I started my fitness quest in april of 2002 at 302lbs...I started going to gym and then I joined WW. Well WW did not work for me but I continued with the gym going 4-5 days a week and so far I have lost 42 lb down to 260lb...and I seem to be stuck. Since the beginning of this year I have consciously cut my portion size and also eat less carbs, But due to the very bad weather in the northeast I have only been able to make the gym 2-3 days a week since december...anyway, I have not gained anything and I can't say I have last any either.....but I am still trying to hang in there....

The problem is I get very depressed if I can't see the scale move and sometimes loose my motivation becasue I feel I am just exerting myself in vain....what can I do to overcome this malaise....

The second thing I have noticed lately is that by the end of my workout I am extremely nauseous...I usually do 40-45 min of cardio then 30-40 of weights then 30 minof cardio....can anyone shed some light on why I might be getting nauseous by the end of my workout.....I really appreciate all answers and encouragements....

You have hit the infamous "plateau", sis. It's common in every program. It can happen more than once, too. First of all, changes are still going on inside your body, even if you can't see a change on the scale or in measurements. It's improtant that you don't quit, because you are sure to emerge on the other side with progress once again. I've read several different tips in fitness magazines and books about changing something in your routine to shock your body into the desired change. Increase cardio, lenght or intensity, change your weight bearing workouts, or add them. Change excercises. Your body adapts to a routine fairly quickly, so you need to challenge it.
About the nausea, I've had that happen once in a while too, esp when I've excercied extra hard. I have to stop what I'm doing, and I chalk it up to my body telling me that I need to take it down a notch. Maybe someone else can tell you exactly what is going on, and whether to eat or not eat or drink water....Listen to your body and work with it, is my advice.
Great job, thanks for the inspirational personal experience, and keep up the good work!
ldy

I agree, the weather up here in the northeast has made outdoor activities pretty tough this month. Maybe February will bring us something better!

I think you would be wise to consult your doctor about getting so nauseous after workouts. It's probably nothing, but it doesn't hurt to check.

Good job on losing the 42 pounds!

Diane

thank you guys....I will not quit

i have a freind who is a nurse and she told me that when i began my diet that the platou thing will evenetually happen and the way she explains it is the body has to take some time to adjust to the changes going on and once it adjusts then you will start to see improvement again.but she did tell me that it might happen more than once and it might not she also told me that there is no way of knowing how long.each person is different so everyones body reacts different.but dont give up no matter what you can get there.i also live in the northeast so i know what you mean about this weather.

The cause of your plateau and feeling sick after your exercise may be because you are not geting enough food. When you cut back too far on calories your body thinks that it is starving and it "holds onto" as much fuel as it can. Also, when you don't eat enough you don't work out as hard and your work outs are not efficient. When you are working out you do need carbs - your body needs to have that fuel to keep you going! I don't know how far you cut back on calories but you may want to try eating a little more - a good general formula is your weight x 100 = the number of calories you should be eating if you are working out several times per week and trying to lose weight.

Hi princess thanks for your reply. I suspected that it maybe that I am not eating enough...but I was on a 1500 -2000 calorie a day "diet" and my doctor said that was too much, I should be doing 800 calories a day.... I looked at her funny because I am sure she had no idea what 800 calorie a day was...but I cut back anyway,,,,and that was the start of being nauseous and faint....so I really do think you have a point...


thanks

Hi iamsisyphus!

First of all, congratulations on your weight loss so far! My sister just lost over 100 lbs throughout the past year, and said that there were several times when she reached a plateau where it seemed she would never lose another pound. However, after a short lapse, things would kick back in & she is well on her way to her goal again. Don't let this get you down...you've come too far to turn back now! You're already successful!

Everyone has had excellent advice about your nausea. Something else you might consider is whether or not you're getting too hot during your workout. I used to get nauseous too (before I got too lazy to work out, but I'm on my way back now!), and I started keeping a cool washcloth nearby & turning the ceiling fan on high so that I didn't overheat while I pushed myself. Just a suggestion...

Keep up the good work! You're going to make it!

First of all, congratulations on your loss (that's sound a little off, doesn't it)!!! As for the nauseous feeling, I know that I feel that way when I don't have enough water. Perhaps you are dehydrated. Also make sure your body has enough energy to last throughout your workout. Carbs can be a good thing.

Good luck and hopefully you'll lift past that plateau.

Your DR. told you to cut down to 800 calories per day!?! That is really sick. As someone who has suffered from an eating disorder, it really upsets me that a Dr. would promote a starvation diet (I am not being dramatic here - anything under 1,000 calories per day is considered a starvation diet). Your body uses more than 800 calories per day just to perform it's normal functions like digesting, breathing ect. I would stop taking nutrition advice from that dr.- but it sounds like you already realized that she doesn't know what she is talking about in the weight loss department.

Thank you guys for all the encouragement and I am still on track and going to the gym.....

I do drink alot of water during my workout, but I do feel a loss of energy and so I am thinking of starting to take a vitamin tablet.....

As to the doctor, She is an endocrinologist for another problem, but I am in search of another that specializes in PCOS....because I don't think she is doing anything for me and the 800 calorie thing was way out there.....

Hi iamsisyphus!
Don't worry about all the things that are happening to you, they are normal! First of all I would really like to meet that doctor of yours and bit him/her with a stick---800 calories, what is he thinking!!!!!!! Diet like that will make you more sick than healthy. You were on the right track 1500-2000 is not bad at all. Just watch what you are eating, eat healthy breakfast, drink plenty of water and eat balanced meals..if you need any ideas on that let me know I will be more than happy to help you out.
Next thing that I want to address is the nausea, here's what I think, I think it's because you exercise too much. If you do cardio for 30, than weight training and then cardio again, drink lots of water during all of that...no wonder you body is going crazy. How about not eating for an hour before your workout, then do cardio for 45-60 minutes, drink plenty of water while you're doing it (the more you drink, the more you sweat, the more toxins your are getting rid off from your body-just don't go to crazy and drink like 5 bottles). Remember to cool down for at least 5 minutes, then when you done with your cardio, walk around to cool down even more, to bring your heart rate and the body temp to normal, STRECH!! And then do your weight training session for 40-45 minutes. When you are done go home, eat something delicious (with a lot of protein), drink some green tea and relax...see if that works for you

oh Ps. if you still feel sick after the cardio session, simple just switch your workout, do weight training first (remember to STRECH, it does wonders to your body) And remember everyone gets depressed, I always liked fitness and nutrition, but for the past year or so I truly stuck to working out regularly, and I weight more now than I ever did--it's the muscle (or so I tell myself ha ha), but no seriously, don't look at the scale, look at your clothes, think about you improving your health everyday. If you do it from your heart, and only for your, for being healthy and being in a good shape with a healthy heart and lungs...the weight will go away eventually, and it will be gone forever 'cause this will become your lifestyle and you wont be able to live and be happy without fitness and without those shakes, chicken breasts and veggies--trust me!
Good luck sweetie...and do it for you one step at a time...let me know if you need meal ideas!

Remember that the number on the scale is only one small part of fitness. Most people nowadays consider it to be the biggest part of fitness, which is way out of proportion. Be aware of other indicaters of fitness and health. For example, Am I exerecising regularly? Am I eating balanced? Is my cholesterol level and blood sugar normal or heading in that direction? Do I get 7-8 hours of sleep a night? Do I love myself? Do I have a support system of family and friends? And there are more questions you could ask yourself. Each of those questions is just as important as the number on the scale. If you are confident that you are answering yes to a lot of those other questions, you can put the pounds-number in perspective with the rest of those health indicators.

First off I want to say congrats on your weight loss!!!!!!

I cant believe that your doctor tried to put you on an 800 calorie diet. That is insane. When I began dieting I was toatally lost and downloaded a computer program to use to help me (www.dietpower.com). The new england weather does make excercising out a bit more tough but I have been keeping moving all winter long. I have many different excercise videos free weight a pilates ball just to name a few to keep me excercising. I know how you feel about the scale moving.I have heard many people keep track of their measurments so that when the scale doesnt move they dont feel discouraged. Another site you may want to check out to help keep you motivated www.fitnesswithin.com. Don't give up. You have everything to lose and nothing to gain......

i think we've all been at the point where we lose weight and are stuck... change your routine around just a little. if you cant get to the gym do some exercises at home for 20 mins a day. if you feel sick after your workout rest for awhile and breath in through your nose and out through your mouth.. drink a little water. maybe slow yourself down in your workouts and not work as hard so you dont get yourself like that. i've been there and it was b/c i was pushing myself too hard! i hope all goes well.. and u need more than 800 calories a day.. that is weird that ur dr would say that! good luck on losing the weight!