...so, out of the blue, for no good reason after finishing my workout, I felt like crying. No, that's patently false. I got on the scale. Once again, not a pound lost. Then I had to take my baby to the doctor for shots.

ANd that's when the good stuff happened.

My doctor raved about the changes in me, about how much better I looked!! (I didn't even get near a scale, there)--the moral to this story is simply this--from day to day, or even week to week, it's easy for us not to see the fruits of our (sometimes)copious labors. That's when it's be easdy for us to say, forget this!! But the changes are happening, like a butterfly in its chrysalis, we're changing. Day by day, step by step, butterflies are being made daily!!!

So true Jessica, we do lose sight sometimes. I think I get reminded of changes during times like bringing in the groceries. At one time despite being heavy I had no upper body strength, but now I carry in bags and bags of groceries at one time, or can grab 3 handle size liquid detergents in one hand and not blink. Or running up the stairs while carrying a laundry basket full of clothes. It's not just the physical (outer) changes that matter but the health and inner changes that matter also, maybe even more!
So you're right, the changes are happening, and we should appreciate them all. :)

Donna

so true Jess.
sometimes we get too focused on the scales and miss all those other indicators of success.
hugs bell :)

one other thing..if im crying out of the blue, i know its hormonal!!! lol about the grocery bags, i do the same thing..i can carry in almost all my bags in one trip now!!! jessica how wonderful the doctor noticed and was kind enough to take the time to say something so nice to you!! :up:

my doctor is AWESOME!! She knows that my babys' health adn happiness is reliant on how I'm feeling. Oddly, this emotional thing isn't at all tied in to hormones (I've got two weeks til the real crud begins...)

That's great, jessica and crying is good for you, too. It burns off extra calories! But you are right about your body changing as you're getting healthier. That's why I measure myself when I weigh in on Monday mornings. It helps when I haven't lost much to know that my body size is shifting.....

(my dirty little secret--I don't have 'before' measurements...:c( )--though I am getting measured on April fools day, and I'm having body fat testing done at that time, too ( I do have the "before" body fat results--though in 11 weeks I don't know how much those will have changed...)

You know what? I was REALLY feeling like getting out something off points to eat and now I know I won't. I got a few compliments this week too. Thanks, Jessica! :)

Corinna

Good for you, Corinna!! It's so tough, sometimes, but if you don't take steps, where are you going to be next week??

WOOHOO, Corinna! You're doing great! Keep up the great work..... how cool that someone noticed. I love it when people can see the efforts I've made.

Jessica,
Just out of curiosity are you weight training or doing sprint intervals? Only reason I ask is that this tends to not allow the scale to shift as easily. However, it doesn't mean you are not losing that hated fat. It just means fat is being replaced by muscle. Needless to say, it's great that your doctor gave you that boost. Sometimes that is all we need!

I'm doing both, as a matter of fact!! My intervals are hardly what you'd call "sprints"--their more like "speedin'-it-up(so I don't get bored!!)"-intervals. And the weight training is low weights, back to back sets. Funny, the trainers told me that weight training would help me drop more quickly, since the increased muscle mass will jump-start my metabolism:( so much different info...

Weight training low weights high reps helps tone. Trainers are right regarding the fact that it helps to drop weight. Your muscles use alot more energy than fat. Therefore the more muscle is developed the more calories are expended by the use of the muscle and fat is burned off. However, you may just be in the process of building muscle and therefore may not be at that stage quite yet. I used to get hung up on the scale thing and I try not to anymore. I am doing a program called the Rock Hard Challenge. The program is devised to increase lean muscle mass by working the largest muscles of the body and doing high intensity cardio along with moderate days. I am done w/ month 1 but have sprained my ankle so I'll be out for a week. With this program at first I was fustrated b/c I was gaining weight at least that is what the scale numbers said. However, I came to my senses and realized it is only b/c muscle weighs more than fat so while my fat is being eliminated my muscle are growing. Hence, the gain in numbers but shrinkage in measurements. I think your doing good with incorporating cardio and weight training into your program. Stick to it and you will see great results.

Good Luck!

thanks--I feel like I'm on the right track...some days are just...frustrating!!

Jessica,

When I saw your post, I thought- oh no here is someone who is having a low moment and I've got to try to help her! Little did I know that YOU would be the one helping ME. It is so inspiring to hear about the success of others and it inspires me to keep focused and motivated. It is wonderful when someone takes the time to acknowledge the success you have had! I know that made your day!

Take those measurements at least once a month and don't forget to take a "before" picture. Also keep some "before clothes" too. Try those clothes on once in awhoile and you will be amazed at how you have changed!

Thanks, CJL!! (glad to help:D )