What the Heck...so discouraged!
nlm74
Posts: 8 Member
This is the third week of tracking on MFP and so far I've lost 2lbs, which I know isn't much, but it's something. Today I stepped on the scale and I gained it all back in a week?! GRRR what the heck. Just when I thought I was making progress! Great way to start the day.
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Replies
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Ah, I thought I recognized you! AKA we are in the same boat. I have done that too, but thanks to the many people here, you will quickly find a bunch of hands ready to help you back up and back on the right path!
Keep going, don't punish yourself, but reward yourself for trying again! You can do this, but only one step at a time.
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Do you have a food scale? They are really helpful to keep your portions correct. Sometimes we are eating more then we think.0
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Do you have a food scale? They are really helpful to keep your portions correct. Sometimes we are eating more then we think.
I second that - food scales can be quite friendly most of the time, lol!0 -
This is the third week of tracking on MFP and so far I've lost 2lbs, which I know isn't much, but it's something. Today I stepped on the scale and I gained it all back in a week?! GRRR what the heck. Just when I thought I was making progress! Great way to start the day.
Personal question and you don't have to answer but keep in mind; Are you about to start your period? You could just have some water weight. I never weigh myself the week before mine that way I don't get discouraged because I know I gain a bit before it starts.
Just something to keep in mind.0 -
Also, remember that weight can fluctuate quite a bit depending on sodium intake, liquid consumption, fiber intake, etc. I suggest tracking your weight on a graph and going by a downward trend OVER TIME instead of a couple of days. Then you will really see the progress!0
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A few tips that have worked for me.Track honestly every morsel of food.
Eat your exercise calories.
Give and take support and encouragement from other members.
Get up and move.
No alcoholic, cigarettes or other crutches.
Get some low calories cookbooks and experiment or get recipes from this site.
Drink lots of water and limit diet drinks.
Good luck on your journey and add me as a friend if you wish.0 -
Water, water, and more water...you will start to lose. Just drink water, no soda, diet soda, kool aide. Nothing. Water. It was when I started drinking just water when I started losing weight.0
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I have found that my weight changes because of sodium....I've gained 6 lbs in a week bc of it...so now I just watch carefully!0
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And remember...If you have no scale...Use the all time greatest scales ever..
Protein the size/thickness of your palm
Carbs/veggies the size of your clenched fist
Fats the size of your thumbnail.
You won`t go too far wrong
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I am definitely not eating more. I usually use a measuring cup, but I will look into a food scale. I'm set to lose 1lb a week and it's been happening except for this 3rd week. The first 2 weeks I had a back injury, so just sat around for 2 weeks and STILL lost weight. This last week I actually added long hilly walks to the mix and gained?! What the heck?!0
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Toss out your scale!!!! It is the biggest liar on the planet!!!!! Do you feel better? Do you have more energy? Are your jeans fitting better? Do you feel pride for treating your body better? Focus on these positive things, exercise and eat clean. You are making progress, the scale is the devil on your shoulder telling you you're not! Knock him off!!!!!!0
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I only drink water and 2 with milk 2x a day. I've been eating more protein than carbs, more carbs than fat. And always track honestly. Thanks everyone for the support, you guys are AWESOME. I'm feeling a little better already!0
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So on a really weird note in the last five weeks I have noticed if I only sleep for six or less hours I weigh more in the mornings. Sometimes if I go back to bed for another 2-3 more hours then wake up I usually end up about 3-4 pounds less. This has happened at least six times. Also I usually end up about 6-8 pounds heavier at night because of food and water consumed during the day. Dont stress and keep going:)0
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This is the third week of tracking on MFP and so far I've lost 2lbs, which I know isn't much, but it's something. Today I stepped on the scale and I gained it all back in a week?! GRRR what the heck. Just when I thought I was making progress! Great way to start the day.
Personal question and you don't have to answer but keep in mind; Are you about to start your period? You could just have some water weight. I never weigh myself the week before mine that way I don't get discouraged because I know I gain a bit before it starts.
Just something to keep in mind.
^^THIS I gained 3lbs after the weekend and thought it was bc of indulging a bit over the weekend. I said "eh whatevs" and moved on. Guess what, I forgot that AF was coming to town. And those 3#s went away.0 -
If you're now incorporating exercise, try measuring also. Arms, waist, hips thighs. That way you can see where you're losing. You'll be gaining muscle, and that muscle gain can offset the fat loss. Measuring is a good way to see where exactly your body is changing. And yes, it's discouraging at first, no matter what your body type is, we don't want to see ourselves in numbers. BUT, if you measure once a week you'll see the differences and probably feel a little better about not losing so much.
Good luck!0 -
I agree with the previous statement about retaining water weight before & during your period.. I like to call it Tom (time of the month, feel free to use it!) I've also heard not to weigh yourself too often, as your weight will fluctuate because of water, so its best to do it once every couple of weeks or so. I do it every 2 at least.
A food scale is a great idea as well, I am planning to get one. Whenever you can, measure whatever food you're going to consume- it is tedious and time-consuming sometimes, but its good practice and it really allows you to see what you're putting into your body. I also have a Weight Watchers restaurant guide (thanks to my mom) to assist in healthier choices when going out.
This might not be much, but I hope it helps
Good luck!
ps: measuring is good too! not just waist and hips, but arms, legs, etc0 -
I learned a hard lesson with the scale..... I now take measurements to see how I am progressing. I have not lost a single pound over 30 + days of logging food and exercise, but I did loose a total of 7 inches. Of course it isn't instant since measurements should be spaced out 3 to 4 weeks. I do still weigh weekly but try to not judge and get discouraged since inches are coming off.0
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I am definitely not eating more. I usually use a measuring cup, but I will look into a food scale. I'm set to lose 1lb a week and it's been happening except for this 3rd week. The first 2 weeks I had a back injury, so just sat around for 2 weeks and STILL lost weight. This last week I actually added long hilly walks to the mix and gained?! What the heck?!
It could be water retention due to gaining muscle from all that walking! Give it time, remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint! :happy:0 -
I have to agree that water is a key factor. When I started last year, 64oz (8 cups) of water was sometimes tough for me. Now I usually have 64 oz before 9am! On the weeks I have good calorie intake and burn but don't get my water, I see it reflected on the scale.
Focus on what you can control, which is 1) what you put in your mouth and 2) what you do to burn off what you put in your mouth and you will lose it in no time! Don't let one week deter you from what you have accomplised or what you want to achieve!0 -
If you are still eating at a deficit it is water retention. Take your measuremnts regularly and take pictures once a month. The pictures have kept me going when I've been frustrated with the scale and measuring tape. I'm in the food scale camp. This changed my perception on eyeballing food and using measuring cups and spoons.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVjWPclrWVY&feature=youtube_gdata_player
You may have to take off the &feature=blahblahblah in the the link.0 -
Don't give up - no matter what - stick with this. It will all be OK in the long run - get less focused on time and a quick fix and more focused on getting healthier and fitter. As your body composition changes fat will burn more easily. I agree with others about measurements - take measurements and let your shrinking body size spur you on - not the scales!0
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I am definitely not eating more. I usually use a measuring cup, but I will look into a food scale. I'm set to lose 1lb a week and it's been happening except for this 3rd week. The first 2 weeks I had a back injury, so just sat around for 2 weeks and STILL lost weight. This last week I actually added long hilly walks to the mix and gained?! What the heck?!
Most people actually gain a little weight when they first start a new exercise program because sore muscles absorb water to help them heal. Keep at it and your body will start cooperating soon.0 -
I learned a hard lesson with the scale..... I now take measurements to see how I am progressing. I have not lost a single pound over 30 + days of logging food and exercise, but I did loose a total of 7 inches. Of course it isn't instant since measurements should be spaced out 3 to 4 weeks. I do still weigh weekly but try to not judge and get discouraged since inches are coming off.
Don't be too hard on yourself about 2 lbs that isnt much at all and it could easily be water retention. The best thing to do is take measurements and use that and the way your clothes fit to measure your progress. The scale can be so deceiving especially if you are not watching your sodium intake. Keep it ip and stay committed and before you know it the inches will melt away and the scale will follow0 -
I am definitely not eating more. I usually use a measuring cup, but I will look into a food scale. I'm set to lose 1lb a week and it's been happening except for this 3rd week. The first 2 weeks I had a back injury, so just sat around for 2 weeks and STILL lost weight. This last week I actually added long hilly walks to the mix and gained?! What the heck?!
Most people actually gain a little weight when they first start a new exercise program because sore muscles absorb water to help them heal. Keep at it and your body will start cooperating soon.
I'm pretty sure it's this. Think about what happens when you sprain your ankle - that area swells with fluid, right? Same basic thing happens with our muscle tissues. When they're used more, little tears occur in the fibers and so water is retained as part of the healing process. It's not as noticible as a swollen ankle because the fluid is spread out over a large area but it's the same principle. As the body adjusts and heals, the water will be released
Also, if you're not already tracking sodium intake, make sure to add that to your food tracker. A day or two of high sodium (and not enough water to counter balance) can really throw off the weigh in. And of course make sure you're drinking plenty of water!
p.s. it'd not muscle gain - that takes more time, effort and specific diet.0 -
Can you make your diary public?0
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I had the same probelm- the first few weeks I was exercising I wasn't losing anything! So discouraging but I did not give up and kept logging everything that went in my mouth- measured to the gram- got my HRM batteries updated- and now ...in one week I have lost 3 pounds!
Keep at it and don't give up~ it will work if you work it
Feel free to add me as a friend if you like- as I believe we are all here to support each other 0 -
Could it be hormonal? I have my hormones checked by saliva testing once a year, it's made a world of difference to check and balance these levels.0
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Just wanted to say thanks everyone for the advice and support. I weighed in this week (so hard not to be a slave to the scale) and have lost 4lbs since last. I've done nothing different so it must have been water weight or maybe sodium intake, whatever. Feeling great and motivated to try exercising again since my back injury so hopefully the lbs will just shed off.
Have a great day everyone!0 -
Thanks for posting this. I was feel the SAME way today. I've been under 1500 (avg ~1300) calories for 7 days and have gone to the gym every day for 7 days doing cardo and weights, and most nights have walked 1 mile in the evening and I've lost barely ANYTHING!! I had lost 2.6 lbs and this morning was back up a lbs. GRR. I'm planning not to record my weight but once a week due to the fluctuation but it really depresses me to see this going in the wrong direction.0
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Toss out your scale!!!! It is the biggest liar on the planet!!!!! Do you feel better? Do you have more energy? Are your jeans fitting better? Do you feel pride for treating your body better? Focus on these positive things, exercise and eat clean. You are making progress, the scale is the devil on your shoulder telling you you're not! Knock him off!!!!!!
^^^This. My biggest struggle has been against the scale. I'm addicted. I check my weight every day morning and night. It's ridiculous. I've decided that on July 1, I'm going to (re)start the 30 day shred and only check my weight and measurements every 10 days. Then after that, only every two weeks on the scale. I'm also planning on getting rid of my electronic scale and getting a doctor's-type scale.
All this being said--don't give up! We've all been there and felt like giving up. You CAN do this. Just keep reminding yourself that you CAN. If you need a friend on MFP to support you, feel free to add me. I lost quickly at first and have since rode the scale up and down for the past three weeks. I refuse to give in to the discouragement! I've seen too many success stories on here to know it can be done. Stay with it! 0
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