Excercising, Eating right, Not losing ANY Weight

I am a 22 year old female, I weigh 171 pounds, and am 5'6". I used to weigh 140, which I was OK with. I quit smoking in February 2009. Since then, I have gained 30 pounds. A few months ago, I started eating healthier (more fruits, less sweets, more whole grains, less junk, and more water, less tea!) and exercising a minimum of 3 days a week (I work full-time, so I don't always have the time, also just as a note, this job isn't a desk job, so its not like i'm sitting all day). I understand it may be impossible for me to get down to 140 again, as I am pretty curvy. My first goal was unrealistic, 130 which I weighed in high school. I would also like to note that in high school i was extremely active (soccer and track) and also had an eating disorder. Every time in the past when I wanted to lose weight, I would simply quit eating for a while, even to the point of making myself sick. Last time I weighed 140, thats how I did that, with a really bad combination of smoking alot and drinking nothing but tea... But I would like to shed as much as this weight has possible in a healthy way. I have cut out all soda, which I never cared for anyway, and fast food, which I used to eat all the time. And plus with exercising, I don't understand why I won't lose any weight! I am getting married in August, and would like to look better in my dress and in a bikini on my honeymoon. Also, when I exercise I run at least a mile, and do some mixture of other cardio and usually situps and pushups, and sometimes will go along with an exercise show on TV. I always feel great after I exercise. Any ideas as to why I can't lose the weight?

[Nitya_Eternal]

I have the same problem, similar food history, and have made similar posts asking for help =) I know all of us will need more information to give you advice here.

A lot of studies out there say that 3 days a week of exercise is enough to maintain your weight, while weight loss itself requires 4-6 days per week, so you may need to step it up. It sounds like you're doing the right kind of exercises,and cutting out soda and fast food is a HUGE plus, so you're already on the right track!

What's your caloric intake per day? Fat intake? Carb intake? Fiber intake? Protein intake? These are 5 things that need to be looked at along with your exercise regime. Can you post a few sample days in your food diary in your profile? Do you have any medical or health issues that may influence weight loss/gain?

[ConnieG]

Keep a food journal.  Write down what time you eat, how much and the calories of each item.  At the end of each day add up the calories and the glasses of water.  That way you can make sure that the calorie intake is what it should be.  You can eat healthy things and cut out the unhealthy but still be taking in way to many calories.
Also with the food journal, you will be able to see what time of day you 'snack' and see what you usually crave.  I crave chocolate between 3:00-3:30 every afternoon, so I make sure to have a small peice of chocolate that is a bite or two big and that is it. I bring it to work with me each day and no more. And I refuse to let myself go to the vending machine ( I wouldn't bring cash with me forever because if I had cash I went to the vending machine)  Once you see you're habits you can change them.  
Also, make sure when you exercise that you are doing cardio.  Strength training is important too.  Cardio will drop fat, and strength training will build muscles which will in turn burn more fat during cardio.
GOOD LUCK! I hope you get to your happy weight in time for your wedding.  
The most important thing is never forget that you are gorgeous how you are!  The only point of losing weight is to be healthy and live longer without the aid of others, the shape of body that comes with it is just a fun side effect! :D

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

You have done the best thing by quitting smoking. Now you can also plan a proper diet plan for yourself. Your diet should suit your metabolism and should be related to your present BMI and your metabolic rate, consult a dietician.

171 pounds, and with 5'6" you are at a BMI of 27.6, which is in the overweight category. Try to come down below 25 BMI in next couple of months by going for a regular cardio for 30-45 minutes.

Once with a BMI of below 25 continue proper diet and exercise 3 times a week.

Take care!

[redrose_rocker]

Thanks! I am going to try to keep a food journal on here. I am often not able to be around a computer during the day, and won't always have time to write down every time I eat something, but I will try to keep it as accurate as possible. Thanks for the responses, everyone!

[redrose_rocker]

Oh, and I just reread the first post. I don't have any medical issues that I know of, my family history includes thyroid issues, cancer, and mental issues such as chronic depression (which I have had since I was 12, and this was diagnosed) and ADHD. But I don't know if those things have anything to do with my weight.

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

Before you start your work outs go for checking your vitals and have some basic investigations done and also follow up with a physician for your safety. You can go for thyroid function tests and that is enough!

Take care!