I shouldn't complain, but ...

Today's weigh-in was a bit disappointing: I only lost one pound.

I know, I shouldn't feel bad. Any weight loss is good. And, as I've written before, there's probably a simple reason why I only lost the one pound. But after last week's three-pound loss, I was expecting similar big things. 

The experts say the average person should not try to lose more than one or two pounds per week. Some weeks will generate bigger results, but that's supposed to be a healthy guideline. So in that sense, I'm right where I need to be. 

But I think I'm disappointed because it doesn't feel like I'm making progress. My goal weight still seems so far away. But then I remind myself that I am making progress. I've been working out regularly for about a month and I've lost six pounds. That's not bad. 

Besides, I'm already seeing results in other areas: I feel good, I have more energy, I'm sleeping better, I don't get heartburn and my pants aren't as tight. All good things.

Frustration over a perceived lack of results is a common struggle in the early weeks of a new workout routine, as I discussed in an entry a couple weeks ago.

But we've got to be realistic -- and patient -- with our expectations. 

My wife mentioned this morning that one problem with "The Biggest Loser" is that it can condition you think that dramatic weight loss should be expected every time you step on the scale. But that's just not reality -- or healthy. 

There are two reasons why contestants on the show lose so much: 1) They work out for like six hours a day under expert supervision and 2) They have a LOT of weight to lose. The heavier you are, the bigger the results will be in the beginning. Most of these people are more than 100 pounds overweight. That's why you'll see of them lose 15 pounds or more in a week. 

My goal is considerably smaller. Yours probably is, too. We've all just got to stick with it, and we'll eventually get there.