Inches Lost But Very Little Weight

slovie64

I need help processing this so I don't get discouraged.

I started really watching what I eat and exercising every day about a month and a half ago. For instance, I walked over 70 miles in February alone.

However the scale does NOT want to move much. I think I've only lost about 10 pounds since I started, and for some reason, I thought it would be more. You know when you first start a diet usually a good amount of weight drops off and you're like, "hey, this this is great!" until you plateau.

I feel like I started this diet on a plateau. And when I get my period? I practically catapult right back to my starting weight, losing about a pound a day until it's over. Let me tell you - that makes me nuts. Nothing like seeing a 7 or 8 pound gain overnight to boost morale!

However, I've lost 3 inches on my waist and 3.5 on my hips. Is this a case of that old "muscle weighs more than fat" thing? That just seems like a dopey argument 45 days in. Advice? Encouragement? All are welcomed.

CatHunterFit

I think a 10lb loss in a month and a half is really good!! Slow and steady wins the race. The slower the weight comes off, the easier it will stay off. If only it was as easy to lose weight as it was to gain it, huh?

You have obviously lost some fat to see the inch loss, but I doubt you've gained muscle if your exercise has been cardio only. You need to lift weights to gain muscle.

The gain at your period is just water retention. Try to ignore it. It's temporary.

You are doing just fine! Keep at it!

MythicalMe84

I only lost 1 pound in 3 weeks but lost inches. I agree 10 lbs in that time frame is good!

slovie64

Thanks guys - it's just so frustrating at the end of every day when I complete my food diary MFP is like "If you eat like this everyday you will be "x" weight in 5 weeks!"

Well it's been more than 5 weeks and I'm not any where near their "x" weight. Oh well, like you said, slow and steady wins the race.

katherine_startrek_fan

As many MFPers say, you didn't gain the weight overnight so you can't expect to lose it that fast.

Also, you will notice that your weight during your monthly bloat will be lower each month than the previous. So while it is still higher than maybe your weight during the previous week, it'll still likely be a few pounds lower than your top weight during your prior monthly bloat.

evileen99

No one can see the number on the scale; everyone can see what you look like. Be thankful; there are lots of posts from people who say they've lost 10-20 pounds but are still about the same size.

comeongethealthyro

changes in how clothes fit > what the scale says!

Ready2Rock206

evileen99 wrote: »

No one can see the number on the scale; everyone can see what you look like. Be thankful; there are lots of posts from people who say they've lost 10-20 pounds but are still about the same size.

Seriously this! I wouldn't care what the scale said if I looked better. I have the opposite problem - losing pounds but not inches so no one can notice my progress.

MrCoolGrim

You are absolutey on the rite course. Congrats on the 10lbs. Keep it up! Your hard work is paying off and then some.

slovie64

A co-worker who only sees me once a week did tell me yesterday that I was getting "all kinds of skinny." Thanks everyone for your input and support. It really helps me keep things in perspective.

slovie64

comeongethealthyro wrote: »

changes in how clothes fit > what the scale says!

You are so right. Two pairs of pants that I couldn't fit in on January 1st fit me now.

scombs426

I went for 6 weeks doing 1,200 calories and 30-35 minutes exercise 3 times a week. I lost nothing. Up 1 lb down 1 lb, after meeting with a trainer he had me give up diet pop. My one, my only, my sacred vice! I saw 4 lb drop the first week, 2 the second and 1 the third - it's hard but 2 lb average a week is really good -the older the more difficult it is to drop. Keep a food diary and have someone else review it. I learned that saccharine really messes with Leptin in women's stomach's - keeps your hunger charged up. After two months I can only claim a 7 lb loss!!! I'd kill for 10 in one month! You simply can't compare. I have a friend who's dropped 21 and complains it's not fast enough. Slow and steady - plus those who make life style changes will keep it off. Great Job!! celebrate the victory!!!

meritage4

10lbs in 6 week is a great rate of weight loss! Keep at it.