Started Exercising/Eating Better Yet Gained Weight!

[ChristineVA]

About 2 weeks ago I posted about being depressed about being out of shape. I got lots of support and motivation from you all and, as a result, for nearly 2 weeks now I have started a very good exercise routine. My DH has been doing MUCH better in the kitchen and I've been getting in 30-60 of exercise approximately 4 times during each week. Basically I am getting in a 30 minute walk (doing 2 miles/15 minute mile). I have even incorporated some short bursts of jogging within the walk. Then, if I have time after the walk, I come home and do a 20 minute segment of the Kathy Smith Timesaver Workout (weights) (THANK YOU for that tape recommendation). I've been feeling so good about myself and I already feel stronger. On top of it all, I've been trying to eat better. Less sweets, smaller portions, etc. I haven't been perfect in that area, but I have been *better*. So, I hopped on the scale today and for some reason I've gained 3 lbs!!! It is not that "time of the month". In fact, that just ended. I will say, though, that I feel like I'm retaining water. I've got marks on me when I take off my bra and creases in my skin where my clothes touch. Can this change in exercise have anything to do with this?? The only other possible culprit is some caramel popcorn I've been eating each night. I know, it is BAD, but about once a year someone picks some up from this place at the beach (Fisher's Popcorn in Ocean City, Maryland). Well, I've got a tub and it is addictive. But, come on, 3 lbs?
Christine

[TLee4]

Christine,
There could be MANY theories for why the scale is suddenly up. But the bottom line is that exercising and eating right WORKS. If you keep up your changes, you will lose weight. (Yes, you definitely want to lay off of the caramel corn!) What will get you nowhere is getting discouraged and giving up. I could tell you to stay off of the scale, but since I am totally unsuccessful at that :rolleyes: , I won't! Keep exercising, and hang in there!

Terri

[kabs]

Christine,

Are you drinking lots of water? I have just started reading Bob Greene's Get With the Program and he says that people starting an exercise program should expect to gain weight the first few weeks. He says that when you up your water consumption as well as start exercising, your body will retain water in order to keep your newly forming muscles hydrated. It is getting rid of fat, but the water weight won't start coming off for a few weeks. He says that people that lose weight right away are getting rid of water weight.

Hope that helps. Keep up the good work!

[Leslie Ferguson]

Just wondering how much/many calories (about) you are taking in? In my experience when I tried to lose weight if I didn't eat sufficient calories my body hoarded what it took in. At one point in time when I was a teen I was taking in about 2000 calories a day and was still maintaining about 220 lbs. I've been told by nutritionists (and I trust most of them too) that my body was in a preservation mode - it felt it was being starved so it did everything in its power to keep the weight on so I wouldn't lose weight - at least until I started burning more calories with exercise (and ultimately would probably have come close to killing myself by starvation).

Not saying that is your case right now but worth looking into.

Les

[ChristineVA]

kabs--I have heard that theory before about retaining water when one first starts an exercise program. I haven't read too much about it but remember hearing about it a long time ago. I definitely do not drink a lot of water anyway (I've just never been much of a "drinker") but I have increased my water intake because I feel more like drinking when I exercise. Hopefully that is all it is.

Leslie--First let me say that I'm not really considered overweight. I am 5'7" and I weigh about 147-148 right now (well, NOW I am up to 151). I would like to ideally weigh about 140-145 and never go above that. I was at that weight with no effort last year. Then the snowstorms came, and I guess the inactivity and increased eating shoved me up to where I am. So I really only need to drop a few pounds. I kind of thought that increasing my activity would be enough. Well, you will probably not believe this but I used fitday.com for a few days to see how many calories I normally take in per day (not dieting). It is roughly about 3,500 per day--maybe more!!! So, some of the things I've tried besides dieting these last two weeks? If I drink more than one cup of tea per day, then all subsequent cups will contain artificial sweetener versus sugar. That probably saves me 5-60 calories a day. Any soda a drink will be diet. Since I don't drink that many I don't really know what the overall benefit will be. I have lightened the calories on my breakfast by cutting back the portion (and upped the fiber). I figure I'm saving about 50 calories per day there. Overall, I think I've cut a little over 100 calories per day, plus increased my activity. I would actually *like* to go on a very moderate diet but I find myself getting very lightheaded when I do that. I guess it's kind of hard to go from 3,500 calories a day, to even 2,500 per day. I'm weak....
Christine

[MaryH]

Christine,

Please don't shoot me for this but STAY OFF THE SCALE (if possible) for the next week. If you upped the exercise, you need to up (somewhat) the calorie intake. If you're feeling light headed your body is trying to tell you something. I'm not sure how many meals you're eating, but try to eat a little something every couple of hours. By little, I mean maybe a piece of furit, some cottage cheese, toast with peanut butter, or something like that. If you are strength training your body will do one of two things, lose inches or lose pounds, but it doesn't seem to do them at the same time (in my experience.)

Please just keep at it, I've been there (looking at the scale and saying what the h**&?) but it will work if you keep at it.:)

[ChristineVA]

Mary,
I'm only getting lightheaded when/if I try to eat better, i.e, cut back by making better food choices. No McDonald's, no candy during the day etc. Do you really think that at 3,500 calories per day I should be eating more just because I'm exercising?
Christine

[MaryH]

Christine,

I think 3500 sounds about right but (1) were you consuming a lot more than that before or is that about where you were and (2) how long between meals? If you were around 3500 before you started than keeping it there is ok. From the sound of it (i.e. the no candy) it sounds like your body may have become accustomed to the sugar "rush" say between lunch and dinner. You might try something like cottage cheese with fruit (if you like cottage cheese that is) or maybe a hard boiled egg - something with a fair amount of protein, instead of the candy as the snack. This should hopefully take care of the light headedness. But the other thing is that you may feel more "sleepy" during the day. That's your body telling you it isn't so used to all the exercise and it needs to rest a bit. If you can, take a short nap. If not, just realize that that is completely normal.:)

[ChristineVA]

Mary,
I was eating roughly 3500-4000 calories per day before I tried to cut back. Let's see, right now I am eating 3 meals per day. I have breakfast about 8 a.m. (1.5 cup raisin bran with blueberries and 1% milk). I usually eat lunch around 11:30. This is a real variable. I tried the Lean Cuisine route and couldn't handle it. So, my healthier lunch is a tuna fish sandwich made with lowfat mayo, Stoneyfield yogurt, cantaloupe, and then maybe some a few ounces of dark chocolate. Dinner is usually around 4:30-5:00. That will always be a meat, a veggie, and a starch. I try to only have one helping but it's usually large. Right after dinner I will have my *snack*. This could be a Dove Bar or a Skinny Cow, and I might even have a yogurt after that. In between I have hot tea. Oh, and the exercise is kicking my butt. I am SOOOO tired.
Christine

[olive101]

Hi Christine,
I would recommend finding out what your metobolic rate is and use that as a guide for how many calories a day you should consume. You can find a calucator here;
http://www.hussman.org/fitness/bmrcalc.htm

I think you are probably eating way too many calories. It is amazing how little we actually should be eating:eek: It is all a matter of playing with those calories like others have suggested, upping the lean protein and decreasing the carbs.

[greysangel]

based on what you said a typical day is, it doesn't sound like 3500 calories to me :D

JeAnne

[ChristineVA]

Jeanne,
These are the numbers that I got from using fitday.com. I was also eating one serving of oatmeal at that time using applesauce, brown sugar, raisins, and milk in it. I think that hiked my calorie count up. Additionally, the 3 cups of tea with the sugar also got me up there. I counted every piece of candy I ate, every bit of milk, soda, etc. and that's what I got. Granted, I calculated one of my worst days just to see how bad it gets. Maybe I overestimated the sizes of my condiments.
Christine

[Leslie Ferguson]

For what it's worth with my approximately 3000-3100 calorie diet I eat about 3 times what you are eating: (a typical day)
1 2/3 c oatmeal
eggo waffles with lite syrup
1 c non-fat milk
1 can of tuna
1 whole, whole wheat pita
1 whole can of chicken noodle soup
1 granola bar
1 small box of raisins
1 protein bar (170 cal type)
coffee w/o sweetener
dinner typically with
1-2 big servings of meat or entree with or without starch(enough to fill a dinner plate)
1 whole can of french onion soup
1 BIG salad with tuna
dessert
1 cup of fat-free yogurt
about 700 calories of dry cereal (w/o milk - just snack on it dry)
rice cake with jam
I think you get my point.

It is very difficult for me to make 3000 calories without adding either lots of condiments or lots more food.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Peace,
Les

P.S. Don't shoot me either but stay off the scale. You certainly don't need to be hopping on that thing.
Les

[ChristineVA]

Leslie,
I won't shoot you about the scale, you're right. You are doing a great job with your eating habits!!! Yes, it does seem like you eat well for 3,000 calories. I just went back and checked my fitday for May 20th. I had about 3000 calories that day. It consisted of:
Oatmeal cooked with fruit (didn't even add the sugar that I put in)
1 cup. 1% milk
3 cups of tea with sugar
one hot dog
one bun
1 Baby Ruth Bar (mini size)
1 cup of yellow corn
1 large serving of cooked pasta
pasta sauce
1 slice of white bread
1 Tbsp margarine
2 gigantic sugar cookies (they were on Lofthouse, on sale, couldn't resist-190 calories each)
2 Skinny Cows
2 oz of dark chocolate
1/2 can Pepsi (regular)

You know, I'm almost embarrassed to write that!! Anyway, I have improved since then. That was kind of when I was having my "wake up call" and realized I was really out of control. In the past week I've done so much better (only one sweet per day). I guess that's why I was shocked to gain the 3 lbs but in hindsight maybe I'm just catching up from last week.

Thanks for printing out your daily food intake, that is really the kind of diet I'm aiming for. It helps to have a model. Also, shame on me I couldn't resist--I got on the scale when I came home today. I took my clothes of to get dressed for my walk and I just couldn't believe how bloated I looked! Scale hasn't budged of course. I'm just going to stop.

Another *problem* I have is that for the past 18 months I have been hyperthyroid. So, I've been ravenously hungry (and cranky, and exhausted, and aching, and having panic attacks). I've been eating out of control for so long and NOT gaining anything. Over the past few months I finally got my doctor to lower my thyroid dose. While I'm not ravenous anymore, those overeating habits have been formed yet my metabolism has slowed down. These are all the thoughts that have been occurring to me while I'm out walking. The exercise is good for me in many ways. So, I'll keep working on my eating!
Christine

[scrappycat]

Christine,
Hang in there, and is a good idea to avoid the scale for right now. I also gained weight when I first started exercising. I exercised and eat right for 3 months, and the scale never moved other than up a little, down a little, up a little... So, I read a lot about it, and discovered that it was perfectly normal. Muscle weighs more than fat, so as you are building muscle, you won't lose as quickly and you can even gain. I knew though that something was happening because even the scale didn't move, my clothes were feeling loser. But right at about the end of the 3rd month, it was like I plateaued on muscle and the rest of the fat started coming off. I was like you (I'm 5'8 and weighed 150), I didn't have that much to lose, but now I am down to 130 and I really like that weight. I was the one that recommended the Kathy Smith weight tape, don't you just love it! I also would recommend her 20 minute time saver cardio workout. Both are favorites of mine!
Pam

[Leslie Ferguson]

Christine - Thanks for excusing my insensitivity when I posted my typical daily diet. I realized later that it may have come across as bragging or insensitive about your condition. Believe me I feel for you on both accounts (having fluctuated between 250 and 145 lbs in the past 22 years {now at 153}). Reading about your hyperthyroidism explains a lot too. And as you've realized the medications have a lot to do with how you process food and calories.

Good for you to stay away from the scale for a while, too. Everything will be fine. Remember it takes a long time to take off weight and it takes just about as long to put it back on - it really doesn't happen overnight.

Be strong and of good faith - we're here with you - wherever that may be.

Peace and comfort to you,
Les

[ChristineVA]

scrappycat--
Thanks for the tape recommendation. I was trying to remember who it was without scrolling through my last old thread. I also purchased the timesaver cardio and did that for the first time last time. I could NOT keep up. Not with the cardio actually, but the moves were fast. I was having a real hard time with the Charleston!
Christine

[Leslie Ferguson]

Hey Christine - how are you doing? It's been a while and we haven't heard anything. Just bumping this thread back to the top.

Hope you're doing well.

Peace,
Les

[ChristineVA]

Well, it's been an interesting few weeks! Thanks for asking Leslie.

I've been trying to eat better all around. I'm certainly not dieting by any means but am just making better meal choices and cutting back on junk. Based on fitday.com calculations, I am eating about 1900-2200 calories on my *good* days and probably a bit more on the bad days. I'm certainly down from the upper 2000-3000 per day.

I have also been walking 4-5 times per week. I "feel" better, but basically the scale has not budged during the whole time. In fact, last week I was so discouraged, I felt so bloated, but I had been eating really well, and the scale showed I had GAINED! I am trying really hard not to weigh daily. I am staying between 148 and 151 with all of this--just where I started when I made the first post!! But, I think I am consistently staying on the lower end of that scale instead of progressing upward!

So, that's basically where I'm at now. Still a little bewildered.
Christine

[Leslie Ferguson]

Originally posted by ChristineVA
Well, it's been an interesting few weeks! Thanks for asking Leslie.

I've been trying to eat better all around. I'm certainly not dieting by any means but am just making better meal choices and cutting back on junk. Based on fitday.com calculations, I am eating about 1900-2200 calories on my *good* days and probably a bit more on the bad days. I'm certainly down from the upper 2000-3000 per day.

I have also been walking 4-5 times per week. I "feel" better, but basically the scale has not budged during the whole time. In fact, last week I was so discouraged, I felt so bloated, but I had been eating really well, and the scale showed I had GAINED! I am trying really hard not to weigh daily. I am staying between 148 and 151 with all of this--just where I started when I made the first post!! But, I think I am consistently staying on the lower end of that scale instead of progressing upward!

So, that's basically where I'm at now. Still a little bewildered.
Christine

I'm glad that you're still doing okay. And as I think you're realizing - you are probably at the weight that is a maintainable weight for you. IMO - you're probably where your body wants to be. Are you able to do all the things that you like to do without getting over-tired? Are you able to maintain a good quality of life? If so then I'd recommend not worrying about a couple "extra" pounds. Weight is really just a number anyway. That's why the doctors give a range for every height.

I'm glad that you are trying to stay off the scale every day. Believe me - any fluctuations in your weight on a daily basis proably are more attributable to water than true weight gain. If it is easier try setting a specific day and time to weigh in every week - in my case it is on Sunday morning after taking care of my post-wake up business before my shower. When I use that specific time I find that my weight is a better reflection of my "true" weight.

Still praying for you and your insight into your diet/exercise habits and desires.

I'll check back later.

Peace,
Les