What else can I do to shift this weight?

[crosser62]

I follow plant based diet, vegan really for the last 8 weeks.
I also do the 5:2 been doing this for about a year.
Increased my walking, have step counter and I track on mfp.
I have lost 9lbs but for the last 3 weeks have not shifted anything else.
It's my bmi of 29 that bothers me.
I'm peri for sure, 48 and had some astonishing symptoms for about 18 months. Much much eased since starting my vegan journey.
What else can I do OR what am I doing wrong?
Desperate and fed up now.

Yoga.

Join a gym. I found in my 50s when l did that l lost inches more than lots of weight. More toned and everything fitted me better. But did lose weight too. Sometimes you have to shock your body by doing something different.
Also are you sure you are eating enough?

Yes eating enough, 1300 cals a day.
I think you may be right, exercising more may be the way to go.
Sigh.

Weight-baring exercise.
More protein.
Have a binge meal once a week to stop your body finding a plateau.

Ooh I like the sound of binge meal, I like that a lot 😄

It is so demoralising this weight gain thing. Honestly sympathise with you totally! I have gained around 4lbs for no reason at all (seemingly) and it is proving impossible to shift. I have been physically active for around 4 years and have either lost or maintained weight. I feel so lardy and wobbly now and I don;t know which way to turn.

Give up any sugar that has no fiber....so no sugar in tea or coffee, no cake etc no matter what your calorie count is.

I've stopped drinking yea & coffee completely as I can't find a milk alternative.
Sugar is very much restricted and counted on mfp.

I follow a vegan diet. I also do the 5:2 I just can't cut out anything else or I will be living on sawdust and fresh air.

It is demoralising to be drastically restricting, counting, thinking about everything I eat and getting absolutely no where.
I do think that exercise is the only other thing I can without going mad.

My sugars come from fresh fruit and veg, nothing processed or added. Occasional dark chocolate squares, but that's about twice a week that's all.

Might it help to list your typical day's food ( not cheating!) so we can compare. Happy to add mine if you want to do this :)

If you are vegan, where is your protein from? Assume it's all beans and pulses (incl soy etc.) These are quite high carbs. Also, a lot of fruit is very high in sugar even if it's not processed. Bananas and grapes are the worst and dried fruit is lethal in terms of sugar and calories. I've got to drop below 1000K a day to lose weight but I am quite petite.

I was going to say eat more protein, and have you tried weight lifting? Oat bran has 17% protein and quinoa also high in protein.
Also testosterone supplements (gel) may help you build muscle.

Also, are you getting at least 8 hours sleep every night? Does your DP snore? If he does can you sleep in a more peaceful environment?
Cortisol increases if you are sleep deficient, and you cannot lose weight with sleep deprivation.

When you look at the scales think about muscle and your shape rather than kilos.
You need more muscle.

I’d try yoga as well, and Pilates, and also to-exhaustion-sprints /stair climbs for 30 seconds every day... you’ll think you’re dying or going to throw up, but you’ll be fine.