When does the scale start moving?

Terpnista84
Terpnista84 Posts: 517 Member
edited November 14 in Health and Weight Loss
I know how to lose weight. I've done it before. But whenever I start over I get discouraged early on because the scale doesn't move. I've been at this a few weeks but the last week and a half I've really been committing to eating right and exercising. I workout 6 days a week and I eat about 1,400 calories. On some days I eat my exercise calories back but no more than half. I don't eat a lot of carbs (at most I will 100 g but on average I stay at about 50).

My physical activity last week was an hour of cardio plus I walk a lot throughout the day (at least an hour). This week I've scaled back on the cardio and incorporated more strength training. I'm also on day 6 of the 30 day shred.

But I'm shocked that I haven't lost a single pound. I've cut out alcohol and the only drink I consume with calories is coffee (one a day) so what gives?

I read last night that DOMS causes weight gain through water retention and that's it typical to shed a few lbs once that goes away. My muscles have been sore for days so I hope that's the reason. I know I'm doing things the right way (calories out has been more than calories in) and I'm starting at a lower weight than I did last time I started to lose so it may slow things down a bit. But I can't help but to feel a little antsy.

Replies

  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,988 Member
    You don't look like you have much to lose and it also sounds like you're doing too much to try to lose weight. One doesn't NEED to do an hour of cardio, plus walk, plus 30 day shred (more endurance based exercise). Cut back on at least one.

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  • SandraNancy
    SandraNancy Posts: 127 Member
    I think it's probably different for everyone, and depends on how much you have to lose. I feel the same as you-- I've lost weight before, and this time around was discouraged after a week or two of hard work wouldn't seem to have results on the scale.

    I've changed to weighing myself monthly now, and I've found it helps. Maybe you could put the scale somewhere else in the house and just pull it out once a month?

    I don't have much to lose (I'm 5'7, started at 150, currently at 143) so it's a slow journey. I eat about 1500 calories a day, and have been losing about 2lbs per month. I could probably cut calories more, exercise even more, and lose quicker, but I think I'd feel deprived and sabotage myself into pizza binges. :smile:

    I can't tell how much you weigh, but from your profile pic, it looks like maybe you don't have tons to lose either. It can be a slower process, but hang in there!
  • Terpnista84
    Terpnista84 Posts: 517 Member
    Okay I won't weigh myself again until the end of the month.

    I'll cut back on the exercise since I eat at my BMR. My calorie deficit is usually between 800-1000. I just find it easier to exercise a lot than eat right which is why I work out so much.
  • butterflytish
    butterflytish Posts: 5 Member
    I know you said that you eat about 1400 cals per day; What types of foods are you eating? Are you eating a lot of prepackaged foods? Do you eat a lot of clean foods? All I mean by that is foods that are as close to there original state as possible, not having been processed or preserved. This often times can be the culprit, foods that are processed are packed w/ a lot of salt which in turn makes us retain water weight. Also, do you drink soda's diet or the like (carbonated drinks) these types do the same to the body as prepackaged foods. They make the body bloat. Have you noticed a change in your clothes? Take your inches instead of necessarily looking at the scale. Or bodies are crazy things. lol they do what they want to do at times. Just look back I am sure all you need to do is just tweak a few things here and there.
  • Terpnista84
    Terpnista84 Posts: 517 Member
    edited March 2015
    butterflytish wrote: »
    I know you said that you eat about 1400 cals per day; What types of foods are you eating? Are you eating a lot of prepackaged foods? Do you eat a lot of clean foods? All I mean by that is foods that are as close to there original state as possible, not having been processed or preserved. This often times can be the culprit, foods that are processed are packed w/ a lot of salt which in turn makes us retain water weight. Also, do you drink soda's diet or the like (carbonated drinks) these types do the same to the body as prepackaged foods. They make the body bloat. Have you noticed a change in your clothes? Take your inches instead of necessarily looking at the scale. Or bodies are crazy things. lol they do what they want to do at times. Just look back I am sure all you need to do is just tweak a few things here and there.

    Yes I do drink diet soda about once a day.

    I have been cooking the majority of my food so nothing pre-packaged.

    What I am eating today:
    Scrambled eggs (2)
    Sausage (3)
    Chicken thigh (1)
    Protein shake
    Boiled eggs (2)
    Kind Bar

    Haven't decided on dinner yet but it will be something heavy protein like chicken. I'll consume between 1,400-1,500 calories.
  • leahkite
    leahkite Posts: 47 Member
    I would try to lean out some of my protein and add veggies; it doesn't like you are getting much fiber. Also try and ditch the soda, not just to try and get to your goal. But drinking diet sodas substantially increases your risk for stroke.
  • futuremanda
    futuremanda Posts: 816 Member
    When my DOMS went away from starting a daily pilates routine, I dropped 4 lbs overnight.

    And if you're nearing your time of the month, you may retain several pounds of water as well.

    It's a good idea to sort of detach from the scale emotionally. Your body is made up of a LOT more than just fat, and so your total weight is going to vary based on a lot of different factors. Sleep deprivation. Diet. Digestion. etc.

    I like to weigh myself daily, or nearly, so that I have lots of data to see the general trend. But I do realize that the scale not budging, or moving up, for a few days or a couple weeks tells me actually nothing about whether I've lost or gained fat.

    If you're sure you're logging accurately, then you can be sure you're losing, whether the scale reflects it or not.
  • Terpnista84
    Terpnista84 Posts: 517 Member
    futuremanda wrote: »
    When my DOMS went away from starting a daily pilates routine, I dropped 4 lbs overnight.

    And if you're nearing your time of the month, you may retain several pounds of water as well.

    It's a good idea to sort of detach from the scale emotionally. Your body is made up of a LOT more than just fat, and so your total weight is going to vary based on a lot of different factors. Sleep deprivation. Diet. Digestion. etc.

    I like to weigh myself daily, or nearly, so that I have lots of data to see the general trend. But I do realize that the scale not budging, or moving up, for a few days or a couple weeks tells me actually nothing about whether I've lost or gained fat.

    If you're sure you're logging accurately, then you can be sure you're losing, whether the scale reflects it or not.

    How long did it take for your DOMS to go away?
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