There is no magic formula...

I knew getting into this that the same thing you did before doesn't always work.  Those diets or routines that other people swear by don't always work.

That being said, this week has been transitional.  I've clocked six hours of walking between Monday and Friday-- one hour each morning but two on Friday.  I might have eaten more calories but I've also eaten more protein, healthy fats and less carbs.  My sodium intake has been stellar-- closer to 2400 mg daily.  Still, I lost no weight this week.  I actually take comfort in the fact that muscle gain was involved here-- the walks have gotten easier, the pain a little less.  I know when this budding muscle gain peaks, pounds will start to melt so I forgive the hiccup this week.  I don't know what I was thinking obsessing on calories since it never does me any good in the long term.  I like those diets that say eat what you want but use the calories.  THAT I can do!

I'm not quite ready for the elliptical but I use the recumbent.  Despite the promise that the elliptical is even more low impact than walking, I don't find the odd swinging glide easy to deal with and it's so much more boring than just walking around the neighborhood.  My very hilly, very challenging walk of a neighborhood.  There so much about this process that I try my best to build authenticity with.  I don't want to feel like I'm hooked up to machines, popping pills, and drinking nutrients through a straw just to rush towards a healthy or attractive result.  Even when I get there, it's so important that this is attractive enough a lifestyle to maintain.  Quite simply, I never want to go through the square one phases again.  If I'm gonna work, it better stick, because roller coaster weight loss/gain is worse than just being stuck on fat.

I hope I have better news for the weight loss next week, but for now, I am not at all discouraged.  It's too early and I'm working too hard for this to be a plateau where I'm not pushing hard enough.  Some changes may need to be made but for now I enjoy feeling full and energetic and purposeful.