What's up measuring tape! I thought you and I were going to be nicer to each other! starting measurements 42-32-42.... 20 Lbs later 42-32-42.... not even half an inch! Work with me mister measuring tape or my next exercise will be tearing you into a million pieces .
/end rant
How frustrating! I use a measuring tape, too, so I know how discouraging it can be. I only measure once a month, and even if I lose weight sometimes the tape measure doesn't "catch up" until later.
But when you remember that the tape measure and the scale are only measuring RESULTS, then you can keep to your daily GOALS of eating and moving on-plan. The results WILL catch up eventually, so long as you continue going!
And it's also very possible not to measure in exactly the same place each time.
RobinD, this is such a good point. I find that as I gain weight around the "spare tire" region, my waist moves up -- so the narrowest part gets closer and closer to my ribs. As I lose, the number may not go down so much but my natural waist moves closer to my belly button.
I have to agree- are you measuring the same exact places? When I lost my second 20 lbs I measured a 9 inch loss around my body (arms, legs, hips, waist).
Have you tried measuring other parts of your body? Thighs, maybe? Or your upper arms? I found that the first 15-20lbs that I lost was only saddle bags and water weight but from there everything else started to shrink. I now measure everything from my neck to my ankles. You might have to keep measuring and just see victories where you are getting smaller. The bust-waist-hips will catch up!