Need motivation :)

MelGaL76

I just recently started using this app again, and exercising 3-5 days a week. I’ve been at it hard for only three weeks and haven’t lost a single pound!
I realize muscle weighs more than fat but I’m getting discouraged. Anyone have any knowledge about how long it will take to see some positive results?
P.S. I have noticed that I may have lost inches but not pounds. But I’d really like to see that number on the scale drop! Lol

steveko89

I don't think you need motivation (you state you're exercising regularly and you were fired up enough to make this post) your perceived results just aren't meeting your expectations. It's unlikely that the rate of muscle growth is exceeding that of fat loss. However, increasing activity can have the effect of masking scale weight changes due to water retention. Paired with general scale fluctuation due to hydration and waste levels, and the potential for water weight fluctuation in conjunction with your cycle, it's entirely possible that the scale hasn't moved simply because there are a variety of factors that contribute to scale weight. If you're only weighing yourself weekly, this could definitely be the case due to the small data set being evaluated.

There's an element of trust in the process that has to be developed, but I understand that trust is hard to come by when it appears what you're doing isn't really working how you expected.

Path forward:
1. Ensure you're logging is accurate. If you aren't logging completely and accurately (use a food scale) your data lacks integrity.
2. Continue as you have been for another 2-3 weeks so you can see how your body reacts through a full monthly cycle
3. If after that time you're still not seeing any changes on the scale then something is likely amiss in terms of your calories. Re-evaluate how you're logging, your overall compliance with your calorie target, how you're accounting for exercise, and your set activity level.