Using the 5-week projected weight to validate my logging

ClearNotCloudyMind

Was wondering if anyone else does something like this...

Quick background - joined MFP in 2011 after the birth of my youngest. Tend to lose the same 15kg pretty easily, then regain slowly over a couple of years. Back in healthy weight again after my most recent drop.

I love using the 5 week projected weight, and find it really useful to validate the calories I log. Each day I complete my diary I note the projected weight, and note down the date. Then 5 weeks later I can compare my current weight against the projection using a spreadsheet. The projected weight is really volatile but gives me an upper and lower range which I'd expect my weight to track inside if everything is being logged appropriately.

I find this both satisfying and reassuring. Reassuring because I must be logging reasonably correctly for the projection to match reality. And satisfying because I can realistically anticipate weight loss within that projected range.

Anyone else do this? I can't be the only spreadsheet junkie out there!

SummerSkier

I know a lot of folks don't pay much attention to that 5 week projection because it will change as you log your weight but I kind of like it and altho I am in maintenance when I need to cycle back down a little it's one of the tools I use. I will admit that it was also very encouraging back in 2017 when I was working on losing as it encouraged me to just keep going for 5 weeks to see if that dang # would be close. And I did a spreadsheet also. It was sort of hit or miss but even years later it will tends to help me and encourage me for some silly reason.

csplatt

The estimate is encouraging for me but not necessarily accurate. As long as I have a downward trend when I want to have a downward trend, I'm happy. I don't compare my progress to the promises in those estimates.