Since the beginning of July I have been working out 5-6 days per week (cardio & weights) and counting calories like a madwoman. An average day's meal plan for me is Slim Fast shake for breakfast, Lean Cuisine for lunch, baby carrots/celery for a snack, and a low calorie dinner like boiled chicken and vegetables.

I weigh myself on the same scale every morning. Last week, my morning weigh ins were around 124-125. For the past few days, I have weighed in at 127! I also weighed myself on the scale at the gym and weighed 127.5.

I have not been cheating on my diet and I have been working HARD at the gym for the past 2 weeks.

WHAT IS GOING ON!?!? It is hard to stay motivated when I've been working so hard but seem to be GAINING weight.

The same thing has been happening to me, and I'm getting quite annoyed with it, what I think I'm going to do is keep going, add 5-10 minutes to my workout, and drink tons of water, I'm also not going to weigh in for a couple days, and see what happens. Honestly, I feel you because I'm starting to get ticked off too seeing all this effort go to waste!

Maybe you're not eating enough calories? OR gaining muscle?
Sorry if I'm not much help but don't give up!!

Okay, I'm going to say something that you might not agree with: Stop the daily weigh-ins! LOL.

It's normal to have daily fluctuations - depending on whether you've recently urinated, just eaten, time of day, time of month, etc. Women have tons of hormone ebbs and flows throughout the month.

I weigh myself every week on Monday morning - immediately upon waking and after urinating, completely naked. Once a week is a much better barometer IMO.

Secondly, are you sure you're eating enough? If you aren't eating enough calories, your metabolism shuts down thinking it's starving. But I'm not saying this is what's happening to you.

Thirdly, maybe you need to switch up your exercise routine b/c you've hit a plateau. Think 'muscle confusion'. Supposedly, all the fitness gurus out there seem to think you need to switch it up every 10 days to three weeks to keep your body guessing. Add in some HIIT cardio or increase your weights a little. Or you couldn't gained some muscle which is lean muscle mass, not a bad thing. Also, you just started this journey. I know for me, it took like at least four weeks before I really started to notice a difference in my body.

Fourthly, I noticed that you only eat one snack that you eat from your sample menu. I eat two small snacks with protein daily to keep my metabolism running. Also, drink lots of water. Divide your weight in half and that's how much water (in ounces) you should be drinking daily.

I hope this helps. I'm not an expert but this is what works for me. And congrats on the weight loss so far. I know it's not easy.

I will try adding some more protein into my diet, good idea.

Also - I didn't think about this... But I started my period 2 days ago. What is it about having your period that causes you to gain weight? Water retention?

*nods emphatically* Yes, yes, yes to all of this! Thanks, FitMom, for writing it all up. I tanked my metabolism by cutting calories to low for to long. Try using a BMR calculator to find out what you burn just by existing, then add lifestyle and exercise and reduce your calories by 500/day to get a good base.

Oh - and *something you might not like* - but all that processed food is NOT GOOD for you. Try an egg and toast in the morning and a fresh salad with some protein at lunch. I know, I know, it's not as convenient - but you'll live longer!

I just started my period this morning and my stomach is bloated slightly. I'm also up 2 lbs. to 119. No need to worry, the weight will go away when the period is over. And it is water retention which is why you might feel bloated. Lovely being a woman, isn't it? LOL.

On the protein, remember protein is the building blocks of muscle or lean muscle mass. Plus, it keeps you full longer too.

I also second the 'no' to processed foods. Eating whole foods in their more natural state will melt the fat off you, seriously. The boxed meals should only be used in a pinch. I know it's tough to do but when the weight comes off, you'll be very happy.

Good Luck!

I agree with stopping the daily weigh-ins. I'm now only weighing every two weeks unless I feel like I look bigger or think I can grab more blubber.

I definitely am starting to think that maybe twice monthly is a better idea as well.

An update! I'm off my period, and down to 124.1 this morning. Last week on this day I was 124.8, but I slipped on my skinny jeans this morning to see if I noticed a difference, and -- voila! No more muffin top! So, although according to the scale I haven't even lost one pound, I can definitely see a difference in the way that my clothes are fitting.

For the past few days I've been focusing on whole foods instead of eating Lean Cuisines and other processed foods. I started making my lunches at night to just grab in the morning to make on-the-go dieting possible without processed foods. I also have been drinking a protein shake after my work-outs to make sure I'm getting enough protein.

As far as work-outs go, I've been doing the same thing... Running 2-2.5 miles and lifting weights, and I've been really good about going every day, but I did miss Wednesday (I felt really nauseated all day and couldn't imagine working out).

So, even though the scale is saying I'm not really losing weight, I can really see the weight loss when I look in the mirror, so I am no longer frustrated. I'll just keep on keepin' on.

If you don't have time to cook try Kashi frozen meals instead of Lean Cuisine. They have whole grains, fresh tasting veggies and lots of protein and fibre. I switched to them for lunch last year with a salad or little sandwich. I also wanted to add that I refuse to weigh myself 4 days before that time if the month.

Good for you!! That's awesome that you noticed a difference. The skinny jeans are my go-to item to tell if I'm doing okay. I'm happy that you're making progress too.