GinaPagnato Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 I've been slowly but surely losing some weight--diligently exercising everyday and keeping calories to 1200-1300 per day. I dropped 5 pounds over the month of January, but this week have crept up 1.5 pounds! I have not cheated a single bit. How do you account for this? The only thing I can think is that I've been weight lifting seriously for the first time in my life, and maybe this is muscle??? I don't know, seems like a lame excuse, but what else could the reason be? I know my clothes are fitting better, I'm getting stronger, and my endurance is increasing. These are all so, so important. I get that. I just really want to see the scale move in the opposite direction, too. Help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freeindeed Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 You are more than likely building muscle. If your clothes fit better, then you are losing inches. Don't be a slave to the scale. It sounds like you're doing great! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandelion Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 Could it be "time of the month" related? My weight always fluctuates a bit each month. I agree that you're probably already building muscle as well. Focus on how you look and feel, rather than what the scale says. Congrats on what you've achieved already! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GinaPagnato Posted February 1, 2013 Author Share Posted February 1, 2013 Definitely not hormonal--I'm in menopause. But, I do hope it's due to muscle-building. I kicked around the idea that I may need to eat a bit more so my body doesn't try to hang on to every calorie, especially with the intense workouts. I'm just not sure I want to try that since I've been on such a roll. Dh tells me to put the scale away and go by how I feel. Problem is, I did that for several years and without the accountability of at least a weekly weigh-in, I slipped into denial and my weight slipped up, up, and away! :o Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LG Gone Wild Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 I've been slowly but surely losing some weight--diligently exercising everyday and keeping calories to 1200-1300 per day. I dropped 5 pounds over the month of January, but this week have crept up 1.5 pounds! I have not cheated a single bit. How do you account for this? The only thing I can think is that I've been weight lifting seriously for the first time in my life, and maybe this is muscle??? I don't know, seems like a lame excuse, but what else could the reason be? I know my clothes are fitting better, I'm getting stronger, and my endurance is increasing. These are all so, so important. I get that. I just really want to see the scale move in the opposite direction, too. Help! This is typical. Scale is only a compass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plateau Mama Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 I would increase the calories. If you've added n weight trang and not added any more calories or protien you body will go not starvation mode. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendi Posted February 2, 2013 Share Posted February 2, 2013 Sometimes weight lifting (especially when you're new to it) can cause your muscles to retain water. Seriously, you're doing all the right things, although 1200 is on the low end, so if you stay stalled out for more than a month or so, consider adding some calories. Get lots of protein so you'll retain muscle! I have been working out (weights and cardio) for almost six months very consistently. I have lost an average of 2 lbs. a month, but I look different and I'm down two jean sizes. I also don't lose consistently; the scale doesn't budget for 2-3 weeks, then I lose 1-2 lbs. within a week. So don't worry so much about the scale. Try taking measurements, or just some pictures of yourself once a month. Be patient! You are doing great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joyofsixreboot Posted February 2, 2013 Share Posted February 2, 2013 I agree with everyone else- go by how your clothes feel. Weight changes hourly depending on water, what you ate, or a million other things. I, personally, would up my calories to the 1400-1500 range but YMMV. Everybody is different. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted February 2, 2013 Share Posted February 2, 2013 If you work on muscle, you may lose fat, but gain muscle. I've a friend who is a personal trainer. when she started seriously working out (she'd always been slim), she gained 15 lbs, and lost a dress size. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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