TOM...what is wrong with me?

incircles_lp2

I was doing so well with my weightloss...down to 152.2lbs-almost to one of my goal weights, 150lbs! I have been working my butt off this past month and I blame the TOM for my 3.2lb increase! What is it with the weight gain? I generally gain the weight during the TOM, but I don't lose it right away...so is it water weight or actual weight gain? I am feeling so down right now...I want to give up! I have been trying so hard to stay active and eat right, even for my TOM. I went and ran 12 miles this past Saturday and STILL gained weight. GRRRRR..so frustrating!

bethvandenberg

During TOM I usually go up 5 lbs and then lose it the next week. I think it's the water and I find that my insides seem to slow way down during that time. I try not to weigh that week. Keep up with the water and just think that it'll end soon. I'm pretty sure that the 3.2 lbs is just your body holding onto what it needs to get you through.

I also found these great beans (adzuki) at Sunflower Market in the bulk section that are a Japanese bean that they actually feed to women while they're menstruating to help with the iron/magnesium etc. They're loaded with fiber as well. Lentils are very similar in vitamins and fiber. Since I've started eating that stuff almost daily for lunch I've had less of a weight gain during TOM.

Hang in there. Isn't it great to be a woman?! I think it is. I love being a Mom, wife and girlfriend to my friends, and if I was a dude I'd scratch and make noises. Small sacrifice.

NoAdditives

First off, don't give up! We have hurdles now and then, don't let this get you down. Second, watch your sodium intake. Sodium causes water retention which could be part of the problem. Also, make sure you're drinking enough (lots) water. Not drinking enough water also causes water retention. And lastly, just stick with it!

pilotgirl2007

I know what you mean. It seems like for two weeks out of the month I weight more and I can't weight myself during that time, but then it isn't an exact science to decided when my weight is from my TOM is hard to determine and I end up weighing myself and getting discouraged. I try to tell myself that it is because of my TOM... and I also try to remember that 2 steps forward and 1 step back is still progress. Just keep up the work and you will get ahead, it just seems slower and it really is discouraging try to stay focused on how good you feel now that you are eating right and exercising. Also try taking measurements. The last time I was up a pound but I had lost about half an inch in a couple of places so that helped. Hang in there, you are doing great!

katmarsc

Hi,

Fluctuating a pound or two is normal. Are you taking measurements as well as weighing yourself? You should know whether you're building muscle while you're losing fat.
Your salt intake may be retaining water. I took a glance at your diary and you were above 2500 mg salt on several days this month. That can't be good. You've got to reduce that salt intake. You need to change the foods you are eating. Find something with less salt content and use less of it.
The juice your are drinking Organic Very Veggie 100% Juice, 8 oz had 630 mg of sodium. Your snacks – olive and peppercini are loaded with sodium, too. Bob’s Red Mill Chili had 870 mg.. I definitely will stop drinking those veggie juice, try making your own or buy those with low sodium.
Buy low sodium soup or make your own so you control the amount. Stop adding the Season Salt, try Ms. Dash.. After a few weeks reducing the sodium, the minute you taste something ridden with salt, you are going to know it has too much salt.
Drink Fennel tea and Peppermint tea, (mix both together) this will help purge the sodium from your system.

Take a look at your diary and the sodium just pops out....

incircles_lp2

Thank you everyone... I needed some reassurance this morning! I need to stop weighing myself the week of my TOM. It is ALWAYS discouraging! I wouldn't mind the weight gain if I was actually going to bear a child, but hopefully that won't be for a while!

Men have got it so easy sometimes! My guy friends always seem to lose weight without even trying...

incircles_lp2

It could be the sodium intake. I started putting more into my diet since I was consistently under in my sodium intake for such a long time. I don't add sodium to the foods I make, so a lot of times when I am putting those food items into my journal, I am taking a wild guess as to how much sodium it really has (not including the veggie juice or pepperchinis). For example, the Bob's Red Mill soup I made myself and added maybe 1 TBSP of salt for about 5 quarts of soup!

Where do you find fennel/peppermint tea?

Thanks again everyone..

pilotgirl2007

You can get peppermint tea at any super market. I usually buy refresh tea from starbucks (which you can get at the super market as well) Tazo Refresh tea. It has both peppermint and spearmint in it so its super minty. I LOVE this tea when I am sick because I can breathe it in and it helps open up the sinuses plus its a hot minty drink. You should give it a try

Of course I am sick right now and I went looking for this tea because I apparently ran out and didn't know it... wouldn't you know I can't find it anywhere. I guess other sick people are drinking it up haha

katmarsc

I have a local health store where I buy my tea. you may be able to find it online too. Also try some natural dieurtics like asparagus,celery and parsley to help reduce the bloat. Always put lemon juice in your water.