<p>Another thing I realized as I have gotten closer to my goal – every pound now represents a larger proportion of my total weight – so it makes sense that it will be harder to drop. </p>
<p>Plateauing is when your metabolism gets used to the number of calories you put in (even when it’s lower than needed) and the usual amount of exercise you do- and the body adapts to that. Makes do. The only solution, imo, is to alter that. (Completely agree with trick your metabolism or trick your brain.) Also, not a doc, but the diabetes assn advice is some carbs; it’s about the balance. You get different energy surges, cycles and drops from carbs, proteins, fats. </p>
<p>But each of us is slightly different and if you track, you know what works for you. </p>
<p>Any concerns about privacy via MyFitnessPal?</p>
<p>rockvillemom, first of all, hugs to you! It is really hard to deal with losing a four legged family member.</p>
<p>Lots of good advice here already! Sugars and empty carbs should be the first thing to go. Are you eating enough probiotic-rich foods? There is a hint that gut bacteria can affect your weight:</p>
<p><a href=“Studies Focus on Gut Bacteria’s Role in Weight - The New York Times”>Studies Focus on Gut Bacteria’s Role in Weight - The New York Times;
<p>If you decide to resume daily weigh ins, do not focus on the current number on the scale - there are too many day to day fluctuations. Instead, keep track of a weekly average or a 7-day moving average or something similar. It will give you a more accurate picture of the trend (up, down or steady state). </p>
<p>RVM, when my four legged pal died very unexpectedly I gained a lot of weight back. I did exactly what you did - lay on the couch, felt very, very sad and ate a lot of carbs. Standard emotional eating. First dieting go around, I’d lost close to seventy pounds. I then gained quite a bit back. I’ve since lost 60 pounds (since January 2013) and am really working to keep it off. Regular exercise will help, even if it’s just a walk around the block. Getting back in the habit is key. </p>
<p>I usually plan a day when I can eat what I want. It’s usually the day I do a lot of running - yesterday I ran 10+ miles. So after doing that, I had some full-fat chocolate milk. I’m sure everyone will tell you how terrible all that sugar and fat is, but for me, it’s my treat. I also had a beer and some pizza. Not indulging from time to time leads me to a huge, all-out binge which would be far worse than the 2200 calories I ate yesterday. Creating habits and eating patterns you can maintain is key for that long-term weight loss and maintenance. </p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Amen to that. From last Sunday, I gained 2.2. pounds by Wednesday and have lost 2.8 pounds since Wednesday. All with nothing changing in my diet, no explanation, really. Just random swings. I weigh daily because that’s the only way I have the data to see the trend line, but fixating on the daily number isn’t helpful.</p>
<p>If I only weigh once/week, yesterday’s add could look like a disappointing week. Daily helps me know what’s a hiccup.</p>
<p>Just chiming in with support and encouragement. I too have regained and lost momentum. Need to regroup with my cc buds.</p>
<p>The current research seems to show that dairy fat is good for you, and the calcium in it actually makes you excrete more of the fat…and the fat helps prevent the swings in blood sugar. I need to move more and get off my duff, but I am moving away from the “no-fat” bull, and heading over to moderation, lower carbs and more veggies. (Saying this as I lie on the couch tapping on the computer… groan) I find counting calories counterproductive; they make me hyperaware of food and thinking about food too much. Just eating less and getting comfortable with feeling hungry is a better way for me to lose weight. </p>
<p>I think anyone who needs to regroup/maintain while being realistic about life, eating and exercise has come to the right place. </p>
<p>I do think that restricting carbs - particularly the white bread variety - can have a positive impact on weight loss. I have had success eating a higher fat/lower carb diet but I simply cannot tolerate the high amounts of fat some people appear able to consume and thrive on. That doesn’t mean their way of eating is wrong - it’s right for them - but it’s one I can’t tolerate. </p>
<p>Just returned from second 40+ minute walk of the day! Feeling so much better! I have got to remember that a brisk walk trumps carbs on the couch! Now if the weather would just cooperate…</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>That happens to me too. I’m pretty sure it’s water retention from the salt in the soup; broth is often extremely salty. I’m lucky that have low blood pressure and don’t have to worry about salt, so I don’t worry about soup either. If I have a big bowl of soup for dinner and find myself up a pound or two the next day, I know it’s just water weight and nothing to be concerned about.</p>
<p>Broth is VERY salty. Even the low-salt stuff is not that great. For me, eating Chinese food means water retention. Sigh…</p>
<p>I have found that most soups/broth are far too salty for my liking now. Costco actually has been selling some prepared organic soups - lentil and chickpea is my new favorite - that don’t taste too salty but actually have about 33% of your recommended daily intake - 790 mg. I have found when tracking that I am consistently over in salt/sodium intake - yet I don’t add any salt to my food. I think the salt and water retention issues can be frustrating. </p>