I know it's not about the scale...
Tomkat8403
Posts: 18 Member
But DAMN if it doesn't get it my head. I gained about 12ish pounds (fluctuating) over the last 18 months. Been trying to take it off now for six months. That scale will NOT budge more than a few pounds. My entire body has changed shape as evidenced by before and afters, but that number will. not. change. I want to chuck the scale out the window right now. I'm working with a nutritionist and a trainer, and still nothing. I've had three kids and had no problem gaining and losing in the past. I just want to be my normal weight again! I feel like I'm going crazy.
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Replies
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Get a food scale. Weigh everything you eat and log it all, using this app, no skipping, cheating, or forgetting.
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if your entire body has changed shape (presumably for the better) then what does the scale number matter?2
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quiksylver296 wrote: »Get a food scale. Weigh everything you eat and log it all, using this app, no skipping, cheating, or forgetting.
This. It’s highly unlikely that fat has been exchanged with lean muscle mass to the effect of a change of only 1 or 2lbs. Particularly when eating at deficit.
Much more likely that there is some flaw in the system which accounts for small amounts of gains and losses with no significant progress.3 -
just had a look at your diary, you have a mixture of grams, oz and cups/slices/pieces which suggest you don't weigh everything?4
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TavistockToad wrote: »if your entire body has changed shape (presumably for the better) then what does the scale number matter?
This! Break up with your scale. Its a crappy indicator of health and even fitness when you're only talking about 12 lbs.
Check out pics like these : https://www.google.ca/search?client=ms-android-rogers-ca&ei=ni8ZW63mDMPTjgSfuKHgAw&q=same+weight+different+body+composition+pictures&oq=same+weight+different+body&gs_l=mobile-gws-wiz-serp.1.1.0i71l5.0.0..23958...0....0.0.......0.uXwXUDV0aHY=#imgrc=1zpyu4C6tuGS2M:2 -
Are you working out a lot? I found the whole time I have been training for a rowing race (around 5months) I've only fluctuated up and down the same 5lb, but my body composition has completely changed, so essentially I've just been re-comping because I haven't been as accurate with my food logging as I could be. I've lost inches but not seen much movement on the scale.
Are you tracking your measurements as well as the scale?4 -
I really do hear what everyone's saying, and I know the recommendation is to weigh everything, but that just simply isn't feasible with my lifestyle. I work full time, and there are three kids with multiple extra-curriculars, husband who travels. I'm hanging on for dear life most of the time. I really feel like my deficit, even if every single food isn't weighed, should be significant enough to make some sort of difference. I have a food scale and weigh when I can. It's just not every time. I guess if that's literally my only option left then I will drive myself a little crazier and try harder. But I feel so obsessed with all of this. I'm driving my family insane.
I'm working out like crazy - pouring sweat 45 minute workouts with heavy weights, HIIT, etc. Making time for working out is a priority. I've gotten into food prepping as much as I can, but I still am on the run and have to eat out some. Yes, I've lost inches, and my weight and body fat is all in a healthy range. I just don't understand the scale at this point. Having my thyroid tested on next week since my hair is falling out like crazy.
I guess I knew what your answers would be with regards to weighing foods, but I just can't wrap my head around the fact that there would be that much of a difference. How do you make the time for all that prep?1 -
Tomkat8403 wrote: »I really do hear what everyone's saying, and I know the recommendation is to weigh everything, but that just simply isn't feasible with my lifestyle. I work full time, and there are three kids with multiple extra-curriculars, husband who travels. I'm hanging on for dear life most of the time. I really feel like my deficit, even if every single food isn't weighed, should be significant enough to make some sort of difference. I have a food scale and weigh when I can. It's just not every time. I guess if that's literally my only option left then I will drive myself a little crazier and try harder. But I feel so obsessed with all of this. I'm driving my family insane.
I'm working out like crazy - pouring sweat 45 minute workouts with heavy weights, HIIT, etc. Making time for working out is a priority. I've gotten into food prepping as much as I can, but I still am on the run and have to eat out some. Yes, I've lost inches, and my weight and body fat is all in a healthy range. I just don't understand the scale at this point. Having my thyroid tested on June 15th since my hair is falling out like crazy.
honestly, it sounds like you need to step away from the scales and eat at maintenance for a while.5 -
Tomkat8403 wrote: »I really do hear what everyone's saying, and I know the recommendation is to weigh everything, but that just simply isn't feasible with my lifestyle. I work full time, and there are three kids with multiple extra-curriculars, husband who travels. I'm hanging on for dear life most of the time. I really feel like my deficit, even if every single food isn't weighed, should be significant enough to make some sort of difference. I have a food scale and weigh when I can. It's just not every time. I guess if that's literally my only option left then I will drive myself a little crazier and try harder. But I feel so obsessed with all of this. I'm driving my family insane.
I'm working out like crazy - pouring sweat 45 minute workouts with heavy weights, HIIT, etc. Making time for working out is a priority. I've gotten into food prepping as much as I can, but I still am on the run and have to eat out some. Yes, I've lost inches, and my weight and body fat is all in a healthy range. I just don't understand the scale at this point. Having my thyroid tested on June 15th since my hair is falling out like crazy.
If you've lost inches and in a healthy range, I really wouldn't worry about the scale at all. Stressing about it amongst all the other things is counter-productive. A diet break would be a really good idea, I think, check out this thread by @Nony_Mouse https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10604863/of-refeeds-and-diet-breaks/p12 -
TavistockToad wrote: »Tomkat8403 wrote: »I really do hear what everyone's saying, and I know the recommendation is to weigh everything, but that just simply isn't feasible with my lifestyle. I work full time, and there are three kids with multiple extra-curriculars, husband who travels. I'm hanging on for dear life most of the time. I really feel like my deficit, even if every single food isn't weighed, should be significant enough to make some sort of difference. I have a food scale and weigh when I can. It's just not every time. I guess if that's literally my only option left then I will drive myself a little crazier and try harder. But I feel so obsessed with all of this. I'm driving my family insane.
I'm working out like crazy - pouring sweat 45 minute workouts with heavy weights, HIIT, etc. Making time for working out is a priority. I've gotten into food prepping as much as I can, but I still am on the run and have to eat out some. Yes, I've lost inches, and my weight and body fat is all in a healthy range. I just don't understand the scale at this point. Having my thyroid tested on June 15th since my hair is falling out like crazy.
honestly, it sounds like you need to step away from the scales and eat at maintenance for a while.
Maybe. I'm just so afraid for it to get out of control and keep gaining. But I do feel like I need to hit some sort of reset button.1 -
tinkerbellang83 wrote: »Tomkat8403 wrote: »I really do hear what everyone's saying, and I know the recommendation is to weigh everything, but that just simply isn't feasible with my lifestyle. I work full time, and there are three kids with multiple extra-curriculars, husband who travels. I'm hanging on for dear life most of the time. I really feel like my deficit, even if every single food isn't weighed, should be significant enough to make some sort of difference. I have a food scale and weigh when I can. It's just not every time. I guess if that's literally my only option left then I will drive myself a little crazier and try harder. But I feel so obsessed with all of this. I'm driving my family insane.
I'm working out like crazy - pouring sweat 45 minute workouts with heavy weights, HIIT, etc. Making time for working out is a priority. I've gotten into food prepping as much as I can, but I still am on the run and have to eat out some. Yes, I've lost inches, and my weight and body fat is all in a healthy range. I just don't understand the scale at this point. Having my thyroid tested on June 15th since my hair is falling out like crazy.
If you've lost inches and in a healthy range, I really wouldn't worry about the scale at all. Stressing about it amongst all the other things is counter-productive. A diet break would be a really good idea, I think, check out this thread by @Nony_Mouse https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10604863/of-refeeds-and-diet-breaks/p1
This was very helpful. Thank you.2 -
When you are talking about things like fruits and veggies, I think that we can be a bit more liberal in our tracking, but calorie dense foods really need to be weighed. I can tell you from experience, my guesstimate of a tablespoon of mayo is WAY off vs when I actually weigh it. So, 50 calories here, 75 calories there, and your deficit becomes non-existent.5
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Tomkat8403 wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »Tomkat8403 wrote: »I really do hear what everyone's saying, and I know the recommendation is to weigh everything, but that just simply isn't feasible with my lifestyle. I work full time, and there are three kids with multiple extra-curriculars, husband who travels. I'm hanging on for dear life most of the time. I really feel like my deficit, even if every single food isn't weighed, should be significant enough to make some sort of difference. I have a food scale and weigh when I can. It's just not every time. I guess if that's literally my only option left then I will drive myself a little crazier and try harder. But I feel so obsessed with all of this. I'm driving my family insane.
I'm working out like crazy - pouring sweat 45 minute workouts with heavy weights, HIIT, etc. Making time for working out is a priority. I've gotten into food prepping as much as I can, but I still am on the run and have to eat out some. Yes, I've lost inches, and my weight and body fat is all in a healthy range. I just don't understand the scale at this point. Having my thyroid tested on June 15th since my hair is falling out like crazy.
honestly, it sounds like you need to step away from the scales and eat at maintenance for a while.
Maybe. I'm just so afraid for it to get out of control and keep gaining. But I do feel like I need to hit some sort of reset button.
at some point you will be maintaining, you aren't going to lose weight forever?1 -
TavistockToad wrote: »Tomkat8403 wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »Tomkat8403 wrote: »I really do hear what everyone's saying, and I know the recommendation is to weigh everything, but that just simply isn't feasible with my lifestyle. I work full time, and there are three kids with multiple extra-curriculars, husband who travels. I'm hanging on for dear life most of the time. I really feel like my deficit, even if every single food isn't weighed, should be significant enough to make some sort of difference. I have a food scale and weigh when I can. It's just not every time. I guess if that's literally my only option left then I will drive myself a little crazier and try harder. But I feel so obsessed with all of this. I'm driving my family insane.
I'm working out like crazy - pouring sweat 45 minute workouts with heavy weights, HIIT, etc. Making time for working out is a priority. I've gotten into food prepping as much as I can, but I still am on the run and have to eat out some. Yes, I've lost inches, and my weight and body fat is all in a healthy range. I just don't understand the scale at this point. Having my thyroid tested on June 15th since my hair is falling out like crazy.
honestly, it sounds like you need to step away from the scales and eat at maintenance for a while.
Maybe. I'm just so afraid for it to get out of control and keep gaining. But I do feel like I need to hit some sort of reset button.
at some point you will be maintaining, you aren't going to lose weight forever?
For sure. I'd just like to maintain at the same weight (which is 12-15 pounds lighter than now) that I did for the last decade. I think the sudden gain over the last year is my biggest worry. I've always worked out, so that's just part of life. I've just never had to worry about my food this much. Welcome to my mid-thirties I guess?0 -
Guess I need to weigh myself less and my food more.
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Tomkat8403 wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »Tomkat8403 wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »Tomkat8403 wrote: »I really do hear what everyone's saying, and I know the recommendation is to weigh everything, but that just simply isn't feasible with my lifestyle. I work full time, and there are three kids with multiple extra-curriculars, husband who travels. I'm hanging on for dear life most of the time. I really feel like my deficit, even if every single food isn't weighed, should be significant enough to make some sort of difference. I have a food scale and weigh when I can. It's just not every time. I guess if that's literally my only option left then I will drive myself a little crazier and try harder. But I feel so obsessed with all of this. I'm driving my family insane.
I'm working out like crazy - pouring sweat 45 minute workouts with heavy weights, HIIT, etc. Making time for working out is a priority. I've gotten into food prepping as much as I can, but I still am on the run and have to eat out some. Yes, I've lost inches, and my weight and body fat is all in a healthy range. I just don't understand the scale at this point. Having my thyroid tested on June 15th since my hair is falling out like crazy.
honestly, it sounds like you need to step away from the scales and eat at maintenance for a while.
Maybe. I'm just so afraid for it to get out of control and keep gaining. But I do feel like I need to hit some sort of reset button.
at some point you will be maintaining, you aren't going to lose weight forever?
For sure. I'd just like to maintain at the same weight (which is 12-15 pounds lighter than now) that I did for the last decade. I think the sudden gain over the last year is my biggest worry. I've always worked out, so that's just part of life. I've just never had to worry about my food this much. Welcome to my mid-thirties I guess?
i'm confused... which picture is you currently, the right or left?2 -
Tomkat8403 wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »Tomkat8403 wrote: »I really do hear what everyone's saying, and I know the recommendation is to weigh everything, but that just simply isn't feasible with my lifestyle. I work full time, and there are three kids with multiple extra-curriculars, husband who travels. I'm hanging on for dear life most of the time. I really feel like my deficit, even if every single food isn't weighed, should be significant enough to make some sort of difference. I have a food scale and weigh when I can. It's just not every time. I guess if that's literally my only option left then I will drive myself a little crazier and try harder. But I feel so obsessed with all of this. I'm driving my family insane.
I'm working out like crazy - pouring sweat 45 minute workouts with heavy weights, HIIT, etc. Making time for working out is a priority. I've gotten into food prepping as much as I can, but I still am on the run and have to eat out some. Yes, I've lost inches, and my weight and body fat is all in a healthy range. I just don't understand the scale at this point. Having my thyroid tested on June 15th since my hair is falling out like crazy.
honestly, it sounds like you need to step away from the scales and eat at maintenance for a while.
Maybe. I'm just so afraid for it to get out of control and keep gaining. But I do feel like I need to hit some sort of reset button.
I can totally relate-after maintaining for years, I've had some weight creep the past few months that I can't shake, even though in the past I've been able to do corrections with minimal fuss and effort. I've realized that for me I'm just not ready mentally, to get as strict as I know I need to be (weighing/tracking everything). So, I've made peace with the fact that this is where I'm at right now, and for now that's ok. I'm still at a healthy 21.8 bmi so I'm trying not to focus so much on the scale, to work on incorporating some light exercise (I currently do nothing), and then make wiser food/calorie choices.
I hope you find a way to work through this in a positive, stress free way!1 -
TavistockToad wrote: »Tomkat8403 wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »Tomkat8403 wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »Tomkat8403 wrote: »I really do hear what everyone's saying, and I know the recommendation is to weigh everything, but that just simply isn't feasible with my lifestyle. I work full time, and there are three kids with multiple extra-curriculars, husband who travels. I'm hanging on for dear life most of the time. I really feel like my deficit, even if every single food isn't weighed, should be significant enough to make some sort of difference. I have a food scale and weigh when I can. It's just not every time. I guess if that's literally my only option left then I will drive myself a little crazier and try harder. But I feel so obsessed with all of this. I'm driving my family insane.
I'm working out like crazy - pouring sweat 45 minute workouts with heavy weights, HIIT, etc. Making time for working out is a priority. I've gotten into food prepping as much as I can, but I still am on the run and have to eat out some. Yes, I've lost inches, and my weight and body fat is all in a healthy range. I just don't understand the scale at this point. Having my thyroid tested on June 15th since my hair is falling out like crazy.
honestly, it sounds like you need to step away from the scales and eat at maintenance for a while.
Maybe. I'm just so afraid for it to get out of control and keep gaining. But I do feel like I need to hit some sort of reset button.
at some point you will be maintaining, you aren't going to lose weight forever?
For sure. I'd just like to maintain at the same weight (which is 12-15 pounds lighter than now) that I did for the last decade. I think the sudden gain over the last year is my biggest worry. I've always worked out, so that's just part of life. I've just never had to worry about my food this much. Welcome to my mid-thirties I guess?
i'm confused... which picture is you currently, the right or left?
Left is my current. Right is several months ago. That's what I'm saying...I see the changes physically, but hardly any variance in the scale number. And also...while I'm technically at a "healthy" weight for my height, it doesn't change the fact that my BMI and body fat are on the high side of "normal." So I would like to at least get into mid-range healthy. BMI is sitting at like 24.6, and body fat at 28.7% (according to the handheld device which I hear isn't completely reliable). Both of those are close to the higher end of the healthy range.
I'm 5'11 and used to maintaining somewhere between 160-165 lbs. My current weight has been fluctuating for months around 174 - 178. I think it's just something I'm going to have to get past. My brain sees that number and perceives something different. I'm just hung up on it.0 -
If you make it a necessity to workout, surely you can make it a necessity to spend a couple minutes weighing your food. I’d try it out for a couple weeks just to make sure you’re eating the amount you think you are.1
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Honestly, I think you look great now. If it were me, I’d be happy with maintenance.0
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weighing your food is really not that time consuming - the tare feature is your friend!
and to your comment above, yes - absolutely there is that much of a difference !0 -
Tomkat8403 wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »Tomkat8403 wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »Tomkat8403 wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »Tomkat8403 wrote: »I really do hear what everyone's saying, and I know the recommendation is to weigh everything, but that just simply isn't feasible with my lifestyle. I work full time, and there are three kids with multiple extra-curriculars, husband who travels. I'm hanging on for dear life most of the time. I really feel like my deficit, even if every single food isn't weighed, should be significant enough to make some sort of difference. I have a food scale and weigh when I can. It's just not every time. I guess if that's literally my only option left then I will drive myself a little crazier and try harder. But I feel so obsessed with all of this. I'm driving my family insane.
I'm working out like crazy - pouring sweat 45 minute workouts with heavy weights, HIIT, etc. Making time for working out is a priority. I've gotten into food prepping as much as I can, but I still am on the run and have to eat out some. Yes, I've lost inches, and my weight and body fat is all in a healthy range. I just don't understand the scale at this point. Having my thyroid tested on June 15th since my hair is falling out like crazy.
honestly, it sounds like you need to step away from the scales and eat at maintenance for a while.
Maybe. I'm just so afraid for it to get out of control and keep gaining. But I do feel like I need to hit some sort of reset button.
at some point you will be maintaining, you aren't going to lose weight forever?
For sure. I'd just like to maintain at the same weight (which is 12-15 pounds lighter than now) that I did for the last decade. I think the sudden gain over the last year is my biggest worry. I've always worked out, so that's just part of life. I've just never had to worry about my food this much. Welcome to my mid-thirties I guess?
i'm confused... which picture is you currently, the right or left?
Left is my current. Right is several months ago. That's what I'm saying...I see the changes physically, but hardly any variance in the scale number. And also...while I'm technically at a "healthy" weight for my height, it doesn't change the fact that my BMI and body fat are on the high side of "normal." So I would like to at least get into mid-range healthy. BMI is sitting at like 24.6, and body fat at 28.7% (according to the handheld device which I hear isn't completely reliable). Both of those are close to the higher end of the healthy range.
I'm 5'11 and used to maintaining somewhere between 160-165 lbs. My current weight has been fluctuating for months around 174 - 178.
I doubt your body fat is that high.
So since you lost weight have you had any sort of diet break/maintenance?1 -
TavistockToad wrote: »Tomkat8403 wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »Tomkat8403 wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »Tomkat8403 wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »Tomkat8403 wrote: »I really do hear what everyone's saying, and I know the recommendation is to weigh everything, but that just simply isn't feasible with my lifestyle. I work full time, and there are three kids with multiple extra-curriculars, husband who travels. I'm hanging on for dear life most of the time. I really feel like my deficit, even if every single food isn't weighed, should be significant enough to make some sort of difference. I have a food scale and weigh when I can. It's just not every time. I guess if that's literally my only option left then I will drive myself a little crazier and try harder. But I feel so obsessed with all of this. I'm driving my family insane.
I'm working out like crazy - pouring sweat 45 minute workouts with heavy weights, HIIT, etc. Making time for working out is a priority. I've gotten into food prepping as much as I can, but I still am on the run and have to eat out some. Yes, I've lost inches, and my weight and body fat is all in a healthy range. I just don't understand the scale at this point. Having my thyroid tested on June 15th since my hair is falling out like crazy.
honestly, it sounds like you need to step away from the scales and eat at maintenance for a while.
Maybe. I'm just so afraid for it to get out of control and keep gaining. But I do feel like I need to hit some sort of reset button.
at some point you will be maintaining, you aren't going to lose weight forever?
For sure. I'd just like to maintain at the same weight (which is 12-15 pounds lighter than now) that I did for the last decade. I think the sudden gain over the last year is my biggest worry. I've always worked out, so that's just part of life. I've just never had to worry about my food this much. Welcome to my mid-thirties I guess?
i'm confused... which picture is you currently, the right or left?
Left is my current. Right is several months ago. That's what I'm saying...I see the changes physically, but hardly any variance in the scale number. And also...while I'm technically at a "healthy" weight for my height, it doesn't change the fact that my BMI and body fat are on the high side of "normal." So I would like to at least get into mid-range healthy. BMI is sitting at like 24.6, and body fat at 28.7% (according to the handheld device which I hear isn't completely reliable). Both of those are close to the higher end of the healthy range.
I'm 5'11 and used to maintaining somewhere between 160-165 lbs. My current weight has been fluctuating for months around 174 - 178.
I doubt your body fat is that high.
So since you lost weight have you had any sort of diet break/maintenance?
Not any consistent period of time. I've stopped tracking on a couple long vacation weekends here and there since it just wasn't convenient while I was out of town.0 -
So sounds like I need to take a short break, and then come back and weigh my food more.7
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Tomkat8403 wrote: »So sounds like I need to take a short break, and then come back and weigh my food more.
I think 2 weeks at maintenance would be good for you mentally and physically, and then start back with a calorie deficit of 0.5lbs per week.
3 -
The scale is only one data point. Have a plan to deal with the mind warp the scale throws at you. What about your muscle mass?0
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And also, are you taking YOUR measurements? When you only have a few pounds left to lose and you are also working out, your body composition is changing. At this point, how your clothes fit and what your actual measurements (waist, hips, chest, etc) are is probably a much better indicator of fat loss.1
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Judging by your picture, you have little if any actual fat to lose. I guess if you really want to go by the scale, you could just stop working out and let your muscles atrophy, but that probably won't be a good look...but hey...the scale will tell you what you want it to.1
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Tomkat8403 wrote: »I really do hear what everyone's saying, and I know the recommendation is to weigh everything, but that just simply isn't feasible with my lifestyle. I work full time, and there are three kids with multiple extra-curriculars, husband who travels. I'm hanging on for dear life most of the time. I really feel like my deficit, even if every single food isn't weighed, should be significant enough to make some sort of difference. I have a food scale and weigh when I can. It's just not every time. I guess if that's literally my only option left then I will drive myself a little crazier and try harder. But I feel so obsessed with all of this. I'm driving my family insane.
I'm working out like crazy - pouring sweat 45 minute workouts with heavy weights, HIIT, etc. Making time for working out is a priority. I've gotten into food prepping as much as I can, but I still am on the run and have to eat out some. Yes, I've lost inches, and my weight and body fat is all in a healthy range. I just don't understand the scale at this point. Having my thyroid tested on next week since my hair is falling out like crazy.
I guess I knew what your answers would be with regards to weighing foods, but I just can't wrap my head around the fact that there would be that much of a difference. How do you make the time for all that prep?
If I were you I would just start maintaining, see your doctor to see if you have a health issue and try to destress.
You are a healthy weight. You look very fit and trim. Stop stepping on the scale for a few weeks maybe.
1
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