Ok, for the last month now, I have been eating healthy and making it to the gym about 4 times a week. Why is it that not only have I not lost weight, but I actually have gained a pound? I really do not believe that it is "muscle" Anyone know what's going on here?

Lynn,

I know how you feel. I recently spent 6 weeks (working out EVERY NIGHT) at the gym and watching what I ate and gained a pound (and I have about 30 to lose). Some people said I was gaining muscle, but I had a hard time with that -- I mean, it just didn't make much sense that with what I have to lose my body would start packing on muscle while simultaneously hoarding fat.

But, also, I have a lot of other things I'm trying to accomplish in my life at the same time. So I finaly decided to call in the experts. I had a LA Weight Loss membership/program already paid for that I wasn't using. I added to that the services of a personal trainer twice a week (not as expensive as you might think if you already have a gym membership).

Now, I don't worry or obsess about which thing it was I ate or if my heart rate was high enough on the bike. I let Amber the trainer and the girls at LAWL worry about that. And my weight loss has progressed significantly since I started doing this close to two weeks ago. Time will tell how it continues.

I just found that I could second-guess myself to death about why it wasn't working, or get advice from all my friends, none of who have any more sense than me. I was getting frustrated. So if you get frustrated, too, consider calling in the experts and let them duke it out!

Jen

I'm with you guys I've been at a plateau for the last few months (okay since jan) and I'm going crazy. I'm following the WW diet and going to the gym 2-3 times a week (even started eating my activity pts & doing the Wendy plan). I usually do yoga but haven't done any in a month. I'm stuck at 146. The upside: even though my weight isn't going down the size of my clothes has. The down side: the scale does matter to me, to a point.
If you've been working out for a little while I don't think there is too much to worry about. Here's the reason: your body is still changing. Even though 1lb of fat = 1lb of muscle, muscle takes up less room than fat. This is calming to a point.
I too am meeting with one of the trainers at my gym. Not only am I fed up with this plateau but I'm bored of my routine and need things shaken up a bit. The guy who did my fit test at the gym told me how much I should expect to lose and he seemed shocked when I told him I was going to hold it to him because of my plateau. Hmmm a month later and still 146, maybe I should drop by his office

Be patient. It took you a long time to put that weight on and it will take a while to get rid of it. I have been at it for two years. IO still have 130 pounds to loose. But my body has changed so much in the pas year and I am so happy for it. I lift and horseback ride and bycycle. Perhaps you need more cardio? Weight training is good but you need both. I have often spenty months at a plateau but eventually the numbers did drop and usually dramatically. So don't give up. Try measuring once a month I do my Bust, waist, hip and thigh and can see big changes even when the numbers remain the same. I also have to check the scale regularly. Can't seem to shake that habit buit I don't let it get me down. I gain 5-10m pounds every time I get my TOM but it always goes away again.