Confused- insight please

christy125_135
christy125_135 Posts: 3
edited November 2024 in Introduce Yourself
Started eating, exercising, drinking water. I have really done well. The first week I lost five pounds. I weighed in today and had gained 9. How is this even possible? I know I have lost inches because I can tell in my arms and I now have to tighten my bra to the furthest links. I just can't figure out how I can feel better, being doing better, and have gained 9 pounds in 1 week 1! I am feeling more than a little discouraged.

Replies

  • Kevvboy
    Kevvboy Posts: 81 Member
    Hi Christy, Welcome and congratulations on making a new start. As you said, you have done really well. The first thing to do is to stop worrying about that number on the scale. Some people (me) go so far as to only weigh every month or so because the scale #s cause me to obsess. I have found that my weight can fluctuate as much as 5 or 7 lbs in a single day depending on water retention, when I weigh, what I've eaten, etc. Women have even more issues in these departments. You are absolutely right to use the fit of your clothing as a more accurate gauge of your progress. Please don't be discouraged. Be sure and log every mouthful on MFP. And also know that MFP tends to OVERestimate the number of calories you are burning with exercise. (I subtract 1/3 to get an amount that seems right to me.) The other thing that can cause you to stall is too much sodium, the amount that comes in pre-prepared food and processed food is incredible. My advice to you is to just put your head down and DO THE STUFF YOU KNOW IS WORKING. You are in this for the long haul not quick ups and downs. cheers and good luck.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    Did you weigh in on the same scale, same time of day, and same conditions (i.e. clothes or no clothes, after bathroom, etc).

    The average person can fluctuate a good 3-5 Lbs during any given day and from day to day...these fluctuations can be more pronounced the heavier you are. Also, women have TOM to contend with which can cause additional water retention, etc.

    To minimize the impact of natural fluctuations due to water retention/release, more/less waste in your system, etc you need to weigh in on the same day, same time of day, and under the same conditions on the same scale.
  • christy125_135
    christy125_135 Posts: 3
    Thank you both for the advice, explanations, and encouragement. I really want to stick with this!
  • Time2sow
    Time2sow Posts: 9 Member
    what's your exercise regimen looking like, too? if you're pushing yourself on cardio, or you're musclebuilding/toning, that water weight is just new muscle growing and old muscle using more 'stuff' (science!) to repair. ie its good weight you're gaining at the same time you're losing fat/water weight.

    when i stopped doing HIIT (p90x3) for a while about 8 days into couchpotatohood me to my spouse: "I just lost another 2 pounds! it's the diet none of the experts want you to know about!" but that was just the opposite happening.. muscles shrinking up from not being used as much.

    any case, stay the course and in a week you'll see more drop. : )
  • christy125_135
    christy125_135 Posts: 3
    I have been doing cardio five out of seven days, with a little toning. Thank you for the encouragement.
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