What is wrong with me?

Wandering_1
Wandering_1 Posts: 95 Member
in Motivation and Support
I've been diligent with sticking to MFP for the last couple of months. The last two weeks I've gained almost a pound and losing absolutely nothing.

I know a pound isn't bad at all but losing weight for me is like a miracle in my eyes so when I actually started losing weight and feeling healthy it wasn't just a dream anymore. My eating habits haven't changed and I'm even more active then I was a month ago. Not enough to gain muscle though. I don't have to worry about monthly bloat either.

I am feeling so dejected & a part of me wants to give up because I'm back to the excuses of why I can't lose weight. Does anyone know why this migh be happening and what I can do to start losing again?

Replies

  • jillian_fan2425
    jillian_fan2425 Posts: 167 Member
    First of all, weight loss is something that happens over a long period of time. Trust me, you can't just expect linear progress every single week. Shifts could be due to many things - your TOM, sodium consumption, a big increase in exercise, the placement of the scale on the floor, etc. Try taking your measurements instead of relying only on the scale and see if you start to see results there.

    You're already down 14 pounds, so clearly something is working for you. Keep your head up and keep doing what you're doing.
  • iwannabinnarnia
    iwannabinnarnia Posts: 179 Member
    you may have just hit a plateau. Keep at it. You will find the scale moving again. Try shaking up your routine. Are you doing the same exercises? Try working a different muscle group. Like the previous poster said, you've already lost 14 lbs so you are doing something right.
  • Always_Belle
    Always_Belle Posts: 73 Member
    Our weight can often fluctuate a lb or two. Don't let it get you down and just keep moving forward!
  • caterpillardreams
    caterpillardreams Posts: 476 Member
    hi
    everyone's journey is different. Before I had children 6 years ago I never worried about my weight even when I had gained weight. After I had my 1st I looked different and started to work towards losing weight.
    after having 3 children i realize that the best way to approach this lifestyle change is in the mind first. Because when you gain "almost a pound" you have to realize that is is not detrimental to your weight loss. It can be bloating. it can be you may have eaten a bit more than usual. but you can not beat yourself up.
    you need to find within yourself your worth even when you think all your hard work has failed. because two months of hard work is not going to go down the drain in one day. Just keep going. In life there are always setbacks how you deal with them is h ow you succeed
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    Weight loss isn't linear. I typically lose for a week, maintain for a week, gain the next week, maintain the next week, then lose it all and more the week after. It's always water weight... you can't gain fat unless you eat 3500 calories over your TDEE.

    Just stick to it.
  • D_squareG
    D_squareG Posts: 361 Member
    I agree that weight loss isn't linear. Mine has been anything but. I go up and down for what seems like an eternity and then drop. As long as you are consistently eating under what you burn, you will lose weight. If you are sure you are measuring portions and logging everything, just keep doing it. If you aren't, then refocus your efforts.

    I found this post helpful. It is all about learning how to fuel your body and become fit.


    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/974888-in-place-of-a-road-map-2k13
  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    What's wrong with you?
    1) You're too hard on yourself
    2) You have unrealistic expectations.

    How about looking at it this way.. You've lost 14 pounds in two months - that is FANTASTIC!!!!

    The slight gain is very likely due to your increase in activity. You didn't say what you've been doing but it's completely normal for your muscles to retain water and glycogen when you start a new exercise or increase the intensity (amount of weight, distance, speed, etc).

    Also - how's your sodium and water intake? If you're eating a lot of high sodium foods and not drinking plenty of fluids, that will also cause water retention

    Keep up the good work and be patient. You're doing great!

    P.S. a couple weeks is not a plateau - if you've gone without losing for over 6 weeks, then consider making a change, otherwise, it's just a normal part of the process.

    P.P.S. What would giving up accomplish?
  • TheDarkestStar87
    TheDarkestStar87 Posts: 246 Member
    1lb is just a normal fluctuation, we all get them, women more so than men (damn you nature). I pile on up to 5lbs during TOM and it comes straight back off the following week. Also, weight loss generally slows a bit after the first few weeks. Just rejoice in the amazing accomplishment of already losing 14lbs and keep doing what you're doing without stressing too much about it. think of the big picture; as long as the overall trend is downwards you're fine
  • Fsunami
    Fsunami Posts: 241 Member
    Don't let a number dictate how you're going to feel about yourself. You already know that the steps you're taking have led to success.

    If you focus more on the number of pounds lost/gained instead of what you've accomplished, it would seem that would lead down a self-sabotaging path eventually.

    Thanks
    Chris
  • Lizzy622
    Lizzy622 Posts: 3,705 Member
    You are more active, which means you started a new exercise I assume. Using new muscles can cause some damage and healing which is part of the strengthening process. The healing will cause increased water retention until your muscles are comfortable with the new routine.
  • lrmall01
    lrmall01 Posts: 377 Member
    Maybe nothing is wrong and you just eat too much.
  • ChrisM8971
    ChrisM8971 Posts: 1,067 Member
    First of all your progress so far has been great so don't worry about a week where you gain rather than lose, it is something that happens and we have to get used to it as part of the mysteries of weight loss

    Don't worry you haven't hit a plateau its just a blip that could be the result of so many variables

    Have a read of the following article, not because I think you need to reduce calories yet but it has an interesting perception of when you should weigh yourself and when to compare weights due to water retention so it might ease your fears a bit

    http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/fat-loss/not-losing-fat-at-20-deficit-what-should-i-do-qa.html
  • pittdan77
    pittdan77 Posts: 98 Member
    I've hit two or three plateaus. Noting to get excited about. I've had some that last a couple weeks and one that lasted over a month. Just your body thinking it's going to die. LOL.

    You'll be fine. Just keep it up.
  • Wandering_1
    Wandering_1 Posts: 95 Member
    Thanks everyone for great words of advice & encouragement. Weighing myself every morning is probably not a good idea but I feel like I need to know. I think it's because I don't want to be surprised for the weekly weigh-in. I've never been negative in my calories & I'm good at keeping my macros where they need to be. Anybody have any opinions on Atkins, South Beach or Paleo?
  • zoeysasha37
    zoeysasha37 Posts: 7,088 Member
    Weight loss isn't linear. What matters is the overall trend after a period of time. Since you've lost 14 lbs already, I'd say that's good!! My weight fluctuates up sometimes 3 lbs at times. It's nothing to freak out about. 1 lb is nothing. You just have to be patient and realize that you won't always lose the same number each week
  • ChaplainHeavin
    ChaplainHeavin Posts: 426 Member
    I've been diligent with sticking to MFP for the last couple of months. The last two weeks I've gained almost a pound and losing absolutely nothing.

    I know a pound isn't bad at all but losing weight for me is like a miracle in my eyes so when I actually started losing weight and feeling healthy it wasn't just a dream anymore. My eating habits haven't changed and I'm even more active then I was a month ago. Not enough to gain muscle though. I don't have to worry about monthly bloat either.

    I am feeling so dejected & a part of me wants to give up because I'm back to the excuses of why I can't lose weight. Does anyone know why this migh be happening and what I can do to start losing again?

    Nothing is wrong with you and you've lost 14 pounds in 2 months. Don't allow your happiness and self-worth be determined by a number
  • Wandering_1
    Wandering_1 Posts: 95 Member
    Thank you. I know you're right. I've lowered my calorie intake back to 1200'which is what MFP suggests. I had it at 1420. We'll see how that goes.

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