Fighting the gremlins...

I started out in May weighing 155 pounds and two weeks ago I was down to 144 pounds - only 7 pounds from my goal of 137. My weight loss has been slow at around half a pound a week but that was fine by me. Over the past twenty weeks I have run at least 5K three times a week and increased my strength training. I was doing OK. However, almost two weeks ago friends arrived for a fortnight's stay and although I've managed to maintain the exercise regime my excess eating and drinking have taken their toll. This morning I weighed in at almost 148 pounds - a gain of 4 pounds from two weeks ago. SO a reminder to myself eight weeks of hard graft and counting calories to get rid of four pounds and less than two weeks of overeating and drinking to put it on! Waving friends off on Thursday evening then back to calorie counting and a cheese/bread free house! Just as well they did not arrive with the usual kilo bag of M&Ms and Macaroon bars or that might have been a 6 pound gain! In the past I might have well given up at this point but thanks to the support on here I am determined to get back on track and lose that fat!

[Hidden]

Those 4lbs will reverse quicker than previous gains, as they're just a sign your body's reacted to the change in food types - probably some water retention involved from extra salt etc. So just get back to what you know how to do and things will level out a bit more again - your body will find its natural balance again. I'm also knuckling down today, so you've got company! Good luck

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Hidden I'm going to knuckle down and get there too - do not want to be losing that same stone yet again!

[IndigoBlue61]

I'm in a very similar position 😕 October saw my first oversll gain in 15 months 😕 I'm back on track eating nd exercise wise but the scales are being stubborn.!!! Lol 😊 I'm trying to focus on eating healthily and keeping up my daily hour of exercise but it's tough 😕 It seems if I think about target weight or weight loss goals I lose the plot!!!

Good luck to us both 😊

[Hidden in reply to IndigoBlue61]

Gaining is so annoying after the hard work - and difficult not to get disheartened BUT we can do this even if it is tough! I am going to get into my slinky black dress for Christmas come what may and you are going to get into that wedding dress and look wonderful! I'm going back to focussing on drinking more water, eating my five a day etc... the positive things

[IndigoBlue61 in reply to Hidden]

Yes we will!! Feeling very determined today 😊 (Although it's only 10 past 6 😜😜😜)

[Caz28]

It always seems a lot easier to gain than to lose! Because your recent gain is due to obvious excesses I'm sure you will lose it again just as quickly. You had a great time with your friends and the important thing is your change in attitude, you are getting back on track which is great news for the future! You are in control, so well done!

[Hidden in reply to Caz28]

Caz28 it's so true gaining is extraordinarily easy. Hopefully, the pounds won't stick and the trajectory will once again be downward! I'm looking forward to having only healthy food in the house - it makes life so much easier

[Sailsalot]

Hello

Hidden

I also find it difficult when family or friends come to stay, especially if they eat more in general than us. I usually make ‘help yourself’ meals, where plenty of veg dishes, salad is on the table as well as the meat, fish, pasta, bread etc. Even then you feel obliged to offer nice desserts which I try to resist, or provide fruit/yoghurt as an alternative. We usually end up having meals out too, or take aways, you can make healthier choices, but still more calories than our usual amounts. The drinking is difficult as the visitors are on holiday and in the mood for enjoying themselves, whole thing is a recipe for weight gain. The best you can hope for is damage limitation and you have done well to only have slipped up by 4lbs in 2 weeks, you deserve a pat on the back!

Sure you will get it off again when you go back to your usual healthier eating habits and exercise, it might come off quicker than you think

[Hidden in reply to Sailsalot]

I must admit it's a real challenge - like you said Sailsalot they are 'on holiday' so looking to enjoy themselves - whereas I'm looking to keep to a manageable routine. I even felt a bit antisocial about exercising but thought I had to do something for damage limitation. Next time they come I'll have better strategies in place to avoid the gain

[muffintop67]

That's the spirit! Don't give up and think of how much you have still lost since you started this journey. Sounds like you are determined to get back on track so I am sure you will get down to that 144 level soon and then smash it to reach your goal. Don't forget looking at your chart you are within the healthy BMI range already so it's all good. Best of luck