I thought it would be helpful to create a thread for people who feel they are not losing enough or think they are in a stall. Several weeks ago I had a zero pound loss, and panicked. I searched the threads and read every post that had the word stall or plateau in it...so maybe this could help some instead of them searching the boards. Please feel free to add you ideas, because surely I am not going to catch all of them. It basically comes down to 2 things: re-examining how you operate Medifast and changing things up..
1. What is a stall: Well, it appears after reading all the posts, we are talking about 0 pound loss, that stems over a long period of time, over 2 weeks. Its not having a 0 pound loss for just one week or one day. We are talking weeks.
SO if you have a 0 pound loss one week don't automatically assume that your weightloss is stalled..
2. How much should you lose per week? It depends on the person (more below). Medifast states the average is 2-5 pounds per week. I lose 1-2 pounds per week...and happy as a clam with that..
3. Height/starting weight: This plays a HUGE role in how much you will lose each week. For me, I started at about 170 on a 5 ft 2 frame, and well, now at 129, no way I expect to pull off a 3 pound week. So if you are tall and have a larger amount to lose, you should have bigger numbers each week, or may may not (see below). However, if you come to Medifast with only 20-30 pounds to lose, I would not expect to see more than 2 pounds a week, in my opinion. And if your a guy bleh, you lose quicker and more, that is a fact..
4. Weighing foods: Ahhhh, this is a biggie in my opinion. If you are not weighing your LG foods, I would start now. Also make sure you weigh veggies/meats in the stage you are going to eat them and also make sure you weigh in grams for veggies. you get a lot more, and if your not weighing you could be under or over-eating. Are you eyeballing? You may be surprised that you are over-eating or undereating (probably undereating).
5. Water: Are you drinking enough? The rule of thumb we see on this board is drink 1/2 your body weight. So if you feel that your weightloss has slowed, why not try upping your water intake? I found that I really need to concentrate daily to get all my water in. If I do not, then I tend not to drink all of my water, which is still about 120 oz a day which is more than 1/2 my weight. I just think it's good for the body and the skin...and sure makes you peeeee!.
1. What is a stall: Well, it appears after reading all the posts, we are talking about 0 pound loss, that stems over a long period of time, over 2 weeks. Its not having a 0 pound loss for just one week or one day. We are talking weeks.
SO if you have a 0 pound loss one week don't automatically assume that your weightloss is stalled..
2. How much should you lose per week? It depends on the person (more below). Medifast states the average is 2-5 pounds per week. I lose 1-2 pounds per week...and happy as a clam with that..
3. Height/starting weight: This plays a HUGE role in how much you will lose each week. For me, I started at about 170 on a 5 ft 2 frame, and well, now at 129, no way I expect to pull off a 3 pound week. So if you are tall and have a larger amount to lose, you should have bigger numbers each week, or may may not (see below). However, if you come to Medifast with only 20-30 pounds to lose, I would not expect to see more than 2 pounds a week, in my opinion. And if your a guy bleh, you lose quicker and more, that is a fact..
4. Weighing foods: Ahhhh, this is a biggie in my opinion. If you are not weighing your LG foods, I would start now. Also make sure you weigh veggies/meats in the stage you are going to eat them and also make sure you weigh in grams for veggies. you get a lot more, and if your not weighing you could be under or over-eating. Are you eyeballing? You may be surprised that you are over-eating or undereating (probably undereating).
5. Water: Are you drinking enough? The rule of thumb we see on this board is drink 1/2 your body weight. So if you feel that your weightloss has slowed, why not try upping your water intake? I found that I really need to concentrate daily to get all my water in. If I do not, then I tend not to drink all of my water, which is still about 120 oz a day which is more than 1/2 my weight. I just think it's good for the body and the skin...and sure makes you peeeee!.
This could be a BIG key in your success..
6. Condiments- a subject for an entire thread...some don't count the dry ones, some use more than they should- some don't use any...some stick to 3 as outlined by MF. A ton of the "recipes" have condiments in them. I could assume, and yes, only assuming, that if your 5 Medifast meals consist of the doctored recipes with additional condiments, it could possibly slow your weight loss. I have never tried any Medifast recipes that had any additional foods to it- so I do not know. I also know some people are completely fine if they use them...but if you are feeling like your weighloss has slowed/stopped, then I would examine how many of the doctored Medifast meals you are eating and then maybe stop for a week and see what happens..
7. Optional snack ahhh, another possible culprit. I know, sometimes this is SUPER needed. I get it and applaud those who can do it. I can't, unless it's gum or mints to get that nasty taste out of my mouth. How many days a week are you eating the optional snack? Its completely allowed and not stating you should NOT have it, but again, if you are upset that your weightloss has slowed or stopped, maybe try to not have one everyday, or make the choice the lowest in carbs/calories. Those crisps sold by Medifast are about 70 calories (off the top of my head)- so maybe have a pickle or a sugar free jello instead? Maybe try not having one at all for a week? Again, I'm not saying that those who have one everyday is wrong- just speaking to those who feel discouraged- and they can try this to zap the weight loss again..
8. Exercise: Are you doing to much? Are you doing none at all? This would possibly play a factor in your loss. If you are doing too much, you are probably burning too many calories and your body thinks it is in starvation mode and may slow your weight-loss. Maybe cut back a little for the next week? I do not exercise at all, and probably has made my weight loss slower so, if you do not exercise and think your weight loss has slowed/stopped maybe try to add 15-20 min 3-5 times a week and see what happens?.
9. Did you have a great loss last week? So if your weight loss was low this week, what about the last week? I find if I lose 2-3 pounds one week, I am bound to have a 1 pound loss week the next. For you, you may have a 4-6 pound week - and then a 2 pounder and you freak don't...its the final weight that counts. You should count every oz lost as a blessing..
10. Logging foods: I think this is key and be honest with what you log. Its important for you to be able to look back and see what you have been eating..
11.Medical issues: So, if you feel none of the above applies to you- maybe go to your doctor- if your weight loss stalls/stops for several weeks. You may have a thyroid/hormonal condition. Those of us who have thyroid, expect to lose slower than the rest of the bunch..
So I end this long rant with love and hugs for everyone. We each have a different journey and are here for each other. My weight-loss may not be the same as you- and I KNOW it could be frustating when you are 100% on plan and the scale is not moving quick. Just review the above and see what you need to either re-examine or shake up, and I bet you will see that scale moving in no time.....
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