When the scale isn't moving, or it moves WAY too slow for our liking...or it fluctuates because we weigh ourselves a few times a day...

Just some thoughts...

I don't think that the problem is with the scale (even though mine will vary depeninding on exactly where on the floor I put it). What is probably fluctuating is your weight - water retention from a salty food, drinking water, time of month, and even (your should pardon the expression) a full or empty bowel.

You might want to consider weighing yourself once a day - perhaps when you first get up in the morning. Even then, I've found that my weight can go up or down 2 or more pounds from day to day.

The important thing is to stay on program, making wise food and exercise choices (so that they will eventually become habits, and then become a whole new lifestyle). The numbers on the scale WILL reflect those good changes.

Most of us want instant gratification NOW NOW NOW - unfortunately, our bodies aren't so accomodating.

One way that you can get that gratification is make a note in your journal every time you do something that was a wise choice (i.e., "Today I got out of the house on an errand instread of eating that cake that was calling to me, "I tried a new recipe today, "I ate slowly and felt comfortably full (not stuffed" at the end of the meal," I went for a walk today even though I didn't feel like it and now I feel much better."

Each of these statements are empowering and affirming!

Plus, you can always post them here, where your cyberspace buddies can give you LOTS of bravos!

Hang in there and take it day by day, hour by hour.

Bethel, I'm so glad you posted this. This is a frustration I've been feeling for a few days now, as my scale only budged half a pound this week. It can be so disheartening, especially when you feel like you're doing everything right. But today, after getting back from a great workout, I'm focused more on the healthy food choices I'm making and the good sweat I'm working up on a daily basis. My lifestyle is so different now than what it was just 4 short weeks ago, and that's something to be proud of. What I'm finding is that, just like you said, when my scale isn't budging I need to focus on all the good things I'm doing for myself and all the healthy choices I'm making.

I'd completely agree, its not always easy to stay cool when you're on a flamin' plateau, but I think at least its not going up.

emily
xxx

Those are some good words to hear when the scale isn't budgeing. Thank goodness mine have finally started going down again, but for a while there, i was working out like crazy, watching what i eat and the scale was just not moving. It can be maddening sometimes...but we must not just judge our progress by the scale only...but by the good habits we are forming and the wonderful lifetime changes we are making.

GREAT POST, I can agree 100%! Thanks for putting it in words.....because it is true that we fluctuate SO much on a daily basis that it is hard to get a TRUE reading.....