10 lbs vs 1 lb

{The Hubby} and I decided to set a weekly goal for weight loss.
We made a chart on our white board and set a goal last Sunday.We decided that each Sunday we would weigh in and set a new goal for the next week. This was our first official week. {The hubby's} goal was 7 lbs and although I hoped he would be able to reach it I really didn't know if he could! Not that I thought he wouldn't put in the work because he is on his feet all day at work and he was eating healthy right along with me! I just thought it was a high goal. I set a goal for 3 lbs and thought it might be too high because I had lost three pounds the previous week. I was hopeful though. I worked out 5 days last week. Four of those days I worked out at least 45 minutes. {The hubby} got on the elliptical one day and lifted weights 2 days.
So what were the results? He lost 9.5 lbs while I lost a measly 1 lb. I was so proud of him but wondered why on earth there is such a huge difference for him and I. I will admit that I started my period this week (Sorry if that is TMI) and although I cant find anything proven on this it does seem to be a common complaint for women that its hard to loose weight while menstruating and some even complain of weight gain. If I would have realized that I was going to start, I probably would have set my goal a little lower so I didn't beat myself up!

After doing a little research about women vs men regarding weight loss I have found that there are many reasons as to why men can loose weight faster. Here are a few!
1. Men have more of the hormone testosterone and women have more estrogen.
These two differing hormones make a huge difference in weight loss. Estrogen wires women to hold on to weight while testosterone wires men to build more muscle which helps them loose weight faster.
2. Women tend to focus on cardio while men tend to focus on strength training.
Although both of these are important weight training builds more muscle getting rid of fat stores.
3. Men don't search for comfort in foods and crave different types of foods.
This holds very true in my home. Since being more careful about what I eat over the last few months I have become very conscious of the fact that I am an emotional eater. I crave sweets and carbs and if something goes wrong, the first thing I want is food. Men on the other hand are less likely to do this and when they do crave foods its not generally sweets its meat.

So what can we do?
1. Learn to have a healthy body image
~Check back this week for tips on this
2. Lift weights at least twice a week.
~This has been found to be one of the most efficient ways to help weight loss.
3. Be conscience of your emotional eating.
~Don't run to the pantry or fridge when you are board or stressed. Eat when you are hungry!
4. Be aware that when you are menstruating or ovulating you may not loose weight or as much as you hope.