Frustrated! I could really use some words of encouragement!

Hello all. I am completely new to peer trainer, so I am still figuring this stuff out.

About me: I am 25 years old and about 5"2 and my heaviest weight has been 138 lbs. My lowest has been 132. I have been borderline overweight according to my BMI for a while. I would say I have more of a muscular build... I played competitive soccer year round from age 7 through to high school. In high school with all that exercise I weighed in at about 127. Since high school my fitness level has dramatically decreased.

I am a teacher, so I have my summers off. This summer I decided my project would be to increase my physical activity. About a month ago I began to exercise for about 6 days out of the week about an hour a day.

Normally, I get mad at myself, make myself exercise for a week and then I decide that I don't need it anymore. I know that I do not have the most healthy diet, but I do not have a horrible diet. I would say I consume about 1200-1400 calories a day. Keep in mind that is a rough estimate, I have tried to track calories before but its hard to keep motivated and the calories and numbers bore me. At the beginning of the summer, I stopped drinking pop.

So- I have been SO PROUD of myself. I have been working out only giving myself one day off a week. Oh, and the reason I do that is because if I take off more time than that I will just stop completely. I have been feeling good, I have noticed some changes in my body, I have been feeling more confident and comfortable in my own skin.

Today, after my half hour walk/run, I decided to weigh myself- which is something I don't like to do. I was excited to see my progress paying off. To my surprise- I gained about 6-7 lbs. After that I went into freak out mode where I tried my tight pants on, and I think they feel tighter than normal, and now I look in the mirror and instead of proud I am angry.

When telling my mom (who for a long time told me while growing up that I should lose 20 lbs, then I would be prettier- she regrets this now but I have a horrible self-image), she basically told me that she hasnt noticed a difference in my body and I should try harder. I am just discouraged because I have been working so hard and I have been so proud and I feel defeated. Everyone tells me I look fine, or great, or good, but I NEVER believe any of them. Any words of encouragement?

Fri. Jul 13, 1:19pm

Don't be discouraged!

Hi, Don't be discouraged. Though I am 61, I understand a little. I'm not a trainer, but it seems from what you say that you are athetic. Perhaps your body is building more muscle? Women your age tend to be heavier in the rear and smaller in the waist. Maybe you need to look at yourself more objectively. You are not as much overweight as you think. Just watch your carbs, especially bread and deserts, if you don not already. Good Luck Gail

Friday, July 13, 2012, 1:52 PM

You know what? It is totally normal to notice an increase in your weight when you start exercising. This is because your muscles are not used to it and they hold water! This can last for up to a month or more. And it's frustrating to put in this hard work and see the scale go up! But it really is normal and the scale WILL start to go back down if you stick to it. You said you noticed some changes in your body and that's great! Don't downplay that. The changes start out small so you will be the first to notice them. When the changes get bigger, they will be noticeable to everybody else too. And even if you haven't noticed any major changes in your weight, you are doing great things for your health by eating better and exercising. Good luck.

Friday, July 13, 2012, 5:35 PM

First of all, congrats to you for making this decision now. You realize that comments from your mom were harmful to you, but you are doing your best to make your life better. You are doing the right thing by increasing your exercise and think about your food.

A couple of suggestions. This probably isn't an issue you should talk to your mom about. She doesn't sound supportive of you in this aspect. Learn from that and move on. No fault/no blame. Just realize what it is.

If you think you are eating about 1200-1400 calories, you are probably eating about 2000-2200. It's the nature of the beast. Yes, it's hard to count calories, but once you do it for awhile, you will get a feel for portion sizes. That's what counts. Eat what you want in moderation. Once you get comfortable, you can go with your gut feel, but right now find out what you are really eating.

I would also suggest that you weigh yourself only in the morning with few clothes on. If you weigh yourself after eating/working out/drinking water, your weight is going to vary. Perhaps weigh yourself twice a week on the same days at the same time.

Listen to your body. If your clothes are fitting better, then you are winning. This is going to take time though because you don't have that much weight to lose. Make this a lifelong habit, so it won't be so hard in the future.

Again, congrats on working on your health. Great job!!

Also remember that weight loss isn't going to make you feel better. It's what's inside. If you are happy, close your eyes at night knowing that you are doing the right thing for your body. That's what it's all about, right - being healthier and happier, not skinnier?

Good luck to you!!

Friday, July 13, 2012, 5:51 PM

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