Hi sem848, Thanks for writing. I am sorry to hear that you're feeling discouraged and that you haven't seen any positive results yet. Typically, most individuals will see weight-loss/fat-loss within a couple of weeks...3 weeks isn't completely unusual...so stay positive! I would encourage you to increase your exercise to 3-5+ days per week and if possible also increase the intensity (how hard you're working) and/or the duration (how long you're exercising) to increase your caloric burn. Also, incorporate strength training into your weekly exercise program. ST is crucial to the long-term success of any weight-loss program as it allows your body to become more metabolically efficient (b/c muscle-mass burns more calories than fat-mass). The alli website provides helpful animated demos for a very effective full-body workout. Go to "myactivity" and click on "strength training log" to view them. It would be a great idea to add additional types of cardio exercises such as DVD's like The Firm, Yoga Booty Ballet, Turbo Jam and Taebo! Really challenge yourself and stay motivated! Realize that many factors influence weight-loss such as time of day, hydration levels, hormones, and even more serious issues such as adrenal fatigue, and hypo-thyroidism. I would encourage you to stick with the program, work hard, and make sure you're drinking plenty of water and getting 7-8 hours of sleep a nite. If you still do not see any positive results within another couple or 3 weeks, you may want to see your doctor to rule out any hormonal imbalance, low thyroid, etc. Best in health and stay positive! Kelli

 Great advice, Kelli!

Peace,

Roey. 

 Dear sem848,

DON'T GIVE UP!!!  This really is a great program; it's so much more than just a "diet pill."  This site has so many great tools to help you with your own custom weight loss needs.  If you are not already using the journal section, try making a habit of writing in it every day.  You can keep track of anything you want - feelings - events - food - whatever - the point is getting into the habit of writing every day raises your awareness; it's a tool just for you.  After a bit you may realize stuff that is effecting your weightloss progress.  Also, you can record everything you eat and input your own favorites that may not be on the plan (I entered the nutrition info for my favorite candy.)  Candy is my downfall and rather than feel like I am "cheating" and not writing it down when I eat it (then I feel bad and the spiral down starts) - I ended up adding that candy to the database and now when I eat it I can log it and the calories, sodium, fat, etc. are all recorded and factored into the daily totals.

Finally, I need to emphasize how totally important those eight glasses of WATER are each day!  I mean water, not coffee, tea, soda, or other liquids - they don't count for this - I challange you to drink eight glasses of water each day for a week and see if you have a better result on the scale next week.  Don't give up - this program works - keep trying to find out the source of your "stubborn scale" and keep small mini goals in mind as well as your overall goal.

Peace, and congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

Roey. 

Hi Roey,

Great advice.  IT's so good to see fellow alli users who are being successful give others the boost that they need when they need it.  As Kelli said, it actually takes several weeks in many cases to start seeing the real results of your work, so for anyone discouraged in the beginning  - try not to be.  This is a lifetime plan designed to help you form the right kind of habits that will pay long-term divends for your weight, outlook and your health. 

Keep at the exercise and be sure to do a combination of strength training and cardio exercises for maximum calorie and fat burning and strength and overall fitness.  Intensity is key, so challenge yourself each and every time to make it your personal best. 

Roey's suggestion to keep a journal is a great one - it will help you to chart progress and stay accountable to your daily plan.  Do the same with your exercise so you can see how your fitness level is improving. 

You've already taken the important first step, now it's time to really dig in and start seeing some positive results.  Please keep me posted.

Good Luck,

Paul

Hi, this is my 5th day on alli and I love it. Writing everything down is one of the keys to this working because your holding yourself accountable. In the past I would eat and forget about it a few hours later. This way you can go back and see what you ate or didn't eat that might be hindering your progress. I've been doing tei bo and it's great. P90x is also very good as it keeps your body guessing. I'm going to start that after I lose 30 pounds. Don't give up "newbie". I haven't been on this for long but I can feel the diff 'cause my state of mind has changed about what and how I eat. Praying for success in your upcoming marriage.

Hi anethaney, I am so glad to hear that you are pleased with alli and the program. You are right that keeping track of your exercise and eating is critical to the long-term success of your weight loss goals. Keep your mind and body challenged and motivated by using a variety of exercises like Tae Bo and the P90x! You should see great results! Keep working hard! Kelli

sem848 - I'm just starting my 3rd week on alli and am also very discouraged because I've gained too, even though I'm eating well and exercising, etc... But Roey mentioned the one thing that I have stopped doing and that is drinking water.

I hate water and it sounds like such a chore when everyone keeps harping on how important it is to drink so much of it, but it really did make a difference for me. I got so I preferred it over soda, and soda is about the only thing I drink/drank.

You don't have to start drinking like a camel tomorrow, either. There are water fanatics out making themselves physically sick by drinking too much water. Drink as much as you feel like at first, but at least drink a little every day. I found a water bottle that was really easy to drink from and I couldn't believe how fast the water started going down. Eventually I got so I was drinking more than less, and I really did notice that I lost more weight from week to week. It's just so ha-a-a-r-r-r-d sometimes.

You may never get up to the amount "THEY" say you should be consuming, but you get water in your food and other non-caffeinated drinks, too. Any extra water you get is better than none, I say. 

So while I don't always stick with the water thing, I've got to say, I've seen in myself that it can make a difference, and that is what I'm going to try to get back to and see if it won't help in my efforts with alli. Have a glass on me. Good luck.

 

Hi tolman295, Thanks for writing. Drinking water is very important for bodily functions, as well as to help with weight loss! There are many recommendations that quite honestly do not fit everyone's lifestyle as exercise, climate, fitness level, etc. all influence one's needs. It is important to drink water before, during and after exercise and to try to get in 20 oz. a couple of hours before a workout. Another way to get in your water is to eat plenty of fruits such as oranges, berries, cantelope, watermelon, etc. These fruits, as well as some veges will provide a lot of water, as well as vitamins and fiber! With the help of alli, a healthy low-fat diet and consistent exercise, you'll see positive results! Stay committed and continue to work hard! Best of luck! Kelli