I have hit a wall and can't get through/over it.

[braytonperson]

I am 18 and trying to lose the extra weight I have. I have lost roughly 12-15 pounds in the last 3 months but as of the last nearly 2 weeks I have hit a wall. My weight isn't changing. It's not going down but yet its not increasing either. I do cardio about 3 times a week when I am able to get to the gym. I have cut down on my portions and made sure my intake is less than 2000 calories. Keeping my intake between 1700-1800. I have been trying to watch my sugar intake but being on a college budget is difficult to buy fresh fruit and veggies. Its not cheap to buy fresh. I am 5'10 and weigh 222. Any suggestion as to knock down this wall while juggling school and work?

[braytonperson]

Thank you all!! I have switched up my exercise routine and challenged myself a bit more with lifting weights. I have gotten somewhat over my wall!!

[Barb135]

You can't just, arbitrarily, set a number of calories you're going to eat each day..  Calorie needs have to be based on current height, weight, age and level of activity.  Someone who weighs more, will require more calories to maintain their weight.  

Yes, we need to consume less calories than maintenance requires, in order to lose weight, but if you drop too low, the body senses starvation. It's not healthy to drop calories too low.  As weight is lost, calorie needs will go go down.

Exercise not only burns calories, but it builds muscle, which burns calories much faster than fat does.

[leyhdylan]

If you consume more calories then it takes to stay the same weight (no matter how much you work out). Make a list of low calorie foods that you like and the amount of calories in each. Try to make that list very long. Set a self-goal of less than 1500 calories as your daily intake. Exercise is good for you in many ways, but by itself has only a moderate effect for weight control.  But the combined effect of low-calorie food and exercise will have faster results for weight loss.  

[Barb135]

Along with cardio, you need to add some strength training; best to alternate it with the cardio. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.

At 222 pounds, 1300 calories/day is not nearly enough; it wouldn't even be enough to maintain your bodily functions, so don't drop that low.

You do need to switch up your calories though and your exercise.  Once your body gets used to the same number of calories or the same exercise, you will plateau and it will be hard to break it.  Do a bit more exercise every day, then do a bit less; eat a couple hundred less calories, then a couple hundred more.  

[vicki22jack]

I would cut out carbs from your evening meal if you don't burn them off they turn into sugar which will then turn to fat. Plus I would cut your cals down to 1300. Plus cut out bread replace with pitta or wraps or crackers see how that goes. Stick with the exercise add some crunches and press ups