Maintenance Woes
 

Maybe I have something to complain about....maybe I don't but I am fed up.
I entered maintenance in December 2010...lost 40 lbs. My goal weight was 164, my 'happy' weight is 160 but in struggling to find my balance I got down to 158lbs. I actually went from a size 14 to a size 8.

Right now, and for several months now, I am stuck at 168. Yup, I gained 10lbs. :( But the thing is, I still fit in my size 8 clothes :?:

I have tried everything:

- decreased calories
- increased calories
- take direutic (thinking it was water retention)
- drink lemon water
- exercise more
- exercise less

I give up! I feel like a total fraud.

Out of sheer frustration, I spoke to my trainer this morning. His recommendation...put away the scale and focus on how my clothes fit.

What do you think?

I think you gained muscle and maybe lost a little fat. I agree with your trainer. If you look the same, and your clothes fit the same, then the scale is useless. It's not the only way to measure progress and you should just get off it and start taking measurements instead if it makes you feel bad about yourself.
Remember, the scale is only a TOOL. It can work for you or against you. If it's working against you (by making you feel like a failure) then put it away.

I agree with k8ky's post and your trainer. It sounds like you've gained muscle (way to go!). Pick a pair of pants that fit, use that pair as your pants-o-meter. Don't stress out about the scale.

I struggle with this also, Slim CB. It's such a reversal of the mindset and the habits that we have so painstakingly built up: To be accountable to the scale. To check with the scale to confirm our results with hard data. To focus on numbers and constant subtraction. To combat our body dysmorphia with a reality check using a scientific instrument of measurement. That's what it took to lose.

Now we have to think differently and adopt a different set of measurements: The pants-o-meter. Body composition, which isn't easily ascertained if you're seeking really accurate data. And if, like me, you have lingering body dysmorphia, and are never quite caught up with what you look like, and fear this will distort your view if you "regain," then it's even harder to re-set the dial and trust other indicators of progress.

We just need new instrument panels.

So yeah, your trainer is right.

I also have clothes that fit remarkably well despite what is ostensibly a regain. I'm pretty sure it's related to the fact that my abs, butt and arms have never looked better. They still ain't pretty --- there is that loose skin thing, and I always had some cellulite going on my backside -- but underneath that, there are some hard-packed sections. Still, I get scale angst. And then anger and depression: To work so hard in the gym, only to weigh more.

It is very hard when you want some objective reality and find out the only method of fact-finding isn't adequate.

Saef your points resonate so well with me. Sometimes I get depressed over working out so hard in the gym, only to see the number on the scale remain stuck.

Maintenance is hard work......

Totally agree.

In September 2011, I decided to weigh and measure myself for the first time in three years. My weight was 62.9 kilos, and my hips measured 34”. Yet in December 2007, I weighed 0.8 kilos less, but my hips measured three inches more.

The take-home message: Ditch the scales and trust your pants!

Amen to that!

All I can add is that I'm in agreement with keeping an eye on the fit of your pants rather than the number on the scale, however, I don't advocate throwing away the scale. Sure you gained 10 pounds. Let's say it is muscle replacing fat (good thing!). Don't slack off just because you're not weighing yourself. I'm afraid that slacking off might add more weight. So do keep an eye on the fit of your pants and if, just if, they ever start to feel tight, step it up a bit.

I also advocate change. Change in routine, change in diet. If you've been doing the same thing for a long time, change it up. That might be the trick, too.