question about loss...

[CuzMommySaysSo]

I have a question and wondered if anyone else ever has this problem. I lose about 5 lbs in a week or so, then for the next 2 weeks I fluctuate going up and down about 2 pounds, never going lower than the 5 lbs I lost. Then the cycle starts over again. I don't understand why it's not just a steady loss and why I have 2-3 weeks of fluctuations. I drink my water faithfully and am doing extended induction.

[JulieB]

This is perfectly normal, and is why weighing everyday is not recommended. Once a week is plenty! Our bodies are complicated - things don't necessarily happen like clockwork

[CuzMommySaysSo]

Yeah I'm pretty obsessed with the scale. I know it's not a good thing, but it helps me feel in control. I'm more disciplined when I'm watching the scale because if I see a gain, I'm more cautious about what I eat.

[Sunny_0ne]

CusMommySaysSo, that's the way it works for me, too. When I see a nice new low number, I can bank on not seeing it again for a while. But eventually it comes back, and then I'll see another low number and repeat the cycle. But the trend is always downward, and that's what counts.

It really helps if you don't weigh more often than once a week. Those daily fluctuations can drive you crazy!

[CuzMommySaysSo]

well, it makes me feel better to know I'm not alone. There's a girl at work that started atkins at the same time I did and she's lost 48 lbs. All I can think is "what am I doing wrong!" My hubby says I should feel proud because I've lost about 24 and that is an accomplishment....and I say back to him hahaha. I've noticed that I tend to eat a lot of the same things over and over. I wonder if my body gets used to that and that is part of the problem. I need to get some new recipes or ideas I guess.

[FwL]

You can't compare your weight loss to anybody else. Everybody has a different physiology.

Think of it this way. I have a friend who eats as much and sometimes more than I do... yet he maintains his weight in the upper 100s. We both do the same job, so we're very similar as far as activity level goes.

Should I base my diet expectations on this person, or do I have to look at how food and exercise effects me personally and make adjustments accordingly?

[CuzMommySaysSo]

This is very true! I just get frustrated sometimes...or rather discouraged...because it's not wooshing away like I would like!

[FwL]

I hear you.

Today I'm up 2.5 lbs instead of getting to see a little more drop off

[pagliaccia]

I weigh in every day because I personally hold myself more accountable that way, but I definitely see fluctuations from one day to the next. It might help you to plug your weights into a graph in Excel or something (I'm sure there are many online ways, too) so you can see the bigger picture. I have a Wii Fit that I use to weigh in, and I'm no longer discouraged when it says "+1.2lbs" because I can see that it's still very much lower than what it was before. My graph looks like a downward lightning bolt.

[CuzMommySaysSo]

that's some really good ideas! Do you like using the wii Fit? I've always wanted it but didn't know if I'd use it much. I've lost the last two days so I"m starting to regain some confidence. I'm just 14 lbs from being below 200. That would thoroughly excite me!