Running but no weight loss!

[OneOfTheGrundys]

Hello! I joined my local social running club last September. I’m now running 6-8 k every other day in lockdown. It’s very hilly where we live so I’m pleased with this.
But. I’m still a size 16 and about 5”4. Eating same as before. What’s happening?
Am I getting fitter? Healthier? Is this worth it? 😭

Sleep is ok-I’m depressive too so it’s sometimes hard but since lockdown much better!!

More HIIT, fewer calories. Low carb works well. A lot of what are perceived to be healthier meals really aren't (pasta, sandwiches, jacket potatoes)

Try Nutracheck if you don't get on with MFP. And don't go too low with your calories, slow and steady weight loss is much better for you. Well done on the running.

Thank you!!
I’m doing about 8k every other day now and that’s up and down hills so I feel well exercised. (And dog walking every day too).
I don’t mind how I look but this extra weight isn’t healthy.
Thank you for being mega supportive and generous with your knowledge. ❤️

I'd also recommend searching for James Smith. Very sensible advice particularly on females and the impact of hormones. He has a book out called Not a Diet Book which is worth reading, it's a whole body approach, less stress, plenty of sleep.

@hamstersarse can you recommend any reading for the ideas you have posted. I’d be interested to know more.

I’ve downloaded Nutracheck and I prefer it to mfp.
My running buddy swears by noom but I’ve found the sign up process really frustrating and not at all straightforward as it kept dumping me out.

@Lobsterquadrille2

Really pleased to hear you’re walking and... eating well. Am I right in thinking you used to suffer badly in seriously restricting? So 2-3k is brilliant

Thanks to all the posters who have given advice about calorie deficits. I tracked my food intake religiously when I lost weight after my children and recently have been "guessing" although using the "Lose It" app too.

Now I log absolutely everything so that I don't go over 1k calories a day whilst also enjoying a glass of wine. I'm also low carbing and burning off between 200-400 calories a day (which I don't normally "eat"), with running / online workouts. Already I've dropped 2lbs which is great as I'm aiming for 2lbs a week and to lose 1 1/2 stone.

It might have been said but 80% of weightloss emanates from the kitchen. I know a couple of runners and whilst it's great that they love it etc, I'm not inspired by it purely because I'd hate to put that much time and effort in an still have their shape. They acknowledge that it does very little for their weight or overall shape

Also would add that even if you are not seeing much weight loss I think that regular runners have a runners bounce - I don’t know how to explain it but it’s like an energy someone gives off, a flow on their body.

For those asking about a book for understanding how weightloss is regulated by hormones eg. Insulin.

I would highly recommend Delay, Don't Deny by Gin Stephens

Although I may have not lost a great amount of weight running, I do run a lot.

It has changed my shape, I can feel, and see muscle, legs are leaner and I have dropped a dress size running.

It has taken 3 years though. It takes 30 miles or so to lose a pound solely through running.

Doing 8k every day will make a difference, it will take a while. All successful changes do though.

Thank you all so much.
Had a good 2 days food wise but have wobbled so far today due to general domestic stress 😬.

Same here - although my legs have noticeable more muscle and my tummy is flatter. Trying to tell myself the scales dont matter so much 😬