"Bad Day" - how long before it shows on the scale?

This is my first time posting here so hello to all of you and thank you for the support because even though I don't usually post I do appreciate reading for inspiration.

I have some questions about "weighing in."  I weigh myself every morning.  I know that daily weight fluctuates a bit so I don't usually stress when it's up a little bit because I can reassure myself that it will be down by the next day.  I'm very proud of the fact that I've lost over 20 lbs so far but I have about 15 more to go.  I have been pretty committed, although at times obsessed with c-c, making healthy choices and going to the gym.  Here's my story of where I'm losing motivation and could use your thougths about what's happening and your support.  Sorry this is getting long....

I went away for the weekend and had a couple of "bad days."  I did my best to make good choices with what was available and watch my portions.  Overall, I didn't do too bad but I know I ate more calories.  I try to stick to 1200-1300 per day and I had about 1800 on Sat. and 1400 on Sun.  On Monday, which was a week from my last "losing" day I did go down 1 pound so I was excited.  Then back up on Tuesday and back down on Wed. No worries so far.  Then on Thursday I was up 1.5 pounds and then today UP another pound.  That's 2.5 pounds more than where I was on Monday or 1.5 pounds more than I was last week.  I don't think my weight fluctuates THAT much and I know I haven't been eating soo many calories to be gainig 2 pounds.  Gosh, I know this sounds trivial but I really want to keep losing.  What do you think is going on?  I'm committed to staying on track but I want to know what to expect so  I don't feel disappointed in myself.  Any thoughts?  Thanks in advance.

well, eating 1800/ 1400 won't make you gain, as your maintaining is probably about 1800-2000, but you may be retianing water. When that happens to me I try drinking an extra liter/dayfor a few days til things even out.
Hope that helps, and congrats on the 20 lbs

Hi Coolchick,

Not knowing anything about you, I would make these generalizations. -It's probably water weight, so don't worry about it. If you are reasonably active and eating well balanced meals and healthy snacks, consider that you are on the right path and just keep on keeping on. No need for a guilt trip for enjoying your life, right?

Hey, I just joined and have been looking around the forums; I am a certified personal trainer (and I do nutrition), I am not claiming to have all the answers but I have a few thoughts... brain first, then scale...

First... 20 lbs!! Awosome! and actually I believe you said "over 20 lbs!" I hope you smile when you tell people that, it is an accomplishment desirving of praise. Be proud of the 20 while you work on the 15 (I would also like to note that 20>15= you are more than half way there). Yes, you always want to be working towards a goal, when you reach a goal then set a new one, but don't forget to acknowledge the goal you reached. The next time someone asks if you:  have lost weight, have been working out, have done something different (unobservant people)... Smile while you tell them about the 20lbs, then stop talking and bask in the praise for a minute. Don't tack on:  "but 15 more..." No BUTs!

Next... Don't freek if you have a day here and there where you eat more calories than you have been. guycrazy87 is right, as long as you are in a calorie defecit you will loose fat. Even if you are at maintance, you still don't gain, only maintain. More importantly, don't freek out, you can't un-eat something (well you can but let's not go there!!) Don't get down on yourself for enjoying yourself a little!... and still in a cal defecit!! No one is perfect!!! everyone slips!! If you ate a few extra calories one or two days but are in a cal defecit for the whole week than you didn't even slip. If you go a  little above or even if you gorge to 3,000 cal: 1) acknowlodge the slip 2) come up with one ore two things you could have done differently 3) learn a new exercise, machine or nutrition fact, or try a new class to repent and 4) FORGIVE YOURSELF!

As for the scale, guycrazy87 and nubiker are right about the water weight (which is really an all around expression for those few pound fluctuations everyday from H2O, food in your digestive track, clothes, recent bowel movenents and urination, etc... Don't weigh yourself every day, it is frustratiing. Weigh yourself every 3 weeks (2 1/2 if you just can't wait 3). How much more gratifing is it to see you've lost 6 lbs. instead of gaining one? 

I hope this helps you. You are doing great! Believe that!

Merysilly, welcome to the forum. I like what you said in point 3) learn a new exercise, machine or nutrition fact...      &n bsp;        ;   When I look back at my life and all the exercise and diet plans I have tried - I think boredom got to me most. So this time around I am trying to keep motivated my hanging out here and trying different exercises. Nice to meet ya!!!

Merysilly,

Thank you sooo very much for your post.  It was so helpful -  in terms of advice and suggestions but also for the motivation about the weight I have lost already!  It really is hard sometimes to recognize your success and to only focus on the road ahead.  I've been getting a bit frustrated lately with how much more I have left to go but people really are noticing the difference in my appearance and it does feel great.  Thanks again!  I'm glad you're in this forum.

I just have to remind myself to stay focused, especially since I am determined to make this a life change rather than a diet.

Coolchi...Your doing it Over 20lbs...Be cool have fun your OK.  Just keep in touch with CC support We are all here to help each other.  Your calorie intake looks good.  Excersie and water.  Merysilly has Good Advise.  Keep going Slow is better

coolchic, hi ya,  Do you use the weigh in on c-c to chart your weight each day?  I do it everyday, and what you want to watch is the trend line not the day to day weight.  My weight can fuctuate as much as 3-4 pounds but my trend stays the same (i should add I'm maintaing now, not lossing).

Don't freak, like the others have said. You have done it so far, and a little splurge is good for the soul. Just means a little more walking or whatever  you like to do and a bingo back to normal.

I went nuts on CHristmas eve ( and I do mean nuts) I gained 5.5 pounds in one day and although this may sound discourageing, it took me 2 1/2 weeks to get back down, but boy was it fun. I must have eaten 20,000 cals that day.

Just remember you are in it for the long haul and one or two days or even weeks is nothing compared to a lifetime.

1800 and 1400 are 'bad days' and won't make you gain weight.

I ate 2300 today, that's a bad day.

Good Morning Everybody! Coolchic how you feeling today?  dharma how you doing?  I'm doing great this morning Got my walk in this morning.  I still need to increase my water.  I think I better tie a blue string on my finger as a reminder to drink water.  We are all committed here and support each other Just keep trucking and losing!

I usually eat 1400-1500 cals per day to maintain. i am 5'2 weight is 107-110 and on weekends i usually eat more like 1800-2200 sometimes(not every weekend) and i usually feel soo soo terrible aobut it. Like i am slacking or going to gain from it!! i work 4x per week. I love what merysilly said, it made me feel better.  I mean if through week i am in the deficit, it is alright if go over.