I started OMAD on 12/30 and have been very strict with myself and feeling very successful. The first week I lost about 10lbs (which I understand is water weight) but in the past 3 weeks I’m only down 5. This past week I’ve stalled completely and am bouncing between 210 - 212. I’m wondering what the best way to try to elicit another “whoosh.” •I’m lifting weights/doing cardio 5x week •I’m avoiding processed carbs and eating relatively modest meals. (Example: chicken breast with panko, carrots, asparagus, and couscous) I’m wondering if I’m eating too little and/or exercising too much so my body is holding onto weight.
I’m fully aware that 15lbs in 1 month is a lot, 1-2 lbs / week is normal and healthy, and of course the weight comes off quick in the beginning and gets more difficult to shed. I’m just wondering if anyone sees anything that appears to be a red flag which could maybe halting my progress. Eating OMAD and exercising so much this week and no seeing progress is so hard because the self-discipline has been so difficult.
In the end, I’m not giving up. I understand with CICO the weight will eventually come off and I will just have to be patient.
Difficult to say because you are the only one who knows what your activity level was before IF. If all the activity and IF and everything just started or greatly intensified on 12/30, maybe back off for a few days in one of those areas for a bit and then hit it again.
Many here say you can break a plateau also by having a big “cheat” day, after which things are better. Others do an ADF a couple of times a month to shake things up.
Key is to keep some leverage open so that there’s something you can “try harder” at if you’re truly plateaued. I’m not sure I’d really call it a plateau unless you sit there for a month or so.
It sounds like things are progressing, even if it is slower then hoped for. I am finishing my first week of OMAD at the end of today and am down 5 lbs so far. If it kept that pace I would be happy. But, with the water weight aspect I am nervous about managing my expectations to not get disappointed and discouraged if I platue or it slows. A rate of 2 lbs a week just feels so slow, like you said, for the self discipline it requires.