Rough Start?

gleenkat
gleenkat Posts: 4
in Getting Started
So - I know I just started (yes, three days ago) but I have a quick weight loss question. I was sick on Saturday night into Sunday. Sunday I barely ate because I was recovering. Monday and Tuesday I did really good with my diet and tracked everything I ate. I've had nothing but coffee and water to drink. I gained 0.2 lbs. Why would this be? It is these types of crazy moments that get me so discouraged. Honestly, I haven't introduced exercise back yet because I was weak from being ill and then as luck would have it, I pulled my lower back on Monday - feeling better but thought I should really focus on diet while it healed. Advice welcomed!

Replies

  • mschicagocubs
    mschicagocubs Posts: 774 Member
    0.2 lbs is NOTHING! I could gain that in 5 minutes! lol Could be gas, or you need to poop, or just water fluctuation.

    If you just started 3 days ago ... you shouldn't be on the scale already checking your weight.

    Pick one day a week or hell every 2 weeks and weigh the same time, same day of the week.

    Also, if you haven't already ... take measurements and a before picture. That is a much better telling of losing weight than the dirty ol scale!
  • 4legsRbetterthan2
    4legsRbetterthan2 Posts: 19,590 MFP Moderator
    Unfortunately, patience is the name of the game in weightloss. If you have done some research and set up a reliable plan you just have to follow it and have some faith.

    Personal experience: I have started and stopped this process 3 different times on here (and finally really stuck with it this time around so whoohoo!) but in doing that I have learned I do not see any results for 2 weeks. That is just me, some people see large drops right off the bat from diet changes.

    Also keep in mind that weight fluctuations are a normal daily occurance, you will not step on the scale and weigh the exact same number a few days in a row, it will go up and down (for me I vary about 2lbs when I am being very consistant in my diet, I have seen other people say they can swing up to 10lbs in a day).

    Give it about a month and see what your progress is then. If it is not what you want then come back for help with your plan, but right now it is too early to tell.

    This is a great post for beginners that give tips and talks about common mistakes.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

    ~Best wishes
  • jencroki
    jencroki Posts: 30
    Weight fluctuates during the day and daily. This is an excerpt from fitday.com

    "Why Weight Fluctuations Happen

    Weight fluctuations are normal, and they happen to everybody. They can be caused by many different factors, such as consumption of a big meal, excess salt intake, water retention, constipation and hormonal changes. One thing you should know is that the extra weight that you see on the scale does not come from an increase in body fat; it can be water, waste products or other substances that are temporarily present in your body. Most dietitians tell their patients not to weigh themselves everyday, because they may see their weight fluctuate daily and lose faith in their weight loss program."

    "How Much Can Your Weight Fluctuate?

    Weight fluctuations can result in a temporary weight increase of up to 5 pounds a day. It takes some time for your digestive system to process the food, fluids and salt that you consume, and the substances that are still being processed will contribute to your weight. If you had a big dinner the previous evening, your weight will still be up in the morning if you have not had a bowel movement. This is especially so if you consumed foods that contain a lot of sodium. Even if you had eaten more than you should, your true body weight should not increase significantly overnight. True weight gain is a process that occurs over a longer period of time."

    "Dealing with Weight Fluctuations

    One way to prevent stress that results from weight fluctuations is to refrain from weighing yourself daily. Weigh yourself once a week, and do this without wearing clothes and shoes, which can add one or two pounds to the scale. Try to weigh yourself after you have emptied your bowels in the morning. If you find that your weight is still fluctuating when you weigh once a week, you should drink a lot of water to reduce the amount of sodium in your body. Then, weigh yourself again in the next two mornings. If the results are still elevated, you may have to reassess your diet and exercise programs to make sure that you are not consuming more calories than you are burning.

    A better way to judge your true weight change is to look at how your clothes fit. There are also scales that can measure the percentage of fat in your body, and you can learn about your true weight by looking at this percentage instead of your overall weight."

    Hope this helps...keep going :) the best of luck!
  • gleenkat
    gleenkat Posts: 4
    So, does anyone know if there is a correlation between being ill and your bodies recovery to that illness in regards to weight loss? I'm not giving up but I just want to make sure I'm starting out on the right foot this time and doing everything I can to stay on track. Check out my diary if you want and make me some suggestions if you think my choices aren't good :).
  • emmajljohnston
    emmajljohnston Posts: 1 Member
    When you are significantly unwell one of he things your brain can do is release a hormone called ADH which acts on the kidneys to concentrate your urine and so increase your bodies water stores. Usually when you have been better a few days this stops and you will lose the extra fluid. Wait it out.
  • gleenkat
    gleenkat Posts: 4
    Thank you for the input :)

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