090220's Journal, 17 January 2013

We NEED the scale, or at least SOME kind of measurements, to know if we're doing okay. I think there are basically two ways of doing the weigh-ins. One is what your cousin says. Weigh in every week to two, and record your progress or setback. It will show you how you are generally doing. Or, like I do, weigh in every single day. I need this to be completely aware of how my body reacts to my actions. I need to know immediately when I gain weight, so I can correct. I get stubborn when I get weight. However, if you're the type who will just quit when you gain weight overnight, then it's probably better to weigh in every two weeks. Don't forget, though. It's an eye opener when we do bad, and it's an amazing feeling when we do good. :) 

First, google "why the scale lies" so you get insight in to the scale and water weight fluctuations. Then start getting proactive about nutrition and exercise. Start reading books from the library. Get some fitness magazines and read them for information and motivation. How often you weigh should be dependent on you. Some people do well weighing every day. As long as they understand that weight can fluctuate hourly. You can be up one day from too much sodium the day before. The most successful dieters are those who track their food intake. Since you only have a tiny bit to lose, it may be a good idea to track calories. Find a good caloric intake that will keep you satisfied and still help you lose a half a pound to a pound a week. A diet needs to be sustainable or you will go back to the old way of eating. It's also good that you know it's not just about a number on the scale. It takes a lot of time and hard work to lose weight and feel good. You can do it. Don't let the scale deter you. 

122 lb is not whopping unless you are 3'6"....I agree with Suzi161 about weighing in the scale. I can tell the minute I step on whether I am up or down before the number pops up. I excercise vigorously 5 days per week and the other 2 I walk moderately. I am suppossed to eat 1700 calories a day to lose and so far have been under that amount every day. Since sarting Jan. 2nd, I am down 3-1/2 lbs. and am pleased with my progress 

Thank you so much for everyones comments! I'm definitely going to be spending hours online looking up all the methods of measuring weight loss/gain and hopefully find something that's right for me. I'll keep in mind that it's not all about the number on the scale, but in the same way, is it also really all about the number of calories I eat? Because like you Cratzley, I have a RDI of 1900 cals a day but I eat less than that everyday on a normal basis, I'm not really sure if it's been having any affects or not though. Do you weigh yourself everyday? Congratz on your progress though! :)