The scale isn't budging

nspink22

I have been using MFP on and off for about 2 years. This time last year, I was around 138 (I'm 5'2"), then lost about ten pounds between July-September. I am now back up to 138 again, but have gotten back on the horse and have been exercising daily and staying under my calories. I've been back at it for about 3 weeks, but have not lost a single pound! I know people always say not to focus so much on the number on the scale as the fit of your clothes, as you may be building muscle while losing fat, but I can't see any difference or feel any difference in the way my clothes fit. I know three weeks isn't that long, but it's hard not to get discouraged by not seeing any results. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong.

prattiger65

How much are you eating? Exercising? Do you weigh all your food?

ETA. Opening your diary would help us answer.

Nenagena76

I agree with prattiger65, tracking your calories burned could be helpful. I just recently purchased a Body Media armband to help me record my movement and calories burned. It helps me to create balance between what goes in and what burns off.

jess6742

My starting stats are about the same as yours. I am 5'1 and started at 139 pounds. I have slowly lost 30 pounds over the past 2.5 years with periods of maintenance thrown in. I am a firm believer in making small changes that you can stick to for the rest of your life. When I am maintaining I don't have to think about what I am eating or how much to exercise. I tend to lose a few pounds and then try to maintain it and then go back and lose another 5 pounds. Now I am back and trying to lose the last bit of weight. Hang in there, you can do it! The scale will fluctuate but if you are eating a healthy diet with enough calories to fuel your workouts you will lose weight. If you are undereating and over exercising then you will only be hurting yourself long term.

nspink22

Thanks, Jess. It's helpful to hear others' stories who are/were similar size. I was creeping on your food log and it made me feel better because you eat real food, just in moderation. That's what I aim to do, too. I a trying to make small adjustments I can stick with forever.