ChristyLA's Journal, 15 February 2014

Look into getting a Body Mass calulator like this one... http://www.amazon.com/Omron-Monitor-model-HBF-306C-Black/dp/B000FYZMYK With this, you'll know EXACTLY what you gained and lost. You can then use the information to adjust your diet and workout routine. I have one myself. I weigh myself every Saturday. This morning, I weighed 198.6 lbs. With the help of my Fat Calculator, I found out that I gained 1lb of muscle and lost 1lb of fat! (wasn't expected that, actually). I keep a journal, too, so that I can keep a record of what I did during the week (ie. macronutrients & workouts). This way, I can look back on those weeks I did well and duplicate the results. :-) 

Thanks, Alowe. What is the name of the product that you provided the link for (the full link didn't show up)? I weigh myself every Saturday, too :) It's nice to know another Saturday-weigher :) I keep a close daily record of my food intake and physical activity here on FatSecret (you can check out my diet calendar if you want). At one point I was eating 1400 cals a day and was maintaining at 166-166.6 (for 4 weeks). Now I'm eating 2000 cals a day, and have been since the beginning of January, and still maintaining (166.4-168), so whatever I do doesn't change my weight, lol. But I appreciate any suggestions from others :) 

You have a great attitude. You are almost to goal and it can be harder. Gains happen even when you do everything right. Hormones, change in your regular exercise can cause muscles to retain water, sodium levels, medication, stress, inflammation, etc. and many more factors can effect the scale. Just stick with it. 

Actually eating higher calories may help you. If you go back down in a couple of weeks, it may help move the scale again. Up your protein and fiber. Up your exercise intensity a few times a week. You could try having lower and higher carb days. Also google to see if it sparks ideas that might get the scale moving again.  

Thanks. I've tried fluctuating my calories, but not my carbs or activity level. I was very mentally stressed by work this week, so that is a possible explanation for the fluctuation. I eat a lot of protein (75%-100% of my body weight in pounds in grams of protein), which really helps with satiety. I swear, my body craves protein and is hungry until I give it to it! I'm not sure how much fiber I get. Maybe I should add that as a nutrient to keep track of in my food diary if FatSecret has it as an option. I usually eat 2 grains/starches a day and 4-5 fruits/vegetables a day, which is where I get my fiber. Thanks for your suggestions! :) 

You can Google "Omron Fat Calculator". It's a handheld device. Mine is black, and it's shaped kind of like a giant PlayStation 3 controller. "Omron" is the brand name. 

I think I found it, thanks! It's called a "body fat loss monitor." How do you like it, Alowe? 

I find that when my muscles are sore I tend to retain a bit more water. So I don't usually weigh myself if I'm hurting from a workout. Sounds like you are doing great!