Setbacks from only one day

cherylseptember
cherylseptember Posts: 5 Member
in Motivation and Support
I started tracking with MFP on June 19, 2019. Since then, I have lost about 22 lbs.

My question is this: on two occasions (my birthday and one World Series game), I gave myself permission to eat whatever I wanted. I didn’t go crazy, but I did eat items that I might not normally. I stayed fairly close to my calorie limit, considering that these were “free” days. Both times, the scale has indicated a 1+ gain that week. Does this indicate that I’m never going to be able to eat “normally” again? Is this what being 50 looks like? I’m not looking to go crazy and eat unlimitedly, but it seems like if I’m not in active hard-core losing mode, that I’m automatically gaining.

Your experiences?

Replies

  • Lietchi
    Lietchi Posts: 6,781 Member
    Just from some simple math, you need 3500 surplus calories to gain a pound of body fat. Which is unlikely, since you stated having stayed fairly close to your calorie limit.

    Far more likely is that your indulgence included extra carbs and/or salt, which means you gained water weight. Water retention that passes in a few days when everything's digested.

    So relax, an occasional indulgence is fine as long as you stick to your calorie limits long term :smile:
  • LivingtheLeanDream
    LivingtheLeanDream Posts: 13,342 Member
    edited November 2019
    You have to get used to the fact that our weight fluctuates for lots of reasons normally, it doesn't mean real gain - once you're back eating at your usual calorie intake/deficit again all will be fine.

    Below is a great thread about fluctuations:
    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10634529/why-did-the-number-on-the-scale-go-up-this-week-heres-why#latest

    p.s I turned 50 this year, I've also been using this app since 2012 and in maintenance 6 years - I've found my new normal in regards to eating and aside from holidays/vacations/special occasions I can stay within the calories available to maintain my weight - weight fluctuates, but the main thing I am maintaining my goal range within +/-5lbs all the time.

    If I were to go back to old eating habits then that would probably mean gaining weight, I refuse to let that happen, its worth keeping an eye on my intake and having a good fitness level.

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