Losing inches but not pounds

shamcd
shamcd Posts: 178 Member
edited February 6 in Health and Weight Loss
I've recently changed my lifestyle and decided to get healthy again by changing my diet and adding exercise. I'm not new to any of this and, in fact, used to be very healthy and fit so I have no excuse to have let myself go. It's been just over a month since I've implemented these changes, and the scale has not budged yet. However, I AM a full size smaller. I've heard the "you're gaining muscle and losing" fat theory but here's the rub: I'm not weight training. I'm doing 3 - 4 days of cardio and the only resistance involved is either body weight only, or small hand weights (8lbs. and under) at this time. I'm meticulously logging everything I eat and drink, and I'm keeping my calories to 1,200 each day. It seems nearly impossible for me to be gaining muscle given that information. Any thoughts on this?

Replies

  • silken555
    silken555 Posts: 478 Member
    Highly doubtful you're gaining any muscle at that deficit...are you eating back some of your exercise cals?

    Can you open up your diary so we can see anything that might help?
  • diannethegeek
    diannethegeek Posts: 14,776 Member
    It would be really difficult if not downright impossible to gain muscle on 1200 calories/day.

    You could be holding onto water weight, which is masking any fat loss happening. Exercise, stress, hormones, sodium, etc can all cause a small gain on the scale.

    Or you could be underestimating your food intake. Are you using a food scale to measure your portions? Logging everything?
  • pastryari
    pastryari Posts: 8,646 Member
    I fail to see a problem here?
  • SLLRunner
    SLLRunner Posts: 12,942 Member
    How excellent you've went down a full size. The numbers on the scale don't count so just enjoy what your body is choosing to do.:smile:
  • tyrsnbdr
    tyrsnbdr Posts: 234 Member
    Goal is Fat lost not weight loss (some times are the same, but not always.) Focus on your goal of wearing a size X and not a set weight.
  • Ready2Rock206
    Ready2Rock206 Posts: 9,487 Member
    I fail to see a problem here?

    Ditto, I don't carry around my scale with me to show everyone so I'd much rather lose inches than pounds. I've lost plenty of pounds not a single inch - now that is a problem!!
  • shamcd
    shamcd Posts: 178 Member
    Thanks for the responses! I am indeed weighing my food most times, and am not underestimating...in fact, I overestimate just to make certain I'm not cheating myself. And again, I'm very thankful to be losing size, I'm just stuck to the almighty scale and should probably get away from it. I'd just like to understand the physiology of it, but I won't kill myself over it. Thanks again for the replies :)
  • laurahamm96
    laurahamm96 Posts: 46 Member
    I am in the same boat. I have dropped 4 pant sizes, but only 10 pounds. It pisses me off sometimes, but I have to focus on the changes I see in myself. My pant size is not the only thing, but it is a major deal
  • cafeaulait7
    cafeaulait7 Posts: 2,459 Member
    If you added the exercise, your body is storing water (and glycogen, I think folks have said) to help the muscles do their thing. I don't think it has to be weight training specifically, just more strenuous exercise than you used to do for that to happen.
  • tequila09
    tequila09 Posts: 764 Member
    You're doing it right. Just keep up what your doing focus on inches lost rather than pounds lost because the scale can be an evil b!!
  • Mcgrawhaha
    Mcgrawhaha Posts: 1,596 Member
    so whats the problem? if your losing inches, thats a direct loss off of your body, where the scale only shows a number, which can reflect poop, undigested food, water, sodium bloat, etc...
  • fastfoodv
    fastfoodv Posts: 41
    It’s not always about the scale. If you’ve lost inches and gone done a size you should be thrilled!

    Get an exclusive look at Lisa's new book STOP THE DIET, I WANT TO GET OFF! at www.stopthediet.com and visit Lisa Tillinger Johansen at www.consultthedietitian.com on Facebook at Lisa Tillinger Johansen and on Twitter @LisaTJohansen
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