Scales Lie (With Pictures to Prove It)

Jenya05
Jenya05 Posts: 42 Member
in Success Stories
I was getting a little down because my weight is not coming off quickly (we are talking maybe half a pound a week if I am lucky) so I decided to dig out some pictures to compare, and I was really surprised at what I saw. There is only about a 6.5lb difference between the first and the last photos:

2u89xs4.jpg

Aaaaand there is only a 1lb difference between these two photos:

103tlk9.jpg

And just for fun because I am excited to actually have a tiny bit of muscle definition:

302nzbk.jpg

I am 5'4" and currently weigh 165lb. I eat between about 1600 calories daily with a splurge on the weekend for pizza or wings or beer. I have been on vacation for the last week so my food diary isn't nearly as pretty as normal, but I still made pretty decent choices overall. I am in the last phase of Jillian Michael's Body Revolution, and I want to move into more heavy lifting once I am finished (probably Stronglifts 5x5).

I encourage everyone--TAKE PICTURES! Those are a more honest reflection of your progress.

***edited to resize pictures

Replies

  • stickersticker
    stickersticker Posts: 140 Member
    Keep going and perhaps your goal weight isn't as low as you think based on how you wear your weight.
  • Jenya05
    Jenya05 Posts: 42 Member
    Keep going and perhaps your goal weight isn't as low as you think based on how you wear your weight.

    I think you are absolutely right! I need to throw out those old notions about wanting to lose a certain amount or reach a certain weight and just work on getting fit and feeling great.
  • furniem
    furniem Posts: 145 Member
    That is a great reminder to take pics and to measure yourself as well! Looking great!!! Keep on going!!
  • ShellF415
    ShellF415 Posts: 182 Member
    Thanks; this is really helpful today.
  • ChristinWrites
    ChristinWrites Posts: 119 Member
    So much this! I am the SAME way. I keep track of measurements more than pics - although I should start doing that too. I have been alternating between running and lifting weights/resistance training and some yoga thrown in here and there for good measure. My body shape has changed immensely, I've lost a lot of inches, but only 13 pounds on the scale since January. The last time I lost weight (and sadly didn't have the mindset to make it for life) I did it mostly by just some cardio and eating a huge deficit - I lost a lot of pounds, but my problem areas were still quite large. (I'm apple shaped and short, so I looked pregnant still)

    This time, I've focused on a slight deficit and I eat in ways that are sustainable for life and focus most of my energy on getting fit/healthy. I am looking better as I lose this time and that makes me happy :) Congrats to you! I can see a definite change!
  • Idefinenichelle
    Idefinenichelle Posts: 116 Member
    I really needed to see this cause I am losing inches but not pounds. Thank you! And btw, you look amazing! Keep up the good work.
  • Spnneil06
    Spnneil06 Posts: 18,745 Member
    I take pictures to and you are right! Thanks for the motivation!
  • AliceSwarthout
    AliceSwarthout Posts: 808 Member
    You are rocking that bikini! You look great =)
  • Kita328
    Kita328 Posts: 370 Member
    I did the same thing 2 nights ago. I wasnt getting down on myself but I wasnt noticing changes like others were- and my scale isnt moving. For me, I went to a diffrent location for 3 weeks for work, when I came back all my coworkers were like wow, your smaller! I was like uh? Anyhow I rummaged through my phone and decided to make a collage on my instagram and show side by side pics and save them to my phone as my inspiration. I am not ready to post them as a success yet, but yes I said YET! I cannot wait to be a success story!

    Congrats to you! The pictures make all the diffrence!!! Keep up the hard work

    :bigsmile: :bigsmile:
  • AlliSteff
    AlliSteff Posts: 211 Member
    Great job! And cute shoes in that last shot!
  • fit_gal
    fit_gal Posts: 167
    Well done! I agree that they lie. I weigh different weights all round the house. And they're all wooden floors lol
  • AbbyCar
    AbbyCar Posts: 198 Member
    Bump
  • KombuchaCat
    KombuchaCat Posts: 834 Member
    Inches and tone are always preferrable to pounds lost! Keep up the great work, you look fantastic!
  • kateangel2312
    kateangel2312 Posts: 242 Member
    the same thing is happening with me, im using body fat and measurements to gauge results now. Your doing great!
  • ironmonkeystyle
    ironmonkeystyle Posts: 834 Member
    You are doing great! keep up the awesome work, focus on NSVs like muscle growth and looking and feeling better!:smile:
  • ironmonkeystyle
    ironmonkeystyle Posts: 834 Member
    And... look at your face in each of the pictures. Notice your smile? I think that's pretty revealing about how you are improving.
  • Liftng4Lis
    Liftng4Lis Posts: 15,151 Member
    Great job! Thanks for the reminder!
  • Adaniel65
    Adaniel65 Posts: 105 Member
    Thank you!!! I wish I had taken pics when I started but I will today.

    Again, thank you thank you thank you!
  • wolfsbayne
    wolfsbayne Posts: 3,116 Member
    nice legs! :love:
  • keshabbaker
    keshabbaker Posts: 152 Member
    you are doing great I am not losing weight as fast as I would like but I am losing inches and it shows. I absolutely love before and after pictures they are so inspirational so when I feel like giving up I go straight to success stories and start to viewing. Thanks so much for sharing.
  • ScorpionQwean
    ScorpionQwean Posts: 1,013 Member
    Nice job. Just remember you are losing inches, gaining muscle (which weighs more), thus your scale is remaining the same. You look amazing!! As long as your happy with the new improved you (and pics have a 1000 words) - who cares what the scale is screaming at you... Keep going girl :)
  • ajff
    ajff Posts: 986 Member
    Thanks for posting this! I TOTALLY needed this today as I've been working my butt off for the past 2 weeks with very little numerical reward. But, I keep noticing firmness in new places and loose-ness in my clothes.... I need to start taking more pictures! Surely something is changing!
  • ItsFunnyCauseHesFat
    ItsFunnyCauseHesFat Posts: 24 Member
    Wow....you look incredible! Your pictures couldn't have made your point any better!
  • Jenya05
    Jenya05 Posts: 42 Member
    I did the same thing 2 nights ago. I wasnt getting down on myself but I wasnt noticing changes like others were- and my scale isnt moving. For me, I went to a diffrent location for 3 weeks for work, when I came back all my coworkers were like wow, your smaller! I was like uh? Anyhow I rummaged through my phone and decided to make a collage on my instagram and show side by side pics and save them to my phone as my inspiration. I am not ready to post them as a success yet, but yes I said YET! I cannot wait to be a success story!

    Congrats to you! The pictures make all the diffrence!!! Keep up the hard work

    :bigsmile: :bigsmile:

    It is funny how other people can see the things we are blind to! My husband kept telling my I was looking smaller and more fit, and my response was, "Maybe a tiny bit, but not much because I haven't lost any weight." Silly me.
  • swsays
    swsays Posts: 125 Member
    I echo all the comments above - well done and great message (scales lie!). Your legs are gorgeous in that dress!
  • lookin08902
    lookin08902 Posts: 12 Member
    Beautiful changes! Thanks for sharing. I was getting depressed with the scale too, but seemed to think I'm looking better.

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