Navigating the Weight Loss Rollercoaster: The scale WILL go up Up

“The scale will go up in a fat loss phase.”

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Navigating the Weight Loss Rollercoaster: Embracing the Ups and Downs

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Embarking on a weight loss journey is like setting sail on uncharted waters – full of excitement, determination, and the promise of a better you. You meticulously meal prep, enthusiastically tackle your workouts, and revel in the prospect of shedding that stubborn weight that has been dragging you down, stifling your confidence.

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The initial weeks are a triumph – you shed a kilo or 2 and bask in the glow of accomplishment. Yet, suddenly, frustration sets in when in the following weeks you suddenly 'plateau'. You find you weight stays the same or even creeps up! Adding insult to injury you also discover that your friend, your weight loss companion, has effortlessly lost 4kgs in the same timeframe. Doubt creeps in, and the familiar questions echo:

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"What is wrong with me? Why can't I lose this weight?"

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Welcome to the infamous weight loss plateau – that moment when progress seems to screech to a halt, and the scale becomes the enemy. It's disheartening, and the temptation to throw in the towel, for what feels like the 752nd time, becomes overwhelming.

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Take a deep breath. Relax. There's nothing wrong with you, and yes, you can lose the weight. What you may not realise is that weight loss is not a sprint; it's a marathon that requires consistency over time.

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Your friend's rapid success doesn't diminish your journey. Everyone's path is unique, and comparing yourself to others only leads to unnecessary frustration. The scale, too, can be deceptive – it doesn't always reflect your true progress.

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It's important to note that weight loss isn't the same as fat loss. Understand that the scale will go up, and that doesn't equate to failure or a step backward. Numerous factors influence these fluctuations, making weight loss a non-linear process. Things like, hormonal fluctuations, a hard workout the day before, meals higher in sodium, all of which can cause fluid retention. Let's not forget about muscle gain too!

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What most people aren't prepared for is the inevitability of the scale moving in the opposite direction, even when you're putting in the effort. However, armed with the right mindset and the determination to navigate the ups and downs, you can achieve success.

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Remember, consistency and time are your allies. Your journey is unique, and progress may not always be reflected on the scale. Don't let momentary setbacks define your success. The accompanying images serve as a perfect example – the scale may show an upward trend, but consistent progress is still being made.
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So, as you navigate the unpredictable seas of weight loss, be prepared for the unexpected, embrace the highs and lows, and, most importantly, do not give up. Your success is a journey, not a destination.

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