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I can't lose weight or size... Argh! Nutrition issue possibly?
Hey everyone!
26/f. 5'3", about 130 give or take a couple pounds. History of anorexia ending something like 5-6 years ago, slight body dysmorphia still on bad days.
Background: I gained weight recently because of a steroid medication I was on for crohn's disease. To combat this known weight-gain issue while I was on it, I immediately switched to a clean eating/daily workout lifestyle. I'm thankfully off the medication, but kept the lifestyle...and the 15 pounds I gained.
That said, I don't expect to ever reach 115 again like I'd love to, because I have a pretty decent amount of lean muscle mass in my lower body. I run barefoot-shoe, so my legs are ALL muscle. I also do primarily body-resistance "lifting," and have a set of 5-lb weights. I do want/need to lose SOME weight or size. My body can't seem to comfortably handle 130. I've recently had to slow down on the working out (didn't get to at all last week) since I've started clinical psychology Master's classes on top of my full-time social work job, but since I gained weight, I'm getting pains from running that aren't my usual soreness, and it's more difficult to keep form. AND I'm slower... and that is killing me.
Anyway, here's the biggest question - my diet is extremely healthy for being out and about 12-14 hours a day. For example yesterday:
Breakfast - greek yogurt, banana, tablespoon of peanut butter (yum! For a former anorexic, I really, really love good food.)
Lunch - 20g protein bar, small apple, a bunch of almonds
Snack - more almonds, carrots, celery, grape tomatoes, another greek yogurt container
Dinner - Pita and hummus, chicken breast, about 1/2 cup of chocolate sorbet.
I nibble mostly; I don't have time for big meals, nor do I have time or energy to cook. The issue is, if my diet is okay and I'm (was) working out like a fiend, why I have I seen ZERO change in six months? I've been taking progress pictures, no less, and there has been none. I don't own a scale or measuring tape. I've noticed I have curves for a change, which is nice, but clothes (mainly pants) that were comfortable are not so anymore. I almost think I've GAINED size, but how could that be? I mean I know steroids take a few months to come out of your system, but really...
Is it possible that I'm actually not eating enough? I'm pretty sure I'm nowhere near 2000 calories a day... Have I thrown my body into some bizarre starvation mode?
Please help me find some nutrient-dense/calorie-dense foods that will help me out if you feel that's the issue, because I feel like I'm eating constantly and this is still going on. And/or, please suggest equipmentless (and preferably free) ways to switch up my exercise...? (I refuse to Zumba, and have no time for classes - must be something I could do at home.)
If more information is needed, please let me know.
I am so confused, and I would love anyone's suggestions or feedback on my situation.
Thank you to all who respond! <3
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So I am not a medical professional but this is what I think. Number one because you were anorexic you already may have thinned bones that are less dense then they should be. A side effect of steroids can be further thinning of the bones. With the extra weight it's probably putting a lot more stress on your structure. This could be some of that unusual pain your experiencing. Is the pain from working out mostly near your joints like knees, ankles hips? Your spine can also get a lot of stress from this. I would start taking calcium to help your bones and switch to non impact training. So instead of running go bicycling. Training that focuses on proper alignment is the best way to relieve your structure from unnecessary stress. Yoga and Pilates are really good for you!!! I know you said you don't have time for classes but structural damage can effect you the rest of your life so I suggest you make time. You can even look up these classes on you tube to do them at home. However this will not give you the targeted instruction that you really need for your alignment. There are ways you can get these classes for free!! Go to your local Pilates and Yoga studios and ask them if they have students getting certified that need teaching hours. This is a great way to get free personal training!!!! If you find someone that will give you Pilates reformer, this is amazing for correct alignment and supporting your structure!!!
This type of training can also make you mass/ width of your muscles go down. Another side effect of oral steroids is that it can cause muscle weakness. When your pushing yourself and your muscles are easily exhausted your large muscle groups will grip and take over to get through it. This can causes bulk building and muscular imbalances. Pilates and Yoga focus on teaching you to use internal small muscles that support your skeleton. This will realize those large muscle groups, relieve tension in your joints and give you an overall leaner look.
Your body just went through quite a lot so be patient as it tries to find it's balance again. Changing hormone levels tend to make the body retain water. (think about it, periods? menopause?). Stress does it also. So drink a lot of water and take out any extra salt or sugar from your diet. Not drinking enough water causes water retention. Also eat a lot of high antioxidant foods. Beats, spinach, beans. A good general rule of thumb is to eat salads that have a lot of deep Rich colors. If you do this in general you will eat antioxidants.
You also seem very stressed and overwhelmed. The pressure and stress on your self to loose this weight is not helping your body! If anything it's making you hold hold more tension and retain water. So one good thing about yoga is it is also a meditative practice. I think taking some time before a work out to clear any pressure or anxiety you have is going to help you a lot.
Good luck honey
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Do you have Crohn's Disease?
Because if you have Crohns, or are recovering from it, no one here is the least bit qualified to help you.
If your system has been through anorexia, Chohns, and steroid treatment then you've got complex shit going on when it comes to how your body processes food, and the standard, everyday advice that people toss around, might not apply to you very well.
There are so many things that could be contributing to soreness and fatigue - not just your diet (although I'd hazard a guess that you are not eating enough, and you don't mention any vitamins, which would be probably be good for you given an eating disorder during a major growth period) but your recent lifestyle changes and stress could also be contributing. You might be rushing when you can exercise and not warming up/stretching sufficiently given the fact you are exercising less often. You might have vitamin deficiencies linked to Crohns or teenage anorexia. You might not be hydrating well. You might have a sleep disorder that is preventing you from loosing weight and leaving you fatigued. You may have a blood flow issue to your extremities (also, a common problem for people with eating disorder during their teens).
I'm not suggesting that all, or any of that, is what is wrong with you. I only mean to say that I cannot know, and neither can anyone else here. There is just too much going on for a layman to help you out in any reliable way.
My best advice to you: Start taking a good multivitamin, make sure you are getting enough water and enough sleep, and talk to a nutritionist and to a doctor about everything else.
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