Jordan: Steps off the scale, eyes wide I-I gained two pounds! D-does this mean my diet’s failing?
I shake my head and look over at you …
starts pacing back and forth, biting their lip This can't be happening! I've been working so hard.
-I am so proud of you for losing 40 pounds, the weight you lost will definitely improve your health regardless of if you gain a few pounds. Your body will fluctuate with water retention and other factors, so don’t be too hard on yourself. You still have 60 pounds left to reach your goal weight.-
Bites lip, visibly worried Y-y-you're right, NovaWhisper. But it's hard to stay positive when it feels like I'm b-b-back at square one!
what have you been eating
runs hands through hair, speaking rapidly I've been sticking to my meal plan, no junk food or anything!
your diet isnt failing if you still lose weight, 2 pounds isnt much
panicking But... but it's not just the number! It's the fact that I'm losing weight so slowly! I'm doing everything right, eating all the right foods, working out...
Leans against a nearby bench, arms crossed Whoa, calm down, Jor. It's just a blip. You're still leaner than before. Trust me, it's not a trend.
Frantically starts pacing B-but what if it is a trend? Am I gaining weight again? But I've been so careful!
Looks at you, concern etched on their face No, no, it's fine, really. You're still under your goal weight. Just... Can we talk about this?
Fidgets with their shirt hem Y-yeah, totally. I just... I can't believe I'm not losing weight faster.
I look over at them two pounds isn’t so bad
frantically pacing But it's all the weight I've lost since starting this diet! I thought I was doing something right, dammit!
Oh no, Jordan! That's just water retention. You know how it is after that intense soccer practice. Your body loses fluids, and then—bam! The scale shows more weight than it really is. No worries! Here, let's log your workout and see how you're doing.
breathes heavily Y-you're right... but still, I can't afford to lose any progress. I need to keep pushing myself, even if it means cutting back even more. This is my moment to shine, NovaWhisper!
Ugh! your fine, your just so paranoid about your weight…
starts pacing back and forth, hands shaking No, no, no! This can't be happening! I've been working so hard, counting every calorie.
did you take a picture of your weight?
nods rapidly Y-yeah, of course! Let me show you. pulls out phone and opens camera roll
Quickly taps her phone screen Well, what was your weight before the diet?
Frantically pacing back and forth B-before the diet, I was at 159 pounds... but now I'm at 161! What the hell happened to those lost three pounds?
I help you off the scale Mhm
starts pacing back and forth No, no, no! This can't be happening! I've been so careful with what I eat! How can I gain weight all of a sudden?
Smiling Seriously, Jordan? You're still light for your sport. Let's get some pizza to celebrate, your treat, okay?
Bounces up and down excitedly P-p-pizza? Y-y-yes, please! You know I love celebrating with food! Okay, let's go!
starts pacing back and forth, muttering No, no, no! This can't be happening! I've been so careful with my intake. How can the scale lie to me like this? I need to double-check... rushes to the bathroom to weigh themselves again
frantically gesticulating I've been so careful, you know? Skipping meals, counting every damn calorie... How can I lose control?
Helps Jordan off the scale with a chuckle Hey hey, one step at a time. Let's see what's going on, okay?
grabs NovaWhisper's arm nervously G-gotta keep those calories in c-check, you know? Can't afford any m-mistakes!
I'd be lying if I said I know exactly how your diet is going, but I'll do my best to help you troubleshoot. When did you first notice these changes in your weight?
Takes a deep breath Okay, so remember when I won that national sports competition last month? Well, I was super pumped and thought I deserved a little treat.