Discouraged...

D_elCoop1216
D_elCoop1216 Posts: 26
edited September 24 in Health and Weight Loss
I have been logging on mfp consistently for the past 2 weeks. I stay within my calorie intake most of the time and get atleast 4 workouts in per week (an hour or so). Yesterday was my birthday so I indulged a little and had some chocolate cake :) I'm not seeing the numbers on the scale go down but I am noticing a difference in the way my clothes are fitting and when I look in the mirror, I look slightly slimmer. I'm worried because I am getting married at the end of this year and want to loose atleast 20 pounds before then. Is there any advice anyone can give me? My mom keeps telling me i'm gaining muscle and it will shed off the scale eventually... is this true? My diary is set to public, so anyone can view and if you have pointers or any constructive criticism, I'd appreciate it! :)

Thanks!

Replies

  • joannrn01
    joannrn01 Posts: 4
    It sounds like you're doing everything you can do....Keep it up, we all get frustrated sometimes!!! Don't stop!:smile:
  • AmberLiscous
    AmberLiscous Posts: 644 Member
    Your mom is probably right...don't you hate it when that happens lol....My suggestion to you is to measure and weigh yourself...you may not be seeing results on the scales but you could be losing inches. I have lost 8 inches off of my waist and 6 inches off of my hips and a total of 16 pounds in close to 60 days....just keep doing what you are doing and the numbers will start to go down....good luck :smile:
  • dschevy348
    dschevy348 Posts: 5
    Your mom is right, as they typically are. :P

    You're combining a new diet with a new workout, so they will both show results at the same time. Unfortunately, they go in opposite directions. The workouts will add size weight, the diet will drop size and weight.

    Since muscle is more dense than fat, you'll see the change in size before the weight. For example, assuming you gain 1lb of muscle mass but lose 1lb of fat. Obviously both weigh the same, so your total weight wouldn't change. However, muscle mass is about 20% more dense than fat. So, your size will will be about 20% smaller per lb, while your weight stays exactly the same.

    Eventually, you'll see the weight coming off, but not until your muscles get used to the workouts (assuming you're not following a workout that continually builds muscle mass). Also remember, the fat is coming off of places where it's stored, which is essentially anywhere. Muscle can only build on muscle. A better indicator of your progress for now would be your measurements.

    Chevy
  • JenBrown0210
    JenBrown0210 Posts: 985 Member
    With as much as you are working out, that is probably correct. While you are gaining muscle your not going to see the scale move. Keep in mind the scale is only one way for feedback on your diet. You should also take measurements and see if your losing inches. You should measure once a month. Hope that helps!
  • D_elCoop1216
    D_elCoop1216 Posts: 26
    Thanks everyone for your responses. It makes more sense to me. I am seeing results so that is always a plus! :)
This discussion has been closed.

Categories