I think I am doing something wrong?

[bedowin]

I got started with PP about 5 weeks ago. My first two weeks I ate whatever I wanted and kept my carbs ultra-low (still do). I lost 7 lbs in the first 14 days. It was some water weight but definitely some fat. My BF% was 23.8 and it dropped to 20.4 during those 14 days. I also gained some muscle, while losing the 7 lbs, which was impressive. (I keep track of measurements, as I frequent the gym for strength training prior to starting PP.)

Anyway... after the first two weeks I seem to stall out for the next two weeks after the initial start. What I mean is the measurements on hips, thighs, waist are exactly the same. I checked my body fat % and it was at 20.5. I decided to count my calories during the 4th week and noticed my daily intake did have a rough average; even though I had not been counting.

I decided to cut that average by 500 calories and bam I have noticed daily changes every day this week. My waist, hips and thighs are shrinking about 1/8th of an inch per day so far. I stepped on the scale and the weight I was at for those stalled two weeks is down 3 pounds after this 5th week of cutting back 500 calories from my average.

HOWEVER.. my BF% is staying at 20.5 and I do feel a bit weaker in the gym, so I'm not sure I am doing things properly... any advice would be much appreciated.

It seems if i keep with this program I will be down to the waist I want very soon but will lose a lot of muscle in the process, which was hard-earned.

[Anniesnan]

I'm not an "expert" and some needed info is missing, but...

off the top of my head, at your current bf % it is going to be slower going for you to lose anything.

Instead of counting calories, I know the recommendation in PPLP was to limit nuts and cheeses, eliminate caffeine and artificial sweeteners and concentrate on making any protein over your daily minimum lean protein.

[Shadow]

Bedowin - I think you were on the right track to begin with :). First of all, the rate of weight loss will very rarely continue at the initial speed it started at. Secondly, the less you have to lose, the slower it comes off. Finally, you don't mention how much total you're eating - but cutting calories is not always the answer. If you lost 3 # but your BF % stayed the same, then it was muscle loss. That is not a good thing. You said you are strength training. So a combination of low carb & continuing that will eventually take that BF % further down. Now it is a matter of just having patience :).

[Shadow]

Another thought - when was the last time you changed your strength training? Maybe you have adapted to your routine and it's time to shake things up a bit.

[bedowin]

I think patience is a lot of it the more I consider it. I change up my routine in the weight room every 6-8 weeks for the sake of mixing it up for my body and my own sanity. =)

I actually think some neglect of including proper protein before and immediately after my workout has created more catabolism on my muscles. I know I have felt tired all week during the workouts as well. I switched in some protein rich sources before and immediately after my workout on Wednesday and Thursday and noticed a big (great) difference in my energy levels.

But, overall I think I just need more patience and let my calories come back up some; giving it more time and get settled in with my expectations.

[Shadow]

Practicing patience is very challenging, isn't it ;)? But way to go focusing on the protein :thumbsup:! Sounds like you have thought about it and have made a wise choice :).