Hi there! I'm new to this site, and honestly, I'm at a desperation point with trying to lose weight. I'm really hoping that someone can help me. Here's the deal... I exercise daily, both cardio and strength training, I eat whole, preferably organic foods, lots of fruits and veggies. I've cut out sugar, sodas, all junk foods... I eat only lean meats and whole-grain carbs... as far as I know I'm doing everything right and yet no weight is coming off. I'm 250 pounds, have been for a long time, and I've been trying to lose it for going on 2 years now. As far as my doctor can tell, there's no medical reason for the weight not coming off. It's almost as if my body doesn't want to lose the weight. Is there anyone that could please help? I really want to be a good role model for my young son.

Has a lot of the weight shifted from fat to muscle ? Happens often in some strength training ?

Also what is your height.

And how many calories are you eating each day. Normally wight loss is less in than you work out.

At first I noticed a loss of inches, which I believed to be the muscles getting stronger even though my weight hadn't changed. But after only a few months, most of the inches have come back and I can't seem to get them going again. I'm 5'7".

Oh yeah... I try to keep my caloric intake between 1500 and 1800 a day.

Personall opinoin, track very closely everything you eat, remember just being natual does not make it healthy. ( sorry you can find a dozen diet books out there, won't even start on that opinion)

But walking ( and later jogging and running) is often a very goo exersie that burns large amounts of calories, if you can work up to several miles a day and keep your intake the same, I would think it should see some results. Also the gym you go to, ( assumign you are) see if they can put you on a program for weiht loss, it may change some of the workout mehtods.

Are you now eating smaller portions, also, Like a serving of lean meats, is only 3 oz. (For instance), Drinks lots of water throughout the day, and expect to gain a few pounds when your working out, your gaining muscle. Keeping servings size smaller is really a big key. SO really look over how much your've been eating. Even healthy foods, can make you gain weight, if you eat too much of it.

I have never had a problem dropping weight so I can't really relate, but I can tell you what helps me drop weight quicker. Shift your diet, you need to extremely limit your carb intake. By doing this you will force your body to use the "next availible energy source" which would be fat. Eat higher protein to keep you feeling full. Bump up your water intake to 1 plus gallons per day (it is tough to start with, but after a few days it get easier). I would also implement the use of a diet aid (I recommend Hydroxycut, not a paid endorsement :-) ) that will up your metabolism and help curb appetite. Last but not least make sure you get "normal" good nights sleep. At least 7 hours and make sure you eat a high protein (eggs, peanut butter, turkey breast etc.) breakfast no longer than two hours after you wake up. You follow these, HONESTLY, and you will have no problem dropping weight. I would also make sure to shift towards more strength training targeting big muscle groups (legs, back, core) to burn more calories and keep your body burning more calories throughout the day. Let me know how it goes!

Thank you all so much! I have shifted my diet to a more protein-based plan. A couple of years ago, when I first seriously started trying to lose, I went on the South Beach diet because my dad had been very successful with it. I did lose a lot initially, but after about a month, while still following the plan, I started to regain the weight I had lost. Unfortunately, that's the way it's been with every "diet" I've tried. I've also tried just about every pill out there. And I read somewhere that when it comes to water, you should drink an ounce for every other pound that you weigh. So I'm drinking a lot of water, and I really don't like water. But this is why it's so frustrating to me. It seems like I've tried everything. But I sincerely do appreciate all the advice. Please-- the more help, the better.

Watch what you eat. Take yourself to a 1.7k cal a day. Not too much starch.

Anyway try just walking for 30mins a day put your Ipod on and just go for a walk. As soon as your done with eat a power bar or something.

But 98% of going to the gym is what you put in yourself. So I can't stree enough how important it is.

Its hard I know even more so when you work out and your hungry and you want your 8pm snack or something.

But there are tons of fat free treats you can treat yourself to :)

Hope it works out

I know for some the following works. I have been doing exactly what you are, and I have been losing weight. I have limited my whole grain, legume and fruit intake and focused more on filling up with meat or high fiber vegetables. It may just be the ratios. Also, I also have a glass of green tea every morning, and that is the only caffeine I consume. It seems to help. Good luck!