plenty of effort, no reward

[floatingleaf]

I was really focused on doing the right thing this past week. I cooked a lot, and exercised even more - including a VERY brisk 60-minute walk last Saturday that I can STILL feel in my thigh muscles. So when I stepped onto the scale this morning, I was probably more confident and eager to see the result than ever before.

And guess what? I didn't lose an ounce.

It was like a slap in the face, let me tell you. I almost felt like crying. Took me a moment to realize this might have something to do with the fact that I'm supposed to get my period any minute. At least that's the only rational explanation. Unless there are really no rules and it ultimately doesn't matter what I do - or don't.:|

But yeah... water retention would have that effect. It sucks to be a woman sometimes. *sigh*

The reason why I didn't realize my period was practically starting already (a few days early this time) is that I haven't had any PMS to speak of. I could sort of feel it coming - an occasional little twinge here and there, you know - but all the most annoying psychosomatic symptoms (like emotional anxiety, overall tension or increased irritability) were completely absent. Which reminds me how I once read somewhere that eating right - especially consuming a lot of fiber - makes your periods much more endurable. Well, yeah... looks like it's true. I just wish I had taken it more seriously before, instead of choosing bread & cheese over veggies and acting like a classic physiological martyr every month.:(

Other than that, I don't have much to say. I finished reading The Charioteer last weekend, and I still can't believe the emotional impact this book has made on me. I mean, it doesn't take a lot to make me cry; but the kind of violent sobbing - and then shouting out loud at the characters' stupidity - that was going on here while I went through the last few pages isn't really my typical reaction.;) I swear that if I hadn't gotten the ending I was hoping for, I would have cried all night.;D On second thoughts, maybe I was PMS-ing after all.:P

Comments

[crowdaughter.livejournal.com]

Do not give up. I found myself teetering around one weight for three weeks for a time before the scales were friendly enough to show lower sums again in the fiollowing weeks. So, you may just have reached a plateau fior a while, and weight loss will start again later.

*holds thumbs*

[romi.livejournal.com]

don't give up... you are going through every dieter's dilemma. there is never a straight symmetry between eating-excercising-weight. in fact, if you drop the weight part you'll find the other symmetries - eating-excercise-sleep-less physical pain-less anxiety-higher general well being. as you seem to have done already? keeping track of the weight can be so encouraging, and it can be so devastating if nothing happens (or worse, you gain!). the other benefits are not as rewarding but more sustainable.

well that was a lengthy reply.

[oceansecrets2.livejournal.com]

Try not to get discouraged, it's not uncommon to plateau for a bit and then start losing again. Remember you're doing this for more reasons than just weight loss.

[stormatdusk.livejournal.com]

and you might be gaining some muscle, too - possible?