Wendita's Journal, 21 Nov 08

don't be so hard on yourself... remember muscle weighs more than fat. did you measure yourself? maybe you've lost inches and gained muscle. i know it's discouraging, but hang in there! (((hugs))) 

Did you eat 45 minutes before you weighed?  

I agree about the measuring yourself. I fought it for a long time - but you do lose inches when you are working out more and because muscle weighs more than fat, you "appear" to gain weight. I also wasn't clear on a few things you said - you first said that you thought maybe you knew why this was happening, but you didn't share. What do YOU think it is? Also, you said that you are trying to eat better - are you following a plan or just "trying" to eat better? And finally, what did you mean by "do you think its because I ate 45min before that the weight is up?"? Clarify, so we can help you figure it out. But don't get discouraged. What you are doing is good for you - even if it doesn't show right away! 

First of hold on. Let's figure this out. 1) are you weighing yourself first thing in the morning before eating? 2) are you counting carbs and keeping track of everything that you eat? (sometimes they sneak in and for some of us the number IS important) 3) are you having a lot of artificial sweeteners? aspartame in diet soda, splenda, etc. 4) are you eating many small meals? not eating regularly can stall your metabolism. 5) are you having caffeine? it affects some of us more than we think. 6) are you losing inches? if your size is getting smaller even if you gain on the scale it means you are losing fat and gaining muscle. 7) are you on any prescription medications including birth control, etc. (something to think about you don't have to share with us, just something you might want to talk to your doctor about)? 8) are you taking a daily multivitamin and fish oil supplements? 9) re read the chapter in the Atkins book (chapter 20) about different causes of metabolic resistance. We can help you figure this out. 

The main indicator on whether or not you're losing or gaining is a weekly weigh-in at a specific day like a certain MORNING before eating when you wake up - say Sunday. Then you'll have a clue if you're making progress. Everything Sara said is true too. I do a weigh-in every Sunday morning though there are frequent check-in weights during the week that fluctuate dramatically. I might go to the VA doctor and weigh 7 pounds more than say the doctor somewhere else or vice/versa or go into one clinician's office in the same building and the weight is many pounds different and I know it is the scale as I've been losing anyway. At an MD's office I'm heavier with a coat on, I've eaten recently, drank fluids, have shoes on, heavy jeans, etc. while on the Sunday morning weigh-in it's always with an empty stomach, sweat pants and a Tee shirt. Don't obsess too much. You are doing well it sounds. Try the weekly weigh-in for a time maybe... :) 

Don't compare youself to your husband. Men have more muscle than women and lose faster. It sucks. But all the advice above is true and good. 

Thanks all for the comments!!! i check my weight at nights 45mins after i eat dinner.. i don't have a scale at home so i can only do it at the gym. we have been eating better like less red meats and less breads, and counting calories.. i don't drink any sodas.. i stick to water,water,water and maybe a ice tea every now and then.. i keep a journal of everything i eat so i can see where i'm lacking or overdoing it.. 

Your weight will fluctuate a lot according to what you ate that day and the time of month. Perhaps you could get an inexpensive scale for home so you can weigh in the morning when your weight will be most stable? I picked one up for less than $10 at Walmart some time ago. I recently invested in a digital for only $17. It may be worth asking "Santa" for one if you celebrate that season as well. :) I hope you are feeling better about your efforts soon. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sometimes when I gain or get stuck I remind myself it is not only about weight loss. It is about a healthier life no matter what the scale says. Knowing you are treating your body well and clearing the way for a healthier future is really what I try to focus on. Hugs!! 

Don't ever weigh yourself after you finish eating. Always weigh yourself first thing in the morning before you put any added "weight" in your body like food and liquids! I also bought a digital scale from wal mart for like 20 bucks! It was a worthy investment. =)