Frustrated...starting week 6...

[hms7280]

So I've increased my walking distance, stuck to no more than 1300 kcal daily, and I gain a kilo...am really frustrated...5 weeks to lose just 2.5 kilos just isn't right...did anyone here ever notice weight gain due to ovulation/premenstrual phases? and would it have such a significant effect?

[Penel]

Could be water retention, could be changes in metabolism caused by changes in hormones. It should be temporary.

The type of food you eat is as important as the calories. Make sure there's no hidden added sugar in your food, like low fat yoghurt or breakfast cereals. Avoid processed foods if you can.

Hope you can get back on track.

[hms7280 in reply to Penel]

Hi Penel...well, I did switch to low fat yoghurt...but I eat no more than about 50 grams of it when I do...and there are days when I have 30 grams of bran flakes for breakfast...you know, with all the counting I've been doing and label reading while shopping, I wonder what's left to safely eat!...

[Penel in reply to hms7280]

Surprisingly enough, eating full fat dairy has been shown to be better for weight loss than low fat.

newscientist.com/article/dn...

I like full fat Greek yoghurt, like Fage, with its higher protein content for breakfast sometimes, but usually have eggs.

Hope the counting doesn't drive you too crazy! I try to buy as much as possible that doesn't come with a label.

[Penel in reply to hms7280]

I realise I should have said "low fat flavoured yoghurts", plain yoghurts are obviously OK!

[goodnightirene7]

I too am on 5th week, lost 4 lbs in 4 weeks. It doesn't sound much but I have dropped a trouser size. You have lost over 5 lbs! I try, often unsuccessfully, to not go on the scales every day as my weight can vary by pounds from one day to the next. When I do go on the scales it is hard not to be disheartened but I'm determined to stay positive & hope for 12lbs off at the end of 12 weeks. Good luck well done for what you have lost!

[hms7280 in reply to goodnightirene7]

Thanks for the encouragement good luck to you too...I'm meant to lose a total of 15 kg, but I'll be happy if I manage 10 of them!

[tygridia]

During our cycle we tend to retain water and "put on weight". Last week I weighted myself one day before going to bed and then the day after just after waking up (I had just began my period), and I had apparently gained 4 pounds overnight. So don't worry, you're probably just swollen. Stick to your diet and the weight will go down soon enough.

Good luck!!!

[hms7280 in reply to tygridia]

Thanks yes, seems the ovulation was bloating me up...I'm down to 71.6 again...Hope I'll see 70.5 by next week!

[Zenette]

Don't despair: 2,5 kg in 5 weeks is not bad. The recommended rate to lose weight is 1/2 to 1 kg a week, so you are on target.

Is there any chance that you could be underestimating your calorie intake?

Keep going; it is all part of the process.

[hms7280 in reply to Zenette]

Hey Zenette well, sometimes I think I've gone obsessed with all the counting that I do...I note every bite into myfitnesspal...so I doubt I'm underestimating the intake...

How's it going for you?