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Eating right, Working out but NOT losing weight
I was wondering if ANYONE has any advice for me. I have been trying to lose about 5-10lbs over the last year. I am 31 years old , 4'8" and weigh 101 lbs. I used to weight between 89 and 94lbs at the most!
I am pretty atheltic. I ran a marathon a few years ago and shortly after that is when I gained the weight. I have been training for half marathons (I ran one in April 2006) so I have been keeping the cardio up with running 3-4 days during the week and then 5-10 miles on the weekends.
Recently I got so frustrated that I went to a dietitican. She claimed that I needed to rev up my workouts by doing interval training and then eating more protein and more times of the day.
For the last two months, I have been eating 5 times a day (about 1000-1200 calories) Each meal has protein and carbs and I get my 5 a day fruits and veggies.
I do cardio 5 days a week (3 days are interval training for 45 min--60 seconds at 65% target heart rate and 60 second 85% target heeart rate) The other 2 days of cardio are a 45 minute dance class and then a weekend long distance run that lasts between 1-2 hours. I also weight train 3 days a week. 1 days lower body and two days upper body.
My body fat has increased and my pants size has increased. Why can't I lose the weight or at least the body fat? Does anyone have advice for me?
I am pretty atheltic. I ran a marathon a few years ago and shortly after that is when I gained the weight. I have been training for half marathons (I ran one in April 2006) so I have been keeping the cardio up with running 3-4 days during the week and then 5-10 miles on the weekends.
Recently I got so frustrated that I went to a dietitican. She claimed that I needed to rev up my workouts by doing interval training and then eating more protein and more times of the day.
For the last two months, I have been eating 5 times a day (about 1000-1200 calories) Each meal has protein and carbs and I get my 5 a day fruits and veggies.
I do cardio 5 days a week (3 days are interval training for 45 min--60 seconds at 65% target heart rate and 60 second 85% target heeart rate) The other 2 days of cardio are a 45 minute dance class and then a weekend long distance run that lasts between 1-2 hours. I also weight train 3 days a week. 1 days lower body and two days upper body.
My body fat has increased and my pants size has increased. Why can't I lose the weight or at least the body fat? Does anyone have advice for me?
The rule of thumb in exercise is this. Exercising at a fast (aerobic)pace will burn fat, exercising slowly will build muscle. If you combine the two, weight is maintained. When a woman hits the age of 30, the body will gain about 5 pounds. This increase is due to the body beginning to shift hormonal balance. Women who exercise alot may begin peri-menopause as early as 30 where you experience some weight gain, mood swings, and changes in the period. Hormone production begins to shift from the ovaries to the fat cells. The need for more fat cells leads to the increase in weight around the middle. A blood test for hormone levels may be your answer.
A blood test to test what hormones? What kind of answers will I get? So by doing interval training it's causing me to maintain weight. Should I do 45min of cardio at 85 % of my target heart rate 5 days a week?
1 Comments
I have not idea why anybody is talking to you about your hormone levels.. the answer is clear...put quite simply... you are not eating enough calories and pushing your body into starvation mode... it will then hold onto every fat cell for dear life. I am not a health proffessional but I've managed to lose over 100lbs in the past 18months.
The blood test is for female hormones. This will show if you are entering a perimenopausal state. That is a pre-menopause that shows some body changing and hormones are now reduced. Based on the findings, the doctor (see and OBGYN)can tell you what to expect and suggest changes in lifestyle and diet that can help you along. If you are entering menopause, there is a possiblity you won't lose the extra weight and may have to learn to "live with it". It is a rare thing when a woman can go through life wearing the clothes she wore in high school. We naturally gain some poundage as we age. It is a 'rule of thumb' that women gain about a pound a year after the age of 30. Like all things, it varies with the individual. My personal ideas of exercises do not match the mainstream ideas of cardio/resp balance, so I won't comment on those exercise programs. You might try different exercises. When you exercise a muscle group in the same way all the time, the body can "get used" to the exercise. When you change the way you work the same muscle group, the body will often use more calories to do the same work because it isn't "used to" doing it that way. Try to vary your workout. Consider adding an exercise ball workout to work the legs and lower back. Do crunchies on the ball instead of the floor. Boxing is a good alternative to arm and shoulder workouts. Swim or bike instead of jogging. You get the idea. Watch what you eat, get rid of packaged processed foods and eat whole foods. Consider juicing. Get at least 20 minutes of sunshine without sunscreen each day. If you are worried about cancer, stay in the shade, go out in the early mornings or late in the day when the sun isn't so strong. good luck
Are you positive your body fat has increased and not your muscle mass? Muscle weighs more than fat, and it's possible that you have gained more muscle.
I had the calibers done and I went up 4%, even if there is a margin of error, it still increased my some amount. Also, I have a layer of fat on my tummy that I didn't have before and my pants size went up 1-2 sizes.
I have been eating non-processed food, only lean protiens, and healthy carbs. IT's about 1000-1200 per day.
I have been eating non-processed food, only lean protiens, and healthy carbs. IT's about 1000-1200 per day.
star queen, no offense but it sounds like you are mostly uninformed. I am a Registered Dietitian and ACE Certified personal trainer and the main recommendation that I have to "little1sk" is centered around the type and duration of exercise. The current recommendation for wt loss with regard to exercise is at least 6 days per week for at least 90 minutes. It does not have to be 90 consecutive minutes, you can break up the time into different "chunks".
As far as the type of exercise-the fastest way that you can burn body fat is through a combination of strength training AND cardiovascular conditioning. If possible, I would recommend splitting the time 50/50 between the two. Try to keep your cardio intensity between 60-85% of you max predicted HR (220-age)*(.6-.85). I would recommend doing higher reps (12-20) for each set that you perform and try to do as many sets as you can, time permitting. I would also recommend full body strength training (try to do at least 1 set on each major muscle group at least twice per week, remembering to not strength train the same muscle group 2 days in a row). Interval traning is a good way to burn more calories during cardio, so I don't think that's a bad idea-I think you just need to add strength training and do it effectively. Change your entire exercise routine every 6-8 weeks. I also think that based on your ht, wt, age, and activity level that 1000-1200 cals is appropriate.
If you REALLY cannot lose weight after these measures, you may want to talk to your provider about checking your thyroid (a tsh/t4 test), not "female hormones". You are 31 for goodness sakes, the odds you are perimenopausal are extremely slim.
I work in an outpatient setting counseling patients like you 40hrs/wk and you don't have to just "live with it". You can always do something about your weight, sometimes you have to work smarter, not harder.
hope this helps-
b
As far as the type of exercise-the fastest way that you can burn body fat is through a combination of strength training AND cardiovascular conditioning. If possible, I would recommend splitting the time 50/50 between the two. Try to keep your cardio intensity between 60-85% of you max predicted HR (220-age)*(.6-.85). I would recommend doing higher reps (12-20) for each set that you perform and try to do as many sets as you can, time permitting. I would also recommend full body strength training (try to do at least 1 set on each major muscle group at least twice per week, remembering to not strength train the same muscle group 2 days in a row). Interval traning is a good way to burn more calories during cardio, so I don't think that's a bad idea-I think you just need to add strength training and do it effectively. Change your entire exercise routine every 6-8 weeks. I also think that based on your ht, wt, age, and activity level that 1000-1200 cals is appropriate.
If you REALLY cannot lose weight after these measures, you may want to talk to your provider about checking your thyroid (a tsh/t4 test), not "female hormones". You are 31 for goodness sakes, the odds you are perimenopausal are extremely slim.
I work in an outpatient setting counseling patients like you 40hrs/wk and you don't have to just "live with it". You can always do something about your weight, sometimes you have to work smarter, not harder.
hope this helps-
b
to "bobthetrainer": Thanks for the advice. I guess I will bump up my cardio to 90 minutes and change my strenth training a bit. However, I am a bit confused. I was told that there is such thing as exercising too much and not eating enough. Is 1000-1200 calories enough when doing 90 minutes of cardio 6 days a week? I am such a health and exercise nut so this "not losing weight" issue has been such a struggle.
Good. Continue to eat right, increase your green vegetable intake and eat lean meats, trimming every bit of fat you see on it. Sweat...SWEAT like you never sweat before. (If you have heart conditions or anything similar, consultant a professional first).
You will need to fast-paced intense workouts for long periods of time. You said that you were a marathon runner before so you intensity level would be high. I use to get my mother to train with good results. My personal little trick was to get her to start jogging for a few minutes and then I would push her to the fastest power-walk she could...slow her down...push her again. Your body will react to these quick changes.
(My mother unfortunately gave up due to boredum and whatever else excuses, but just recently she started training with a friend, and now she does it again). So train with a friend if you need to get motivated more.
Also, hit the parts of your body that have the excess weight. For example if it was your stomach, hit the rowing machine and do alot of crunches (not situps). If it is your waist, do alot of side crunches. Backside got the weight, you want to hit your Glutes so alot of uphill bike riding and squats.
I hope all goes well for you, but as I said, if you have had any previous medical conditions consult a doctor before doing anything I have advised.
God Bless.
You will need to fast-paced intense workouts for long periods of time. You said that you were a marathon runner before so you intensity level would be high. I use to get my mother to train with good results. My personal little trick was to get her to start jogging for a few minutes and then I would push her to the fastest power-walk she could...slow her down...push her again. Your body will react to these quick changes.
(My mother unfortunately gave up due to boredum and whatever else excuses, but just recently she started training with a friend, and now she does it again). So train with a friend if you need to get motivated more.
Also, hit the parts of your body that have the excess weight. For example if it was your stomach, hit the rowing machine and do alot of crunches (not situps). If it is your waist, do alot of side crunches. Backside got the weight, you want to hit your Glutes so alot of uphill bike riding and squats.
I hope all goes well for you, but as I said, if you have had any previous medical conditions consult a doctor before doing anything I have advised.
God Bless.
Thanks again. I really apperciate your advice. I do have another question. You metion 90 minutes of exercise 6 days a week and that it can be broken into chunks. You also mention the weight training and that I should spilt it 50/50. Does that mean 90 minutes of cardio including weight training or should I be doing 90 minutes of cardio 6 days a week in addition to 2-3 days of weight training?
I was also wondering what types of cardio I should be doing. Is it possible that my body is used to running and that no matter how many hours I spend running each day, my body is not burning calories effeciently? I am so bored by the bike and it seems to burn far fewer calories. I have taken up interval training to help the time pass by and also get my heartrate to hit levels it's can't maintain for a long period of time but again, I mostly do this outside running or on the treadmill.
AND, I have had the RMR test (the one you breath into with your nose plugged) done several times. Each time my RMR was around 1250 give or take 20 each time. Is it still okay to still with 1000 calories? I can do it as, I really am never that hungry in the first place.
Thanks again for such "real" advice. I do want to get my thyroid tested but I never thought I was pre-menopausal- at least not yet at 31years.
I was also wondering what types of cardio I should be doing. Is it possible that my body is used to running and that no matter how many hours I spend running each day, my body is not burning calories effeciently? I am so bored by the bike and it seems to burn far fewer calories. I have taken up interval training to help the time pass by and also get my heartrate to hit levels it's can't maintain for a long period of time but again, I mostly do this outside running or on the treadmill.
AND, I have had the RMR test (the one you breath into with your nose plugged) done several times. Each time my RMR was around 1250 give or take 20 each time. Is it still okay to still with 1000 calories? I can do it as, I really am never that hungry in the first place.
Thanks again for such "real" advice. I do want to get my thyroid tested but I never thought I was pre-menopausal- at least not yet at 31years.
K, I'm not getting into this bobthetrainer vs. star queen thing because you're both trying to help. All I want to say is that I have an education in a health-related field, and I was taught if you work out anaerobically, you burn carb (which yes, turns into fat if not used), but if you work out aerobically, you burn fat (all has to do with a formula figured...mathmatical stuff). Interval is good because you do both, but you can't maintain it for long. I think it would be good if you could do a warm up for 10 minutes, do interval for 30 (don't KILL yourself doing the interval, but get up to 85-90% of max heart rate), and then do a little cool down/cardio for the next 20. Work in low weight, high reps in weightlifting, and make sure you do different exercises to work the same muscles. Variety is key. Your body can do a thing called efficiency of movement where it adapts/gets used to the workout and won't burn as many calories. For example, I played tennis in college. For me, tennis was not really a workout because my body became more efficient with it. I didn't burn as much as someone who is a beginner or didn't play as frequently. Also, incorpotate unorganized workouts like going on a walk with a dog, friend, etc...roaming the mall, use stairs instead of elevator...simple stuff. And bobthetrainer is right about possibly getting too little calories. If you are starving yourself, you're metabolism is slowing down. It's good that you eat frequently, but your body may go into protection from starvation and start storing food which turns into fat. Good luck, and remember, everyone is different. There is not one formula for everyone, and some people just have different body types. Go for health before weight. Take care!!!!
hawki, that's not exactly how it works but you are on the right track. The body's preferred fuel source is glucose, with fat being second. Whether aerobic or anaerobic respiration is taking place, a percentage of both is used. Glucose is always used to a larger degree. As a person gets closer to reaching anaerobic respiration (through increased exercise intensity), the percentage of glucose being used continues to elevate. It's for that reason that "moderate-paced" cardio (around 60% VO2max) is often suggested for getting rid of fat most efficiently and while that's a somewhat accurate suggestion, it's not the absolute answer. Ultimately...the greater the intensity, the more calories burned. Someone that works at a high intensity for 30 minutes is going to burn more calories than someone working at moderate intensity for 30 minutes.
firstly, I would avoid using herbals to assist in losing weight. There is not enough research out there on most of them proving their efficacy and/or safety.
as far as the original string is concerned, little1sk, the 90 minutes is the total amount of minutes per day, 6 days per week(so ideally, at least 45 min of strength and at least 45 of cardio). As far as what type of cardio, honestly, it really doesn't matter as long as you are getting your heart rate up and you are enjoying (or not disliking) what you are doing. Your body may become acclimated to running but that will not prevent you from losing weight as you are still burning calories when you run. That being said, I would try to mix up your cardio just so you are cross training and you keep it fun.
If you did the RMR test, I would go by those results as they (based on which machine you used) are more accurate than the equations we use. Just out of curiosity, did you use the Medgem?
as far as the original string is concerned, little1sk, the 90 minutes is the total amount of minutes per day, 6 days per week(so ideally, at least 45 min of strength and at least 45 of cardio). As far as what type of cardio, honestly, it really doesn't matter as long as you are getting your heart rate up and you are enjoying (or not disliking) what you are doing. Your body may become acclimated to running but that will not prevent you from losing weight as you are still burning calories when you run. That being said, I would try to mix up your cardio just so you are cross training and you keep it fun.
If you did the RMR test, I would go by those results as they (based on which machine you used) are more accurate than the equations we use. Just out of curiosity, did you use the Medgem?
Hi Bob the trainer-
I had my RMR tested with the Bodygem by HealtheTech. It's the one where your nose is plugged and you breathe through your mouth. All 5 times I have had it tested it has been around the same. It's been 1230,1240,1270,1250,1240 (1240 being the last time a few weeks ago)
I am just trying to figure out how to make this all work. My food diary is between 1000-1200 calories. I am now going to keep it to 1000 calories only. I have bumped up my cardio even more. I am cross training with running, the elliptical, cardio-kickboxing, and an aerobic dance class. 3 times a week I weight train with a personal trainer. Sometimes, the weight trainig includes circuits, which definitely keeps my heart rate up even longer!
However, I stood on the scale today and I have gained 2 more pounds. I know weight can flucuate but I feel very frustrated.
Thanks for all your advice.
I had my RMR tested with the Bodygem by HealtheTech. It's the one where your nose is plugged and you breathe through your mouth. All 5 times I have had it tested it has been around the same. It's been 1230,1240,1270,1250,1240 (1240 being the last time a few weeks ago)
I am just trying to figure out how to make this all work. My food diary is between 1000-1200 calories. I am now going to keep it to 1000 calories only. I have bumped up my cardio even more. I am cross training with running, the elliptical, cardio-kickboxing, and an aerobic dance class. 3 times a week I weight train with a personal trainer. Sometimes, the weight trainig includes circuits, which definitely keeps my heart rate up even longer!
However, I stood on the scale today and I have gained 2 more pounds. I know weight can flucuate but I feel very frustrated.
Thanks for all your advice.
I'd recommend talking to your primary care physician about possibly checking your thyroid (tsh/t4). Who knows, the 2lb could be muscle weight (hard to say since the scale doesn't account for that). You also might want to ask your trainer if he/she can do a body fat test on you. Some methods are certainly more accurate (DEXA vs calipers) but at least you'll have a baseline to compare future measures against. Also, if the bodygem said you needed roughly 1200 cals/d for weight loss, I really wouldn't go below that level because it can actually make it more difficult for you to lose weight. You also might want to consider seeing a Registered Dietitian but if you do, I'd make sure beforehand that they also have some type of exercise background (ACSM/ACE certification, Kinesiology Degree, etc.)
I know it can be frustrating but don't lose hope.
I know it can be frustrating but don't lose hope.
I just wanted to let you know that am experiencing the same problem. Im a marathon runner and eat fairly healthy..granted I like chocolate but not excessive. Ive never had to worry about weight gain but in the last year I have gained 10-15 lbs. Im only 25 years old and workout at least 6 days a week with three fairly long cross country runs. I weight train 4 days a week. I get so frustrated b/c I know I work harder than most people. I know Im healthy but I could afford to loose some vanity lbs and I know it has effected my speed. Most runners are faced with the problem of needing to gain weight! I feel like all the ideal measure on weight and height out there are scewed for people that lift and have large muscle mass. Im concerned Im overweight but not sure if its healthy weight or not?
I made an appt for this week to get blood work done to figure out if it is a thyroid or some type of hormonal problem.
It was commforting to hear Im not the only one with this type of problem! Thanks for all the info!
I made an appt for this week to get blood work done to figure out if it is a thyroid or some type of hormonal problem.
It was commforting to hear Im not the only one with this type of problem! Thanks for all the info!
I just made an appointment to get my thyroid tested. I would love it to be the problem because there are meds to fix that. I really don't think it will be the issue though. I am very healthy person and no blood tests have ever come back with bad signs. Anyway, it's also nice to hear that there are others out there with my same problem. I am not overweight and most people probably wouldn't say I am fat but I am bigger than I would like to be and used to be. Sometimes, I think that if I just stop watching my food like a nut and take a break from the gym for 3-4 months things might work themselves out. I notice that when I used to workout a lot, I would feel great but then I would get lazy and stop. I would go back to the gym 4 months later and people would ask me what I have been doing b/c I looked much thinner. EVEN my old PT trainer thought I looked great. Now how is that? Psychologically, I cannot stop exercising like crazy and watching every calorie I put into my body. I'll let you know how the test results after next week.
Hi! I agree with Bobthetrainer. Please try to check your TSH/thyroid levels. I have been EXTREMELY active for over 5 years now. Five years ago, I lost 60lbs & kept it off. I am 5'8 1/2" tall & weigh 145lbs. which is good for me, HOWEVER, in the past year I have increased my exercising (all different types) 90 minutes per day EVERY DAY on my treadmill or air-dyne bike (switch daily). I have NOT LOST EVEN 1 LB. Well, found out in December, that I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis - underactive thyroid. I sincerely hope that you do NOT have this, but it would be worth checking into. At 42 years old on the 4th of August, I am now in menopause(early) - Dr. did the hormone tests for it & states that this was most probably caused by the thyroid not being addressed.
Good Luck to you & please let us know what you've found out!!
Free Bird82
Good Luck to you & please let us know what you've found out!!
Free Bird82
Well. I just has my blood drawn today. The results should be in tomorrow. The doctor said he doubts I have an underactive thyroid based on the fact that I have no other symptoms except weight gain over the last couple of years. I'll let you know the results. By they way, at your height and weight, you are skinny!
Hi again! Thanks for the compliment (being skinny) - but as I tell people: The exercises that I do, are what people do to actually LOSE WEIGHT. Being hypo, I have to do this much only to maintain. I would like to have the OPTION of weight loss if I want as I'm SURE YOU UNDERSTAND THAT ONE!!
P.S. Again, I stress to you that I certainly hope you do NOT have the hypothyroid condition & they can help you with the weight loss in other ways, but I let mine go for so long because I didn't have true symptoms other than weight issues either. I didn't even care to see a doctor about that because I naturally assumed they wouldn't believe me when I said how much I exercise/eat. I did, however, toward the end (before diagnosis), have severe heart palpatations which prompted me to see my dr. who then said, "let's just check the thyroid". I had dry/brittle hair & nails, but not to the extreme that others have/had, so again, I assumed it was due to 1)age & 2) well-water in our rural town. Just now I'm having severe hair breakage & it just figures that it's right in the front where my bangs/fringe should be!! It's disgusting & frightening all at the same time. This disease is not for the vain ones, I can tell you that!!
Have a great day....Good luck.....Please keep us posted.....Thoughts & prayers go out to you!!
Free Bird82
P.S. Again, I stress to you that I certainly hope you do NOT have the hypothyroid condition & they can help you with the weight loss in other ways, but I let mine go for so long because I didn't have true symptoms other than weight issues either. I didn't even care to see a doctor about that because I naturally assumed they wouldn't believe me when I said how much I exercise/eat. I did, however, toward the end (before diagnosis), have severe heart palpatations which prompted me to see my dr. who then said, "let's just check the thyroid". I had dry/brittle hair & nails, but not to the extreme that others have/had, so again, I assumed it was due to 1)age & 2) well-water in our rural town. Just now I'm having severe hair breakage & it just figures that it's right in the front where my bangs/fringe should be!! It's disgusting & frightening all at the same time. This disease is not for the vain ones, I can tell you that!!
Have a great day....Good luck.....Please keep us posted.....Thoughts & prayers go out to you!!
Free Bird82
I got my results back today. My thyroid tests are normal, as expected. I am back to the drawing board on how to lose weight. I am so frustrated and tired now. Could it be in my head? If I stop thinking about it, I will lose weight? I wonder if I stop working out so much and stop monitoring my eating if I will actually lose weight. Is it possible to gain weight from over-exercising and undereating? Like I said, I eat between 1000-1200 calories a day. Now I am trying not to go above 1000 calories. I have bumped up my workout to 60min of cardio 5-6 days a week. 3 of those days I do additional weight training for about 30-45min. Is that too much exercise and not enough calories. Should I up one or lower the other?
Litte1sk
Litte1sk
I am hyperthyroid and have had the opposite problem in the past. I am now in remission from Graves disease and my thyroid tests are all normal. Recently, I have put on 12 lbs. very quickly. I have been told in the past, that when you put weight on very quickly it is more than likely fluid and not fat. Can this be the problem? Also, little1sk, I think that you may just have a slightly distorted view of yourself. At your height and weight, you are not fat. When I was younger, I never weighed more that 82lbs. When I started to gain weight I freaked out. It took years to realize that when I was 82lbs., I was toooo skinny , not healthy. When I gained some weight I actually looked better. Unfortunatly, right now because of my thyroid problems, I am having other issues. Of course, everyone knows what weight they are comfortable with, but as long as you are healthy I would say ease up on yourself a bit.
Thanks Duchess. It's nice to hear. I just work so hard. I wonder if I cut back on working myself to death if things will change.
little1sk:
I wonder why no one here has suggested you eat a little more food. If you RMR is 1250, you should be eating at least that much. Even the most basic BMI calculator will showe you this!!!Eating too few calories is probably causing you to burn muscle which would explain the 4% body fat increase. You are already doing 45 minutes of cardio so you should be burning fat/carbs based on your workout intensity. You don't need to eat so few cals. Long term weight loss doesn't work by depriving your body of nutrients.
The link below is a basic BMI calculator. This should help you. My estimate is that you should be eating at least 1300 even 1400 calories to properly fuel your body to slowly burn fat while retain lean muscle mass.
My recommendation is to eat more food including lean protein: egg whites, chicken, fish as well as lots of veggies and fruits. As far as carbs go oatmeal, sweet potatoes and brown rice are best. Whole wheat bread won't hurt either. I hope this helps!!!
http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/harris-benedict-equation/
I wonder why no one here has suggested you eat a little more food. If you RMR is 1250, you should be eating at least that much. Even the most basic BMI calculator will showe you this!!!Eating too few calories is probably causing you to burn muscle which would explain the 4% body fat increase. You are already doing 45 minutes of cardio so you should be burning fat/carbs based on your workout intensity. You don't need to eat so few cals. Long term weight loss doesn't work by depriving your body of nutrients.
The link below is a basic BMI calculator. This should help you. My estimate is that you should be eating at least 1300 even 1400 calories to properly fuel your body to slowly burn fat while retain lean muscle mass.
My recommendation is to eat more food including lean protein: egg whites, chicken, fish as well as lots of veggies and fruits. As far as carbs go oatmeal, sweet potatoes and brown rice are best. Whole wheat bread won't hurt either. I hope this helps!!!
http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/harris-benedict-equation/
I have the EXACT same problem as you do. I have this 8-10 lbs that I CAN't lose. It is so frustrating. I'm running, weight training, but only eating 1400 calories. My personal trainer and nutritionist are saying I'm putting my body into a starvation mode, which means it will hold onto the "fat" I have. So...they are telling me to EAT EAT EAT, and get up to 1665. Of course, it has to be the right kinds of foods, and a good balance between protein, carbs and fat. Now my RMR was 1220 or so, and after 3 months it dropped down to 991. That is because it adjusted for the lack of food my body was getting, due to overtraining. Also, take a cheat day once a week, and eat a ton of calories and whatever you want. You'll be so sick the next day you won't want that **** for another week. This is very hard for me to do, as I am not a big eater. It takes everything I have just to eat the 1400 calories. My suggestion is cut back your workouts a little, stay in your lower zones for some workouts (as they burn more fat), and eat healthy proteins, carbs and fats and get your calories up. I would add in 150 calories every 3 days and see how you feel. I'll bet if you do this for a couple of weeks, you will see a difference in how you feel and the pounds will melt off. This is what I'm going to do. So...hang in there and keep me posted, sounds like we are in the same boat. Except I'm 38 with 3 kids. Good Luck!
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