Slow metabolism - not losing weight - any ideas?

[Katisha]

I am in a pact with a friend to lose weight. We are low carbing and it is working fine for me, but not for her. She says she always has to starve and execrcise like mad to shift any weight. Has low blood pressure which seems to confirm the slower than usual metabolism thing.
Has anyone found a way of eating that would help her see some results without having to starve, as that can't be right.

I think she just needs to accept that it will take longer.

I lost 2 stone 6 years ago and it was hard work but do-able. The low carbing is a good idea. Tell her not to starve herself unless she wants to remain on a starvation diet for the rest of her life, as soon as she starts eating again the pounds will pile back on again!

I lost weight through ww I signed up to get the books but didn't bother going to any weigh ins. It took me about 7 months to lose 2 stone which may sound a long time but as I lost it steadily the weight stayed off which is the most important thing.

Good luck to you both!

exercise in the morning? It's supposed to kick start the metabolism so that you burn more during the day. Also, I think building up better muscle tone helps to burn more calories generally?

I'd suggest she keeps a food diary for a week. Make sure she writes absolutely everything down.

Also, invest in a heart rate monitor (they are not expensive) and aim to exercise for 30 mins 3 or 4 times a week at 60+% of her max heart rate.

If she really is exercising like made I'd be very surprised if her metabolism is slow. Depends of what kind of excersie and how long she excercises for.

Mad! Exercising like mad!

isn't it true that metabolism is a red herring for most people? Strict food and exercise diary might be a good idea to start with.

Not sure effie. i've heard so many conflicting opinions. my experience of running a lot was that I lost too much to be simple matter of calories in v calories out. For me there had to be another element.

THanks everyone - We are doing the food diary thing and are eating in a a very similar way but I am losing weight and she isn't.
As far as exercise goes she swims for quite long periods but maybe not all that regularly.
There does seem to be some sort of obstacle going on here.

RandonFlopsy is right. Get your friend t keep an honest food diary for a week. Food and Drink actually which is what I do with all my clients. If she writes down the following it will help determine where the problem lies:

1. What time she eats.
2. What she eats.
3. What quantity or how much. This is a tricky one as most people think a portion is way bigger than it actually is which is where the problem is for most. Using a serving spoon as a rough but easy guide helps. 1 slightly heaped serving spoon = 1 portion.
4. All snacks including the odd chocolate or biscuit
5. All fluid intake: water, alcohol, juices etc

Some people are shocked to find they do in fact eat a lot more than they think. Writing it down makes them more aware of whet goes into their bodies.

Sugar is one of the most detrimental macronutrients for weight loss. So controling portions sizes of simple sugars will make a huge difference to her efforts.

I hope this helps.

Green tea is supposed to help too, but I agree she's kidding herself as to how much she's eating, we all do it at times.