Here's My Dilema

[tlgoblue]

Trying not to let the scale dictate my daily life, but I know I'm holding a ton of water, am seriously pre-menstral, didn't even want to get out of bed this morning, have a wicked headache, and have too many things scheduled for one day. I'm supposed to go to Pilates in an hour and I don't want to go. I feel off balance, and I am getting to the point where I think I'll weigh myself and decide how badly I need to go, based on what the scale says. What should I do? Maybe, I should just go and put the scale in the trash. I'm almost to that point. I can tell by the way my clothes fit, I'm going to be horrified if I do get on the scale, and probably beat myself up. So maybe I should get rid of the darned thing so I can't weigh in, and just use the scale at the gym. Thing is, I would go to the gym every day, not that it would be a bad thing, but I would be doing it to see results on the scale! It is harder than I thought to wrap my mind around! I'm really frustrated! Waiting for advice.

Keep the Faith!
Tracy

 

[DoeWDW]

What good is the scale when it doesn't tell the whole story?? If you feel like you're retaining water, then why even get on. The way your clothes fit is more important - the scale just shows a number. It doesn't tell you how much is lean body mass, how much is fat and how much is water.

You could very well have LOST fat but gained more water - and based on the scale, you'd beat yourself up when you're really doing well.

Don't put yourself through this! If you're beginning to obsess about the number and letting it alone determine your success or failure, then you need to stay away from it for awhile. It is ONE indicator of how you're doing, not the ONLY or even the MOST IMPORTANT indicator.

I weigh myself every day but I take the number with a grain of salt and judge more by how my clothes are fitting, if my rings are loose or tight, which hole I use for my belt, etc.

 

[addicted_to_WDW]

Given your recent battles, I think getting rid of the scale at least temporarily will help you. I only weigh once a week because I can't bear seeing the daily fluctuations...at least when you weigh only once the chances are good that you'll see the scale either stagnant or moving in a positive direction.

Go to the gym, but swear to yourself that you'll weigh less frequently and then do it! It's motivational for some people to see every ounce come off, but I think it could be detrimental for you.

Good luck Tracy. You can do it!!!

 

[tlgoblue]

I skipped Pilates, did not weigh, and did an old aerobic tape I've had for ages. 30 mins and I'm sweating like mad. (I think I might be holding water? ) Anyway, I feel great and am going right now to take DD her lunch, then I'm having a huge spinach salad for lunch and I'm putting the scale away, in the basement. I hate going into the basement and hate it more than anything else, so for me to go down there to weigh will be a huge indicator of how I'm doing. Thanks everybody!

Keep the Faith!
Tracy

 

[nativetxn]

Good idea putting the scale in the basement. I ignore my scale except about once a month. I always retain a lot of fluid and I refuse to torture myself with seeing the number go up and down so often.

I'm glad you're feeling better

 

[DoeWDW]

Sounds like you're on the right track, Tracy! I'm glad to see you're taking good care of you, both physically AND mentally!

 

[lmhall2000]

Ya know- it gets to a point where you just have to start living to live not living to lose weight. By relying on your clothes- you're heading in the right direction!!! Sensibly- to keep your heart healthy you should be doing 45 minutes to an hour of exercise 3-5x a week. Now don't forget those days when you're spring cleaning or gardening non-stop count too! I challenge you (I know it will be tough- but given your concerns I think it would help) to not throw out the scale but pack it up in a box and seal it- then put it in your closet- then try to go a month without weighing at ALL!!! Let your clothes decide for you when you need to readdress your eating style. Don't weigh at the gym. Who cares what the number shows on the scale- some folks are 5'7 weigh 135 and look more out of shape or less healthy than someone the same height weighing 150. So don't worry about the number- worry about your heart getting stronger- you're exercising to ward of sickness and improve energy not just to lose weight. Hope this helps- and if it gets too much- consider the challenge!
Tara

 

[tlgoblue]

Thanks Tara!

I did put my scale in the basement and I assure you, it is not a place I visit often! (When we get a lot of rain, I go to the bottom of the stairs and check to see of the sump pump is still working! )
But if you check out my last post to my journal, you will see my demon isn't just exercise. Before I realized I had a problem, I was eating about 800 calories a day! I am still not too far off that mark. Even when I went to my favorite restaurant, (besides Charlie Trotters LOL!) I began eliminating the beef from my fajitas, asking to have the cheese and the sour cream left out and actually considered having the same done with the guac, but that was the final straw! I love guac. I really was doing so much better when I was getting 1500/day and exercising 30 mins/day, but I'm having a hard time getting back there. I mean, my loss has slowed and I know it is because my metaboilsm is shutting down. My head knows what to do, so why can't I do it?! I am paying attention though. The scale at the gym? OOOOOH I don't know. That will be tough. Focus on clothes...Focus on clothes... Focus on clothes. OK! I'm feeling better! I'm going to put on my comfy 10's and be happy the rest of the day!


Keep the Faith!
Tracy