Yesterday morning I weighed in at 117.8. Yesterday, I stuck to my plan of 1100-1200 calories, ate less than 1000 mg. of salt, ran 3.1 miles, lifted some weights...and this morning. I weighed 119 pounds. How is this possible?

After all my hard work this week (I gradually went from 119 to 117.8), it is so depressing to end the week right back where I started! Especially after seeing such a good number yesterday

The only thing I can think of is that I am supposed to have my TOM in the next week or week and a half. It seems a little early to be carrying a pound and a half of water weight, though!

What gives? Any thoughts?

I need some encouragement. I am SO close to goal!

Don't pay too much attention to daily scale readings. It's the trend over time that is significant.

Just remember your body isn't a machine. It doesn't always work predictably as lots of factors impact that scale number. Do you take your measurements? That can be a good way to see progress when your scale has you frustrated.

Can I give you some tough love for a second?

PUT THE SCALE AWAY!!!

Daily scale readings sound like they are only frustrating and bothering you. I seem to remember you posting something similar the other day? Day-to-day readings could change for any number of reasons: food, bathroom trips, your strength training causing you to retain water . . . it could be anything.

I know (no, I really know!) how frustrating it can be to be close to goal and not there. So don't give yourself more grief than you need to. You're doing the right things, so don't depend on any scale to validate your efforts. The number means less than you think it does - less than your fitness, physical and mental health, and how you feel about yourself.

I finally had to STOP weighing myself daily. It was too frustrating and I couldn't keep it in my head to look at the big picture. That small picture kept ruining my day. So enough was enough. Once a week except during TOM and then not at all until it passes. I am much more happy and content and a lot less stressed, frustrated and upset...all the triggers for my emotional eating.

I can tell you one thing... you haven't gained over a pound in fat in one day. It's impossible at 1100-1200 calories with all that running. I know I always weigh more the days following zumba. I don't know if my muscles are hanging onto water or what. But don't let it get you down!! It is likely water and I am sure after TOM, you will have a nice loss!!

Could be TOM, could be your body's holding water because of your exercise. Either way, it's not fat, so don't stress. Does the number on the scale really matter if you're liking the changes you're seeing in the mirror?

Sounds like the advice is unanimous! After Thursday, I am not going to weigh myself till next Thursday. What you all are saying sounds very logical. Even on the Biggest Loser, they measure their weight wekk by week, not day to day. I suppose this is why!

Unfortunately, I compeltely went off plan yesterday. Probably a mix of dissapointment with the scale number, my TOM, and I am nannying in a hotel room for the next two days with complete access to snack foods (though most of it was nuts, hummus, whole wheat bread, crackers, and skinny cow treats). I guess it could have been worse, like with ice cream and more fatty foods. But, still. I lost control because I was bored and dissapointed and emotional.

Today, I am back on schedule and willing to procede with my plan, which seemed to be working.

Thank you all for your encouragement! I think I may try and join one of those challenge forums to gain some motivation for this week.

I bumped up 6lbs overnight after a weight lifting workout once. Probably some kind of record, although I'd be happy to give that title up

Building muscle means water retention for repairs is what I was told.

Kick the scale to the curb like you are planning and don't make your weekly weigh in the day after a training day!

Also, I don't know how the heat is by you, but we tend to retain more water when it's hot out. Even though it seems like we're sweating like crazy sometimes in this heat, our body's like to hold onto water.

But, everyone is right, if weighing everyday is bothering you, then put an end to it. As for the "bad" day, sometimes we need a break from our normal healthy routine. That may help you!

I use to believe that weighing daily would keep me accountable and give me the chance to change something before the official weigh in on Saturday. After many MANY bouts of frustration over weigh gains when I should not have had them, I realized that I was hindering my progress with negative thinking. I now weigh only on Saturday's to end my week and again on Sunday to begin my week. I know that sounds weird to do back to back, but it works for me to concentrate on one week at a time. This is my 99th week!! Yay!

Congrats!

that or muscle soreness. Sometimes when the muscles are sore they hold water as a way to protect/repair themselves.

good luck