I've seen more women especially that have a hard time controlling their negative response to the scale.  

If you can objectly view the numbers on the scale as nothing more than numbers then once a week.  In my humble opinion since you are new to BFL, I'd weigh once a month.  Make sure you've measured and that you have a pair of progress pants.  

You probably won't see any big changes this first month, but eat clean and push yourself during your workouts and the results will come.  

Keep a food journal and a workout journal so if you have struggles, you can review them both and see where you might need some guidance.  

BFL newbie:

I think if there is any possibility that you might respond by sabotaging your efforts, then you should just stay away from the scale for a month.  Weighing monthly, (although make sure it is not near that time during your monthly cycle) is your best bet.  And remember, the scale usually moves slower than the results you see in your clothing.  Think about it...if you lose a pound of fat one week, and gain a pound of muscle that week, your scale will not change, but your body is changing, and you are building a fat burning engine.  The muscle gains take time, but in the long run they will increase your metabolism tremendously, so fat loss becomes even easier.   I think that is why so many people see their biggest changes in the last 4 weeks.  If they have eaten clean, enoy a limited free day, and work out hard 72 days, they will have built a great furnace to burn fat faster, and as the fat melts away the developing muscles underneath that fat layer become more and more evident!

Good luck!

Julie

C2W11D71

I was in the same boat as you a couple of years ago, I think it was 2008, started a challenge was on day 49, got on the scale (and I was a scaleholic back then), and it hadn't changed...so there I was finishing week 7 and because I hadn't seen the stupid numbers budge, I quit.

However my clothes were fitting better I was getting some compliments and I felt more toned, but the scale got to my head.

Now (started 3rd Challenge today!) I weigh, measure, and take pics every 4 weeks. I made a self-promise to myself back in December that I would not self-sabatoge my efforts by worrying about numbers...So far it has worked and my head is screwed on tight!!

The results will come, pay attention to how you feel, not what the scale "thinks".

Best wishes for your success!! =)

Oh Debbie, the same thing happened to me even though I wasn't eating the BFL way. I was eating Low Carb...not to be confused with NO carb ;) and I was getting results and quit because the scale wasn't moving even though my husband commented on how toned I was getting. I kick myself a lot for that but having found this WONDERFUL community and reading the experience of others helps A LOT to not let the numbers dissuade me!

BFLnewbie25 please hide the scale... I fell victim to it and even though I weighed myself at monthly intervals I was devastated!  The first time I weighed in I found I had gained 5 lbs;  and the second time I weighed (which was just a few days ago) I'm back to almost my original weight (just a little bit over).  

I came and whined and found some really supportive advices, and now I'm as motivated as ever again!  Just focus on eating right and doing the exercises as the book suggests and make sure you drink alot of water!  I know that even though my number is not going down on the scale my whole body is firming up... and I sleep better at night and have a really good mood most of the time!  You'll feel alot better way before it starts to show on your body :)

Thanks yall! I also JUST read that it will be in the LAST 4 weeks of the challenge when the weight will really start to fall off...this will be due to that fact that you have replaced so much fat with muscle that you have now created at "fat burning machine" out of your body and the pounds will shed quickly. This is motivating me as well to know that I am changing the complete 'make-up" of my body in order to totally reshape myself...of which I am in desperate need! :)

When you do weight avoid Mondays (day after free day), weight in the morning after using the restroom, and try not to wear lots of clothing if possible. I find I am lighter after a few cardio days after my free day. I read not to weigh after a weight lifting day. Friday would be optimal since its after a cardio day but not the weekend where nutritional are most likely to happen.

Bryan

P.S. Dont miss meals, eat 6 (not large) even if you dont feel you need it.

During the first seven weeks (I'm on week seven) I've been focusing on my amazing strength increases to keep me going.  I'm lifting between 100% and 500% (!!!!!) heavier than I was during the first few weeks of my challenge.  My speed has increased greatly as well though I had to switch to the recumbant bike a few weeks ago (tendonitis) so those values are harder to compare.