getting a bit discouraged!

been counting calories and completely changed my eating habits, doing cardio, strength training, meditating, drinking 8+ glasses of water a day and I'm really getting discouraged.. when I weighed myself I was 2lb heavier than my starting weight! I have lost 1 1/2" off my hips but that's it, my muscles hurt and I really just want to throw in the towel.. it is still early days (been doing this little over a month) but surly I should see some more change? I just feel like giving up

Don't discount losing 1.5" from your hips. Regardless of what the scale says, your body is changing, so all the effort you're putting into is paying off. How many other places do you measure? Keep in mind also that weight loss isn't linear. There will be times that the scale can go forever without moving, but if your measurements change, and if you can tell a difference in muscle density, and overall fitness level, then that's a win. Changing your whole physical routine around is a big deal. It's difficult, and at times, it will suck. If you stick with it, and persevere though, you will succeed. Don't give up!

Yeah I agree with these posts too, weight fluctuates so much it is hard to get a good grasp of it sometimes. If you're working out hard, your muscles will be holding onto water to help fix themselves so you could be retaining water slightly. New regimes take a while to settle in to. You also don't mention how much you're eating, make sure you're eating enough especially if you're working hard. But don't give up - even if you only lose a little weight but dress sizes, that's still awesome right?

Muscles do retain water after strenuous exercise. Here is an article explaining it. http://www.livestrong.com/article/406332-do-muscles-retain-water-after-a-new-exercise-program/

i have barely lost any pounds at all but am down two sizes, am WAY stronger, feel healthier, have more energy, sleep better etc. etc. trust me, i get it - i wish the scale would reflect all those changes too but it just doesn't and part of the journey to health and wellness is shifting your perspective to other measures of success. the scale is only one tool and not necessarily the best one to measure overall fitness. keep at it. feel free to send me a friend request!

been counting calories and completely changed my eating habits, doing cardio, strength training, meditating, drinking 8+ glasses of water a day and I'm really getting discouraged.. when I weighed myself I was 2lb heavier than my starting weight! I have lost 1 1/2" off my hips but that's it, my muscles hurt and I really just want to throw in the towel.. it is still early days (been doing this little over a month) but surly I should see some more change? I just feel like giving up

I usually say to clients who want to quit because results don't happen quick enough, "If your child/teenager wanted to quit school because they weren't feeling they were getting smarter or learning, what would you do to teach them why it's important?" That's usually when the light bulb brightens.

A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Do not let yourself get discouraged! Recognize all the hard work you have been putting in. Like the exercise, change of eating habits, meditation...Be proud of that! Don't let yourself obsess over the number on the scale. That is only a fraction of it. Like you said, you lost a 1 1/2" off my hips, that's awesome!

What always helped me stay motivated was changing up my exercise routine every 4-5 workouts. I think that's what helped me from plateauing as well. I always kept my body guessing! And make mini goals! Don't focus on the number. Instead of saying I want to lose 5 lbs this month, say to yourself, I want to run 3 K by such date without stopping, I want to cut pop out of my diet, I want to be able to lift X amount by such date. These mini goals help you notice your accomplishments, but take your focus off the scale! Every time you achieve a mini goal, put 5 dollars in a jar, and at the end of the month treat yourself to a new workout outfit or shopping spree, or whatever you want!

Good luck! And you can totally do this!!