Strength Training
 

Are they any other featherweights that are really into strength training/lifting as well?

I've found that while I am toning and losing fat, the scale budges much more slowly.

I know I shouldn't complain because I am still creeping closer to goals, but I always am hearing now "what?! you don't look like you weigh THAT much". I guess it's good that I don't look like I weigh as much as I do because of the amount of muscle I have, but it can still be discouraging to be working so hard for 10 days at a time and only losing a pound (maybe not even a pound), my weight with water can fluctuate up to 7 pounds in a day. INSANE.

Anyone else dealing with any of this?! Or better yet, have gone through this?

Don't worry about it. When I was in cross country my weight would not go down no matter how much I dieted. Since you are already at a healthy weight, I would stop looking to the scale as an indicator of your progress, as hard as that sounds. Remember muscle weighs more than fat, so you are probably gaining a lot of muscle. Naturally all the water you drink to keep up with your workout routine plays a huge role on the scale also, another reason you might want to stop checking the scale. If you must, make sure you only weight yourself in the morning before you've eaten anything, since this is the "true" weight. It's better to lose weight while toning, so I'd say keep at it!

I have a bone to pick with the misconception of "toning." Unless someone is a complete beginner to the weight room, they won't gain noticeable muscle mass in a caloric deficit. In order to build muscle, you need to lift heavy and intake a surplus of calories every day. Toning is the act of dieting fat off to reveal muscle. If your weight goes up while you are dieting, it is most likely always temporary water weight.

That said, I lift at least 3-4 times a week. From my experience in the gym, people who carry more muscle have a bigger problem with water fluctuations. There is a great article by Lyle McDonald that covers the science of water retention during dieting for those interested: "Of Whooshes and Squishy Fat"

Somewhat. It's tough because lifting sucks when you're dieting, and dieting is harder when you're lifting and being active. I kind of end up doing both half-assedly.

LIFT! (It's awesome)

I love lifting. I'm strong for my size and even though I've put on weight I can still fit into kids sizes and 0s and 1s.

Women generally don't get bulky from lifting :) We just get "toned"

I'm not a feather but it does not matter for this thread. I weight train most days and run every other day as well and I am in serious calorie deficit. I do note that my weight is more volatile with weight training but it's mostly water and on the whole my weight has dropped faster with it. But the toning and improved look of your body is where the real gains are, not the scale.

My advice is to seek out low calorie sources of protein which helps with muscle recovery and development. Fish and chicken are good sources. I eat cockles which are amazing as a source of low calorie protein. Beans are good too. And when I need an extra boost I take Isoflex, a body builder protein that provides me with 27 grams of protein for about 100 calories when mixed with water. Not bad after a rigorous workout.

Sontaikle!!!! You''re backkkk!!!! YAY!