The Scale - the enemy?

[Kathlyn1976]

I'm a bit discouraged with the strange jumping around of the scale. Normally it's a helpful tool. Weight keeps jumping back and forth from losing 5 or 6 lbs to that same number I didn't want. Yes, clothes are loser but isn't that odd? I haven't cheated and find eating this way very easy with my busy lifestyle. I was hoping some others might be in the same boat: feeling better, looking better while the scale shakes its head and says, nope. You've made zero progress. :confused

[ilitz]

Hi Kathlyn...

Its the inches that are really important not the scale.

You seem to be in the same boat as me. I don't have "a lot" to lose so neither of us will lose the weight quickly. The less you have to lose the slower the weight loss seems to be. I think that is true with any diet.

My advise is to rely on your tape measure and not the scale. ..matter of fact stay off the scale for a week or two and then see what happens.

[Moochiecat]

Since last Nov/Dec, the scale has gone down about 8 pounds for me :yikes but my body has changed considerably.
I really became aware that things had slowed down when I got a scale in late March. At that time I was hovering at 156, and now I hover at about 148/150.
Yes, it's frustrating, but I've been exercising, so I'm probably building muscle and losing body fat.
It's just how it goes sometimes, and as long as you re-evaluate your diet and exercise plan and make sure you're doing things correctly, then you need to stay away from the scale for a few weeks and focus on how your clothes are fitting. :yes

http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/viewtopic.php?t=63916

[Richt]

Further to Moochiecat's answer.

Unfortunately the smaller you get the harder it is to lose. I'm in the same boat as Moochie and have only lost around 8 lbs in the last 9 months.

Very disheartening, but I keep reminding myself that its a marathon not a sprint and it doesnt matter how long it takes me to get to goal just aslong as I do.

Rich

[Peytonn]

I have a cool Garfield poster inside my closet (on the door).. it's Garfield on the scale... pointing down and screaming "LIAR!!!"

[workingonit]

I call my scale a pathological liar and it only says mean things that hurt me LOL So I try not to interact with the darn thing very much!

[Kathlyn1976]

Those were excellent encouraging replies. Thank you so much! I'll keep on keeping on. One of the reasons I love this "diet" is that I don't focus so much on the scale and short term goals. It's a great way to eat, not feel hungry and not be a slave to emotional eating. Thanks for the positive response. Good luck to all of us. :wave

[not2sweet]

Whatever you do, don't get discouraged! The scale and I are not on speaking terms because one week I have lost 5 lbs and the other I have gained 4 of it back. But I have went down 3 sizes in the process and I can really tell the difference no matter what the scale says. I average about a 10 lb loss a month which isn't too bad.

You have to figure in the time of day you are weighing yourself...when you first wake up is the best time to weigh in. I retain water really bad so I have water pounds all the time.

Keep your chin up and if your clothes are loosening up, you are doing the right thing! :nod

[Ebonyspice]

Please dont rely on the scales , i used to be very dependant on them and to some extent still am . Let the looseness in your clothes be a good guide for you !.
Luv Ebony