I Need Advice on My Weight Loss Journey — Struggling with Body Image and Progress

Hello guys…

I’m really in need of some advice and support with my weight loss journey. Lately, I’ve been struggling with my body image, and it’s been pretty tough. Over the past month, I’ve been trying to change my eating habits by setting a daily limit of 1500 calories. I’ve noticed that I tend to eat a lot when I’m bored, so this has helped me manage my intake better.

The last time I weighed myself, I was at 170 lbs, and I hoped I’d at least maintain that weight. However, I just weighed myself today and found out that I’m now 175 lbs. I know it’s not a huge difference, but it’s making me feel like all my efforts have been for nothing.

I’ve recently started using a walking pad and have been hitting around 15-20k steps a day for the past few days. I also do a 15-minute workout 3-4 times a week. I’m wondering if this is enough to see results, or if there’s something else I should be doing.

I grew up being pretty skinny and was at most 145 lbs, but I’ve gained a lot of weight over the last year, and I don’t feel like myself anymore. I would really appreciate any tips or advice to help me get back into shape as quickly as realistically possible.

Thanks

It sounds like you’re putting in a lot of effort with your diet and exercise, which is great. Weight fluctuations can be frustrating, but they’re normal and can be influenced by various factors like water retention or muscle gain. Your 1500-calorie limit and increased physical activity, including 15-20k steps a day and regular workouts, are solid steps toward reaching your goals. It might also be helpful to track other progress indicators, like how your clothes fit or your energy levels, rather than just focusing on the scale. Consider incorporating strength training to build muscle, which can help boost metabolism. Additionally, ensure you’re getting enough sleep and managing stress, as these can impact weight. Stay consistent and patient—progress takes time, and every small step counts. Keep up the good work and don’t hesitate to reach out to a nutritionist or fitness coach for personalized advice and support.

It’s understandable to feel discouraged, but weight fluctuations are normal, and progress often takes time. Your efforts with a 1500-calorie limit, walking 15-20k steps daily, and regular workouts are solid steps toward your goals. Remember, weight can fluctuate due to various factors, including water retention and muscle gain. Focus on the overall picture—how your clothes fit, your energy levels, and your overall health. Consider incorporating strength training to build muscle, which can boost your metabolism and contribute to fat loss. Additionally, make sure you’re getting enough sleep and managing stress, as these factors also impact weight. Stay consistent, be patient with yourself, and seek support from a fitness or nutrition professional if needed.

I totally understand where you’re coming from. I’ve been on a weight loss journey myself, and I remember how disheartening it can be to see the scale go up despite your efforts. When I first started, I was in a similar situation, trying to adjust my diet and exercise routine. I found that sometimes weight fluctuations are normal and can be influenced by various factors like water retention or muscle gain. It helped me to focus not just on the number on the scale but also on how I felt overall. Incorporating a balanced diet with a variety of nutrients, staying hydrated, and continuing with regular exercise are key. I also found tracking my progress in other ways, like how my clothes fit or my energy levels, to be motivating. Keep at it, and don’t get discouraged. Consistency and patience are crucial, and sometimes results take a bit of time to show up.