Lose inches, not weight?
Replies
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losing inches is more important but yu should add more fiber and maybe get yu get yu some water pills0
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Can you make your food log public? maybe something in your diet is holding back your weight loss. The posts above are full of great examples of losing size but not weight but I have a feeling there is something in your diet holding you back from the results you want.0
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... PLEASE take your measurements , track your body fat % AND take photos. ...
I am one who wishes MFP would give us body fat % tickers in addition to weight tracking tickers. The focus is fitness, not just weight.
Keep going
How do you accurately track your body fat %? Weight is easy with a scale. Measurements are easy enough, for the most part, with a tape measure, even by yourself. But what gadget or method do we use to track BF%?0 -
I have only lost 3 lbs myself but I have been lossing inches like crazy and my jeans are fitting much better. <:)0
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I am in the same boat...have watched everything I eat and am exercising every day and i have only lost 4 pounds...but my clothes are super loose and I feel better.... hold on to any positives...it will happen!!!! good luck0
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I've been working really hard for almost a month and have only lost one pound. People say it looks like I'm losing inches, but weighed myself this morning (first time and a week and 1/2) and nothing
How does this happen? And what can I do to boost the weight loss? ( I have been recording everything I eat on here and doing good!)
Thanks!
Congrats to you on trying to lose and for sticking with it, it's not always easy! Since your diary is closed its hard to give any suggestions regarding it or your exercise. If you want feedback on either just ask :-)0 -
it is disheartening when the scales don't show loss but you know yourself you've lost inches..I'm the same..nothing lost in over 2 weeks..in fact for me my weightloss is at a snails pace 6lbs since January is super slow and I have to say its not encouraging..but I'm like you..the inches are coming off - my work trousers is where I notice it the most - I used to have this awful muffin top (how I wish I'd taken pics of that! just for myself of course!) and now there is hardly any muffin top at all which is a good result.
People keep telling me the scales will start to show my loss soon so I'll encourage you and tell you the same ... keep up the good work and soon the lb's will be falling off
it makes sense that this will happen eventually. 0 -
It is possible to lose inches and not weight. Have you taken your measurements? If not, you should. I record all of them - waist, hips, chest, thighs, calves, arms (upper and lower) and neck - I even started watching my wrist measurements, because I was losing inches everywhere, but not the pounds. I am happy with inches lost though - means I get to wear smaller clothes sooner!!
I will start. Good idea!! Do you know how that works? I was always told losing lbs is more important... Why doesn't it go down?
Because 1 cubic ft of muscle weighs more then 1 cubic ft of Muscle. SO, you could be replacing with muscle and since it weighs more in the same amount of space as fat, you can lose inches but not weight.
As for what is important, they both have their own importance. If you dont have much to lose, inches may be more of an accurate measurement. If you have a lot to lose, weigh is more important.0 -
... PLEASE take your measurements , track your body fat % AND take photos. ...
I am one who wishes MFP would give us body fat % tickers in addition to weight tracking tickers. The focus is fitness, not just weight.
Keep going
How do you accurately track your body fat %? Weight is easy with a scale. Measurements are easy enough, for the most part, with a tape measure, even by yourself. But what gadget or method do we use to track BF%?
It is best to have someone measure you with calipers or some other device. However, you can get a rough estimate for the sake of tracking on the web. I use two different sites:
http://www.fat2fitradio.com/tools/
http://scoobysworkshop.com/accurate-calorie-calculator/0 -
It depends also on your size, if you have alot to lose you generally will see weight come off a little easier. But for someone that is only looking to shed lose last few pounds, well it can take a while to do. I have the same problem as you where I am not seeing the scale change as quickly as I would like. I have started taking my measurements now. If you are doing any kind of weight training u probably are gaining muscle. Muscle does not weigh more than fat as some people think, it has a different density though. One pound of fat takes up a greater amount of space than one pound on muscle. So start taking ur measurements, you most likely are gaining muscle and losing fat....but the scale stays the same, the tape measurer will give you a clue if something like this is occurring. P.S.- Make sure you are eating enough calories. If u are working out hard u need to eat more or ur body can freak out and say "Holy crap, they are starving me so I am going to hold onto this fat.....they're not taking my FAT".....but if your eating 5-6 small meals a day ur body is working to digest and keeping ur metabolism going. I need to take my own advice and probably eat a little more...lol...hope this info. helps....good luck.
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Yes, I am using Oxyelite Pro and L-Carnitine.
Oxyelite Pro is a thermogenic. It speeds up your metabolism and it will make you sweat a lot when working because it's a thermogenic
L-Carnitine use the your bodyfat for energy causing you to burn more fat.
I use both together and I am getting good results
Or, you could just EAT LESS and DO MORE...
If people ate real food and kept their diet healthy, we'd put the weight-loss industry out of business.0 -
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/580019-the-scale-is-a-lying-torture-device-i-m-proof
Take a look at that thread.
I weigh but the most important thing for me is to measure myself. I take measurements on the 16th of every month. I really don't care how much I weigh as long as I'm not flabby0 -
In my experience, if you are losing inches then the weight will eventually follow. Keep trucking!0
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I looked this up for people that are interested.
Muscle density is 1.06 g/ml and fat density is (about) 0.9 g/ml. Thus, one liter of muscle would weigh 1.06 kg and one liter of
fat would weigh 0.9 kg. In other words, muscle is about 18% denser than fat.0 -
It is possible to lose inches and not weight. Have you taken your measurements? If not, you should. I record all of them - waist, hips, chest, thighs, calves, arms (upper and lower) and neck - I even started watching my wrist measurements, because I was losing inches everywhere, but not the pounds. I am happy with inches lost though - means I get to wear smaller clothes sooner!!
I will start. Good idea!! Do you know how that works? I was always told losing lbs is more important... Why doesn't it go down?
Losing lbs is NOT more important. Losing inches is. I can be a fit 150 and wear clothes that I could only wear at 135. Plus my body fat % would be lower (if I keep going like I'm going). Weight is just a number on a scale and does not define you or the work you do. HOWEVER, inches can show what you put into every workout.
There is a picture in my gym....5 lbs of fat takes up the space of about 3 oranges in your abdomen. But 5 lbs of muscle take up the space of about 3 tangerines in the same place. it is the same weight, but replacing fat with muscle will make you appear thinner even if it doesn't show on the scale.0 -
Because muscle weighs more than fat. You've probably lost inches but because of the muscle gain, it's not reflected on the scale. Take your measurements and be aware of how your clothes fit. You'll be pleasantly surprised!
Muscle does not weigh more than fat lol. It takes up less room than fat, but a pound is a pound is a pound.0 -
I've learned that when you're losing inches but not weight, you're losing fat and building mucles (which is the right way to go if you ask me. When you're losing weight but not inches you're losing in muscle mass and not in fat. 0
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Yes, I am using Oxyelite Pro and L-Carnitine.
Oxyelite Pro is a thermogenic. It speeds up your metabolism and it will make you sweat a lot when working because it's a thermogenic
L-Carnitine use the your bodyfat for energy causing you to burn more fat.
I use both together and I am getting good results
Or, you could just EAT LESS and DO MORE...
If people ate real food and kept their diet healthy, we'd put the weight-loss industry out of business.
AMEN!!!0 -
I didn't lose any lbs for the first 3 months,(before I joined MFP) but I did lose 5.5 inches!! I did alot of weight training to build muscle...muscles burn calories, you want strong muscles!!! Then one day the weight started dropping too. Take measurements asap, and update them every month or so. Good luck to you!!!0
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That's what has happened to me too. I can tell that I have lost something because my clothes are looser and I'm feeling better. I went and did my measurements and around my waist alone I lost 3 inches...and lost only 3 pounds in the month. With my measurements I lost them throughout my body, so don't look at the scale too critically. The stress will only make it worse. I also do supplements, not alot but the major ones.0
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So, it is definitely possible to lose inches without losing weight. I dropped two dresses sizes without dropping a pound (from an 8 to a 6) just from yoga, which is all strength training. My weight remained the same but I lost two inches off of my waist and everything else contracted as well. So take your measurements and track those, especially if you don't have a lot to lose.
If you have a good bit to lose (more than 15 pounds) and the scale isn't moving, it's probably what you're eating or how often you're moving.
this...
i have been maintaining for a while, but my weight has actually gone up a few pounds while i am smaller than i used to be!0 -
I've been working really hard for almost a month and have only lost one pound. People say it looks like I'm losing inches, but weighed myself this morning (first time and a week and 1/2) and nothing
How does this happen? And what can I do to boost the weight loss? ( I have been recording everything I eat on here and doing good!)
Thanks!
the scales AND your tape measure should both be your friends, invariably when one stops being your friend the other reconfirms, if they both stop being your friend its obviously something else is diet, workout intensity?
i have put on 4 lbs in the last 3 weeks but lost 2 inches off my waist0 -
Here's my stats:
In February hit a plateau and was 174 lbs (pant size14/16, shirt size XL)
March-started back with personal trainer 174lbs -BF 24.5%
End of April (about 6 weeks later) 174 lbs-BF 21%
Today 173 lbs-BF hasn't been measure yet (pant size 10/12, shirt size L)
So the scale doesn't mean anything unless you have to weigh in for a competition. I have to remind myself of this daily when I weigh in and there has been no movement on the scale.0 -
Heres some pictures that may help you.
Water storage in muscles, sodium and carbs in the diet, changes in muscle density, shifting of bodyfat - all effect scale weight, and make it appear you are not improving.
Inch measurements and body composition are MUCH more important then scale weight only.
Weight loss can be muscle and fat. (per the scale)
You want to loss fat and keep lean muscle - not lose weight only.
My results have been similar to below , I am 10-15 pounds heavier then my "rough goal weight" but am already AT my goal clothing size, and physically I am about 1-2 times smaller clothing wise, then last time I was at my goal weight (when I had less muscle) - So I look tighter leaner and smaller, then before at my "small" weight. (size 7/8)
So to everyone else I look like I am already at my goal weight. But I am scale weight heavier, which is fine Don't stress to much over the scale, or at least not as your only guide. Its a limited tool, and only ONE tool to use.
Less weight - yep you will look good dressed and may fit the smaller clothing size - but, add more muscle and a bit more scale weight - you also fit the smaller clothing size, AND look good dressed AND look good nakkid. Thats a win-win
5 lbs heavier in after pic, but tighter and leaner
Not same girl, but cute example
Same weight, after was when she started lifting heavy
Different girls but both size 4
Same girl, before and after lifting heavy weights, she lost 5 lbs
Stacy, read her story here: She is 14 lbs heavier in after
http://nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/
10 lbs heavier in after
10 lbs heavier in after
Different girl, but both size 2
5 pounds difference - big body change
Fat vs Muscle
I LOVE these!!!!!!!!!0 -
WOW SOME AWESOME ADVICE AND IDEAS! THANK YOU SO MUCH EVERYONE!
BTW, I HAVE ABOUT 50-60 LBS TO LOSE SO I HAVE QUITE A WAYS TO GO. I ALSO AM A
VEGETARIAN SO THE CARB INTAKE IS A LITTLE HARD TO CONTROL SOMETIMES. I EAT A LOT
OF NUTS AND BEANS, BUT I KNOW YOU CAN ONLY HAVE SMALL PORTIONS OF THEM BECAUSE
OF THE CALORIES. STRING CHEESE IS ANOTHER SNACK I HAVE FREQUENTLY. AND TUNA
SINGLE POUCHES. I WILL FOR SURE KEEP GOING. I WILL BE MEASURING MYSELF TONIGHT.
THANKS!!0 -
WOW SOME AWESOME ADVICE AND IDEAS! THANK YOU SO MUCH EVERYONE!
BTW, I HAVE ABOUT 50-60 LBS TO LOSE SO I HAVE QUITE A WAYS TO GO. I ALSO AM A
VEGETARIAN SO THE CARB INTAKE IS A LITTLE HARD TO CONTROL SOMETIMES. I EAT A LOT
OF NUTS AND BEANS, BUT I KNOW YOU CAN ONLY HAVE SMALL PORTIONS OF THEM BECAUSE
OF THE CALORIES. STRING CHEESE IS ANOTHER SNACK I HAVE FREQUENTLY. AND TUNA
SINGLE POUCHES. I WILL FOR SURE KEEP GOING. I WILL BE MEASURING MYSELF TONIGHT.
THANKS!!
ALSO, I EXERCISE 4-5 TIMES A WEEK. MAYBE I NEED TO CHANGE IT UP?
I USUALLY WALK BRISKLY FOR 10-15 MINUTES TO WARM UP AND I DO THE ELIPITICAL FOR A 1/2 HOUR THEN
SOME STRENGTH TRAINING FOR JUST ABOUT 15 MINUTES. IT KICKS MY BUTT AS I HAVE ONLY BEEN DOING IT FOR
A MONTH OR SO BUT I DID NOTICE HOW MUCH HARDER IT IS GETTING TO KEEP MY HEART RATE UP. I NEED TO BUMP
IT UP A LITTLE MORE RIGHT??0 -
WOW SOME AWESOME ADVICE AND IDEAS! THANK YOU SO MUCH EVERYONE!
BTW, I HAVE ABOUT 50-60 LBS TO LOSE SO I HAVE QUITE A WAYS TO GO. I ALSO AM A
VEGETARIAN SO THE CARB INTAKE IS A LITTLE HARD TO CONTROL SOMETIMES. I EAT A LOT
OF NUTS AND BEANS, BUT I KNOW YOU CAN ONLY HAVE SMALL PORTIONS OF THEM BECAUSE
OF THE CALORIES. STRING CHEESE IS ANOTHER SNACK I HAVE FREQUENTLY. AND TUNA
SINGLE POUCHES. I WILL FOR SURE KEEP GOING. I WILL BE MEASURING MYSELF TONIGHT.
THANKS!!
Lets see if we can figure this out. How many Calories are you eating a day?0 -
And how can you be a vegetarian and eat tuna?0
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And how can you be a vegetarian and eat tuna?
Very good question...0 -
There are many types of eating styles , that still get classed as part of the "vegetarian group", as they still primarily limit their meat consumption, to make it a smaller part of their overall diet. They still use plant food sources to meet the largest potion of their dietary needs, but not all eliminate meat entirely.
some do eat fish and veggies, but not land animals,
some eat veggies only
some eat veggies and eggs
some eat veggies and diary products, including milk and cheese
some eat poultry and veggies, but no red meat
some eat poultry and fish and veggies, but no red meat
Carbs are a great source of fuel and energy needed for your workouts. Unless you have specific health problems with carbs, you do not need to cut them out.
Though depending on your goals, and your personal diet, you may adjust your carb ratio. Just know that if you have a carb heavy day, then you will likely have a heavier scale day for a few days from the water load pulling into your muscles. Thats not necessarily bad, as your muscles need the fluid if you are working them hard, as part of the repair and recovery.
Just another way the scale can mess with your head.
I would focus on your protein though, and make sure you do have high enough levels. The MFP levels are to low, and if you are doing any resistance training at all, you will need extra protein to repair and build muscle.
There are some studies that have shown to low a protein level can hamper body fat loss.
.5 to1 gram of protein per pound of lean body mass, or per pound of your goal weight is a rough guide.0
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