Frustration starting to grow
kamazza
Posts: 98 Member
I'm just about to go into my fifth week of exercise and eating better. Been exercising pretty much daily , 1/2 hour to over an hour, with the odd day off. Not just light exercise but aerobic and weights using a variety of well established video's. Feeling great, lost a few inches here and there, bits starting to look a bit tighter here and there. fantastic right? Yes of course! But I've gained two pounds!! what gives? Last time I attempted to get fit I dropped about 5 pounds in the first two weeks! I am NOT hard-core dieting but I AM watching what I eat and have killed just about all the "bad" stuff (still use two raw sugar cubes in my tea daily but that's about it) I'm not looking to lose huge amounts right away, I know it doesn't happen that. I understand it takes time, yadda yadda, but I would have expected by the end of a full month to have lost a pound, at least, not gained two!
any insight?
any insight?
0
Replies
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Well, I would say that if you lost some inches, then you must be doing something correctly. Not sure why you gained a pound. Do you feel any differently in a months time?0
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Gained two pounds, not one *lol* I do yes, more energy, a bit more pep in the step so to speak. I do feel stronger during the work-outs as well and my husband has told me my butt is like "Steel" now *lol*0
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Forget the scale if you are seeing inches drop. There are dozens of things that can affect the scale weight: salt, lack of sleep, dehydration, large dinner, exercise, Aunt Flow, water retention...and the list goes on. The scale rarely stays still mine goes up and down from day to day. I only track the lows.
**Edited because apparently I cannot spell salt!0 -
Well, if you aren't really eating at a deficit and may be closer to maintenance then you may have actually gained some muscle but lost the fat hence the loss of inches.
Or, it could be just bloating. How's your sodium intake?
However, overall if you are losing inches and your body is changing you are on the right track and I wouldn't be concerned about the scale #.0 -
Muscle weighs more than fat. The biggest thing you should focus on is losing the inches and looking better.0
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Two pounds is well-within the range of water weight from a new exercise program or hormones, stress, sodium, etc. It could be nothing to worry about.
It might be helpful to open your diary if you want specific advice. Weight loss is a lot more about how much you're eating than how much you're exercising. Cutting foods out is fine, but if you're still eating at or above maintenance you won't see a drop on the scale.
You're logging everything you eat? Including condiments, cooking oils, veggies, cheat days, etc? Are you using a food scale, measuring cups, or eyeballing your portion sizes? Most people can be off in their estimates by a whole lot when they eyeball portions. Measuring cups are better, but a food scale is always going to be the most accurate.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1234699-logging-accurately-step-by-step-guide
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1290491-how-and-why-to-use-a-digital-food-scale
And make sure that you've calculated your calorie goals appropriately. Remember that these are just estimates. You may need to play around a little to find what works best for you.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets
If you're exercising and eating back your earned exercise calories, be sure that you're using accurate estimates of your burn. MFP and gym machines have a tendency to overestimate certain activities, which can cause you to eat back more calories than you need to. Even a heart rate monitor isn't 100% accurate. If you're eating those extra earned calories it might be a good idea to eat only 50-75% of those.0 -
Your are lifting weights so you are going to gain some muscle. Muscle is more dense than fat. With that being said muscle weighs more. You are headed in the right direction so don't worry about the scale.0
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Muscle weighs more than fat. The biggest thing you should focus on is losing the inches and looking better.
No, a pound is a pound. A ton of bricks does not weigh more then a ton of feathers. a ton of bricks just takes up a lot less space
Kinda like muscles take up less space then fats 0 -
a 2lb variation is not a big deal, depending on when you weigh yourself, what you were doing/eating, cycle time, there are so many variances that can affect your body when you step on a scale.
Most people say to be as consistent as possible, weight your self at the same time of day, same conditions, etc
Generally the morning is when you are lightest
I have tracked my weight through the day and it just goes up as much as 4-5lbs as the day goes on - retaining water etc does happen due to sodium, food, etc. And during the TOM, bloating had me up by about 8lbs that week
I would take the lost inches as a positive sign and don't sweat the 2lbs scale reading0 -
Muscle weighs more than fat. The biggest thing you should focus on is losing the inches and looking better.
No, a pound is a pound. A ton of bricks does not weigh more then a ton of feathers. a ton of bricks just takes up a lot less space Kinda like muscles take up less space then fats
And an inch is an inch so muscle can't take up less space than fat. Unless we're keeping all other variables equal. In which case one pound of muscle takes up less space than one pound of fat. Kind of like how one cubic inch of muscle weighs more than one cubic inch of fat.
The important thing, though, is that you didn't gain 2 pounds of muscle in a month while eating at a deficit.0 -
I'm just about to go into my fifth week of exercise and eating better. Been exercising pretty much daily , 1/2 hour to over an hour, with the odd day off. Not just light exercise but aerobic and weights using a variety of well established video's. Feeling great, lost a few inches here and there, bits starting to look a bit tighter here and there. fantastic right? Yes of course! But I've gained two pounds!! what gives? Last time I attempted to get fit I dropped about 5 pounds in the first two weeks! I am NOT hard-core dieting but I AM watching what I eat and have killed just about all the "bad" stuff (still use two raw sugar cubes in my tea daily but that's about it) I'm not looking to lose huge amounts right away, I know it doesn't happen that. I understand it takes time, yadda yadda, but I would have expected by the end of a full month to have lost a pound, at least, not gained two!
any insight?
"eating better" doesn't mean you're eating less calories than you burn, which is all that matters when it comes to weight loss.
Weigh and measure everything you eat. Log everything. Don't over estimate your exercise calories. Don't assume that you will just lose weight because you aren't eating "junk" food.0 -
Muscle weighs more than fat. The biggest thing you should focus on is losing the inches and looking better.
No, a pound is a pound. A ton of bricks does not weigh more then a ton of feathers. a ton of bricks just takes up a lot less space Kinda like muscles take up less space then fats
And an inch is an inch so muscle can't take up less space than fat. Unless we're keeping all other variables equal. In which case one pound of muscle takes up less space than one pound of fat. Kind of like how one cubic inch of muscle weighs more than one cubic inch of fat.
The important thing, though, is that you didn't gain 2 pounds of muscle in a month while eating at a deficit.
With all due respect, this is a big question between the whole weight-watching world, do you have proof you can show me that a pound of muscle weighs more then a pound of fat? If I can read/see/hear it I will believe it *lol*
I appreciate , truly, all the advice. I will ahve to start logging my intakes and outtakes better as I have been slack in that. I do use measurements when serving, etc. I rarely eye-ball it as I know I am not accurate that way. ALso, I use a smaller plate which helps a lot I have found myself oddly more hungry now then before exercising. I'll keep doing what I"m doing.Inches are great so I can't really complain I guess 0 -
Muscle weighs more than fat. The biggest thing you should focus on is losing the inches and looking better.
No, a pound is a pound. A ton of bricks does not weigh more then a ton of feathers. a ton of bricks just takes up a lot less space Kinda like muscles take up less space then fats
And an inch is an inch so muscle can't take up less space than fat. Unless we're keeping all other variables equal. In which case one pound of muscle takes up less space than one pound of fat. Kind of like how one cubic inch of muscle weighs more than one cubic inch of fat.
The important thing, though, is that you didn't gain 2 pounds of muscle in a month while eating at a deficit.
With all due respect, this is a big question between the whole weight-watching world, do you have proof you can show me that a pound of muscle weighs more then a pound of fat? If I can read/see/hear it I will believe it *lol*
I appreciate , truly, all the advice. I will ahve to start logging my intakes and outtakes better as I have been slack in that. I do use measurements when serving, etc. I rarely eye-ball it as I know I am not accurate that way. ALso, I use a smaller plate which helps a lot I have found myself oddly more hungry now then before exercising. I'll keep doing what I"m doing.Inches are great so I can't really complain I guess
I think you'll find that you're the only person in this thread who's made the assertion that a pound of muscle weighs more than a pound of fat.0 -
Give yourself a break. You're giving yourself too much criticism. We all have expectations, and when it doesn't happen the way we think it should, we start getting mad at ourselves. Just do what you agrees with yourself to, and praise any success, big or small, that you accomplish. Yes, you gain muscle, which weighs more pounds than fat, but no-one knows the precise amount, because every body is different. So love yourself and your intentions and drop the punishing attitude. Reward yourself for what you accomplished.0
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Density and volume are inherent in the way we conceptualize how much something weighs. If you said lead weighs the same as air, people would like at you like you were nuts.Muscle weighs more than fat. The biggest thing you should focus on is losing the inches and looking better.
No, a pound is a pound. A ton of bricks does not weigh more then a ton of feathers. a ton of bricks just takes up a lot less space Kinda like muscles take up less space then fats 0 -
Honestly, if you've been eating right and exercising, odds are that the 2lbs you gained are either A.) Muscle, or B.) Water weight. Give it some time before getting frustrated It will eventually go down. You're clearly doing something right and just keep at it! Stress is no good c: 0
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Muscle weighs more than fat. The biggest thing you should focus on is losing the inches and looking better.
No, a pound is a pound. A ton of bricks does not weigh more then a ton of feathers. a ton of bricks just takes up a lot less space Kinda like muscles take up less space then fats
And an inch is an inch so muscle can't take up less space than fat. Unless we're keeping all other variables equal. In which case one pound of muscle takes up less space than one pound of fat. Kind of like how one cubic inch of muscle weighs more than one cubic inch of fat.
The important thing, though, is that you didn't gain 2 pounds of muscle in a month while eating at a deficit.
With all due respect, this is a big question between the whole weight-watching world, do you have proof you can show me that a pound of muscle weighs more then a pound of fat? If I can read/see/hear it I will believe it *lol*
I appreciate , truly, all the advice. I will ahve to start logging my intakes and outtakes better as I have been slack in that. I do use measurements when serving, etc. I rarely eye-ball it as I know I am not accurate that way. ALso, I use a smaller plate which helps a lot I have found myself oddly more hungry now then before exercising. I'll keep doing what I"m doing.Inches are great so I can't really complain I guess
I think you'll find that you're the only person in this thread who's made the assertion that a pound of muscle weighs more than a pound of fat.
Actually, I believe that a pound weighs the same as a pound *lol* So there fore I've made no statement that a pound of muscles weighs more then a pound of fat, because a pound is a pound is a pound. What I was trying to say was that I've been taught that muscle takes up less space in the body then lumpy, fluffy fat. I find it frustrating that folks say a pound of one thing can weigh more then a pound of something else (Volume and mass aside here of course) because that is impossible. Now if a square inch of muscle weighs more then a square inch of fat? well I've not seen or read anything to back that up, and I am looking as I type because I am curious and I'm trying to learn. I am not trying to obstinate or obnoxious in the least.
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Two pounds is well-within the range of water weight from a new exercise program or hormones, stress, sodium, etc. It could be nothing to worry about.
It might be helpful to open your diary if you want specific advice. Weight loss is a lot more about how much you're eating than how much you're exercising. Cutting foods out is fine, but if you're still eating at or above maintenance you won't see a drop on the scale.
You're logging everything you eat? Including condiments, cooking oils, veggies, cheat days, etc? Are you using a food scale, measuring cups, or eyeballing your portion sizes? Most people can be off in their estimates by a whole lot when they eyeball portions. Measuring cups are better, but a food scale is always going to be the most accurate.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1234699-logging-accurately-step-by-step-guide
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1290491-how-and-why-to-use-a-digital-food-scale
And make sure that you've calculated your calorie goals appropriately. Remember that these are just estimates. You may need to play around a little to find what works best for you.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets
If you're exercising and eating back your earned exercise calories, be sure that you're using accurate estimates of your burn. MFP and gym machines have a tendency to overestimate certain activities, which can cause you to eat back more calories than you need to. Even a heart rate monitor isn't 100% accurate. If you're eating those extra earned calories it might be a good idea to eat only 50-75% of those.
^^^ all of this!!0 -
Muscle weighs more than fat. The biggest thing you should focus on is losing the inches and looking better.
No, a pound is a pound. A ton of bricks does not weigh more then a ton of feathers. a ton of bricks just takes up a lot less space Kinda like muscles take up less space then fats
And an inch is an inch so muscle can't take up less space than fat. Unless we're keeping all other variables equal. In which case one pound of muscle takes up less space than one pound of fat. Kind of like how one cubic inch of muscle weighs more than one cubic inch of fat.
The important thing, though, is that you didn't gain 2 pounds of muscle in a month while eating at a deficit.
With all due respect, this is a big question between the whole weight-watching world, do you have proof you can show me that a pound of muscle weighs more then a pound of fat? If I can read/see/hear it I will believe it *lol*
I appreciate , truly, all the advice. I will ahve to start logging my intakes and outtakes better as I have been slack in that. I do use measurements when serving, etc. I rarely eye-ball it as I know I am not accurate that way. ALso, I use a smaller plate which helps a lot I have found myself oddly more hungry now then before exercising. I'll keep doing what I"m doing.Inches are great so I can't really complain I guess
I think you'll find that you're the only person in this thread who's made the assertion that a pound of muscle weighs more than a pound of fat.
AFter doing some reading, the correct way to say the statement would be "Muscle weighs more, by volume, then fat" NOT "muscle weighs more then fat" which is very misleading. I understand now how it weighs more, by volume, but when reading the statement as is previously it did not make sense to my poor abused brain. 0 -
Muscle weighs more than fat. The biggest thing you should focus on is losing the inches and looking better.
No, a pound is a pound. A ton of bricks does not weigh more then a ton of feathers. a ton of bricks just takes up a lot less space Kinda like muscles take up less space then fats
And an inch is an inch so muscle can't take up less space than fat. Unless we're keeping all other variables equal. In which case one pound of muscle takes up less space than one pound of fat. Kind of like how one cubic inch of muscle weighs more than one cubic inch of fat.
The important thing, though, is that you didn't gain 2 pounds of muscle in a month while eating at a deficit.
With all due respect, this is a big question between the whole weight-watching world, do you have proof you can show me that a pound of muscle weighs more then a pound of fat? If I can read/see/hear it I will believe it *lol*
I appreciate , truly, all the advice. I will ahve to start logging my intakes and outtakes better as I have been slack in that. I do use measurements when serving, etc. I rarely eye-ball it as I know I am not accurate that way. ALso, I use a smaller plate which helps a lot I have found myself oddly more hungry now then before exercising. I'll keep doing what I"m doing.Inches are great so I can't really complain I guess
I think you'll find that you're the only person in this thread who's made the assertion that a pound of muscle weighs more than a pound of fat.
Actually, I believe that a pound weighs the same as a pound *lol* So there fore I've made no statement that a pound of muscles weighs more then a pound of fat, because a pound is a pound is a pound. What I was trying to say was that I've been taught that muscle takes up less space in the body then lumpy, fluffy fat. I find it frustrating that folks say a pound of one thing can weigh more then a pound of something else (Volume and mass aside here of course) because that is impossible. Now if a square inch of muscle weighs more then a square inch of fat? well I've not seen or read anything to back that up, and I am looking as I type because I am curious and I'm trying to learn. I am not trying to obstinate or obnoxious in the least.
Except that no one has said that a pound of muscle weighs more than a pound of fat! I believe that a pound is a pound as well and I've never stated otherwise.
The phrase "muscle weighs more than fat" assumes that we're comparing equal volumes. Also, equal gravities, but I note that no one ever responds with "not if one of them is on the moon!" Because that's how comparisons work. If you're going to compare two things you need to keep all other variables as equal as possible.
When you try to assert that muscle can't weigh more than fat because a pound is a pound, but then go on to say that muscle takes up less space than fat, you're also assuming that you're comparing equal amounts of muscle and fat - in this case equal weights. But an inch is an inch, so how can one take up less space (using your already stated logic that a pound is a pound).
Now, it's going to be more accurate to say that muscle is denser than fat, but that doesn't make the statement that muscle weighs more than fat automatically wrong.0 -
Will this help?
When comparing equal *volumes* of fat and muscle (i.e., fill up a 5 gal. bucket of fat and a 5 gal. bucket of muscle), the muscle is more dense and thus *weighs* more...
and when comparing equal *weights* of fat and muscle (i.e., 5 lbs of fat and 5 lbs of muscle), muscle is more dense and thus takes up less *volume*
...which is why you can weigh the same (or more!) but lose inches when you lose fat and gain muscle.0 -
and thread derailed by weights and measures argument.0
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I'm just about to go into my fifth week of exercise and eating better. Been exercising pretty much daily , 1/2 hour to over an hour, with the odd day off. Not just light exercise but aerobic and weights using a variety of well established video's. Feeling great, lost a few inches here and there, bits starting to look a bit tighter here and there. fantastic right? Yes of course! But I've gained two pounds!! what gives? Last time I attempted to get fit I dropped about 5 pounds in the first two weeks! I am NOT hard-core dieting but I AM watching what I eat and have killed just about all the "bad" stuff (still use two raw sugar cubes in my tea daily but that's about it) I'm not looking to lose huge amounts right away, I know it doesn't happen that. I understand it takes time, yadda yadda, but I would have expected by the end of a full month to have lost a pound, at least, not gained two!
any insight?
In answer to your question scale weight is a terrible indicator of progress on short time scales and believe it or not the first 5 weeks is a short time scale. The fact that you have lost inches and feel stronger is the only indicator you need to know your plan is working, just stick with it. Your weight will fluctuate due to water retention from the addition of exercise to what was previously relatively sedentary activity level due to increased glycogen storage and water retention in the muscle for repair. In addition things like your monthly cycle can cause water retention. All these can combine to a good 10 pound fluctuation in water weight that will mask any fat loss on the scale. That is why inches are so much better of an indication early on.
Eventually you will lose enough fat that no amount of water retention will hide it on the scale, but you aren't there yet.
Just keep doing what you are doing and have faith that eating less and exercising will have you losing fat over time...because it will.0 -
Thank you Aaron and everyone I'll keep on keeping on and keep the happy attitude I've had up until today I am not unhappy with my current , baby steps, results 0
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