Lowkeylife's Journal, 11 December 2020

You still look good, i do not see any jelly belly. Coffee keep in mind is liquid calories. But i am thinking you are tall, i am only 5'4. Great job overall!!!🙂 

I hear ya on the coffee.  

My coffee calories are budgeted but upon returning I added two cups so along with the added calories I drink less water so who knows. My coffees are very boring with a slash of non dairy creamer no added sugar outside creamer but perhaps the two added cups are not working in my favor. 

Yes, I’m tall. 5’10” 

You look like you trimmed down to me. Maybe the bloating? And water. 

Sounds like you’re building muscle mass. 

I would normally say muscle mass but with this injured foot it’s most def not muscle. Both pics are from today and I wasn’t expecting pants to be so roomy. I’m basically at my pre injury late October weight... oh well, it will work itself out. I know my body is mad as hell. It’s cold, dark, not enough sleep, stress, too much coffee... ☹️ 

You're looking good LKL! 🎄🏡 

The human body doesn't gain or lose body fat at that rate. Even if you shoveled 24,500 extra calories a week of food in your mouth, most would come back out- from one end or the other. The body also doesn't build muscle that fast. If you start lifting weights, you may gain weight quickly due to the muscles retaining water, but that weight doesn't stay. This fluctuation is caused by water retention. In addition to exercise, water retention changes depending on what nutrients you are eating. Carbohydrates help retain water. When you lower your carb intake, the body burns carbs in your liver which releases the water. That is why low-carb diets help people lose up to 10 lbs in the first week. But when you increase your carbs, water weight comes back. Also, salt consumption can temporarily increase water retention. I can eat a bag of light popcorn (60 calories) before bed and I will be 2 lbs heavier at the next morning weigh-in. Water weight also changes based on when you consume food. If you eat high carb or high salt food late at night (for morning weigh-ins) they just sponge up the water all night. Lastly, as you mentioned, lack of sleep and added stress causes your body to retain water and slow metabolism to conserve energy. In conclusion, get plenty of rest, do some yoga, and don't stress about that 7lbs! Footnote: This is not intended to be medical advice. Always check with your medical professional before starting, ending or changing your diet or exercise routines. 

Hey, great reminder. I’m pretty versed in water retention, rate of muscle growth, low carb etc. I injured myself on 10/16 and went from super active to sedentary overnight. I began to monitor my intake much more carefully as I had plenty time being stuck in my apt. The past 12 days have been super stressful as I returned to work but still partially injured but again I’ve not strayed significantly from my woe as I’m pretty steady with my intake. I’d say lack of sleep, I have been eating popcorn at work along with lots of liquids so I know some is retention. My trainer began pushing me harder so muscles are angry. Realistically my low of 172.8 may not have been a real low and 173-174 is more so it, so again I’m hovering around 175-176 so perhaps being extra dramatic too 😆 Things are also moving better today. Lol. I thinks it’s important that people who are newer on this journey understand that these fluctuations happen and there is no need to panic or “throw in the towel”. I weigh myself daily to get a good understanding of my body and it’s reactions. While I’m a pretty firm believer in CICO I know certain foods react to my body a certain way. Let’s see what this week holds. I’m off 4 days so body will have a chance to calm down from stress! 

Scales get mean when they’re hungry. Mine always shows appreciation for new batteries. 

I guess I missed this...LK, Your smallest jeans fit you perfectly!!! I bet cortisol plays a role too! Stress and less sleep will make your body conserve! I bet once your stress level is lower you'll drop those lbs in no time! This is the most stressful time of the year! Hope things slow down and you can take some time out to do something fun or just sleep!  

Thank you, slowly lb’s are coming off. Stress is terrible but I’m managing sleep and drinking more water!!