Kill the Scales!!!

smittybuilt19

I need motivation. My weight loss has been stalled for about 3 weeks. Since I started MFP in April this year I have lost 1-1.5 lbs. per week for a total of 29. I have kept track of my progress by using the scales, no measurements just because I don't have any time or anywhere I can measure without someone making Smart A comments about my weight loss. Today I completed week 3 day 3 of couch to 5K and have also been riding my bicycle maybe 5 miles a week. My new activities may be related to the stall, I don't know. Nonetheless, the scales are P'ing me off. I weigh once a week and mostly associate success with the number on the scale. So lately I have been feeling a bit unsuccessful. Starting today I am not going to weigh anymore until after my first 5K at the end of October and if I can stand it I might not weigh until Christmas.

I'm scared I will not stay motivated without the scales. If anyone has any advice for staying motivated please share! Thanks a million and have an awesome day!

PibblesRun

Alot of people measure waist size instead. If your running and biking frequently your probably gaining muscle...which weighs more than fat (im sure you know) so your loosing fat but gaining muscle which is why your not seeing a change in the scales! but you will see a change in measurments that way! Good luck

smittybuilt19

I have thought about just measuring waist cause I'll be honest I've never had trouble building muscle when I could get to the gym. Right now my main goal is to lose the fat around my stomach and chest area, and there is a measuring tape at work I could use. Thanks for replying!!

mfpcopine

The scale is an inanimate object. I know it's frustrating if you believe you've done everything right and see no progress, but the problem is likely with your method of calculating calories or insufficient activity to create a deficit. Also, some people find that weight loss is not linear, although that' s never been the case with me. If I follow everything to the letter, I lose weight.

By not using the scale, you're eliminating a key method of feedback. If you like, weigh yourself less often, say, every two weeks. Also take your measurements and try to estimate your body fat percentage.

smittybuilt19

The scale is an inanimate object. I know it's frustrating if you believe you've done everything right and see no progress, but the problem is likely with your method of calculating calories or insufficient activity to create a deficit. Also, some people find that weight loss is not linear, although that' s never been the case with me. If I follow everything to the letter, I lose weight.

By not using the scale, you're eliminating a key method of feedback. If you like, weigh yourself less often, say, every two weeks. Also take your measurements and try to estimate your body fat percentage.

I know the glaring issue right now is the quality of food I am eating. In recent weeks it really hit me that nearly every time I eat it's either out of a wrapper or a fast food bag, so I'm trying to be more observant. And thank you for the suggestion about weighing in less often, I will take that into consideration. I will google how to calculate body fat percentage.

Thanks for the response!

SwindonJogger

bodyfat calipers. Cheap, and they give you a much better insight into whats happening with your body. They usually come with instructions into how to take your measurements and calculate overall fat %

smittybuilt19

^^Thank you!