Not seeing results but feeling them?

TranquilityBreeze

I should start by saying that I do not own a scale. Seeing fluctuations has always been discouraging so I'm trying to go by how I look and feel.

I've been on MFP for a month. I have been doing really well with food choices and staying within my goal: 1200-1500 calories a day. I also walk the dog 5 times a week averaging 2 miles per walk. And, I do the stationary bike 3-4 times a week for 30 minutes.

I am not noticing major changes in the way I look. Perhaps a bit lighter on the face, but that's it. However, I can now walk without getting tired and can do 30 minutes on the bike without huffing and puffing. And, overall I feel better.

I am assuming this means I am doing something right. Has anyone else experienced this? Not sure how long until I see actual results.

I know I just need to keep at it, but still....

88olds

Well, there are more than a few posts about-scale says loss, but I don't see it.

I've spent a bit of time on weight loss boards and you're the first person I recall working without a scale. Reading your reasoning, it seems like a great idea.

Another good thing about exercise is it teaches incrementalism.

melissaulmen

Just because you do not notice the changes does not mean they are not happening.
Instead of adding your weight, use measurements.

I weigh myself so I can get that satisfaction when I lose. I only do it once a week, on the same day, in the morning.

I only update my measurements once a month.

ninerbuff

If we're being honest, if you're losing fat, the scale WILL have to go down eventually. You're more conditioned and fitter, but lots of people can do that without losing any weight.
There are lots of people in the gym who can "out cardio" me, but their bodies haven't changed even after a couple of years doing it. Now that may not be their goal, but if it is then they aren't eating a calorie deficit. And that's what you need to do to lose excess body fat.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

SonyaCele

a month really isn't long enough for us to notice changes , especially on ourselves. Give it a few more months and i'm sure you'll start feeling your clothes fitting different . The fact that you are feeling better and have more stamina is a good sign.

DebLaBounty

It's hard to see the changes because you see yourself every day and the changes are subtle. Take a picture of yourself, front view and side view. Do that again in a month. Do the same with your face so you can see the slimming there, too. I lost 20 pounds and just compared my before and after face photos and finally saw the difference. Going down a pant size in 10 weeks was pretty cool, too.

happyauntie2015

That is great you are able to ride longer and breath easier! To me those are wonderful victories. Since you don't have a scale do you take your measurements or progress pics? If not please consider it. It's easier to see how far you've come when you can look back to where you began. I don't weigh often because I'm on the heavier side and I get discouraged by how far I have to go but I tell you what those progress pics and seeing the difference in my measurements keep me going. I focus on that instead of the scale

nimy24

I started logging my food about 2 and a half months ago and started walking everyday for 50 minutes yet I didn't see any progress on the scale until now! I lost 9 lbs!!! It just happened suddenly so be patient and if u don't weigh yourself your clothes will tell you by inches as time goes just keep it up! And be positive:))

TranquilityBreeze

Thank you all so much! Very inspiring. I'll take pictures and go by how I am feeling. I upped the dog walk from 3km to 5km almost everyday. This is huge as I have a bad knee and hip. So my only conclusion is that I am doing something right. And, I am now getting full faster. I'll give myself until Halloween. If I need to get a scale I will do it then.