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I've gained!!!

vet272
vet272 Posts: 183
edited January 24 in Motivation and Support
I am scrupulously sticking to my calorie range, cycling between upper and lower values. I have been slowly and steadily losing. I woke up this morning and I've gained a pound back. It's the week before my period. Could this be it or am I deluding myself?
I weigh everything I eat and do moderate exercise due to injury.

Replies

  • traceytwink
    traceytwink Posts: 538 Member
    In a nut shell yes, but don't forget our body can change weight by 3/4 lbs in any one day, don't weigh so much just go by how you look and feel x
  • ficklesoul
    ficklesoul Posts: 54 Member
    Yep don't weigh yourself so much. I always gain between 1-3lbs a week before my menstrual. Most likely it's just water retention and it will go away. Try not to stress yourself over it so much. Just stick to your diet and try to watch your sodium intake and continue your workout.
  • JesterMFP
    JesterMFP Posts: 3,596 Member
    It's the week before my period. Could this be it or am I deluding myself?
    Yes that could be it. Many, many women gain a little before their period, for some women it's more like 3-5 lbs. Weight loss is not linear anyway so there may (will) be weeks where you don't lose, or even gain, when it seems that you are doing everything "right". Your weight is mostly made up of water, and that water fluctuates a lot. So, don't worry about 1 lb.

    Remember that it takes approximately 3,500 calories to gain a lb of fat. So, to gain 1 lb in a week, you would need to have over-eaten by an average 500 calories every day. That's not 500 calories over your goal, that's all the way up to your TDEE (total daily energy expenditure aka "maintenance") and then 500 calories on top of that. If you are sure that's not the case, then don't worry. :smile:

    Other things that can make your weight fluctuate: a change in type or intensity of exercise (muscles hold onto water as they repair themselves), and increase/decrease in the volume of food/waste in your system (eg you didn't exceed your calories but ate a whole pile of vegetables), an increase/decrease in the sodium you consume, an increase/decrease in the carbs you consume, etc. Hormonal fluctuations will definitely do it though.
  • vet272
    vet272 Posts: 183
    Thanks all. I know it's a bad habit to have developed, but I do weigh myself every morning. It helps me feel accountable. Is there anything I can do do help alleviate water retention?
  • pyrowill
    pyrowill Posts: 1,163 Member
    Yup
  • vet272
    vet272 Posts: 183
    Yup
    I asked for that lol. Ok what can I do to alleviate water retention? Better? X
  • determinedbutlazy
    determinedbutlazy Posts: 1,941 Member
    I gain as much as 5lbs before my period in water retention. Don't worry about it and try not to weigh so much.
  • lambchoplewis
    lambchoplewis Posts: 797
    Don't obsess!! I lost 2.3 lbs overnight and I can gain the same while sticking to maintenance plan and exercise. Never underestimate the power of female hormones!! You have to look at the trend over time. Go to MFP reports and look over a 30 or 90 days on weight and you will see the trend. Yes, if it is up, take notice but... don't obsess.
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    i fluctuate between 170 and 174 so it is nothing to worry about ...

    the scale does not mean jacksh*t anyway .its how you look, feel, and how your training is progressing in the gym. As long as these three things are going well, F the scale....
This discussion has been closed.

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