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2004/12/19, 12:34 PM
Perhaps this would be great news to some, but I am terribly depressed about it.
In August of this year, I weighed 134 lbs and was at about 20-22% body fat.
I lost my job, and my gym membership! so I had a brief hiatus.
I started at a new gym the last week of November. At my initiation, I had gained 5 lbs. So I was 139, but my body fat read at 29%! I was shocked. (she did the pinch method)
So I hit it hard. I had ten, one hour personal training sessions, with my last one coming up this Tuesday. I was doing weight training three times a week, and 40 minutes of cardio on the elliptical glider, the days I did not weight train.
I tried very hard to eat between 1550-1700 calories a day. Yeah, I splurged sometimes, then other days I was under my calories. I increased my protein by eating egg beaters in the morning, an EAS shake, those little Nitro-Tech carb control bars that have 10 grams of protein in them...
I feel great. But my clothes felt a little tighter. Even my bra, but especially the area if my quads felt larger. (Note: My legs are by far the strongest part of my body, yet, the house the most fat)
So, after avoiding the scale for the past month, I stepped on it this morning. It said 145lbs, and 30% body fat. (it does body fat by those electrical pads)
Needless to say, I am stunned. I know those body fat scales can be off, but the 6lb weight gain is just in-excusable. I just don't feel like I ate an extra 3,500 calories per week to gain that much weight.
My trainer said that my clothes might feel snug at some point, but that this was just muscle building and it would eventually lead to burning the fat.
My goal is to gain strength, stay at a weight of about 130 lbs, but be smaller in size through the hips, thighs, butt, legs.
I feel like a strong fat cow right now.
What have I done wrong?
Tracie
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2004/12/22, 09:37 PM
Did you change scales?? different scales could change that much. How does your muscles feel?? if they feel bigger then I would keep doing what you are doing.
Check your sizes on food - get the measuring cups out & use them instead of spoons on getting your vegetables. Weigh your meat before hand. A serving size is alot smaller than what most people think.
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Reddy
All people smile in the same language
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2004/12/23, 06:01 AM
Reddy -
Thanks for responding.
No, same scale, however, I did get a grip on this and realized a couple things.
One; I was just getting over my monthly
Two; because of my hectic schedule these past weeks, I have been eating dinner very late. Like 8:30 at night. I am then so tired that I am in bed less than an hour later. I think this is my biggest mistake.
I re-weighed myself yesterday, and the scale says 142, instead of 145 as it did the other day. So that would be a gain of about 3lbs versus the original 6, which I think was water retention at this point.
The changes I have made thus far is no more eating after 8PM. If I get home late, instead of showering first (I work out after work – from 5:30 to 6, and get home around 6:45-7PM) I’ll eat dinner, then shower, rather than putting it off till later.
I’ve also started weighing and measuring my foods again to make sure I am still within portion controlled sizes. So far it seems that I am still doing fairly well with that.
I am pretty much convinced that the late night eating may have contributed to the weight gain.
What do you all think?
By the way, I have been doing a lot of reading on the board, you guys rule. Very informative – thanks.
Tracie
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2004/12/23, 01:59 PM
Okay, from the sounds of it, I think I am getting that your body fat went up 1%, now, I'm not the pro here as some are, but I would think if you find you have gained approximately 6 pounds, then most of that is most likely gained muscle or your body fat would be higher yet. The other thing is that SCALES ARE NOT YOUR FRIEND, yes, a tool, but not as reliable as other methods. I had a 4 pound gain in just a matter of two days and it was due to water weight during that wonderful time of the month, which for me I have found, adds on the pounds but I drop them about as fast as they come when it's all over.
Any rate, if you HAVE been good with your workout and your eating, you need to continue. You are the only one that knows if there is improvement necessary in those areas. You may have to adjust your calories.
But since you have only seen this gain in just over a months time, you must realize that muscle weighs more and by working out you are transforming your body, your fat is leaving and your muscles are undergoing reconstruction and thus growing in size.
DON'T get discouraged, it is very normal to gain when lifting weights and working out, but it is not FAT that you are gaining if you are doing it all the way your body requires you to.
Good luck to you, but don't give in to frustrations, keep going, you are doing great!
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Veda
MISERY IS OPTIONAL
***When you are up to your ears in trouble, try using the part that is not submerged.
***The difference between a dream and a goal is a plan.
HAVE A GREAT DAY!
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