Gain before loosing?

762 rep

MemberOskaloosa, IA

I've been working on loosing weight since about September 2011. I did really well, loosing about 20 lbs in about 2.5 months and I started to get complacent and wasn't doing as hot gaining about 7 back. I now started cutting back again on what I eat and I'm now exercising at AF and I've gained about 3 more pounds.

I'm trying not to get discouraged and I know that this isn't an overnight fix but I was hoping to see a little bit of a loss instead of a gain when I started. Is this normal?

7.1k rep

MemberZion Crossroads, VA

Hello AJ, Losing 20 lbs is great! Gaining again, that's frustrating isn't it? I know how that feels, I've done it many times. The scale is evil! I know the formula for weight loss and it's really easy once I dedicate myself to it. Everybody says it's 70% diet, 30% exercise - I don't think I completely agree with that because I think that there is a percentage of psychology that goes into it all too. I've been spending a little time on introspection too trying to figure out why I always give up, why I get lazy...anyway...

My question is are you tracking what you eat? If you aren't you should be. Until you know what it is that you are consuming calorie/nutrient wise you won't really fully understand the problem. It's a bit of a pain but it's worth it. You need to track every bite. (I'm a Project Manager so I kinda like it It all adds up. I'm sure you've found the trackers, I recommend you use them or something like them. They will help you establish a goal and help you set a realistic goal loss rate (0.5 - 2 lbs/week)and set your calorie limit/day so you can easily see if you are within your budget for the day.

I know that you want results, I don't know of too many people that don't. Once you start down the path all you really want is to hurry up and get to the end, right? It takes time; so you've got to track - do it every day. And be honest with yourself Also, I recommend hanging around these forums because there's a lot of good stuff here and so many folks that know and understand just exactly where you are at and will help support you through it. I feel safe here.

"Do, or do not. There is no try." Yoda

762 rep

MemberOskaloosa, IA

I am using the calorie tracker. My husband says I'm nuts for it, but I am being completely honest with it and have been pleasantly surprised with the results. For instance today, I came in about 750 calories under my goal, including the calories I "burned" with my work out today. It's slowly getting easier to do but it's still not pretty some days.

I keep hearing about people loosing the water weight, but it doesn't seem like any is coming off. It may just simply be that it already has and was part of that initial 20 lbs. I'm just a bit discouraged because I've started this new journey into exercise with a gain.

Thanks for the support Julian.

AJ

7.1k rep

MemberZion Crossroads, VA

Hi AJ, I don't know what your calorie limit is but what I do know is that you can't restrict your calories severely because your mind/body will be like, 'what the heck, I'm starving, I had better hold onto my fat stores so I can survive!' It slows down your metabolism. My limit is 1,500 cals/day. I try to keep it between 1,200 and 1,500. I work outside of the home as most women do and in the morning I make sure that I pack a sufficient amount of food/snack that will last me through the day so I can have a healthy snack when I get hungry you should never be hungry. My favorite snack is celery with a little peanut butter. The only other thing that I can think is that you've joined the gym at a set point or plateau spot. Main thing is to keep at the exercise, mix it up, push yourself beyond your perceived limit. You can do this, you really can.

762 rep

MemberOskaloosa, IA

According to AH my limit is about 2500 Cal a day. I had another snack after I posted and came in about 450 cal under what my tracking is and I "try" to leave a small buffer in case I miss something when I count my calories. I'm working to keep that amount because if that "starvation mode" is what's holding me back.

I am lucky that I have a mini fridge in my office so I routinely keep that stocked with fruit and veggies and my lunch so that I don't necessarily have to worry about it. If I'm aiming for something sweet I will have half of a small protein shake and make sure that I am on my way to the gym. I've been told a few times I may not be eating enough but I almost feel like if I eat more, I'm about to explode. I'm also trying to make sure that when I eat, I'm not eating because something's gone wrong, or it's a coping mechanism for my depression. I want to be eating because I have a purpose to be eating.

671 rep

MemberHastings, MN

AJ hang in there...I just started in Jan 2012 at AF. I have workout 12xs only on the treadmill for starters. My scale says I lost 4 lbs then 5 or 6 days I have gained that 4 lbs back. So I do understand your frustration. I have not gotten my eating portions under control quite yet but I do get to AF. Remember to "take one day at a time;one workout at a time."

762 rep

MemberOskaloosa, IA

aams thanks for the reminder. I'm just getting frustrated. I can tell I'm getting healthier just by working out, but I want the numbers to show it too. I'm a numbers kind of person too and I just don't like to have to wait to see them moving in the right direction.

762 rep

MemberOskaloosa, IA

Well after gaining again (and I understand the body can flux around 2# a day) I'm changing my calorie count again so that I'm listed at loosing 2# a week. Thanks for all the advice and support.

2.1k rep

MemberAlbany, OR

Remember that if you are gaining muscle that that will show an increase. Don't rely too much on the scale numbers and as long as you feel better and stick with the plan..things will get better.

657 rep

MemberRockville, MD

I am having the same problem...:( I just started going back to the gym maybe a month ago...I lost about 5 lbs in the first 2 weeks but now I have gained it ALL back. I am so discouraged and I don't know what to do to get these lbs off

679 rep

MemberLima, OH

Im having the same problem as well. I gained back all the weight I lost and my clothes feel tighter than they did. It is very discouraging and Im not sure what I can do to boost my weight loss and feel like Im making progress