verhrzn Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 Ugh, I freaking GIVE UP. I've spent the last 2-3 months being insanely diligent with my diet and my work outs (cardio and weight lifting.) I've getting much stronger (I up my reps every week, and up the weight by 5 pounds every month.) I was SLOWLY, painfully slowly, going down from 125 lbs to 119 last week. (I was at 24% body fat.) And then this week, I shot right back up to 122 lbs. And I look in the mirror, and I look worse than ever before. It's like nothing at all happened. Seriously, I've tried everything I can think of short of surgery and starvation. Has anyone ever just reached a point where they say "Screw it" and just get lipo, or become anorexic?
threebyfate Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 You're being irrational. When weight increases and you're not consuming more calories, it's water gain which means it will go away if you reduce water intake. Check your sodium intake. More processed foods means more sodium intake which equates to weight gain.
anne1707 Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 How about your monthly cycle? That could be temporarily throwing your weight off track too with water retention.
somedude81 Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 What method are you using to keep track of your body fat and how often do you get it measured? I've always had the suspicion that you aren't losing weight because you are gaining muscle. So while your fat is going down, your muscle mass is increasing, which is keeping your weight steady or maybe making it go up. You said so yourself that you're getting stronger and that obviously means more muscle.
threebyfate Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 How about your monthly cycle? That could be temporarily throwing your weight off track too with water retention.Good point and something considered but tossed since for women, this should be a no-brainer.
anne1707 Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 Good point and something considered but tossed since for women, this should be a no-brainer. Agreed - but sadly some women will forget this and just focus on the negative.
threebyfate Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 Agreed - but sadly some women will forget this and just focus on the negative.True and true.
Author verhrzn Posted February 26, 2012 Author Posted February 26, 2012 How about your monthly cycle? That could be temporarily throwing your weight off track too with water retention. I'm about two weeks away from my period. Is that the appropriate time for water retention?? I always thought that happened DURING your period. And could water weight really explain 3 pounds?? What method are you using to keep track of your body fat and how often do you get it measured? I've always had the suspicion that you aren't losing weight because you are gaining muscle. So while your fat is going down, your muscle mass is increasing, which is keeping your weight steady or maybe making it go up. You said so yourself that you're getting stronger and that obviously means more muscle. I use a Body Fat Analyzer at my gym. It's the type of machine where you put your thumbs on the handgrips and it sends an electric current through you. A tape measure would be better but I don't have anyone who could hold the tape for me, and it's too difficult to do it on yourself. I wouldn't mind not losing weight if it meant gaining muscle, but if I was losing body fat, I should LOOK like it. I'm still just as pudgy and fat in the middle as I was when I was 3% heavier in my body fat.
somedude81 Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 I use a Body Fat Analyzer at my gym. It's the type of machine where you put your thumbs on the handgrips and it sends an electric current through you. A tape measure would be better but I don't have anyone who could hold the tape for me, and it's too difficult to do it on yourself. I wouldn't mind not losing weight if it meant gaining muscle, but if I was losing body fat, I should LOOK like it. I'm still just as pudgy and fat in the middle as I was when I was 3% heavier in my body fat. The analyzer things are known for not being accurate and are affected by the bodies water as well. See if one of the staff can measure you with calipers. That would give you an accurate measurement. Then get it done every month. BTW, I'm sure you know that the fat in the middle is the hardest to get rid of. I wish I had tips for that. I've lost about 10lbs in these past few months and all my pants are looser but my gut is still there. Everywhere else is muscle.
PlumPrincess Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 Kaylan is really into fitness. He's a great source for information.
Cypress25 Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 I use a Body Fat Analyzer at my gym. It's the type of machine where you put your thumbs on the handgrips and it sends an electric current through you. A tape measure would be better but I don't have anyone who could hold the tape for me, and it's too difficult to do it on yourself. Both methods are inaccurate, especially the first one. Don't even bother with that machine, it doesn't work. If you're doing weight training and consistently moving up in weights, then you're definitely gaining muscle. A sudden increase in weight without an increase in calories is likely due to water weight. I always gain 4-5 pounds of water weight when my period starts. The weight disappears when my period ends, so I don't weigh myself during my period because I know the scale won't be accurate. Not drinking enough water could also cause bloating; water retention is your body's reaction to being dehydrated. Too much sodium in your diet can do the same thing. You need to make sure you're getting enough calories. That's the most common problem with female dieters and it really slows down the weight-loss process. Eating 5 or 6 small meals a day (instead of 3 big meals) is much more effective because it keeps your metabolism and your blood sugar levels steady all day. It's still the same amount of calories for the whole day, but you'd be eating more often, every 3-4 hours. If you don't mind my asking, how tall are you and how much are you currently eating? It's probably not enough, but I want to make sure before I jump to conclusions.
anne1707 Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 I'm about two weeks away from my period. Is that the appropriate time for water retention?? I always thought that happened DURING your period. If I get water retention its normally in the few days before my period however I do sometimes get it mid-cycle. And could water weight really explain 3 pounds?? Oh yes!
Author verhrzn Posted February 27, 2012 Author Posted February 27, 2012 If you consume less calories than you expend, you can't gain weight. It defies the laws of matter and energy. the only way to gain mass if you are consuiong less calories than you expend is through water retention. Gaining 3 lbs in a week would mean eating alost twice the amount of calories each day for a woman of your weight. Not possible if being 'diligent' about diet. It's either water or youre sleepwalking and gorging on cookies and ice cream. Yeah I've somehow managed to eat twice the amount of calories without noticing, when I log everything I eat. Nice try. You need to make sure you're getting enough calories. That's the most common problem with female dieters and it really slows down the weight-loss process. Eating 5 or 6 small meals a day (instead of 3 big meals) is much more effective because it keeps your metabolism and your blood sugar levels steady all day. It's still the same amount of calories for the whole day, but you'd be eating more often, every 3-4 hours. If you don't mind my asking, how tall are you and how much are you currently eating? It's probably not enough, but I want to make sure before I jump to conclusions. I usually try to space my meals out and eat smaller portions each time; easier to measure, more variety available, and it means I won't overeat, all of which I like. I am 5' (sometimes 5'1") and I usually eat about 1600-1700 calories. In the past month, I've bumped it up from 1300-1400 for the very reason you mention. Honestly, looking back over my food logs, I'm wondering if it's all the carbs I'm eating. I've stayed well within my calorie range, but I've been having a lot of Subway sandwiches (no dressing.) I was losing the weight when I was sticking to about 50-100g of carbs a day, and now I'm averaging about 150-200g. (Stupid bread.) Whadaya think?
Cypress25 Posted February 27, 2012 Posted February 27, 2012 Honestly, looking back over my food logs, I'm wondering if it's all the carbs I'm eating. I've stayed well within my calorie range, but I've been having a lot of Subway sandwiches (no dressing.) I was losing the weight when I was sticking to about 50-100g of carbs a day, and now I'm averaging about 150-200g. (Stupid bread.) Whadaya think? Honestly, I don't think it's the carbs. Unless you have a medical condition that makes you carb-sensitive, carbs should make up about 55% of your diet. It could be Subway, in that you can only estimate your calories when eating at a restaurant since they don't carefully measure their ingredients. Maybe you could try making those same sandwiches at home; that would give you more control over the calories. You're about my height and I know how hard it is for us petite ladies to lose weight. I also understand how easy it is to "see" the weight gain when you look in the mirror, but you have to be careful. The mirror is the least accurate method for determining weight gain or loss. So much of it is in your head. If the scale says you've gained 3 pounds, and then you look in the mirror, of course you'll think you look heavier. I would suggest working with a registered dietitian for this. I mean a real RD, with the degree and the certification to prove it. Not someone who works at your gym and calls themselves a nutritionist. 1
aj22one Posted February 27, 2012 Posted February 27, 2012 I've gained and lost weight so many times I'm an expert haha. 1) you should vary the calories like 1200 one day the next 1700 then 1400 then 1500 then 1200 and so on. Do it totally randomly so your body never gets used to one thing or another. 2) check your sodium intake. This is so obvious most people overlook it and it can really f up your weight on the scale. I've had swings of 7 pounds before just because of sodium related water retention. After a few days the sodium leaves your system so check the scale in a couple days. And 5 foot 120 pounds ain't bad to be honest.
redhighheels Posted February 27, 2012 Posted February 27, 2012 (edited) A sudden increase in weight without an increase in calories is likely due to water weight. I always gain 4-5 pounds of water weight when my period starts. The weight disappears when my period ends, so I don't weigh myself during my period because I know the scale won't be accurate. Not drinking enough water could also cause bloating; water retention is your body's reaction to being dehydrated. Too much sodium in your diet can do the same thing. You need to make sure you're getting enough calories. That's the most common problem with female dieters and it really slows down the weight-loss process. Eating 5 or 6 small meals a day (instead of 3 big meals) is much more effective because it keeps your metabolism and your blood sugar levels steady all day. It's still the same amount of calories for the whole day, but you'd be eating more often, every 3-4 hours. The first part is correct, 3 pounds can easily be water weight due to various reasons and a sudden increase in carbs will also cause it. The bolded part is stupid advice, current research has shown that meal timing is irrelevant. Eat as many meals as you prefer, your body composition will not be affected by the number of meals but by the total number of calories and macro breakdowns. 1) you should vary the calories like 1200 one day the next 1700 then 1400 then 1500 then 1200 and so on. Do it totally randomly so your body never gets used to one thing or another. More stupid advice. There is no need for calorie cycling, keep the calories the same on both workout and nonworkout days, the body needs them to repair itself. OP, if your goal is fat loss, I gave you advice in the other thread. Stick to it, fat loss is not linear..you might not drop a pound in a week, and then drop 2 in the next one. I find it amusing that you have been doing this for 3 months and are ready to call it quits. I hope you realize it takes YEARS to get a body you would be happy with! 3 months..lol Btw, my stats are 5`3, 126 pounds with a decent amount of muscle. I deadlift 250lbs and squat 205lbs, DB press 30lbs, BB curl 65lbs just to give you an idea. I have been at it for 2 years and still have a long way to go. Better get your head in the game if you want some results. The world is full of quitters and whiners. Just saying. Edited February 27, 2012 by redhighheels Adding info 1
somedude81 Posted February 27, 2012 Posted February 27, 2012 Btw, my stats are 5`3, 126 pounds with a decent amount of muscle. I deadlift 250lbs and squat 205lbs, DB press 30lbs, BB curl 65lbs just to give you an idea. You're a woman right? That's some pretty impressive numbers, most girls look like that can't even squat half their weight.
oldguy Posted February 27, 2012 Posted February 27, 2012 I don't know if this has been suggested but I've found it effective to change up my exercise routine ever 6 to 8 weeks. Different exercises that target the same areas. also, I'm down to about 175 but I can gain or loose 5 pounds in less than a weekend that's why I stopped weighing myself every day. 1
Lauriebell82 Posted February 27, 2012 Posted February 27, 2012 I'm about two weeks away from my period. Is that the appropriate time for water retention?? I always thought that happened DURING your period. And could water weight really explain 3 pounds?? Oh yes, water weight can explain 3 pounds. Water weight also doesn't have to be centered around the time of your monthly cycle. It can be based on a lot of factors including what you eat, how much/what type of exercise you do, how frequently you go to the bathroom, amount of fluids you drink, ect. If you drink alcohol, especially super sugary drinks, you will retain more water as well. I have struggled with my weight for years and what usually happens weekly for me is that I will fluctuate between about 3 pounds. When I am trying to lose weight the scale will go up by a couple pounds and then down again. As long as the scale is going downward then you are on the right track. Just keep at it, don't give up!!! (or become anorexic or get lipo).
Els Posted February 27, 2012 Posted February 27, 2012 Water retention happens during PMS, which is the time between ovulation and the start of your period. So yes, you should be right at the start of it. I typically fluctuate 3-4 lbs each cycle. And even that varies based on how recently I crapped - apparently I once took a 2 lbs crap, based on the before and after readings. Really, if I were you I would not be getting upset over 3 lbs. 122 lbs is fine for your height, really. Why are you so hung up on losing that? I'm 118 lbs and I constantly get told by my parents how fat I am, and even I am not that desperate to lose weight.
Els Posted February 27, 2012 Posted February 27, 2012 The first part is correct, 3 pounds can easily be water weight due to various reasons and a sudden increase in carbs will also cause it. The bolded part is stupid advice, current research has shown that meal timing is irrelevant. Eat as many meals as you prefer, your body composition will not be affected by the number of meals but by the total number of calories and macro breakdowns. The human body doesn't exist in a vacuum. It's scientifically proven that if you keep yourself hungry for long periods of time, hypoglycemia sets in - not only is that dangerous, but you also get intense cravings for sweet food due to the body's survival mechanism, and that isn't really the best outcome in terms of dieting. You don't necessarily need to eat every 3-4 hours, but if you're cutting back on meals and feeling hungry, chances are you do need to eat more often.
aj22one Posted February 27, 2012 Posted February 27, 2012 More stupid advice. There is no need for calorie cycling, keep the calories the same on both workout and nonworkout days, the body needs them to repair itself. Cool, I guess it's different for girls than boys, because I've followed this strategy and been successful losing weight. Many times.
Lauriebell82 Posted February 27, 2012 Posted February 27, 2012 Cool, I guess it's different for girls than boys, because I've followed this strategy and been successful losing weight. Many times. Yeah, before I got pregnant I used to calorie cycle and I was successful in losing weight. If I ate the same amount of calories on days that I worked out vs didn't work out, I wouldn't have been losing anything. Maybe if you have a fast metabolism you could eat the same amount, but I unfortuantely don't.
aj22one Posted February 27, 2012 Posted February 27, 2012 Cool, I guess it's different for girls than boys, because I've followed this strategy and been successful losing weight. Many times. And when I mean "this strategy" I'm talking about changing the calorie levels, not keeping them constant.
Chocolat Posted February 27, 2012 Posted February 27, 2012 Ugh, I freaking GIVE UP. I've spent the last 2-3 months being insanely diligent with my diet and my work outs (cardio and weight lifting.) I've getting much stronger (I up my reps every week, and up the weight by 5 pounds every month.) I was SLOWLY, painfully slowly, going down from 125 lbs to 119 last week. (I was at 24% body fat.) And then this week, I shot right back up to 122 lbs. And I look in the mirror, and I look worse than ever before. It's like nothing at all happened. Seriously, I've tried everything I can think of short of surgery and starvation. Has anyone ever just reached a point where they say "Screw it" and just get lipo, or become anorexic? Can you post a typical day's nutrition and your workouts? Thanks.
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