Keeping the scale at a distance

Today, I weighed myself on the home scale. Okay, my sister's scale. I've found that if I have a scale in the house, I will step on it every time I'm near it. Then I'll obsess about the number on the display, get frustrated and sabotage myself. So, instead, I head 3 doors down to my sister's house and use hers on a random basis.


I've been working really hard this week. I've been staying on my plan, not going over on my points (no thanks to Cheyney and his delicious rolls!). I've been going to the gym every day and exercising at least an hour. I've been drinking lots of water.

Yet, today I stepped on the scale and was UP one pound! What?!! How is that possible?? What is this about?? What can I do differently? Does this thing need new batteries??

As for most things I have questions about, I hit up Google. I've learned a few things about what may be causing the gain.

Plateaus are completely natural. 

Sometimes, it just takes your body a bit to catch up to the program. This can vary from a day or two to even a year. Don't give up! Just stay the course and, eventually, you'll start losing again. Remember, each day that you stay the same, you're not gaining. That in itself is a victory!

Sleep (or lack of) can impact weight loss.

I've read in a number of places that sleep, or lack thereof, can cause weight gain. Typically, you'll make bad food choices (more coffee, please), maybe skip the gym and generally feel tired. Usually, you'll get a burst of energy just before bed, increasing the odds you'll be even more sleep deprived and keep the bad behavior continuing.

On average, we need about 7.5 hours of quality sleep per night, he says. “If you are getting this already, another half hour will not help you lose 10 pounds, but if you are a five-hour sleeper and start to sleep for seven hours a night, you will start dropping weight.”- WebMd

You can actually exercise TOO much.

Believe it or not, exercising can become addictive. For me, the more I work out, the more I want to work out. This can be detrimental, as your spending less time relaxing with your friends and family, not giving your body a chance to rest and becoming more tempted to cheat on your weight loss plan ("I can eat that burger, I've exercised!"). Focus on bettering the food you put in your mouth, just as much as you are focusing on your workouts.

Eating too many low point foods.

I admittedly fall into this category. I am the queen of low point foods. But, no matter how low the points are, eating a gallon of soup or a whole pineapple or 6 pounds of bananas is not healthy for anyone! Make sure you are getting fiber and protein in each meal that you're eating. Protein raises the point value, but your body will thank you for it. 

Drink your water!

I've said it before, I'll say it again. Drink your water!! I've heard there's some equation that bases consumption on your weight. Do that if you like, but a good rule of thumb is 8 glasses a day. That should be your goal. 

While it is possible to "over dose" on water (too much will flush the vital electrolytes out of your system), most people don't come close. Stay hydrated!

Here are some other reasons why you might not be losing weight, courtesy of Health.com.

I'm trying hard to not be discouraged. I will keep doing what I'm doing. In the long run, the number on the scale doesn't matter as much as how good I feel. And I AM feeling good. I have more energy, I sleep better, I can stand on my feet for hours in the kitchen, and not be sore the next day. I can participate with my family more. And THAT is what matters most.