I'm stuck! Is it my age? Please help.

[cherryberrymum]

I been doing my fitness pal since November. I had a blip at Christmas. But since then I lost 1 stone 1 pound. I have been sticking to 1200 calories and drinking 2000ml water and maintaining average of 8000 steps a day.
I'm stuck. I have been good no cheating and for the last 3 weeks the scales haven't budged. In 5'6 and 14stone 10 so have plenty left to loose.
I'm flipping knackered so I just can't face exercise and I feel like an elephant.

Please help all advice welcome.

Your metabolism has likely adjusted to your lower body weight so are now burning fewer calories than you were before so your fitness and diet plan need adjusting to kick start again. The answer is to increase your calorie deficit by exercising and burning more calories or by reducing your calories more. That said, 1200 calories per day is incredibly low and your body has probably gone in to starvation mode. That would also explain why you're so tired and lack energy all the time which isn't healthy. I'd be eating more then you'll have more energy and hopefully be able to exercise more.

When I was 10.5st I was on a diet at 1500cals a day. With regular exercise the weight came off steadily and I was eating what I want at the weekend without counting.

You've done very well so far. It's only been three months. I lost 4 stone a few years ago but it took me 18 months. Keep at it. Good luck. Don't lose heart.

I went to my GP to have bloods done as my Pilates instructor was worried about the change in my energy levels. I'm hoping it comes back all clear.

I'll look at maybe increasing to 1500 this week and young the exercise too. See does that make a change. Thanks x

Your body generally gets used to its new regime so it's time to make a change. Exercise is the easiest way to do this and to be honest, 8000 steps a day is nothing. Exercise and more muscle makes your body more efficient at burning fat, but just need to get your heart rate up. If you really can't face the exercise, try changing what you eat, so swapping to low carb or no carb, intermittent fasting, less sugar.

1500 sounds better and less hard, if you do an exercise class burn the 300 as well would be equal anyway. Good luck.

Can I ask what's your typical day's food on 1200 calories? Have you a general guide to help me start.