[SassyPoppet]

But then I don't know really what to expect this go around.... I joined 3FC mid September because I had been lurking for a while... and decided to use the two weeks till 10/1 to get it going...

I've picked up my working out, in that I've actually started doing it every day but one day of rest, upping my water intake greatly (shooting for 80 oz) for the month but the goal is 120 oz. Also, being much more cognizant of the food and using Fitday... I've really got to turn the fat content of my food around and I'm working through that..

Is it selfish to have expected a weight loss instead of holding steady and actually gaining? Is it my body going whoa.. we like this but we're not changing anything until we're sure you're going to do this for a while..

Don't get me wrong, the NSV have been decent - I'm sleeping better and longer and I believe I can see a change in my skin so these are all good things.. I just really thought I'd kick start it and I'm more like just dragging my feet

I think my biggest challenge thus far is totally changing my eating habits, by actually eating, eating good foods, and turning the table on eating the right foods with the right make up. Recipes I've been using are from Cook Your Way Thin and they've been a great help.

I meet with a personal trainer at my gym this week to start adding weight training to my increasing cardio (which I'm very proud of)... this first "hump" can really be a downer in starting out but I'm trying to focus on being consistent

And, thanks for all of ya'lls stories - this group is truly a great inspiration to doing this!!

[cincimini]

I can relate . I've started working out about 5-6 weeks ago but didn't really diet properly until 2 weeks ago. I've been really good (mostly) and have increased my cardio work to 4 times a week plus some.
So far, I've lost 1.5 pounds and it's been a wash these last 4 days.
I actually think you've hit quite a few of the "reasons". I've read on here that when you start working out, your muscles at first retain water. Water = weight. Also, if you're doing weight work, increasing your muscle mass might also increas or keep your weight level. Also, I do believe it may take a while for your body to accept that you're not trying to starve it and when that happens, it'll start "letting go" the fat . Not a very scientific explanation, I know .

Anyway, don't get discouraged. I'm keeping myself motivated with the NSV as well - not getting back pains anymore, being able to up the work-out level, generally feeling better about myself. At some point, the weight will HAVE to come off, right?

[beerab]

Sometimes the shock to the system makes the body hold on- but don't give up!

Also- if you are eating too little it could cause your body to hold on even more. At your weight, if you are calorie counting you could eat around 1900 calories and still lose weight, specially if you are exercising.

[Queen Donna]

Yes...yes...I feel your pain. I have been counting points, working with a trainer 3 times a week, in addition to cardio, since August 1. I feel like I should have lost at least 100 pounds by now instead of 17. Then, the week of vacation when I really had a hard time staying on plan - I lost weight.

Go figure! Good luck to all of us.

[SassyPoppet]

Hey Ladies - I guess I'm just really surprised.. like really surprised what food actually contains when you track it. It's been a really interesting lesson for sure. What I'm working through is trying to get the micronutrient percentages turned around - the whole carb/protein/fat stuff. It's been amazing and I think will be my hardest challenge.

I was an athlete in college and all through high school and do have a tendency to bulk up, although I never noticed it as such when I was so much thinner. My doctor says my muscle tone is probably better than when I was younger due to all the weight I'm carrying (that was hard to hear). I just have never seen myself as "fat" in my head until lately - you know, the pictures, the mirror, offhanded comments etc. Hahaha, I walk around with bug eyes I think when I realize everything for what it is

October is definitely a "scary" month and I know as you ladies have pointed out that it's worth it and to embrace the reality of the journey. This time has always been the hardest fight for me when dealing with the food - viscious circle - in that I don't lose, I'll stop eating when that's the worse thing to do!!

Gah the mental stuff we put ourselves through And yes Cincinimi, the weight has to come off IF we truly remain dedicated to the PLAN! That's all I'm focusing on and trying to make each day better than the last and tweak as I go.

YES WE CAN!

[Eliana]

The weight DOES eventually come off, as long as we are honest with ourselves, because our bodies know everything! We can't sneak anything past the intricate workings of our digestive systems.

Here's my thing with exercise: First, I'm a huge advocate for it! However, the scale is not our friend when we exercise.

If we lose weight by diet alone, as much as 40% of what you lose could actually be muscle, not fat. So when I lost 30 lbs right off the bat in my first two months WITHOUT exercise, I can estimate that only 18 pounds of that was fat.

Then I threw in exercise and BAM, the scale slowed way down.

This is the point where I decided that I needed a healthier relationship with the scale. I decided that I was going to lose weight through diet and exercise and that I was going to be "on plan" for one year, no matter what. I knew the scale was a huge stumbling block for me. But I was really curious as to where I would land if I just kept going.

The scale does eventually move, and for me it did so in fits and starts. I can tell you that I started out being very large for my weight. I was wearing 20's when other women my height/weight were wearing 16's/18's. Now I'm wearing 8's when other women my height/weight may be wearing 12's.

I don't care a lick about how much I weigh now. It means very little. I care more about what size my pants are.

[Terre]

At first mine was sloooooow. I think it was because my muscles had almost gone away. There were times I would work my butt off and stick to my calories and nothing.... then there was times later that I dont work as hard and lose more. The more fit I get the less I have to do.

Big Hugs and good luck. We have all been there. This will pass. Stick with it and it will pay off.