Inches Count!

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

I'm not sure if this has been mentioned before on this forum- I'm sure it has but I haven't read all the threads. But I just want to remind everyone, no matter what form of weightloss program you are doing- to MEASURE. It can really make a difference in your motivation even if the scale isn't moving.

I have weeks where I lose well and not so much on inches lost- but then other weeks I don't lose much on the scale and measuring weekly REALLY boosts my spirits because usually if the scale isn't budging- the inches are coming off great! I had a week (last week) where once again the scale wasn't moving at all- up and down pretty much the same all week- but when I measured I'd lost 4 inches that week! Talk about keeping my spirits up!!! I also noticed that week that I could wear a size smaller in jeans/shorts!!!

I regret not measuring my first week when I started Atkins induction. So please please..... measure- either weekly or monthly- it can really help if you aren't seeing the scale go down or haven't noticed a difference in your clothes just yet. I have lost 31.5 inches not counting the first week I didn't measure- since Feb 26th..... and I think that's just as awesome if not MORE awesome than the 32lbs I've lost so far!

 

[crazyme5kids]

I just bought a scale a couple of days ago, and am obsessed with hopping on and off of it (well it is a new toy isn't it?). I can't believe the variations in weight through out the day and from day to day. I took my measurements so it will be interesting to see what happens in a week or two after exercising.
Thanks for reminding everyone it isn't always about the weight!

 

[crazyme5kids]

Forgot to add...... WAY TO GO BibbidyBobbidyBoo!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Beanie]

You know, I have been meaning to do this since I started Atkins 3 weeks ago and still haven't!! Thanks for reminding me, I am going to go do that now!!

 

[disneychrista]

My personal opinion - Losing inches is 5 times more important then losing weight. You have to lose FAT to lose inches, but in reality all you have to do lose weight is go to the bathroom or not eat for a few hours.

 

[nativetxn]

<b>BibbidyBobbidyBoo</b> I am <i>so</i> glad you mentioned this! I have been telling WISHers to measure themselves and they don't want to do it.

glo finally caught on but Miss Beanie has finished induction and apparently <i>still hasn't weighed??</i> Hmmmm, Bean? Is that what you are saying?

You are 100% correct 3B measuring yourself can make the difference in giving up and being motivated.

I have said this before, if I can wear a size 6 I don't care if I weigh 300 pounds.

I measure myself once a month. You measure every week?

 

[geetey]

Seeing those inches go down is another GREAT way to keep up motivated! Oh! I know!! Perhaps if we had an inches lost clippie, people would get the idea?

If so, I measured today and I would like one that shows 13.5 inches!! WOOO HOOOOO!!!!

Whew .... can I have that clippe now?? It will be another month before I measure again.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Hi NativeTxn- yes, I measure weekly. I don't think it would keep me as motivated when the scale isn't moving if I waited and measured only once a month. But that's just me- I also couldn't go a month without weighing either but many others seem to do fine that way.

DisneyChrista- so true! But don't think that doesn't stop me from going to the bathroom BEFORE weighing in the morning (and before eating) HAHAHA

crazyme5kids- I'm a little obsessed on the scale too. Except when I'm on a roll losing weight I might only step on it a hundred times that day. HAHAHA just kidding- overexaggerating just a wee bit. LOL
Hey I've got it down to a science- I can tell if I'm going to lose in my sleep or not from how much I weigh before I went to bed. Meaning if I went up a certain amount from that morning I know I'll probably just go back to what I was the morning before..... but if I don't gain much then I'll probably lose. and btw- I only lose while asleep NEVER while awake. Weird huh? LOL

 

[ZerasPride]

This is actually one of the main reasons I have shyed away from the WISH board lately. I work out using The Firm tapes and the fanny lifter. I started February 24 and I cannot believe the results. I actually refuse to weigh myself because in the first three weeks I only lost 2 pounds. I was so discouraged. I admit I hadn't changed my eating habits and I wasn't sticking to the rotation calendar and doing the tapes on the days I was supposed to. Then I came here and got motivated! I started following the rotation calendar and watching what I was eating (and drinking that all important liquid - water!).

I have not been on a scale since the middle of March but I know I have lost! How do I know - the inches! I am wearing a pair of jeans today that were so tight on my tummy and waist that refused to wear them. They are almost falling off me! Friends and family have commented how I look liked I've lost weight in my face, thighs and butt (okay close friends and family) and how they are shapelier and firmer. I have been too afraid to measure myself but I know I've lost quite a few inches. I have even begun to lose the flab from my tummy that's been there since my son was born 16 years ago!!! I know that I have lost a dress size because I can actually comfortably wear some of my old clothes that are one full size smaller than what I am used to wearing.

I know I should start measuring myself but I've been afraid to jinx myself. I definitely am not stepping on a scale. Like a previous poster said, I could weigh 300 pounds but if I can wear a size 6, why would I care? I am feeling really good, motivated, focused and for the first time in my life confident!

I shared all this to say that I wish there was an inch clippie in addition to the pound clippie but I am not trying to make more work for any of the wonderful people on this board. I wanted you all to know I am making progress - one inch at a time and will soon get up enough courage to start measuring myself. I am so glad I found this thread and think you all are absolutely great! I know I can reach my goal weight and that this time is different because for the first time in my life, I'm not afraid to take the weight off! Working out and working up a sweat feels good and even though I like my little goodies and treats from time to time, I no longer feel like food is my entire universe (Disney is my universe ). Just kidding.

Anyway, I thought I would share what I was thinking with you guys and sorry for the long post!

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

No need to apologize for the long post. I like long posts (can't you tell? LOL) -well, atleast most of them. I enjoyed yours!

Who are you kidding? We know you aren't kidding about Disney being your universe. HAHAHA

Congratulations on losing so well- you have to be losing inches for all the smaller clothes to be fitting you and it sounds like you have your head on straight about what really matters- health and getting smaller- not necessarily losing lots of pounds.

 

[nativetxn]

Zeraspride that is a good idea about an inches lost clippie. I don't know how many more pieces of clipart the webbies would be willing to allow us to have but it's a great idea.

You know what? I think I'm going to add up all my inches lost so far and add it to my signature beneath my 10 pound banner and next to my 32.5 pounds lost since 1/9/03. That would work until we could find out about more clipart, wouldn't it?

3B I'm so glad you don't mind long posts <i>*cough* *cough*</i>

On occasion, I have been known to be a tad verbose

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Verbosity is my middle name.
LOL

 

[KathyFP]

Questions about measuring. I guess I am terrified to measure but, you are right, it is a good measure.

1. Do you measure yourself or have someone else do it.

2. Are there guidelines about what/ how to measure?

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

1. do it myself
2.- not sure. I just measured the areas I wanted to. Where I measure is:
calves (fattest part)
thighs (fattest part also LOL It's the only way I can make sure I'm measuring the same place- although I guess if the fat shifts- I'll be measuring a different place but I don't care. LOL)
abdomen
waist
right below breast (the place where the bra goes around under the cups)
chest (at widest area around me- which btw is lower than I would like. LOL But just weaning a few months ago didn't help that either LOL)
arms (upper arms although I started measuring lower arms recently also- just so I could see if I'm losing there.)
neck
Oh and hips- around the butt and just under my flabby hangy abdomen/belly LOL

 

[nativetxn]

Kathy, I will see if I can find the instructions on the best way to measure yourself, I thought I knew where they were but <i>surprise</i> they aren't there I'll see if I can find them and post them here.

So, BibbidyBobbidyBoo, you are actually 3Bs and a V? And here I've just been calling you 3B all this time