Doing everything "right" but no movement on the scale?

alymedina

I am trying to stay really level-headed about this, but it's difficult. In October I gave up refined carbs (pasta, wheat, potatoes) and lost around 12 lbs over 3 months. Then a month ago I started the Advocare 24 day challenge, which was really helpful in getting me to drink enough water, eat at the right times, etc. At this same point I started exercising 3-4x/week.

At one point on the challenge I had lost 4 lbs, but now the number is climbing. My before and after pictures are DRASTICALLY different, in that I am much, much leaner in the after pic. Overall I lost 15 inches while doing the challenge. My issue is that I just can't wrap my head around the scale. Many people tell me to stop trying to understand the scale and just quit weighing.

But here's where my issue comes in: I don't want to weigh what I weigh. Even if I look leaner, it's not a number that puts me in a healthy BMI range. Right now I weigh 177 and my goal is 160-165 (I'm 5'6). It seems impossible to me that I'll get there if I'm doing everything I should be doing (eating healthy and reasonably AND exercising) and am still not losing (and perhaps even gaining!).

Any sage words of advice for a frustrated gal?

phildawson75

It sounds like you are actually still losing and just need to stick at it, however heres my advice: (for ref Im 5.7 was 170ish now 137)

To lose weight you don't need to cut any food out, its just eating in moderation and sticking to the goal deficit.

You dont need to eat "healthy" either, its all fuel for your body - just that some food is nutritional better for you, you could lose just eating choc bars as long as your total intake was less than your TDEE.

The time you are eating meals also has no affect on how much you'll be losing. The human body processes food the same regardless, your organs can't tell time they just do the job they are given.

You also don't need to exercise to lose weight either, that's just for looking good.

If you are sticking to a deficit and accurately logging food/exercise then it has to come off. You'll be expending more than you're taking in essentially. If your goal deficit is too low however your body is more likely to hold onto the fat. It'll realise your not eating enough. You dont mention your goal but the recommend goal is your TDEE - 20-30%.

My advice is to avoid specific diets/challenges and just make a few simple lifestyle changes to eat in moderation, it'll be much easier in the long run.

Try to put the weighing aspect out of your mind and focus on living your life.

gadget4455

The BMI is not reliable, it is a rough estimate based on our height. Ask your doctor to calculate body fat content. If you are 20- 30% you are doing great. Muscle weighs more than fat. So, if you are working out 3-4x a week you're probably gaining muscle weight. Keep it up, don't put yourself on a time schedule to lose the weight. It will go down. Mine fluctuates a pound or two almost every day, but I know I am losing it.

Melo1966

Open your diary and perhaps more people can help.

A LOT of times when you go low carb and lose weight it comes right back if you eat carbs again. Subtraction "Diets" not not work for a lifestle change unless you subtract them for life. Most of my weight loss has been from over 50% carbs. Good luck to you.

mojohowitz

Go back and look at your sodium. That gets me every time. Water weight can be significant if you have a couple days of salty foods.

Garfunklette

I highly recommend reading this blog from Nerd Fitness:

http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/

It's long, but there are a lot of comparison pictures between her at a low weight (yet skinny-fat) and her at a higher weight (yet ridiculously toned). It is awesome motivation. Way to go on your losses so far! And when the scale starts failing you, get out that camera and measuring tape!