The Scale Won't Budge

curlygirlyful
curlygirlyful Posts: 35
edited September 23 in Health and Weight Loss
Hi Everyone!
I joined MFP about 2 weeks ago. I've been working out regularly 5 days a week and eating some of my extra calories. I've only lost 1 pound. I'm getting a little discouraged. I know that my body is changing and I feel a lot stronger. I just wish that scale would move down a little bit. I've been drinking a ton of water too. My body, however retains a lot of water. Any suggestion would be great!

Replies

  • mallorybriann
    mallorybriann Posts: 1,380 Member
    Have you been measuring inches or body fat percentage?
  • Panda86
    Panda86 Posts: 873
    If you haven't already, add strength training, about 3 days a week (giving your muscles one day in between sessions to repair). Muscle burns more calories than fat, which brings your BMR (Base Metabolic Rate- which is what your body burns while resting) up. So you get a better metabolism, essentially. Plus, strength training burns calories for up to 72 hours after your workout, while cardio stops burning as soon as your heart rate drops. You need a good mix of cardio and strength :) Hope that helps a bit!
  • NicolioRussell
    NicolioRussell Posts: 273
    How is your blood pressure? Perhaps taking a water pill might help you if you're really retaining that much water. Keep an eye on your sodium counts for the day.

    Also, if you're working out 5 times a week, chances are you're building muscle which weighs more than fat. Stick with it and I bet in another 2 weeks you'll see some great results!!
  • DrBorkBork
    DrBorkBork Posts: 4,099 Member
    Don't pay attention to the scale. Pay attention to the way you feel, how your clothes fit, the way you look in the mirror. This is tangible evidence that you are succeeding!
    On that note, dial back the cardio a bit. Be active, for sure, but give yourself rest days too. Make sure you are cross training as well. Weights are usually a good complementary activity to regular exercise.
  • cerysrhi
    cerysrhi Posts: 262
    i would consider logging your measurements you may not see the results on the scales but could still be losing inches x
  • klovelan
    klovelan Posts: 1
    I have found that if I eat more than about 100 of my exercise calories a day my weight refuses to budge. It sucks, but I have learned that this is the way that my body works. That said, congrats on the pound lost! Doing it slow and steady by incorporating healthy behaviors that you can maintain for a lifetime is the best road to success!
  • 82505914
    82505914 Posts: 2
    Actually, muscle weights more than fat.
    So, because of your new workouts, if they are rigorous enough, may be to blame!
    You, my friend, have gained muscle weight!
  • katiefraay
    katiefraay Posts: 60
    i would consider logging your measurements you may not see the results on the scales but could still be losing inches x

    This. Especially if your working out, it may be muscle weight, which weighs more than fat. I'm having the same problem, and I think its because I don't have regular bowel movements. Sorry to be gross but it may be because your body has some extra 'stuff' in it.
  • cheshirequeen
    cheshirequeen Posts: 1,324 Member
    im also stuck, i actually fluctuate between a pound and right on what i am currently at. people have noticed, my pants are huge, and i just try to weigh, although sometimes it doesnt happen, once a week. i was a slave to that scale, and now im noticing also im gaining muscle, and i can feel it. i think those are more important, so dont me a slave to the scale. like others have said, measurements are better. fat is being lost and muscle is being gained, so that is possibly also a reason. reexamine your diary, and if everything is great, then start with measurements or pant size. i have gone down 10 pounds and i would think a pants size, ive actually gone down 2-3 sizes. good luck.
  • DrBorkBork
    DrBorkBork Posts: 4,099 Member
    Actually, muscle weights more than fat.
    So, because of your new workouts, if they are rigorous enough, may be to blame!
    You, my friend, have gained muscle weight!

    This isn't quite accurate. A pound of fat and a pound of muscle weigh the same. Muscle just takes up less room than a glob of fat. It's like saying a ton of feathers weighs less than a ton of bricks. They both weigh a ton... one just takes a whole lot less to comprise a ton.
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