The Doldrums

According to Wikipedia, "the Doldrums" is a colloquial expression derived from historical maritime usage for those parts of the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean affected by the Intertropical Convergence Zone, a low-pressure area around the equator where the prevailing winds are calm. The Doldrums are noted for calm periods when the winds disappear altogether, trapping sail-powered boats for periods of days or weeks.

The great seafaring explorers of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries would time the beginning of their voyages to coincide with favorable winds. However, due to meterological limitations of the day, no one could predict when or whether those winds would "die down" and leave great sailing ships foundering for days and weeks at a time. Sometimes, the Doldrums would provoke a crew to mutiny, or even group madness.

We, who are trying to improve our health through weight loss and fitness, know our very own version of the Doldrums. At the beginning of our weight loss journey, we have great determination, drive and enthusiasm. Most times, this is met with extraordinary results on the scale. For those of us with 100, 200 or even 300 pounds to lose, first week(s) losses of 5, 10, 15 or even 20 pounds are common. The first month or two of the journey tends to bring consistent rewards in the form of weight loss in the 3-5 pound per week range. Our spirits are buoyed by these successes, and the rapid descent of numbers on our respective scales.

And then, for "no reason," it happens. Days, weeks and even months pass when the scale barely budges a smidgy. This happens even though we know that we are eating within our calories and exercising faithfully. We look to the message boards for inspiration... to "jump start" our weight loss toward regular 3, 4 or even 5 pound per week losses once more. The drive to receive validation from the scale becomes just as maddening to us as the days and weeks trapped in the Doldrums did to sailors of yesteryear.

The trick is to remember that FAT loss is NOT the same as WEIGHT loss. The scale only measures weight loss. Not fat loss. Thus, in a week when your body has lost 3 pounds of fat, but gained 4 pounds of water or other non-fat substances due to sodium intake, fiber intake, exercise muscle repair, muscle gain, bowel habits, or time of the month, the scale will mask our 3 pound fat loss by revealing a 1 pound weight gain. Repeat this over 3-4 weeks or 3-4 months and you have a perfect recipe for Doldrums-inflicted madness and the potential for a junk food mutiny.

The purpose of this post is NOT to provide answers to the weight loss Doldrums. There are literally hundreds of posts spread out throughout MFP that perform that function. Some are grounded in sound science. Others are total nonsense and rubbish. Your task, on here, as in real life, is to sort out the information from the misinformation and do what is right for you.

In conclusion, I leave you with the words of Albert Einstein, who said, "You never fail until you stop trying." Sailors trapped in the Doldrums who tired of being patient often ended up dying in mutinies or committing suicide due to madness. The patient ones waited until atmospheric conditions changed and the winds once again filled their sails.

My wish for all of you is the patience and wisdom to wait out those times when the scale is unkind to you. I wish you the knowledge that if you are doing what you need to do to help yourselves, eventually, your fat loss sails will billow from a delightful and refreshing wind at your back once more.

Have a wonderful rest of your Monday.

Scott R. in Houston, Tx.