No results...very sad.

[Sygma]

I'm not sure what is really wrong with me but I've been mostly raw since December and am pretty fit (I do about two to two and half hours of exercise every day which includes (depending on the weather): trail running, yoga, pilates, weight lifting (not so much anymore), and the elliptical).

I'm probably really healthy and all, but I don't even LOOK like I work out at all. I mean, my body almost exactly resembles my sister's body, and my sister eats CRAP and NEVER exercises.

What am I doing wrong? What should I do to see results? I can't stand seeing how surprised people are when I tell them I work out. :(

I can't seem to lose any weight unless I eat hardly anything and continue exercising at high intensity (which is not fun at all, and I end up being really mean to everyone).

[green jeanie]

two things

you probably need to eat waaaaaaaaaaay more

and get some blood work sister

[ruffsongraw]

hmmm....i went raw 9 wks ago & have not lost ANY weight either--but i was told that my body is too busy healing and not fat burning. ?? i FEEL worlds better.
maybe a colon cleanse program ? maybe *your* ideal/natural weight, size and shape isnt super thin?? dont give up!

jen

[Sygma]

Eat more...but more of what? Some people say ditch the fats, other people say ditch the sweet fruits.

I truly don't even know what sweet fruits are exactly (are grapefruits sweet fruits? O_o)

I guess, I just have to learn what to do over time...some experimentation on how my body responds to certain things in my diet.

Ruffs: I am definitely considering Dr. Schultz colon cleanse....and I'm also thinking that maybe I am not meant to be superthin (darn those german genes!) because my mom and all my aunts (except one) are not superthin or even that thin.

[ruffsongraw]

JMO but i think that super thin look isnt nice, unless it is anatural thing. i like having curves! my Q to you would be how do you FEEL when compared with SAD? if you have more energy and feel vibrant/healthy, then that IS a result and maybe it takes a lot longer...i was also told that for every year you ate SAD, that is how many months it takes to really see big results.
my most noticeable result is feeling more energetc. try the colon cleanse and maybe go to a homeopathic or naturapath pratitioner for your blood wk and a full eval?

jen

[Moretta]

Hang in there. Are you drinking any green smoothies, if not you should give them a try. Maybe even do a green smoothie feast for a couple of days or water fast and see how your body tolerates things.

Key thing is listen to your body.

I'm sure you will see results soon enough. Be patient with yourself and try not to beat yourself up. Go with the flow.

Best of luck to you,

[Veronica01]

You really can't starve yourself or your body will hold onto everything. You should try eating all raw and focus on 60-80% of your calories coming from fruits, it will give you all the energy you need and help your body get the nutrients it needs and help digestion. You might have to go all or nothing if you are so unhappy right now. I used to be 75% raw but none of the weight ever came off until i did 100%. I've lost 9 pounds in less than 4 weeks, by barely exercising.

[freshlight]

Take a deep breath and relax. Then make a plan. Read some good raw books. I'd eat heaps of fruit,-mostly fruit, so that your body can get clean. Drop the frustration and start looking forward to the biggest success EVER!
You got the tools,-hey, be happy about that and start being proud of yourself. Some things take longer than the others. Your frustration stops your progress. Try to use it in the positive way and you'll be fine.
Be kind to yourself,-it's VERY important imo. All the best and happy raw time :D

[contessa20]

Two things I've found to be key for me are drinking water, water, water and eating some good fats like extra-virgin olive oil, coconut oil, avocado, raw nuts or seeds every single day. If I neglect one of those for more than a couple of days my body refuses to let go of any weight.

[iluvmangos]

I can't seem to lose any weight unless I eat hardly anything and continue exercising at high intensity (which is not fun at all, and I end up being really mean to everyone).

You think it's possible you could have a low thyroid? You might wanna consider adding more sea vegetables to your diet. Look up veganforlife's posts to see how she did it. Coconut oil is supposed to be good for thyroids, too.

Also, why are you waiting until June to go 100% raw? Why not do it now and see how that helps?

[cara4art]

How old are you? This might make a difference. If you are close to menopause, fat loss efforts can be derailed for a number of hormonal reasons, which have to be worked around. One of which is the dreaded metabolic slowdown at this time, which is often because we have lost muscle and gained body fat to replace that muscle. Body fat burns way less energy than lean tissue does. This is why it is critical for women especially to get onto some sort of program that builds muscle. The other reason is that as hormonal production slows down, the body wants to put on fat, as fat cells make their own estrogen, so at this time, the body often resists any attempt to release weight. The situation is often compounded by SAD eating patterns, esp. refined carbs which tend to end up as body fat at this age. So, you are doing great by going raw, which sidesteps that last issue, and on a deeper level over time, many other issues will be addressed as well as the body heals and adjusts from the inside out. Be patient - it takes time, and since December really isn't that long, especially if one is no longer a teenager or in one's early 20s, when things can turn around pretty quickly.
In addition to other people's input which is very good, you need to get back to that weight lifting, and maybe cut back on some of the other stuff - you might simply be doing way too much. I know this sounds counter-intuitive, but for some people, all that exercise can lead to production of cortisol(stress hormone from the adrenals when overly-taxed), which slows down fat-burning, and even packs ON the fat around the middle. Also, by doing ALL this other stuff without doing some resistance exercise, you are tearing down lean tissue which you WANT to keep, as this is what is metabolically active in your body. Maybe a more efficient schedule of exercise, where you get in some solid weight training 3x a week, and cardio stuff no more than 4-5x a week(40-45 minutes tops, changing up your cardio on some days to higher intensity, and the other cardio days being lower intensity for variety). By doing this you won't be wearing yourself out, and you'll be doing a much more efficient way in way less time.
Anyhow, something to consider, and keep on rawking! Try different combos of food too, and listen to your body as far as what it wants, as people often say here. You won't know how your body will respond to high-fruit, for instance until you try it, or the higher-fat, high-greens approach. But I can tell you this, daily green smoothies will help you in a myriad of ways and they are so-o good it's an easy habit to get into. Best of luck!

[RawSar]

What I have found helped me was being consistent with my eating habits. If I skip meals here and there or randomly eat more at times I get no where. Keeping things consistent and keeping a food/drink journal helped me.
Hope this helps. Oh and lots of water.

[spicyfull]

You should make sure you don't have any other problems by visiting your Doctor and have some Blood work done.

[jurence]

too much time on facebook me thinks

[Sygma]

I've been considering cutting back on the exercise just to see what happens (I was thinner when I was working out at about the schedule suggested above, strangely enough).

I'm 21...going to turn 22 in a month O_O

I was thinking I might have low thyroid too...because ALL my family takes medication for their thyroid, but I always thought I was too young or something.

I'll cut back on facebook just for you alex. :P

I guess I go 100% everyday but sometimes I slip and eat some cereal because it is around (I live with SADers). In June I move out and will have no problem being 100%.

[cara4art]

"I've been considering cutting back on the exercise just to see what happens (I was thinner when I was working out at about the schedule suggested above, strangely enough)." - Sygma

Bingo! Just as I suspected! Since you mentioned your age now, menopausal issues can be eliminated as contributors to your current state. Give it a go with what I suggested, and since you mention thyroid issues in your family, do get tested too. For some people, medication is the only way one can control thyroid issues, others have had good luck with alternatives. Look into those if you can, to avoid having to get onto heavy meds if you don't have to do so. One thing that a lot of people don't know is that adrenal and thyroid issues can be connected. Too much stress on those adrenals(which it sure sounds like you are doing with ALL that intense exercise for so long each day), and the thyroid can end up being affected. This link has some helpful info:

http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/shamesadrenal.htm

Hope this helps!

[KindnessToAllCreatures]

In Brendan Brazier's book Thrive he mentioned that he found when he increased his exercise routine time/intensity, he needed an extra hour of sleep. Prior to this discovery, he started feeling run down, gained a bit of weight. Maybe you're not getting enough rest?

Lots of great suggestions here. I hope you find the answers you are looking for!

[rawbabymama]

Don't feel discouraged, you will find what works for you. How do you feel?

I gain weight even on 95% raw...I only lose weight being 100% raw and/or fasting every other day. Meanwhile, my son's brother's mom is 5'8" and 115lb-120lb never exercising and eating SAD.

Try to focus on feeling energetic and healthy while you learn what helps you get to your physical/appearance goals. The other people here had really great suggestions for the thyroid issue, so I don't have much to add, other than to offer support & a hug. I know how you feel. It really helps to accept yourself for the way you are right now, each step on the journey and appreciate what your body can do. I don't know many people who can handle doing all that exercise! You should be proud of yourself. :-)

Best Wishes

Michele

[Sygma]

Thanks for all the help and encouragement. I am 100% raw now and cutting down on exercise. I definitely feel lighter and more energetic (I had no idea a bowl of healthy cereal with soy milk could sap so much energy and add so much weight) O_o

I haven't yet got a blood test...it's been busy around here.

P.S. you guys are so amazing! :]