Fat Days

HeinekenMan

For lack of a better way to describe it, I am calling this phenomenon "fat days." Here's what I mean. Sometimes, I just feel like things aren't going well. Maybe I see something in the mirror or a pair of shorts seem a little tighter than normal. And I think, "Oh no. I think I've gained some weight." I had this feeling at one point yesterday. And it made me start doubting everything I've been doing. I started to think about my diet and think that I wasn't getting enough exercise, etc.

But I tried on a shirt last night. It's a shirt that doesn't even come close to fitting. My tummy sticks out the bottom of the thing. And, to my surprise, the shirt is no longer too short. It's still a little too tight. But I think I could wear it uncomfortably in two weeks and comfortably in 4-6 weeks.

This left me wondering why I "felt" like something was wrong when nothing appears to be wrong. Even after trying on the shirt, I reluctantly ate dinner and went to bed thinking I would wake up bigger. Instead, i woke up with an empty stomach, and I felt really lean. Which, I guess, is the other extreme.

I just don't understand what causes this irrational feelings that I'm thin one moment and expanding the next. The reality is that I'n just losing my 1-3 pounds a week. I'm sticking to my calories. It's been a relatively easy road, too. But I worry about sabotaging myself. If I have one of those thin days, maybe I'll allow myself too much food. And when I have one of those fat days, maybe I'll not eat enough or get depressed and drown my sorrows in junk food.

Lyadeia

I think we all go through this. I have this crazy thing I do in front of the mirror every single day (kind of like how some people step on the scale everyday) and I pose and "prove" to myself that things are changing for the better. It's just crazy mind games and nothing more.

The easiest way for me to win this little mind game with myself is to tell myself out loud what my goals are, that I am working hard to reach those goals, and that everyday I am getting closer to reaching them. I replace all the negative thoughts with positive ones and then move on to thinking about something else. But it's when I say those affirmations out loud and not just in my head that I start really changing my thought process.

Casstevens133

It could be because you've had a few high sodium days so are retaining water. It will make you feel bloated but after a couple of low sodium days you'll feel better again. Keep up the good work you're doing a great job

HeinekenMan

It could be because you've had a few high sodium days so are retaining water. It will make you feel bloated but after a couple of low sodium days you'll feel better again. Keep up the good work you're doing a great job

You may be correct about the sodium. It's one of those frozen, processed food weeks. I was shocked to see how much sodium is in the Zatarain's rice products. But I learned that they have a low-sodium version. I'm going to start looking for some of those low sodium products.

vickidiane13

Self perception can be tricky, When I look at myself I don't see as big a difference as other people do. This is especially true when I look at a specific body part, like thighs or stomach, I know they must be smaller because I wear pants that are 4 sizes smaller but I really don't see a drastic change when I look in the mirror. See someone that has not seen you in a while, when you her them tell you how much you have changed it can change how you feel about yourself pretty fast.

quirkytizzy

I have days like this. I think, as time goes on, we are simply more aware of our bodies than we used to be. More self-conscience and paying more attention to the changes. This is bound to make for some emotional ups and downs.

Joehenny

I get the same feelings bro, but numbers don't lie. That's why I track things. Logic over emotion.

SailorKnightWing

Bloating is the ultimate enemy of weight loss determination...

lacroyx

I get them. It used to be really bad in the past. Not so much now. Physically I am thinner and much fitter than I was in the past. I fit into smaller shirts, pants, etc etc. I am slowly starting to fit into non Big & Tall sized clothing. Mentally though I still think I am larger.

jacksonpt

It could be because you've had a few high sodium days so are retaining water. It will make you feel bloated but after a couple of low sodium days you'll feel better again. Keep up the good work you're doing a great job

This has always been my belief.

I think everyone has those days... some days we feel lean, other days we feel fat/sloppy. Most days are somewhere in between. As with most things, just gotta push past it and stay the course.

BigGuy47

I just don't understand what causes this irrational feelings that I'm thin one moment and expanding the next.

These sort of mental distortions happen when losing a large amount of weight.

Be disciplined. Stay focused and on track. Don't let the mind tricks get in the way of achieving your goal.