Grrr....Why is this weight loss so difficult?

[Chickerdoodle13]

I've been going to the gym to workout three times a week for three weeks. I've been using the weight equipment mixed with cardio and I usually do about a 45 minute workout. Two days of the week I do a beginner bursting class. I've also been watching what I eat pretty carefully. I wouldn't call it a diet, but healthier choices really. Maybe once a week I'll have some ice cream or something like that, but nothing totally atrocious.

I thought maybe after three weeks I'd see myself lose a couple of pounds. I step on the scale and what do I see? I've GAINED two! Ugh, my mom keeps telling me that its only been three weeks, but I feel like I've been working out so hard and I have nothing to show for it. I have been able to advance a little bit in the weight limits I'm using, but still. I'm trying to stay motivated, but its really difficult. I'm also a type one diabetic and I'm afraid that the amount of insulin I'm taking will make it very very difficult to lose any weight. That's probably my biggest fear.

So what am I doing wrong? Do I need to go to the gym more than three times a week? The doctor who owns the gym said three times a week is very good and I find I usually need the day in between to recooperate otherwise I get very sore. Is it normal to gain before you lose? I know muscle weighs more than fat, but there has to be some point where I will start to see myself losing!

Ugh, give me some motivation here!

 

[TerriLaChicks]

Muscle does weigh more than fat! Get some graph paper & chart your weight program progress. You will find that, typically, your weight will go up a pound or two, then plummet down 3-4 pounds. but each time, it will go down a little bit lower! I did this & sure enough, the lines on the chart showed that my weight was gradually dropping. It was good to SEE it on paper & KNOW for sure that it was happening.
Keep up the good work!

 

[EweSheep]

I agree, you are taking on muscle mass, not fat.

 

[The Chicken Lady]

Yup, as you build muscle, your metabolism will slowly rise and you'll burn more fat. It takes time.

One of the best measures is how your clothes are fitting you.

Don't give up!

Also... How much water are you drinking? You need to drink a TON of water so your fat cells stop retaining it (not an unhealthy amount, but more than what the average person probably drinks per day). Cut down on sodium, too (including diet drinks). Sodium causes you to bloat and retain water.

 

[Blue Skys]

Keep it up. Even if you are not seeing dramatic weight loss, you are doing your body a world of good. Getting lots of excercise and eating better will lead to better health. You keep it up and like Terri said chart your progress so you can see what's happening, chart your progress at the gym too - how many reps at what weight and all that - you'll see you are able to do more and more and hopefully keep your motivation. And make sure to eat enough nutritious food to keep your body fueled. Best of luck, and keep up the good work!!!

 

[Ol'FashionHen]

Don't give up, and don't expect too much at first. It has only been three weeks, I know it seems longer. I agree with charting your progress, and write down what you eat too. It will begin to go down, your body has just been shocked and is thinking WTHeck, and it is holding on for dear life. Keep it up and you will defeat the nasty flubber buggin' ya.

And good for you

 

[Luvin Life]

You can also take measurements of yourself. You could be firming up with the workouts, losing inches. Keep up the good work, it will pay off in the end. You can do it!!

 

[Phox01]

scale is your enemy , tape measure is your friend.

losing inches is a better measure of how you are doing , weight should only matter once a month to show progress.

Mary

 

[Buff Hooligans]

I agree with everybody who posted above. Numbers don't tell the intricacies of what's happening with your muscles, metabolism and shape. Go by how your clothes feel.

Congratulations on becoming BUFF! Every single workout you do matters! It makes you feel better in so many ways, even if the mirror still disappoints you. Trust me, I've been there.

 

[seismic wonder2]

Yes, You will gain before loosing...

Initial weight loss will be "water weight"
Then you begin building muscle=gaining weight.
then metabolism rises you begin burning fat.

this takes a few months.

There ARE NO FAST WEIGHTLOSS GIMICKS !

pay less attention to your weight and more on your BMI (body Mass Index)
Go to a free BMI calculator on the net.

have someone tape your neck then waist (level with navel) with arms down. then go to
http://www.linear-software.com/online.html and use the "Tape Measure Method" It will get a very accurate body composition.