I don't weigh at all. I think I'm pretty intelligent and can logically know that I may have gained because of water weight, TOM, etc. However, sometimes in life, logic does not rule the day. (After all, most Americans logically know they should eat less and move more but as a society, we don't do it). I find that the scale makes me too obsessive over numbers. I get enough of that calorie counting, so I don't want to add to that by weighing myself.
However, back to the question by the OP . . . I definitely think I temporarily gain weight during TOM. Last week, for example, was my TOM. I tried on a size 10 skirt that I haven't worn in two years. I could button it, but it was tight. Also, my size 12 shorts fit a bit more snugly than usual. This week, though, those shorts are actually a bit lose and I was able to wear that size 10 skirt to church on Sunday.
So, if you are going to weigh during the TOM, just keep in mind that any weight gain is most likely temporary (unless, of course, you've been pigging out ---LOL!)
I don't weigh at all. I think I'm pretty intelligent and can logically know that I may have gained because of water weight, TOM, etc. However, sometimes in life, logic does not rule the day. (After all, most Americans logically know they should eat less and move more but as a society, we don't do it). I find that the scale makes me too obsessive over numbers. I get enough of that calorie counting, so I don't want to add to that by weighing myself.
However, back to the question by the OP . . . I definitely think I temporarily gain weight during TOM. Last week, for example, was my TOM. I tried on a size 10 skirt that I haven't worn in two years. I could button it, but it was tight. Also, my size 12 shorts fit a bit more snugly than usual. This week, though, those shorts are actually a bit lose and I was able to wear that size 10 skirt to church on Sunday.
So, if you are going to weigh during the TOM, just keep in mind that any weight gain is most likely temporary (unless, of course, you've been pigging out ---LOL!)
I wish I could, but I can't tell that much by how my clothes fit unless they are on the verge of being too tight. I've been in a size 14 for 20 pounds so far and will probably be in them for another 10. If I waited until I noticed they were too tight, I could have gained 25 pounds! Of course, I would know that I was eating too much here and there, but I wouldn't feel confident in how that translated to gaining or losing weight. It takes 5-10 pounds for me to see a measurement shift too and even then, I can't be sure I measured in the right place every single time. Like last month I thought I lost 2" on my arms - remeasured and everything. This month I gained an inch in my arms. I messed that up somehow.
Reality is though, I use a LOT of tools - calorie counting, scale, measurements, tracking my workouts and how my clothes fit. For me personally though, I find the scale motivational and reassuring. This past month I set a goal of mininizing my water weight gain before Ovulation and I did it! I knew the gain was coming, but I did my best by working out and eating lower sodium to minimize it which minimized my feeling of dread as I watched it climb.
I wish I could, but I can't tell that much by how my clothes fit unless they are on the verge of being too tight. I've been in a size 14 for 20 pounds so far and will probably be in them for another 10. If I waited until I noticed they were too tight, I could have gained 25 pounds! Of course, I would know that I was eating too much here and there, but I wouldn't feel confident in how that translated to gaining or losing weight. It takes 5-10 pounds for me to see a measurement shift too and even then, I can't be sure I measured in the right place every single time. Like last month I thought I lost 2" on my arms - remeasured and everything. This month I gained an inch in my arms. I messed that up somehow.
Reality is though, I use a LOT of tools - calorie counting, scale, measurements, tracking my workouts and how my clothes fit. For me personally though, I find the scale motivational and reassuring. This past month I set a goal of mininizing my water weight gain before Ovulation and I did it! I knew the gain was coming, but I did my best by working out and eating lower sodium to minimize it which minimized my feeling of dread as I watched it climb.
I hear ya'. I wish I could be more objective when I look at the scale. Maybe I'll get there one day. For right now, I guess I'm not as stringently goal oriented as I was in the past (at least right now I'm not; that may change later). For now, I've decided to focus on trying to keep my calories within a certain range and trying to get more daily physical activity. I'll do that consistently and let the pounds fall where they may. Of course, I've only been at this [this time around] since June 1, so we'll see how I'll feel in a few more months.
I think it mostly bugged me because of the 260s again and I was so glad to be out of them. But I understand that weight is going to do that so I'm okay with it. Just keep pushing on and trying hard to lose this weight!
I don't stay off the scale, but I never count "gains". I have been 100% on plan and working out, so any fluctuations are just that...fluctuations. They are normal and definately not actual weight gains. Eventually it goes back down, but it might just take longer to get to the next lower number.
I'm also on TOM and have gained quite a bit of water weight (about 4 pounds...maybe more). I know I haven't gained any or much fat, as I've been sticking to the diet.
I just have to stop weighing. I know that during this week that it's going to go up and down, and so I figured I'd take away the added stress of trying to find a real number. Also, during tom, I find myself needing to eat more. And that's no big deal. I've consumed a few extra calories during these days, while still counting. It's more of a maintenance week than anything. I'm sluggish, moody, in general it's never a good week for me. Why add to it? Haha.
I'm hoping that I lose rapidly after this. I also find that I was losing really quickly until a few days before TOM started. I was following my diet to a T, and yet had not lost anything. I feel gross and fat, so I don't weigh. I like to weigh everyday when I'm feeling good about myself and know I've stuck to the plan. Also, I graph my progress. So, I'd rather not have a week of ups and downs in the middle of my downward trend.
Overall, I just think it is totally up to you. It all depends on how much tom affects you. It's always a pretty horrible experience for me, and so I decidedly do not add any additional stress. I watch what I eat, but if I'm hungry, I eat. Like I said, I treat it sort of as a light maintenance week. If you are comfortable with weighing, go ahead! If you're not, then don't.
Don't be too hard on yourself, we are all bloating!
Edit: I read more deeply in to the other posts, and it sounds like weighing every day might be a good thing even on tom. I hopefully can gain the courage to start doing that as well! Thanks ladies.
Does skipping weighing during your period not give you permission to overeat as you won't be able to see the difference? After all, if you weigh yourself every day, after a few months you will know how much it's normal for you to put on during your period and when it has got to the point where it's not hormones, it's overeating.
I have fairly substantial PMDD, but the premenstrual bloating pretty much stopped when I began dieting. (Don't envy me too soon, the migraines and premenstrual anxiety got worse, although at least they're taking turns and I don't get both in one cycle.) I get little ups and downs and stalls like everyone else, but I don't seem to get them specifically around my period, or rather, sometimes my weight misbehaves around my period, but not always, and it misbehaves at other times too, despite sticking firmly to the diet at all times.
Happy to say the 4 lbs. are gone now =) Back down to 258. I love all the support you get on 3FC, I don't think I could keep on going sometimes and then I get on this site. Amazing group of people and always there to tell you what you need to hear or even that swift kick in the rear to get you back up on your feet! Hope everyone has a GREAT!! day!
...and guess what? One month I GAINED 13 POUNDS during TOM. Yup, you read that right. THIRTEEN. And it "magically melted off" when TOM passed. Thank goddess!!!!
Last edited by Beach Patrol; 08-04-2011 at 12:42 PM.
Another question to do with the same topic... I'm LATE! If you start dieting and changing your eating habits does this mess with your menstruation cycle? Mine is really regular until now... I was supposed to start yesterday according to the calendar and nothing not even a sign of it. I'm beyond bloated and crampy and I never get cramps. Anyone else ever had this happen?
Another question to do with the same topic... I'm LATE! If you start dieting and changing your eating habits does this mess with your menstruation cycle? Mine is really regular until now... I was supposed to start yesterday according to the calendar and nothing not even a sign of it. I'm beyond bloated and crampy and I never get cramps. Anyone else ever had this happen?
When I changed my eating habits last month I was TWO weeks late...two weeks...could you imagine? I got daily calls..."anything yet?" lol.
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