First Week and I gained.... losing motivation!

jackierancourt · February 2017

This is my first week at trying to be healthy. This is not the first time I've done this 'Lifestyle Change' thing. Every 3 months or so I will try to get healthy and eat better and exercise. After 1-3 weeks of being dedicated and seeing no results, I'll say **** it and go back to my old ways. My weight is affecting my health (high blood pressure, depression, arthritis). I need to stay on this path but it's so hard when you see that scale move up. I don't want to give up. Does anyone have any advice? Have you been here before?
I do have tiny indulgences every once in a while because I didn't want to drastically change my diet (which I have done in the past) and then end up quitting. I drink about 2 litres of water a day and I have exercised for 30 minutes for 4 days in the past week.

janejellyroll · February 2017

If you add exercise, it's common for your muscles to temporarily retain water to help with recovery. This could explain your weight gain.

Without more details, it will be hard for us to have more specific advice.

TimothyFish · February 2017

You've said nothing about how many calories you are consuming and that is the most important part.

CafeRacer808 · February 2017

I agree with both of the above replies. Also, how are you measuring/tracking your food intake?

jackierancourt · February 2017

I'm tracking my calories daily in a dairy, counting every calorie that I take in. It's varied between 1200 to 1600/ day.

Stella3838 · February 2017

Do you weight all solids on a food scale and measure liquids?

jackierancourt · February 2017

Yes, I've been measuring my food on a scale and measuring my liquids that I take in.

TavistockToad · February 2017

You need to be more patient

ksawlop · February 2017

I have only lost 2 pounds in the past month and a half even though I have been eating 1500 calories a day and exercising 4 times per week, so I know what you mean. But I think you have to forget about the scale. I started lifting weights at the gym and knew that would influence my weight but I still wanted to see results. I still weigh myself 2 times per week, but I no longer let a number influence how I see/feel about myself. You have to remember that our bodies are complex and we truly can't control what it does. I find it helpful to look at the bigger picture...life still moves on and if I don't start to eat better today, then in one year I am only going to stay the same or weigh more. Don't set weight loss goals..don't say that this week I have to lose x amount. It is better to set healthy goals, like going to the gym 4 times per week or only having 1 cheat meal. I hope this helps! I know it's a mental struggle, but you have to believe in that in the long run your body will lose the weight.

Stella3838 · February 2017

One week in isn't nearly long enough to expect results. Too many variables affect weight loss. I hear ya on losing motivation, but unfortunately, it's a slow process and the loss is never linear. Don't give up though. And look for other "wins" like feeling better, clothes fitting better, etc. The scale is only one way to measure what's going on. Look at it on a week average. (I use the Happy Scale app.) If you are taking less in than you put out, the scale will move. It will.

3bambi3 · February 2017

How old and tall are you?
How much weight are you trying to lose?
How much do you gain when you start?
Are you incorporating a new exercise routine?
Weight naturally fluctuates; are you weighing yourself at a consistent time every day?

You really need to be more patient. How many other things in your life do you give up after a week?

tapwaters · February 2017

Breath. Relax. It might take time. One thing is a guarantee though, of you give up and go back to doing what you were doing, nothing will change. Your blood pressure, arthritis, depression, other weight related health problems, will continue to appreciate. You have nothing to lose by not giving up, but you're life to lose if you do.

So take a breath. Give it time. You can do it, I know you can.

Mavrick_RN · February 2017

2 liters of water a day sounds like a drastic (and unnecessary) change.

If, after only one week you've lost motivation, you're not ready. Go back to your unhealthy ways until something drastic does happen. Then it's easy because you will see what you really have to lose.

Of course, we have all been there before and know what excuses look like.

red99ryder · February 2017

I would suggest finding a way of eating that hits your calorie goals that you can live with .. think about it if you lose 1 pound a week it takes a year to lose 50 pounds ..
Takes more tHan a few weeks ..

Good luck

jackierancourt · February 2017

I'm 25 years old
Starting weight: 216.4 lbs
Current Weight: 217.6 lbs
Goal Weight: 154 lbs

try2again · February 2017

I can't believe you aren't making drastic changes if you find yourself only able to stick with it for a few weeks. I would guess you are pursuing a weekly weight loss goal that is too aggressive and/or have been trying to eat too "healthy" and are feeling deprived, otherwise you wouldn't be finding it so burdensome to stick with.

As others have commented on, calories are king. Focus on accurately logging those. Be patient- it's ridiculous to judge the effectiveness of your routine based on a couple of weeks- and realize your weight loss will not be linear (you won't lose the same amount, or even lose, every week).

3bambi3 · February 2017

jackierancourt wrote: »

I'm 25 years old
Starting weight: 216.4 lbs
Current Weight: 217.6 lbs
Goal Weight: 154 lbs

1.2 pounds up and you're ready to quit? I mean, that could be the result of not pooping before you weigh yourself. Or drinking some water before you step on the scale. Or wearing different clothes if you don't weigh yourself naked.

What results are you expecting? Like, what do you think is a reasonable loss every week?

rsclause · February 2017

Log like your life depends on it. When in doubt overestimate, I got pretty good at looking at a plate of food and saying that's 1200 calories. I never weighed my food but I was eating lots of produce and a small portion of lean meat or fish. Gave up all sweet drinks and started walking. Walking changed to running and I like it now. I was able to drop 50 pounds and fix my blood pressure, cholesterol and snoring. Do this right and after awhile it doesn't really feel like you are sacrificing anything. Now get to it!

jackierancourt · February 2017

Honestly, I came here for support or motivation or advice. And some of these comments are really not helpful at all. Yes, I pooped before I weighed myself. I did it first thing in the morning and weighed myself naked. So if anything I should have lost some weight just from that. People telling me that I may as well keep getting fat and quit because I am obviously not ready, is not helpful at all. I came here for support and all I get is negativity and judgement . I have enough negative thoughts of my own, I don't need it from strangers. I won't be using this site again.

quiksylver296 · February 2017

jackierancourt wrote: »

Honestly, I came here for support or motivation or advice. And some of these comments are really not helpful at all. Yes, I pooped before I weighed myself. I did it first thing in the morning and weighed myself naked. So if anything I should have lost some weight just from that. People telling me that I may as well keep getting fat and quit because I am obviously not ready, is not helpful at all. I came here for support and all I get is negativity and judgement . I have enough negative thoughts of my own, I don't need it from strangers. I won't be using this site again.

Motivation is internal. No one can give that to you. You got lots of terrific advice. Good luck to you.

srk369 · February 2017

quiksylver296 wrote: »

jackierancourt wrote: »

Honestly, I came here for support or motivation or advice. And some of these comments are really not helpful at all. Yes, I pooped before I weighed myself. I did it first thing in the morning and weighed myself naked. So if anything I should have lost some weight just from that. People telling me that I may as well keep getting fat and quit because I am obviously not ready, is not helpful at all. I came here for support and all I get is negativity and judgement . I have enough negative thoughts of my own, I don't need it from strangers. I won't be using this site again.

Motivation is internal. No one can give that to you. You got lots of terrific advice. Good luck to you.

This!

serindipte · February 2017

She already rage-quit. Deleted.

quiksylver296 · February 2017

serindipte wrote: »

She already rage-quit. Deleted.

Impressive. Pretty sure that's not a record, but I bet it's close!

Shutterbuggg · February 2017

I understand your frustration. But I think it would help you to re-set your thinking about this journey. You didn't put the weight on in 1 week or 1 month. You will not lose it that quickly. And that is OK.
The reason that you are getting negativity is that many of these people have struggled like you. They have had weeks where they don't see the progress they are wanting, but they move forward and that is essentially what they are telling you to do. You cant give up. That is all they are trying to tell you. You cant expect that you will see results right away, you need to be patient with the process, and it is hard to do.
Make sure that you set your daily calorie goal to a realistic number. To lose weight you need to be at a deficit. So whether through simple caloric restriction or extra calories burned a day you need to reach your goal. You will give in to temptations, we all do. But don't let one failure ruin your journey. Be honest about what you are eating and log as accurately as you can. Set small goals like losing 5-10 pounds this month.
There is a monthly challenge that I have joined the last few months that has been helpful to get me to lose 11 pounds. February's just started today and I think it would be good for you. Give it a shot

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/118645-ultimate-accountability-challenge-february-2017

You CAN do this.

PAV8888 · February 2017

So you're quiting, again?

When you're actually ready to fight for your life the site will still be there to help you.

You quit after trying for one to three weeks.
You quit when people don't "support" you.

Wake up.
YOU are in CHARGE of YOU.

Only YOU can control what you eat.
Only YOU can control how much you move.

People can offer you knowledge.
The work and willpower has to come from you.

A woman's weight can naturally fluctuate more than two lbs a day even when eating at a deficit and losing fat. Use a weight trend tracking app or web site to track your weight changes over time. Over time is 4-6 weeks including a full cycle.

Increase your daily activity instead of trying to incorporate vigorous exercise when starting out.

Try walking (or pool walking/aqua fit type activities if walking is too difficult on joints)

Aim for walking no less than 5000 steps each and every day with no exception. Then increase that to 6, 7, 10k.
(If you're currently sedentary it may take months before you're able to walk a minimum of 5k steps a day. That's fine. Keep trying!)

Control your food.
Set MFP to 1lb a week.

Try all this without any days off for 6-8 weeks. Now evaluate where you're at and what you've accomplished and look for ways to improve moving forward.

Or just quit and add more weight.

CattOfTheGarage · February 2017

Oh dear

I didn't see any judgement. Just good information.

tinkerbellang83 · February 2017

Wow that escalated quickly. Noone even got a chance to post the flowchart!

Mercedes_Marie_Smith13 · February 2017

It's all about balance and having some faith in the process. It starts in your mind. Every little decision that you make that will help you towards your goal is an accomplishment. I just recently started my weight loss journey over and it wasn't until I could get my mind right that I began to feel better. I am 26, HW: 230 CW: 200 GW: 145 Please, please don't let some negative comments turn you away. There are people on here willing to positively support you through this. This journey is a far too important one to give up. You have to believe that there is nothing more important than your health. Every single aspect of your life starts with and depends on your health. I PROMISE with some will power and dedication you CAN do this. Oh, and stay off the scale for awhile! Being patient is one of the hardest parts about this journey but that's where the faith in the process kicks in.

prettigirl01 · February 2017

if I didn't know an better I would have thought I wrote this. that's the exact same problem I have. I got on the scale one day and it said I lost 5lbs then a few days later I was up 5 and im like screw it. whats the point in doing this if my hard work isn't going to pay off but being impatient doesn't help a thing and my stupid scale....well I put that thing away. I don't need a scale to tell me if im losing weight. I can tell by the way my clothes fit, see it in my face and taking pictures will also help you to see it. Sometimes you don't always lose weight but you lose inches. Im still learning and everyday is a constant struggle for me but don't give up. You can do this!

prettigirl01 · February 2017

3bambi3 wrote: »

jackierancourt wrote: »

I'm 25 years old
Starting weight: 216.4 lbs
Current Weight: 217.6 lbs
Goal Weight: 154 lbs

1.2 pounds up and you're ready to quit? I mean, that could be the result of not pooping before you weigh yourself. Or drinking some water before you step on the scale. Or wearing different clothes if you don't weigh yourself naked.

What results are you expecting? Like, what do you think is a reasonable loss every week?

you were a little rude to her. its not really what you say but how you say it. some people are sensitive to certain things and I was the same way but now ive grown thicker skin to judgmental people who think they know it all. I assume youre one of them. next time be a little more considerate

First Week and I gained.... losing motivation!

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