Help!!

I used to be neurotic about weighing myself but I'm now okay with once a week. So, today I get on the scale and I'm up 4 lbs.!!! Honestly, I've kept to the plan. It probably isn't food related. Last weekend my activities consisted of 8+ hours gardening in the heat and humidity, 70 minutes on the eliptical machine and 1/2 hour with my trainer. I was pretty physically drained but I don't feel sore or bloated. I'm 50 so I'm closer to menopause than not so it isn't likely time of the month related. I'm a bit baffled.

My question is - have any of you experienced anything similar with the scale?

Hell yes! I vary by 8 lbs every day depending on water, TOM and activity levels. That 8 lbs also varies over the course of the week. I wouldn't worry about it. Did you take measurements when you started? They offer a more accurate picture of what's going on fat loss wise than the scale.

Also - when you increase your activity level you should also increase your calories and your water. If you create too much of a deficit in calories your body will think 'stress' and a stressed body does not let go of water or fat.

Nat

yep! Just this week. I have been more dilligent about my weight training workout (since viewing an "Oprah" show on the subject and seeing how great it made the users look and endure ) and the 'evil' scales have rewarded me by showing an increase!! No change in the way my clothes fit as far as feeling tighter though. I think the key word when it comes to the scales is 'fluctuation'.

I am also 50 and 'Aunt Flo' is starting to show signs of senility -- sometimes she shows up late, sometimes early, leaves early, etc. so even though not in menopause, probably experiencing hormonal fluctuations that may also affect the scale in some way.

With the increase in activity you can credit some of the flux to fat to muscle conversion. Throw the darn scale away. It is not your friend.

I weigh daily without trepidation, but I do have to say that since I started working out a lot more and quit my birth control pills my daily weight has been fluctuating madly. It has been a little disconcerting.

;-Deb

It's comforting to know I'm not alone with this. I have been working out steadily with weights and see that my little muscles are starting to peek out and I can lift and press a whole bunch more than when I started 4 months ago.

I have these two voices on my shoulder one saying "the scale lets you know how you're doing" the other saying "chuck the scale and trust your clothes". It's a battle.

I am going to experiment the next couple of weeks with trying to eat more protein and keep my carbs where they are. As I evaluate my meals I think I may be a bit short. This is high season for fresh local fruits and veggies and I'm crazy about them.

I'll try to be patient and thank all of you for your support.

Susan