Could it be Sodium?

HarveysBud

I've been stuck at a weight for 2 week's now after dropping a quick 20 in 10 weeks. Super frustrating. I've been keeping under my calorie goal consistently, still working out...the only thing I have noticed is that I have been consuming more Sodium than I was initially.

Is this my problem?

Thanks in advance.

MichelleSilverleaf

Could be, can also be water retention from new exercise if you're doing that also. I know for me my body holds on to sodium water weight for almost two weeks before it drops. It should balance out if that's the issue, give it a few more weeks.

estherdragonbat

Sodium can make you retain more water which can mask fat loss. If that's the issue, it will pass.

My n=1: My sodium is usually higher than the MFP target. I still lose weight more or less at the rate I should be, but:

1) I wasn't tracking anything before I decided to lose weight, not sodium nor iron, protein, etc. So, although some days, I close out my diary, say, 1,000 mg above the MFP target, I have no idea whether pre-MFP I was taking in 2-3,000 mg above target. I've always had more of a salt tooth than a sweet one, so I wouldn't be shocked if this were the case.

2) More exercise means more perspiration means more salt leaving the body means more salt needed in the body. I don't do intense exercise, but I try to walk 2 hours a day and the last time I clocked my pace, it was 3.5 mph. Three days a week I do a full-body strength training workout with exercises ranging from body-weight to a pair of 20lb dumbbells. That takes me a bit over an hour and a quarter. I think it's fair to say that I need some of that extra salt.

HarveysBud

MichelleSilverleaf wrote: »

Could be, can also be water retention from new exercise if you're doing that also. I know for me my body holds on to sodium water weight for almost two weeks before it drops. It should balance out if that's the issue, give it a few more weeks.

Thanks @MichelleSilverleaf. Just so demotivating.

HarveysBud

estherdragonbat wrote: »

Sodium can make you retain more water which can mask fat loss. If that's the issue, it will pass.

My n=1: My sodium is usually higher than the MFP target. I still lose weight more or less at the rate I should be, but:

1) I wasn't tracking anything before I decided to lose weight, not sodium nor iron, protein, etc. So, although some days, I close out my diary, say, 1,000 mg above the MFP target, I have no idea whether pre-MFP I was taking in 2-3,000 mg above target. I've always had more of a salt tooth than a sweet one, so I wouldn't be shocked if this were the case.

2) More exercise means more perspiration means more salt leaving the body means more salt needed in the body. I don't do intense exercise, but I try to walk 2 hours a day and the last time I clocked my pace, it was 3.5 mph. Three days a week I do a full-body strength training workout with exercises ranging from body-weight to a pair of 20lb dumbbells. That takes me a bit over an hour and a quarter. I think it's fair to say that I need some of that extra salt.

Thanks so much for taking the time @estherdragonbat. You and me both, salty over sweet!! And I do sweat like a fat guy when working out, so maybe it's not the salt intake. I've gotta be patient I guess. Was just so exciting seeing the first 20lbs drop right off....

MichelleSilverleaf

HarveysBud wrote: »

MichelleSilverleaf wrote: »

Could be, can also be water retention from new exercise if you're doing that also. I know for me my body holds on to sodium water weight for almost two weeks before it drops. It should balance out if that's the issue, give it a few more weeks.

Thanks @MichelleSilverleaf. Just so demotivating.

Yeah it can be. I just try to remember that it's not fat increase, and it'll pass, and try not to worry too much. Keep the eye on the long term.

KaleiAlanaSmith

My weight went UP 4 pounds two weeks ago. I was devastated. It FINALLY dropped back down 5 pounds this morning, two weeks later!!!!! I was relieved to know it must be due to my new exercise and not to mention the food i was eating had a lot of sodium. Give it a couple weeks and it will drop down

TynaBaby17

As you loose weight, the base amount of calories that you burn a day also decreases (more weight means more energy to move) so if you haven't been gradually also decreasing the amount of calories you consume as well it could be that your calorie deficit isn't large enough. Also the MFP calories estimators are just estimates at best, you could try eating 200 calories less or so too see if it helps more accurately account for error in the MFP calculator as well. Good luck!

HarveysBud

KaleiAlanaSmith wrote: »

My weight went UP 4 pounds two weeks ago. I was devastated. It FINALLY dropped back down 5 pounds this morning, two weeks later!!!!! I was relieved to know it must be due to my new exercise and not to mention the food i was eating had a lot of sodium. Give it a couple weeks and it will drop down

So what's the deal? New exercise leads to water retention/weight. I did just switch to completely free weights from machines about 3 week's ago. But you are right, patience. Thanks @KaleiAlanaSmith

Kelkat405

HarveysBud wrote: »

I've been stuck at a weight for 2 week's now after dropping a quick 20 in 10 weeks. Super frustrating. I've been keeping under my calorie goal consistently, still working out...the only thing I have noticed is that I have been consuming more Sodium than I was initially.

Is this my problem?

Thanks in advance.

I’m in exactly the same position. Super frustrating!! Hope it levels out soon. I’m pulling for you!

HarveysBud

TynaBaby17 wrote: »

As you loose weight, the base amount of calories that you burn a day also decreases (more weight means more energy to move) so if you haven't been gradually also decreasing the amount of calories you consume as well it could be that your calorie deficit isn't large enough. Also the MFP calories estimators are just estimates at best, you could try eating 200 calories less or so too see if it helps more accurately account for error in the MFP calculator as well. Good luck!

So funny you say that. I JUST adjusted my calorie intake this morning. First time since MFP (I'm new!!). So here is to hoping that helps a bit...even though it just eliminated that 2nd glass of wine I was oh so hoping to have tonight...!! THanks @TynaBaby17

HarveysBud

Kelkat405 wrote: »

HarveysBud wrote: »

I've been stuck at a weight for 2 week's now after dropping a quick 20 in 10 weeks. Super frustrating. I've been keeping under my calorie goal consistently, still working out...the only thing I have noticed is that I have been consuming more Sodium than I was initially.

Is this my problem?

Thanks in advance.

I’m in exactly the same position. Super frustrating!! Hope it levels out soon. I’m pulling for you!

Hey, and I you. Lets check back with each other in a week!

Kelkat405

HarveysBud wrote: »

Kelkat405 wrote: »

HarveysBud wrote: »

I've been stuck at a weight for 2 week's now after dropping a quick 20 in 10 weeks. Super frustrating. I've been keeping under my calorie goal consistently, still working out...the only thing I have noticed is that I have been consuming more Sodium than I was initially.

Is this my problem?

Thanks in advance.

I’m in exactly the same position. Super frustrating!! Hope it levels out soon. I’m pulling for you!

Hey, and I you. Lets check back with each other in a week!

I’m in!!!