Weight fluctuations

Hi Kelly

I am having the exact same problem hope you get some answers

I'm having the same problem also. I work out consistently and I don't go over on my calories. I also try to watch my sodium intake. It is so frustrating to have it jump up and then creep back down. Any insight or tips would really be appreciated!

Sadly I think that its just how us women are created. Its like our bodies know that we need to have babies and become big human PILLOWS for them. It sux! I can gain up to 5 lbs in one day with water weight and for the life of me I cant get it to go away. I have to wait it out. I know that stress and that time of the month are big factors. Just try to keep moving forward and dont get discouraged. I know for me at times I just go off of measurement. maybe that will help.

The thing with weight fluctuations is that it's actually linked to mood. I've seen a lot of studies now that talk about how being stressed or angry or sad can make you gain weight. I mean, every movie has the scene with the sad girl eating a tub of ice cream, remember. So one of the most important things you have to do is keep a positive outlook. If you're gaining weight it's probably because you're not being happy enough.

My weight is so whacky. I weigh one week and i'm down. The next week I weigh and I am up 4 pounds. I refuse to change my weight on MFP on a gain, but it takes weeks to get back to the weight that I was down the week before. Obviously not a true gain but I'm discouraged seeing my weight stay the same for over a month. uggh!!!

Keeping it real, and maintaining the motivation... barely!
Kelly

That's because you're a woman. You'd be SHOCKED how much water weight can mask true fat loss. Rule of thumb: take the expected results you'd see for a man on a given weightloss plan and add anywhere between 4-8 weeks to see those same results if you have two X chromosomes.

kat- this is terrible terrible news you are giving me!! dang..

You have the capability to lose just as much weight as any MANimal love...

...you just need a bit more faith then they do that's all.

My weight is so whacky. I weigh one week and i'm down. The next week I weigh and I am up 4 pounds. I refuse to change my weight on MFP on a gain, but it takes weeks to get back to the weight that I was down the week before. Obviously not a true gain but I'm discouraged seeing my weight stay the same for over a month. uggh!!!

Keeping it real, and maintaining the motivation... barely!
Kelly

Your body loses weight in chunks, not linear. I have found that you can do everything right and your weight loss seems to plateau but if you are patient and keep exercising and eating at a deficit (however slight) you will lose it, it will suddenly "whoosh". There are so many variables for the scale; water retention, digestion, hormones, allergies, sodium, carbs, water intake, DOMS, inflammation, the list goes on. People mistakenly think they lose or gain weight when they eat more or less because of these fluctuations.

Losing weight requires tremendous patience. You will not lose it when you want it or where you want it. The body does its thing. Some apparent plateaus can last a month or so. You cannot make it happen faster. You must focus on two things; calories and exercise. Nothing else matters. Scales and metrics don't matter. The day in and day out grind of exercise and calories are all that matters. It is not very exciting until things fall into place. You get your victories and you ride one victory to the next.

The scale is a trend tool. The scale is good but put it away and only check once a week and only use it as a trend tool. It will fluctuate, it does not matter. Take front side and back progress pictures at least once a month. You will see differences that the metrics won't tell you and it's that little bit of NSV that will keep you going until the next victory.

What is the exact number of calories for you?

We’ve been trying to figure out an exact NUMBER of calories that everyone should be eating, without recognizing that everyone is slightly different. In truth, the calories aren’t the end game. Your body is. So the EXACT amount of Calories that are right for you is the EXACT amount that will allow you to maintain your ideal bodyweight no matter what some calculator or chart says.

In other words, an online calculator might tell you that you need to eat 2,500 calories
per day to maintain your ideal bodyweight. But the only way to know for sure if this is
the right amount for you is to test it out. If you gain weight or can’t lose weight eating
that much, then you know you need to eat less to lose weight no matter how many
calculators and text books say otherwise.

This doesn’t mean your metabolism is broken, it just means the estimate of your needs
was just a bit off.

-John Barban (The Body Centric Calorie Guide from the Venus Index and Adonis Index Manuals)

I have this problem too here's what I now do.....

Weigh in at the same time every week (every morning after a pee and before dressing or eating) I weigh in at around 8am / 9am depending when I get up. I have the misfortune of needing to weigh in everyday (i know you shouldnt but it keeps me motivated)

Take measurements. For example last month I only lost 4lbs (yes healthy at 1lb a week but was hoping for more) however I had lost 4.1 inches around the waist which meant within a month I was able to get the next size down in jeans! MAJOR for me!

Upped my calories. Exercise combined with my 1300 cal diet meant I was eating far too little. The scale hadnt moved in months and if it did it often floated around the same number give or take 2lbs each way. Ive increased to 1700 (my bmr) and dropped 4lbs last week alone.

Keep at it and remember the scale isnt the end of the road, if it doesnt work take measurements!

do you drink much water? I didn't see any recorded but I know not everyone records it. I know if I don't get at least 8 glasses each day then there is very little chance I lost any weight. also it seems you eat some meat but very little if any lean protein I try to make chicken early in the week that lasts a few days. I'm by no means an expert but these things help me!

I'm surprised no one mentioned water. Considering the body is 70% water we fluctuate about 5lbs per day just on that. Now throw in fluctuating sodium and carb intake will alter that as well. Also women have this thing called a menstrual cycle that contributes to water weight.

Weigh yourself with consistency: Same day, time, clothing... And try only doing it once a week if not less. The scale is a mindf*ck.

I am going through the exact same thing right now. Have worried and been in tears half of the day because of this. Reading all of these comments has helped me to relax a little bit tonight. Was so discouraged that I considered skipping my scheduled work out, but forced myself to do it. I know it is a long journey and I have to be patient, but it is so hard. Good luck on your journey!!!

*bump*

I also suffer from this horrible affliction...lol...and reading this post made me feel alot better. Maybe didn't give the 'answers' one would hope for but it's great to know it's not just me