Question:
For the last month, I've been trying to eat healthier and exercise more. I thought I would lose pounds because I am doing more cardio, strength training and eating better. I have not dropped a single pound but I have lost inches and my clothes fit better. Any insight as to why I haven't lost any weight? I've been working really hard!
Answer:
Congratulations on the healthy changes you made so far! I understand you are frustrated because you haven't lost any pounds, but I think I can explain why you lost inches and your clothes fit better. (Don't worry, this is actually a GOOD thing!)
The numbers on the scale aren't telling you the full story. You are changing your body composition. You are losing fat but gaining muscle. (Your fat is not turning into muscle. Fat and muscle are to separate things.)
Muscle is more dense than fat. 1 lb of muscle takes up less space than 1 lb of fat. So if you lost 2 lbs of fat and gained 2 lbs of muscle, your measurements would be smaller because the muscle takes up less space than the fat.
There are many benefits of focusing on FAT loss as opposed to WEIGHT loss.
Another thing to keep in mind is that muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than stored body fat. So the more muscle you gain, the more calories your body will burn in a day. (That's exciting!)
If it is messing with your mind to step on the scale and not see the number go down, ditch the scale! Focus on other indicators of progress such as:
1. How you feel.
2. How your clothes fit.
3. Your endurance.
4. Your muscular strength.
5. Your measurements.
Keep up your hard work and track your progress in a way that works for you. Remember, the numbers on the scale don't tell the WHOLE story!
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If you have any fitness questions for future Meg Go Run posts, leave me a comment, or email me!
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