4 lbs after 2 weeks but 2lbs come back this week ????

I started to eat healthy at the beginning of the month, I lost 4 lbs in two weeks, but this week was discouraging: I continued to eat healthy but the weight came back on the scale. after that I was a bit silly and I authorized myself to compensate with some extras (which will not help me I know).

I'm lost about amont of calories to eat : I started with less than 1300 and after reading some topic, I increase my amount to 1600.
Some of you have encountered these difficulties too on first month?

I have my first Zumba lesson and it was great, I plan to go twice a week because I like that.
I' m motivated, I want to reach my goals but I' m pretty lost about the eating part

Replies

  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    1) Pick a calorie goal and stick with it for at least a month. If you keep changing it, it'll be impossible to evaluate your results/progress.

    2) Bodyweight can fluctuate by 5lbs or more day to day... don't put so much stock in what the scale says, especially over shorter timeframes. Worry about the long term trend, not the day to day number.
  • Thanks
    I think I have to get far from scale for a Time

    I don't know what calorie goal choose : 1200 according to MFP, 1580 according to BMR etc.
  • eyeshuh
    eyeshuh Posts: 333
    Use the 1580 for at least a month. As the other poster said, it's impossible to know if something is working for you or not if you keep switching things around every time the scale freaks you out. The scale is a jerk! Don't listen to it!
  • HalfLiz
    HalfLiz Posts: 6 Member
    My personal philosophy is that the feedback from the scale is only ONE measure of "success" from adapting a more conscientious, deliberate way of eating. Of course it is rewarding to see that number drop and can be discouraging when it is slow going, or two steps forward, one step back, BUT.....what about other "wins" you might be experiencing? Do you feel any better in control of what you're eating? Do you feel any better in your body? Are your clothes starting to fit better? Do you feel proud that you're making good choices that will help your overall body health be better for years to come?

    It is very normal for the scale to fluctuate, even within the same day, several pounds. If the scale stresses you out, maybe a little break is what is right for you.

    The way I deal with it, however, is weigh daily. This isn't to be obsessive, but it helps me see patterns in what might cause the scale to bounce around such as if I had a salty meal the night before, causing my number to be higher, or if I heavily exercised and was dehydrated, causing my number to be lower. It can be hard, but if you can keep the emotion out of the number on the scale, it can actually be fun to see how it changes and evolves over time.

    Which ever way you go, less or more scale, more or less daily calorie goal - best wishes to you!!!
  • I will try 1580 for a month and let the scale for 2 weeks.

    It's new for me. When I was not a fastfood eater, I used to eat healthier without take attention to calories

    HalfLiz : I'm feeling better since 2 weeks, I walk everyday at lunch Time 30 to 45 minutes, even if It's -15°C outside. My clothes : not experiencing change for the moment but I'm proud to eat like I used to before
    I like your goal : mine is to complete a triathlon ????
  • HalfLiz
    HalfLiz Posts: 6 Member
    A triathlon! Wow! I've signed up for my first half marathon in May and I am excited but nervous. Can't image adding swimming and cycling to that.....just yet! lol Great job on your lunch time walking - and you go girl - that is some cold weather you have there! :)
  • It's not the big big triathlon :I'll try the super print race to begin (750 m swimming, 10 km biking and 2,5 km running)
    I know I have some hard work to achieve this goal and I don't have limit in Time ( it's not a matter if I reach my goal in 2 years)

    Yes, we have some cold weather in Montréal ❄❄❄ but we can have a walk with warm coat ????
    I'm waiting for Spring to walk (and maybe start run) into a parc near my job.

    Half marathon looks so impossible to me in my condition : I can breathe after 1 min running ????
  • MizTerry
    MizTerry Posts: 3,763 Member
    Keep in mind, muscle weighs more than fat.

    That should help you feel better.

    :bigsmile:
  • aross001
    aross001 Posts: 237
    1) Pick a calorie goal and stick with it for at least a month. If you keep changing it, it'll be impossible to evaluate your results/progress.

    2) Bodyweight can fluctuate by 5lbs or more day to day... don't put so much stock in what the scale says, especially over shorter timeframes. Worry about the long term trend, not the day to day number.

    truth
  • Thanks MizTerry !
    If only it was that haha ! I probably gave too much credit to my scale when my weight was 183 and after that was disapointed too fast when I was 184,8.
    I need to not compare my weightloss to others, I've lost 2,2 lbs since 3 weeks.
    I've tought I have to lose 1 to 1,5 kg per week with healthier food but thanks to answers above and forum, I know now there isn't just one way to lose weight but a way for each of us.

    I have to do exercise to feel healthier and weight will probably decrease too if I continue to eat clean
  • MizTerry
    MizTerry Posts: 3,763 Member
    Thanks MizTerry !
    If only it was that haha ! I probably gave too much credit to my scale when my weight was 183 and after that was disapointed too fast when I was 184,8.
    I need to not compare my weightloss to others, I've lost 2,2 lbs since 3 weeks.
    I've tought I have to lose 1 to 1,5 kg per week with healthier food but thanks to answers above and forum, I know now there isn't just one way to lose weight but a way for each of us.

    I have to do exercise to feel healthier and weight will probably decrease too if I continue to eat clean

    Tell me...do your clothes feel better?
    I found it isn't so much what the scale says, it's how my clothes are feeling on my frame.
  • Like some have already said...Your weight will fluctuate..I've been doing my cardio workout for about 5 weeks..One day my scale shows 192. Two days later it it's up to 196...I had the same reaction you did...I'm eating a little healthier..But am finally putting in some high calorie burn workouts..So the scale number will go down in the long run..Just stay on course and the pounds will come off..
  • I don't feel different in my clothes. Someone at work told me she already sees difference, but she knew I've started eating healthier so... I don't know if it's a placebo effect ????

    I have a sinusite since few weeks, it can probably have an effect on how I feel.

    I know I feel great after my meals and give me energy to move.


    Thanks Runningmannn : you're right ! With exercise, I will at least be more fit ????????
  • chellebublz
    chellebublz Posts: 568 Member
    I started the eating healthier around the 7th of January, and lost 9 lbs after 2 weeks. I have since gained about 2 lbs back so I know most of that was water weight. The scale can fluctuate up to 5 lbs throughout the day depending on circumstances such as food and drink, so deft don't take the 2 lbs to heart. Keep at it, that's what I plan to do! Eventually it's GOT to come off if we are doing everything right, right? :D
  • I started the eating healthier around the 7th of January, and lost 9 lbs after 2 weeks. I have since gained about 2 lbs back so I know most of that was water weight. The scale can fluctuate up to 5 lbs throughout the day depending on circumstances such as food and drink, so deft don't take the 2 lbs to heart. Keep at it, that's what I plan to do! Eventually it's GOT to come off if we are doing everything right, right? :D

    Right :) ????

    I have to stick to my plan and enjoy longterm success .

    I like a quote I've seen in internet : "Direction is more important than speed. We are so busy looking at our speedometers that we forget the milestone"