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Disheartening creep
Francl27
Posts: 26,368 Member
I got on the scale this morning and I am not happy. Ok, I realize it's just one day and my legs hurt and I'm close to ovulation and probably retaining water like crazy, even though I've been way under my goal the last couple days... but still.
The weird thing is that I look my thinnest yet... yet the scale was 8 pounds over my lowest (which was 2 years ago), and 2 pounds over my weight from 2 months ago. Has anyone had that happen to them? Weight going up but apparently not gaining fat... I'm not actively lifting or anything so I highly doubt it's muscle.
Oh well I suppose it's the kick I needed to really get back to a deficit, even though it's been very hard the last few months as I still tend to be very hungry
And to stop ignoring the scale (which is rough as I really tend to retain water like crazy and it depresses me at times).
The weird thing is that I look my thinnest yet... yet the scale was 8 pounds over my lowest (which was 2 years ago), and 2 pounds over my weight from 2 months ago. Has anyone had that happen to them? Weight going up but apparently not gaining fat... I'm not actively lifting or anything so I highly doubt it's muscle.
Oh well I suppose it's the kick I needed to really get back to a deficit, even though it's been very hard the last few months as I still tend to be very hungry
And to stop ignoring the scale (which is rough as I really tend to retain water like crazy and it depresses me at times). 0
Replies
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You already named what it is.. water retention.. and right around ovulation part of your cycle, def water retention.
And being under your calorie goals has nothing to do with what the body is gonna do with water.. Water can be due to the two times in a womens cycle, hydration, sodium, exercise, carbs, etc.. Use a weight range when using the scale and then use how you look and feel in your clothes another way to judge..
Marking weight trends daily, weekly and monthly is a good idea.. the scale can make a person go insane if they are looking at a spot on scale weight everyday!6 -
I got on the scale this morning and I am not happy. Ok, I realize it's just one day and my legs hurt and I'm close to ovulation and probably retaining water like crazy, even though I've been way under my goal the last couple days... but still.
The weird thing is that I look my thinnest yet... yet the scale was 8 pounds over my lowest (which was 2 years ago), and 2 pounds over my weight from 2 months ago. Has anyone had that happen to them? Weight going up but apparently not gaining fat... I'm not actively lifting or anything so I highly doubt it's muscle.
Oh well I suppose it's the kick I needed to really get back to a deficit, even though it's been very hard the last few months as I still tend to be very hungry And to stop ignoring the scale (which is rough as I really tend to retain water like crazy and it depresses me at times).
Don't let the number on the scale override what you know to be true. What RoxieDawn said.
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The scale is a lousy measure of anything but weight once you're fit.1
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CipherZero wrote: »The scale is a lousy measure of anything but weight once you're fit.
Yeah I'm starting to think that, too. Gained 8 pounds in 2 years (probably less obviously if retaining water) now but measurements are smaller. It's just that I suffered from so much denial when gaining, I don't want to go through that again!1 -
If you feel thinner then that's a great sign, maybe just don't get hung up on the scale? (I know, its not easy to do)
If you want to see a lower number, you know what you have to do.
I feel thinner too lately and my rings have got looser but the scale is staying much the same, albeit at the lowest end of my range.
Perhaps with TOM due and your leg soreness those are masking your true weight.0 -
It's very clear you have EXTREME nature week symptoms because you mention it quite often. I'd be willing to bet that this is just another one of those temporary blips due to your outrageous period.1
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CipherZero wrote: »The scale is a lousy measure of anything but weight once you're fit.
Yeah I'm starting to think that, too. Gained 8 pounds in 2 years (probably less obviously if retaining water) now but measurements are smaller. It's just that I suffered from so much denial when gaining, I don't want to go through that again!
Let me put it another way: My bottom weight was 156.6 lbs. It's currently 185lbs. My waist size hasn't gone up at all, and I still fit into the same medium shirts I did thirty pounds ago. The difference is the muscle mass I've put on.
I'll reiterate: Once fit, scales measure weight; if you want a better idea of what's going on, look at body fat measures such as calipers or DEXA scans.0 -
OP I'm right there with you, I saw my lowest weight in years on Saturday and yesterday and today I'm 3lbs up, TOM will arrive by Saturday so... That's to blame
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You are all making me feel better! Still going to be more careful from now on though!3
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I'm about in the same boat. I can probably attribute a couple pounds to water weight from TOM but I have gained legitimate weight too. I lost 52 pounds last year and it's creeping back on, probably 7-8 lbs but I'm working out harder. I'm jogging for the first time in 20+ years and feel fit. I can hike up and down hills with no problems and fit in the same clothes. However, I have to be honest that my eating habits haven't been the best lately, so I'm back to logging my food. I knew maintenance would be difficult. It's good to catch the gain early and address it but don't be hard on yourself.1
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Give it a week or two and if that "disheartening creep" doesn't diminish: reign your calories in slightly...What's great it that if it is indeed a calorie count issue: you already have the tools right at your fingertips. You got this!1
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Sounds like time of month fluctuations, but would be cautious of pre-packaged foods or high sodium content (diary not open) but would contribute to additional retention as well. Hydrate~hydrate...
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If you are around your cycle, yes it could be water retention. If you are just 2# over yet you look thinner, you could be gaining muscle and your fat % may have gone down. Check your fat % with taping or with calipers.
Just a thought.0 -
I find creeps disheartening too. Just remind yourself they are people and probably don't realize how creepy they are.20
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lol ^^0
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I've been doing better the last few months with not allowing the scale to get me down. I know I've been putting in the work, but I just need to remember to trust the process and to keep going.0
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nutmegoreo wrote: »I find creeps disheartening too. Just remind yourself they are people and probably don't realize how creepy they are.
Hahaha love this!
I think it's great that you're recognizing that you might need to start to think about taking some action soon.
Your TOM probably IS playing a role, so I'd probably make sure to check again after it's over and done with and see where you're at.
If you're still a bit heavier than you'd like to be, I'd say it's perfectly reasonable to calorie restrict again for a while. One of the reasons people gain weight back after a loss is because they let 5 lbs become 10, which then becomes 20, and it snowballs from there.
I know a lot of people make "catch weights" or "action weights" for themselves- maybe you could pick a number that if you reach it, you say "alright- no ifs ands or buts, I gotta do something starting now". I think this allows for normal fluctuations, but also is a way to sound alarm bells before things get too far.1 -
Yeah I'm pretty much trying to go back to a half a pound a week deficit. Did great this week, but PMS is going to start soon so I'm not holding my breath! I've been trying to lose more for 2 years, just having a really hard time with it, obviously... but I think I'm more motivated now to try harder... I'm just hungrier so I basically can't afford any treat if I want to lose. It sucks!0
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Yeah I'm pretty much trying to go back to a half a pound a week deficit. Did great this week, but PMS is going to start soon so I'm not holding my breath! I've been trying to lose more for 2 years, just having a really hard time with it, obviously... but I think I'm more motivated now to try harder... I'm just hungrier so I basically can't afford any treat if I want to lose. It sucks!
Maybe a fresh approach might be better if you have been trying without success for two years?
Every day deficit when you are already feeling hungry is hard.
There's lot's of other ways to create a deficit.0 -
Yeah I'm pretty much trying to go back to a half a pound a week deficit. Did great this week, but PMS is going to start soon so I'm not holding my breath! I've been trying to lose more for 2 years, just having a really hard time with it, obviously... but I think I'm more motivated now to try harder... I'm just hungrier so I basically can't afford any treat if I want to lose. It sucks!
Maybe a fresh approach might be better if you have been trying without success for two years?
Every day deficit when you are already feeling hungry is hard.
There's lot's of other ways to create a deficit.
Can't exercise/move more than I already do!0 -
nutmegoreo wrote: »I find creeps disheartening too. Just remind yourself they are people and probably don't realize how creepy they are.
That's totally what I thought this thread was going to be about when I opened it! Man am I disappointed it's another period weight gain bloating water retention why is my scale going the wrong direction thread...
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Yeah I'm pretty much trying to go back to a half a pound a week deficit. Did great this week, but PMS is going to start soon so I'm not holding my breath! I've been trying to lose more for 2 years, just having a really hard time with it, obviously... but I think I'm more motivated now to try harder... I'm just hungrier so I basically can't afford any treat if I want to lose. It sucks!
Maybe a fresh approach might be better if you have been trying without success for two years?
Every day deficit when you are already feeling hungry is hard.
There's lot's of other ways to create a deficit.
Can't exercise/move more than I already do!
That's not what I meant.
Why do you think you need a deficit every day? Why do you think you need to eat the same every day? Every week?
Loads of versions of IF for example or just calorie cycling or just a sporadic deficit whilst generally eating at maintenance.
Or diet for a week at a time, don't diet for one week a month - there's loads of options.
If what you have been doing for two years isn't working what is the chance that it suddenly will?0 -
Yeah I'm pretty much trying to go back to a half a pound a week deficit. Did great this week, but PMS is going to start soon so I'm not holding my breath! I've been trying to lose more for 2 years, just having a really hard time with it, obviously... but I think I'm more motivated now to try harder... I'm just hungrier so I basically can't afford any treat if I want to lose. It sucks!
Maybe a fresh approach might be better if you have been trying without success for two years?
Every day deficit when you are already feeling hungry is hard.
There's lot's of other ways to create a deficit.
Can't exercise/move more than I already do!
That's not what I meant.
Why do you think you need a deficit every day? Why do you think you need to eat the same every day? Every week?
Loads of versions of IF for example or just calorie cycling or just a sporadic deficit whilst generally eating at maintenance.
Or diet for a week at a time, don't diet for one week a month - there's loads of options.
If what you have been doing for two years isn't working what is the chance that it suddenly will?
It's what I do though! I eat at a deficit most days so I can eat more the other days. Can't do IF because of hypoglycemia issues (which get way worse before my period, when I typically end up eating over maintenance a bit because I get so hungry.. which doesn't help).
So yeah, only way for me to lose at this point is to cut pretty much all my 'empty' calories (sweets, bread) and every time I've done it, I end up binging... so it's just not that easy (or I would have reached my goal weight in the first place!).0 -
Except this poster has never been diagnosed as having 'hypoglycemia issues'. She has never seen an endocrinologist or ever done a fasting blood test but announced to the Internet this is her problem..
Self diagnosis is not a good thing. OP I think you need help. You are not a doctor.0 -
I am 44 and in the midst of perimenopause - TOM unpredictability at its finest! It is quite fun *insert sarcasm here* when your body prepares for that TOM (bloating, water weight, cravings etc.) and then NOT have anything happen! The doctor told me I can probably get a better handle on things if I go on BC. However, my ulcerative colitis may return if I do. When I went off BC on two separate occasions, I would go into remission. Hmmm ... I do see a correlation. The bottom line is that as women, we just gotta grin and bear it. However, we don't have to be particularly happy about it. I am dragging 5 extra pounds right now which is unexplained given that I eat at a deficit every day, do cardio 5x a week (2x being HIIT) and weights for two.0
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Yeah I'm pretty much trying to go back to a half a pound a week deficit. Did great this week, but PMS is going to start soon so I'm not holding my breath! I've been trying to lose more for 2 years, just having a really hard time with it, obviously... but I think I'm more motivated now to try harder... I'm just hungrier so I basically can't afford any treat if I want to lose. It sucks!
I think you're right to be vigilant to prevent your weight creeping up again too far, but at the same time I think maybe you're being a little too hard on yourself right now and your current weight is most likely due to the time of the month etc.
If you're looking your "thinnest yet", how do you actually FEEL about your size and shape? Not the number on the scale, but how you look and feel. If you've not had any success with losing more weight, can you be happy and comfortable at the size you are right now? Perhaps lifting weights might help to shape your body more to your satisfaction than going after a particular number on the scale will? (I know next to nothing about weights, just going by what I see others on the forums say!
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If you get very hungry and end up binging when you restrict too much, then I'm not sure what else you could do. I think I've seen you mention before that your limbs are fairly thin but you carry more weight in your midsection, so maybe lifting would help with that? You look fine to me, although if you're not happy with your shape then that is of course your prerogative! 0 -
Yeah I'm pretty much trying to go back to a half a pound a week deficit. Did great this week, but PMS is going to start soon so I'm not holding my breath! I've been trying to lose more for 2 years, just having a really hard time with it, obviously... but I think I'm more motivated now to try harder... I'm just hungrier so I basically can't afford any treat if I want to lose. It sucks!
I think you're right to be vigilant to prevent your weight creeping up again too far, but at the same time I think maybe you're being a little too hard on yourself right now and your current weight is most likely due to the time of the month etc.
If you're looking your "thinnest yet", how do you actually FEEL about your size and shape? Not the number on the scale, but how you look and feel. If you've not had any success with losing more weight, can you be happy and comfortable at the size you are right now? Perhaps lifting weights might help to shape your body more to your satisfaction than going after a particular number on the scale will? (I know next to nothing about weights, just going by what I see others on the forums say! )
If you get very hungry and end up binging when you restrict too much, then I'm not sure what else you could do. I think I've seen you mention before that your limbs are fairly thin but you carry more weight in your midsection, so maybe lifting would help with that? You look fine to me, although if you're not happy with your shape then that is of course your prerogative!
I mostly carry weight on my hips at this point... and obviously my belly a bit, but there's so much loose skin, it's pretty much hopeless (and frankly at this point the more I lose there, the worse it looks anyway).
I loathe lifting and I like my arms the way they are and don't want them to look more muscular either (or my legs, for that matter), so unless I find something that only works the core, I'm kinda stuck (I do planks and push ups - can't do crunches because my ab muscles cramp up every single time). So basically, I'd just really like to lose a few more pounds of fat... so I have to keep a deficit. I'm trying! Thankfully Summer is easier for me as a whole as sweets don't appeal to me as much when it's hot.0 -
Heartisalonelyhunter wrote: »Except this poster has never been diagnosed as having 'hypoglycemia issues'. She has never seen an endocrinologist or ever done a fasting blood test but announced to the Internet this is her problem..
Self diagnosis is not a good thing. OP I think you need help. You are not a doctor.
Interesting.0 -
Heartisalonelyhunter wrote: »Except this poster has never been diagnosed as having 'hypoglycemia issues'. She has never seen an endocrinologist or ever done a fasting blood test but announced to the Internet this is her problem..
Self diagnosis is not a good thing. OP I think you need help. You are not a doctor.
I think this is a good idea.
If someone is having such bad period problems then they should really see a doctor. This isn't a one time thing.3 -
If this were me I'd see an endo that would hopefully put me on some of type of birth control (there are many to choose from), that would help lessen the symptoms.. Going through hell for half a month every month is no way to live, there has to be a solution out there for you OP.0
This discussion has been closed.
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