinning has worked the best in a long time). I have also noticed that my eating habits, (I had to work on eating regularly, every 3 to 4 hours and breakfast is necessary to maintain my blood sugar levels) have assisted me in weight loss efforts. Perhaps doing a food diary of everything you eat would shed the light on a few changes you might make. Please hang in there. You have made such great progress with your blood pressure, consistency (which is an amazing feat) and you are in the best shape of your life and soon to be even better! Besides, I would miss you! I am so sorry about your miscarriage. Thanks for helping me out with your positive vibes and well wishes! Sheila C. |
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