2 weeks, minimal loss but not bloated

sabrinaserpentina

I’ve been back on counting calories for almost two weeks. In that time I have had minimal weight loss but I have had some positives. I haven’t felt bloated once, which is unusual for me lately, my rings feel a bit looser, and my knees haven’t been hurting. I can’t tell if I look any different, but I feel better and that’s something.

corinasue1143

Good for you! Good incentive to keep going.

AnnPT77

sabrinaserpentina wrote: »

I’ve been back on counting calories for almost two weeks. In that time I have had minimal weight loss but I have had some positives. I haven’t felt bloated once, which is unusual for me lately, my rings feel a bit looser, and my knees haven’t been hurting. I can’t tell if I look any different, but I feel better and that’s something.

If rings feels less tight, odds are good that you're losing fat.

Water weight, in particular, is weird. Average digestive contents can be, too.

If you're female, and premenopausal, there are points in the menstrual cycle where water weight gain (sometimes several pounds!) is common. Exactly which point(s) in the cycle . . . that differs for different women. If you started any new exercise alongside calorie cutting, that also can increase water weight temporarily (for muscle repair). Even minor infections or viruses or allergies (even sunburn!) can temporarily increase water weight (via congestion, inflammation). If you increased your veggies and fruits and whole grains when you started calorie cutting, that can increase the literal physical average weight of your digestive contents. Ditto for helpfully improving your hydration. All of this can be super confusing in the first few weeks!

If you're female and premenopausal, you want to be comparing weight at the same point of one menstrual cycle to the same point in the next cycle (two cycles is even better). If you're not in that demographic, 4 to 6 weeks is good.

Truly, the first few weeks can be kind of whacky. The thing is, water and digestive contents aren't fat, but they can mask fat loss on the scale temporarily. If you can find a way to exercise patience, you'll be able to see whether your current regimen will get you to your goal.

Hang in there. Weight loss success is a long game. Stick to a routine, then assess average results over at least 4-6 weeks for the best insight.

Best wishes!