Where have I gone wrong with losing weight?

[cantloseweight]

I’m 21 stone 13, was 22 stone 8 on December 31st . I have changed diet dramatically on GP’s advice, eat a strict calorie count of no more than 2000 calories a day .

I don’t eat biscuits, processed meat, sweets, cake, desserts, cheese, ice cream, pizza etc. I’ve cut my portions in half, only drink water . Walk at least 5000 steps at least a day.

Instead of losing weight I’m stuck at 21:13 and have been for a month now . Weigh myself every single day and just stuck there .

I’m taking mirtazapine which GP/MH team have warned will make it very very hard to lose weight but said have to try anyway, and I’ve also got PCOS .

I’m so fed up and wondering why I am still making so much effort when it’s not benefiting me at all !

I personally think that 2000 calories is alot. Try 1500 a day for a month. I watch my 600lb life, the doctor always puts them on 500 calories a day for maximum weight loss.

Upping your activity levels might help. 5,000 steps is good if you've previously been inactive but guidance tends to suggest aiming for 10,000 a day. In many areas of the country GP's can refer people to guided exercise programmes. It may be worth going to see your GP to discuss this and possibly a change to your medication.

I have PCOS too. The only way I lose weight is to drastically cut carbs and sugar. I try not to eat anything with more than 10g carb per 100g, and 5g of sugar. I am pre diabetic and this was why I started eating like this. The side effect was weight loss.

The way to up your protein intake is to base every meal and snack around protein. For example, I eat turkey rashers, scrambled eggs (one egg, one egg white) and broccoli every morning. Then maybe chicken and salad for lunch, then maybe meat and vegetables for tea. Then two snacks based on protein...so protein yoghurt, nuts, protein bar, peanut butter and apple, etc. All the veg is carbs so I don't need to add pasta, potatoes or bread, veg provide more than sufficient carbs. If you eat a high protein diet, your body will make whatever carbs it needs by breaking down the protein molecules. Your body will be fuller for longer and has protein ready and waiting to help build muscle (the best fat burner). My diet when trying to lose weight is 50% protein, 25% carbs, 25% fat. But even if you aim for 40% protein, it will have a drastic impact.

It's great that you're eating much healthier foods - I'm sure your insides thank you, even if it isn't showing on the outside yet!

Are you definitely sticking to that 2,000 calories though? A sensible portion of some healthy foods are sadly so much smaller than you might think! Unless you are actually weighing everything you eat you may still be eating too much to lose any weight.

I had it calculated for myself and am supposed to be able to eat 1800 calories to maintain. If i go over 1300-1400ish for over a week, my weight starts creeping up. I need to stick to 1200 or under to lose weight. Im at a normal weight now and eating around 1300 calories. I run 10km 2x a week and i do weight training 1-2x a week additionally.

So i would say more exercise, less calories.

Make sure at least a third of any plate or bowl of food contains veggies or fruit.

Cereal and fruit (a third should be fruit)
Spaghetti bol, fill a third of your plate with veg
Curry and rice plus a third of your plate veg

Agreeing with others that carbs are the enemy, I have PCOS and got gestational diabetes when finally became pregnant. I am not diabetic now but do have sugar intolerance and just can't eat carbs and lose weight.

Unfortunately all the things I like pretty much are carbs so it's hard but if I want to lose, which I do, then I have to cut carbs down as far as I can and stick to lots of protein, veg that grows above ground and fats.

Did this successfully while TTC and lost 4 stone in a year and a half, have put a couple of stone back on since pregnancy 5 years ago and now back on the weight loss journey.

@cantloseweight How you getting on? Honestly, these dark, wet months are the absolute hardest. If you can just keep at it every day you will make a difference. Sending virtual encouragement.

Could you afford WW online or anything like that? Sometimes it's easier to count points than calories, and it is more about healthy eating habits for life now. There is a lot of support on Weight Loss threads on here, and also groups on Facebook and so on.

Hi how are you getting on op?