Inches vs. Pounds

[Joanne]

Hi,

I have been really focused on my diet and fitness regime for approximately the past 1-1.5 months and have noticed some of my clothes fitting looser and going down 1 size but my weight on the scale is not budging very much. I have really focused on eating healthier (more veggies, less sugar and unhealthy fats, increasing my protein intake but it's not always consistent every day but better) and watching my portions. I have noticed that I don't crave sugar foods like I use to and have even kept away from a lot of other foods that I use to 'binge' on. This is a huge accomplishment for me and I feel better about being in control with regards to what I am putting in my mouth. However, I would like to see the numbers on the scale drop. Maybe I'm being a little too anxious. I remember last year when I stuck with my exercise and meal plan, the weight seemed to come off more easily. I did jog a lot and trained for a 5K so that helped but I have been working out intensely during my workouts (usually 4-5x/week). I am very sore after my workouts especially the next day. I like this feeling because it makes me feel like I have done a good workout. I have noticed my body becoming more tight and firm and I feel taller but why is the weight not coming off as easily? I'm guessing that my body is adjusting to the changes and eventually the weight will come off.
What are your thoughts?
Thanks.

[gymgirl]

hey, joanne!

first of all you are doing great. congrats on your diet changes and sticking with the workout regime. if i remember correctly you are weightlifting as well, correct? my guess is that if your clothes are looser and you have dropped a size and you are feeling tighter all over, then you are building muscle. at first when you add muscle your weight on the scale won't change much, but your body is changing. adding muscle will also help your body burn calories. i know it is hard, but try not to worry about the weight on the scale so much, but more about how your body is feeling, and how your clothes are fitting. your doing great joanne, keep up the good work! :

[Joanne]

Thanks gymgirl. I was hoping that I would have seen more of a difference by now especially since I am generally active and keep up with my workouts. I have been staying focused although I might have the odd mini caramilk chocolate (halloween leftovers) but I do generally stick to eating healthy. Also, I actually crave healthy foods over sugar/junk foods so I know that my body is changing. I am hoping that by the end of December, I will notice more of a change in my body. There are some outfits in my closet that I would like to get into again!

[ralex5]

It looks like you say you've been really dedicated for about 1.5 months. That's about 6 weeks which is about when you can really start to see changes. I wouldn't stress on the weight as long as you're eating good and exercising. Like gymgirl said, if you're putting on muscle then while at the same time losing fat then you may not see the numbers on the scale drop that fast. Don't sweat it though, it will come with time.

[midgetcop]

Try not use the scale in order to judge your progress. Use your tape measure.

[Todd]

Originally Posted by midgetcop

Try not use the scale in order to judge your progress. Use your tape measure.

Even then, a tape measure may not show the whole tale. One can lose fat and gain muscle and the tape measure may not even reflect a difference on some body parts (arms, legs, chest/back area). Best thing to do is go by how you look in the mirror. The mirror does not lie. Or take pictures along the way.

[~LV~]

I agree with Todd.

Mirror and pics are the only way I track my progress.

[SarahPT]

I agree. I use only the mirror and pictures as well. Other methods tend to frustrate me.

It's entirely possible that you have gained a bit of muscle. If you have gone down a size since you started up that is something to be very proud of. It sounds like you are progressing well.

Sarah