Putting my foot down

Hello all. I decided a month ago to finally get healthy. The big change came when the doctor put me on blood pressure medication as well as having me monitor my blood sugar as I'm in the early stages of having diabetes.

I am 5'6" at 195lbs. My goal is not to just lose weight but to also get healthy in the process. I quit smoking (after 8 years!), threw out all the junk food and put my foot down. I have already started working out already, but recently I have been able to "up" my workout. I used to be able to only do one or two exercises before taking a break and now I can do a 30 minute workout without stopping. The only issue I am having is dropping the weight. I took measurements all over my body when I initially started (neck, chest, waist, upper arms, butt, legs and calves) so I know I'm loosing inches (18 to be exact) but it is still discouraging to see the scale stay the same.

Anyways, hopefully by joining this group I will continue to be motivated even if no 'weight' is lost. Any encouragement is appreciated. :wink:

Replies

  • Sandysfree
    Sandysfree Posts: 15 Member
    Hi Becca! Welcome. I am new as well. Congrats on losing 18 inches wow!! Don't stress about the scale. Go by weight and inches lost. If you are really working out you are going to build muscle and muscle weighs more than fat but takes up less room so your clothes will be smaller. It is better to build muscle. Don't worry the weight will eventually show a loss on the scale. And BIG congratulations for throwing out the cigarettes :) You can add me If you want!
  • tigersword
    tigersword Posts: 8,059 Member
    Hi Becca! Welcome. I am new as well. Congrats on losing 18 inches wow!! Don't stress about the scale. Go by weight and inches lost. If you are really working out you are going to build muscle and muscle weighs more than fat but takes up less room so your clothes will be smaller. It is better to build muscle. Don't worry the weight will eventually show a loss on the scale. And BIG congratulations for throwing out the cigarettes :) You can add me If you want!
    No, you do not build significant muscle in a deficit.

    If you aren't losing weight, there are generally two reasons. Water retention due to new workout routine, or you're eating too much.

    Also, quitting smoking usually leads to weight gain, so the fact that you are maintaining while quitting smoking is actually a good thing.