My weight is going up, but I won't get discouraged

01/07/2015 7:29AM

Part 1: I know your frustrations well. About 5 years ago, I lost approximately 60 pounds (taking me to my goal weight of 125-130 pounds). I lost the weight pretty easily, mostly through calorie counting and cardio. Once I lost the weight, I eased back on restricting calories and worked out less....the weight slowly started to creep back on. A year and a half ago, I had gained 20 pounds back and gone up 2 pant sizes. So, I decided to completely change my lifestyle (add in multiple forms of exercise, not just to burn calories, but to increase my strength, flexibility and endurance). I cut calories, but not drastically (aiming for a 500 calorie deficit). In other words, I decided to take a more balanced (and kinder and gentler) approach that I could keep up once I got to the maintenance stage. My goal is overall health and well-being, not just weight loss.

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Julie G.

Part 2: The first 10 pounds came off pretty easily, but I am still struggling to get rid of these last 10 pounds. Even when I do everything "right", and the math works out (calories burned > calories consumed), the scale basically stays the same. And when I don't do everything right, it basically stays the same too! I go up and down as much as 5 pounds, but no real change. I've read blogs, articles, etc. and although weight loss boils down to calories in and calories out, our hormones do play a big role (influencing fat storage and hunger). Hormones are affected by sleep deprivation and stress. To me, that emphasizes how important it is to focus on overall health and well-being.

Julie G.

Part 3: So, I think your goal to get past the stress of the holidays is a good one. Also make sure you are getting enough sleep. More exercise will help you burn more calories, and I urge you to engage in more exercise for other health benefits (cardiovascular, strength, etc.). Try not to focus on the scale (that can stress you out even more!), but on how your clothes fit and your increased endurance when working out. In the long run, how you feel is what really matters :)