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Am I just bloated or gaining muscle?
mayfly93
Posts: 12 Member
I need help this has been going on for a while now, I work out 3 to 4 times a week but they have been back to back, I don't know if that had contributed to it or not but I am gaining weight but I don't look like it my stomach has been feeling bloated like and thick. I'm 22 year old female I'm 5'6" I weight 150 but I was 145 in April and my waist is 33in. I drink only water and eat as healthy as possible and I do have some thyroid issues
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Replies
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If you have thyroid issues, you should probably talk to your doctor about it, but another thing to look at could be your sodium intake. It's crazy how much salt can be hidden in things that are generally healthy. Personally, my issues with bloating decreased significantly when I started watching my sodium and drinking more water- lots and lots of water and iced tea (unsweetened). For me this also meant eating fewer pre-packaged foods, and making more things from scratch (salad dressings and sauces especially) since that gives me an opportunity to use other spices to season my food and not just salt.0
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You know that could be the problem I do eat a lot of frozen dinners because they are more convenient. I do take thyroid medicine if it was that could I spontaneously start to gain weight from it?0
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When you say you're eating "as healthy as possible", are you counting calories and logging everything with near 100% accuracy? If your thyroid is in check with medication, then it's likely you're eating more than you think.0
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I must have looked at the wrong diary, because I only saw an average of 500 cals a day. For at least 2 weeks.0
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When you say you're eating "as healthy as possible", are you counting calories and logging everything with near 100% accuracy? If your thyroid is in check with medication, then it's likely you're eating more than you think.
Yes I've been trying to log everything in as best as I can. I don't normally eat that much
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MelaniaTrump wrote: »I must have looked at the wrong diary, because I only saw an average of 500 cals a day. For at least 2 weeks.
I changed it to 1000 calories a day
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It could be a condition. I went back to May and you have been at 500 or less. And exercise.
What are you doing?0 -
MelaniaTrump wrote: »It could be a condition. I went back to May and you have been at 500 or less. And exercise.
What are you doing?
I do 30 mins of running on the treadmill with some sprinting and 30 to 45 mins of weight machines. I've been doing it about 4 days in a row each week lately.
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Looking at your diary your bloating could be down to malnourishment.
Go to your doctor and get bloodwork and a full check up.
No one, unless medically supervised, should be constantly eating around 500 cals a day.
Looking at your height and weight enter your stats in MFP to lose .5 lbs a week and eat all the food including exercise calories earned. You may put on some weight temporarily, that is just your body adjusting to extra food, then you will start losing at the apripriate rate per week.
You are most certainly are not putting on muscle. In fact you are using your muscles, including your heart, to fuel your day to day existence your intake is so low.
Cheers, h.1 -
middlehaitch wrote: »Looking at your diary your bloating could be down to malnourishment.
Go to your doctor and get bloodwork and a full check up.
No one, unless medically supervised, should be constantly eating around 500 cals a day.
Looking at your height and weight enter your stats in MFP to lose .5 lbs a week and eat all the food including exercise calories earned. You may put on some weight temporarily, that is just your body adjusting to extra food, then you will start losing at the apripriate rate per week.
You are most certainly are not putting on muscle. In fact you are using your muscles, including your heart, to fuel your day to day existence your intake is so low.
Cheers, h.
I have and the past few times he said my platelets and proteins were slightly low. I have thought I wasn't eating enough I cant eat no more than like 800.0 -
You didn't get to be overweight eating 800 calories per day. Fix your logging, and you should start losing weight.1
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You know that could be the problem I do eat a lot of frozen dinners because they are more convenient. I do take thyroid medicine if it was that could I spontaneously start to gain weight from it?
I don't know anything about thyroid meds- you'd have to ask your doctor about that. But frozen dinners are full of sodium, unfortunately
Maybe try making your own? Pinterest has a ton of recipes for crockpots or one-dish oven meals. You could spend 10 minutes prepping the food, and throw it in the crockpot or oven, and voila- you have meals for the week and you can freeze them to make your own convenience foods! 
I hadn't looked at your diary before but if you're really eating that little, that's definitely a problem...not sure if it's related to the thyroid issues and/or medication, or if it's more intentional than that, but in any case it's something that should be addressed.
Wishing you the best!0 -
happyfeetrebel1 wrote: »You didn't get to be overweight eating 800 calories per day. Fix your logging, and you should start losing weight.
Fix my logging you mean log in more carefully?0 -
deleted0
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When you say you're eating "as healthy as possible", are you counting calories and logging everything with near 100% accuracy? If your thyroid is in check with medication, then it's likely you're eating more than you think.
I'd say this is likely. I'm 5'6" and 158 lbs, and I still lose weight exercising and eating around 2000 - 2100 calories a day...not to mention I am a little older (35). If you're really eating 500 - 800 calories then the weight should be falling off of you.
Though, if you are eating close to that many calories, I would agree with middlehaitch on the bloating. Especially if you are exercising regularly, you definitely should be eating more than 800 calories, as your body needs the fuel.
I would start with the logging, though...do you own a food scale, OP?0 -
dragon_girl26 wrote: »When you say you're eating "as healthy as possible", are you counting calories and logging everything with near 100% accuracy? If your thyroid is in check with medication, then it's likely you're eating more than you think.
I'd say this is likely. I'm 5'6" and 158 lbs, and I still lose weight exercising and eating around 2000 - 2100 calories a day...not to mention I am a little older (35). If you're really eating 500 - 800 calories then the weight should be falling off of you.
Though, if you are eating close to that many calories, I would agree with middlehaitch on the bloating. Especially if you are exercising regulatly, you definitely should be eating more than 800 calories, as your body needs the fuel.
I would start with the logging, though...do you own a food scale, OP?
Yes I do but what do I do when I can't log in something that's not on my fitness pal? Guess the best I can?
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dragon_girl26 wrote: »When you say you're eating "as healthy as possible", are you counting calories and logging everything with near 100% accuracy? If your thyroid is in check with medication, then it's likely you're eating more than you think.
I'd say this is likely. I'm 5'6" and 158 lbs, and I still lose weight exercising and eating around 2000 - 2100 calories a day...not to mention I am a little older (35). If you're really eating 500 - 800 calories then the weight should be falling off of you.
Though, if you are eating close to that many calories, I would agree with middlehaitch on the bloating. Especially if you are exercising regulatly, you definitely should be eating more than 800 calories, as your body needs the fuel.
I would start with the logging, though...do you own a food scale, OP?
Yes I do but what do I do when I can't log in something that's not on my fitness pal? Guess the best I can?
What are you eating that's not in the database? If it's a recipe, you can use the recipe builder and it will give you a per serving amount. If it's a packaged food, you can add it.
As for the bloating, increasing intake after that low of consumption over an extended period of time could certainly cause some bloating. It should go away in a bit of time. When you saw your doctor did you tell him your calorie intake? 500 cal/day is low enough to cause serious, life-threatening, and long-term damage. Please see a registered dietician to get some support and guidance. It sounds like you need more specific professional help.0 -
nutmegoreo wrote: »dragon_girl26 wrote: »When you say you're eating "as healthy as possible", are you counting calories and logging everything with near 100% accuracy? If your thyroid is in check with medication, then it's likely you're eating more than you think.
I'd say this is likely. I'm 5'6" and 158 lbs, and I still lose weight exercising and eating around 2000 - 2100 calories a day...not to mention I am a little older (35). If you're really eating 500 - 800 calories then the weight should be falling off of you.
Though, if you are eating close to that many calories, I would agree with middlehaitch on the bloating. Especially if you are exercising regulatly, you definitely should be eating more than 800 calories, as your body needs the fuel.
I would start with the logging, though...do you own a food scale, OP?
Yes I do but what do I do when I can't log in something that's not on my fitness pal? Guess the best I can?
What are you eating that's not in the database? If it's a recipe, you can use the recipe builder and it will give you a per serving amount. If it's a packaged food, you can add it.
As for the bloating, increasing intake after that low of consumption over an extended period of time could certainly cause some bloating. It should go away in a bit of time. When you saw your doctor did you tell him your calorie intake? 500 cal/day is low enough to cause serious, life-threatening, and long-term damage. Please see a registered dietician to get some support and guidance. It sounds like you need more specific professional help.nutmegoreo wrote: »dragon_girl26 wrote: »When you say you're eating "as healthy as possible", are you counting calories and logging everything with near 100% accuracy? If your thyroid is in check with medication, then it's likely you're eating more than you think.
I'd say this is likely. I'm 5'6" and 158 lbs, and I still lose weight exercising and eating around 2000 - 2100 calories a day...not to mention I am a little older (35). If you're really eating 500 - 800 calories then the weight should be falling off of you.
Though, if you are eating close to that many calories, I would agree with middlehaitch on the bloating. Especially if you are exercising regulatly, you definitely should be eating more than 800 calories, as your body needs the fuel.
I would start with the logging, though...do you own a food scale, OP?
Yes I do but what do I do when I can't log in something that's not on my fitness pal? Guess the best I can?
What are you eating that's not in the database? If it's a recipe, you can use the recipe builder and it will give you a per serving amount. If it's a packaged food, you can add it.
As for the bloating, increasing intake after that low of consumption over an extended period of time could certainly cause some bloating. It should go away in a bit of time. When you saw your doctor did you tell him your calorie intake? 500 cal/day is low enough to cause serious, life-threatening, and long-term damage. Please see a registered dietician to get some support and guidance. It sounds like you need more specific professional help.
All of this started about mid June I saw a doctor before that I will see him in September.
When I say that something isn't in my fitness pal, when I eat at a independent mom and pop store how could I log that in?
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nutmegoreo wrote: »dragon_girl26 wrote: »When you say you're eating "as healthy as possible", are you counting calories and logging everything with near 100% accuracy? If your thyroid is in check with medication, then it's likely you're eating more than you think.
I'd say this is likely. I'm 5'6" and 158 lbs, and I still lose weight exercising and eating around 2000 - 2100 calories a day...not to mention I am a little older (35). If you're really eating 500 - 800 calories then the weight should be falling off of you.
Though, if you are eating close to that many calories, I would agree with middlehaitch on the bloating. Especially if you are exercising regulatly, you definitely should be eating more than 800 calories, as your body needs the fuel.
I would start with the logging, though...do you own a food scale, OP?
Yes I do but what do I do when I can't log in something that's not on my fitness pal? Guess the best I can?
What are you eating that's not in the database? If it's a recipe, you can use the recipe builder and it will give you a per serving amount. If it's a packaged food, you can add it.
As for the bloating, increasing intake after that low of consumption over an extended period of time could certainly cause some bloating. It should go away in a bit of time. When you saw your doctor did you tell him your calorie intake? 500 cal/day is low enough to cause serious, life-threatening, and long-term damage. Please see a registered dietician to get some support and guidance. It sounds like you need more specific professional help.nutmegoreo wrote: »dragon_girl26 wrote: »When you say you're eating "as healthy as possible", are you counting calories and logging everything with near 100% accuracy? If your thyroid is in check with medication, then it's likely you're eating more than you think.
I'd say this is likely. I'm 5'6" and 158 lbs, and I still lose weight exercising and eating around 2000 - 2100 calories a day...not to mention I am a little older (35). If you're really eating 500 - 800 calories then the weight should be falling off of you.
Though, if you are eating close to that many calories, I would agree with middlehaitch on the bloating. Especially if you are exercising regulatly, you definitely should be eating more than 800 calories, as your body needs the fuel.
I would start with the logging, though...do you own a food scale, OP?
Yes I do but what do I do when I can't log in something that's not on my fitness pal? Guess the best I can?
What are you eating that's not in the database? If it's a recipe, you can use the recipe builder and it will give you a per serving amount. If it's a packaged food, you can add it.
As for the bloating, increasing intake after that low of consumption over an extended period of time could certainly cause some bloating. It should go away in a bit of time. When you saw your doctor did you tell him your calorie intake? 500 cal/day is low enough to cause serious, life-threatening, and long-term damage. Please see a registered dietician to get some support and guidance. It sounds like you need more specific professional help.
All of this started about mid June I saw a doctor before that I will see him in September.
When I say that something isn't in my fitness pal, when I eat at a independent mom and pop store how could I log that in?
That's more challenging, for sure. In that case, then yes you would need to take your best guess. Many of those smaller shops aren't going to have the nutritional information. You could look for the calories from another restaurant with similar foods. It won't be nearly as accurate, but who wants to give up those restaurant gems?
Can you call the doctor's office and see if there is a registered dietician they can refer you to?0 -
nutmegoreo wrote: »dragon_girl26 wrote: »When you say you're eating "as healthy as possible", are you counting calories and logging everything with near 100% accuracy? If your thyroid is in check with medication, then it's likely you're eating more than you think.
I'd say this is likely. I'm 5'6" and 158 lbs, and I still lose weight exercising and eating around 2000 - 2100 calories a day...not to mention I am a little older (35). If you're really eating 500 - 800 calories then the weight should be falling off of you.
Though, if you are eating close to that many calories, I would agree with middlehaitch on the bloating. Especially if you are exercising regulatly, you definitely should be eating more than 800 calories, as your body needs the fuel.
I would start with the logging, though...do you own a food scale, OP?
Yes I do but what do I do when I can't log in something that's not on my fitness pal? Guess the best I can?
What are you eating that's not in the database? If it's a recipe, you can use the recipe builder and it will give you a per serving amount. If it's a packaged food, you can add it.
As for the bloating, increasing intake after that low of consumption over an extended period of time could certainly cause some bloating. It should go away in a bit of time. When you saw your doctor did you tell him your calorie intake? 500 cal/day is low enough to cause serious, life-threatening, and long-term damage. Please see a registered dietician to get some support and guidance. It sounds like you need more specific professional help.nutmegoreo wrote: »dragon_girl26 wrote: »When you say you're eating "as healthy as possible", are you counting calories and logging everything with near 100% accuracy? If your thyroid is in check with medication, then it's likely you're eating more than you think.
I'd say this is likely. I'm 5'6" and 158 lbs, and I still lose weight exercising and eating around 2000 - 2100 calories a day...not to mention I am a little older (35). If you're really eating 500 - 800 calories then the weight should be falling off of you.
Though, if you are eating close to that many calories, I would agree with middlehaitch on the bloating. Especially if you are exercising regulatly, you definitely should be eating more than 800 calories, as your body needs the fuel.
I would start with the logging, though...do you own a food scale, OP?
Yes I do but what do I do when I can't log in something that's not on my fitness pal? Guess the best I can?
What are you eating that's not in the database? If it's a recipe, you can use the recipe builder and it will give you a per serving amount. If it's a packaged food, you can add it.
As for the bloating, increasing intake after that low of consumption over an extended period of time could certainly cause some bloating. It should go away in a bit of time. When you saw your doctor did you tell him your calorie intake? 500 cal/day is low enough to cause serious, life-threatening, and long-term damage. Please see a registered dietician to get some support and guidance. It sounds like you need more specific professional help.
All of this started about mid June I saw a doctor before that I will see him in September.
When I say that something isn't in my fitness pal, when I eat at a independent mom and pop store how could I log that in?
Once you start weighing your food carefully at home you should be able to start understand what is in your food better when you go out.
Let's say you go out for Mexican. You order a chicken burrito. Inside there is chicken, rice, black beans, and cheese.
Step 1-The tortilla. Look in the database for tortillas. You should understand that a tortilla big enough for a burrito has at least 250-300 calories. Sometimes more.
Step 2- The chicken. How many oz of cooked chicken do you think were in the burrito based on your logging/weighing from home? Pick a cooked weight entry from the system.
Step 3- Rice. It's probably a cup.
Step 4- Black beans. Just find an entry for drained black beans and enter a serving. A full serving is usually 122g. Use your best judgement.
Step 5-Cheese. See if you can find out exactly what kind it is. Search it in the database. There is probably at least an oz, log 2 if you want to be safe.
Then you have to start logging all your condiments: sour cream, guacamole. Use the same thought process.
Don't forgetting to log a tablespoon for cooking oil on some meals you order out.0 -
arditarose wrote: »nutmegoreo wrote: »dragon_girl26 wrote: »When you say you're eating "as healthy as possible", are you counting calories and logging everything with near 100% accuracy? If your thyroid is in check with medication, then it's likely you're eating more than you think.
I'd say this is likely. I'm 5'6" and 158 lbs, and I still lose weight exercising and eating around 2000 - 2100 calories a day...not to mention I am a little older (35). If you're really eating 500 - 800 calories then the weight should be falling off of you.
Though, if you are eating close to that many calories, I would agree with middlehaitch on the bloating. Especially if you are exercising regulatly, you definitely should be eating more than 800 calories, as your body needs the fuel.
I would start with the logging, though...do you own a food scale, OP?
Yes I do but what do I do when I can't log in something that's not on my fitness pal? Guess the best I can?
What are you eating that's not in the database? If it's a recipe, you can use the recipe builder and it will give you a per serving amount. If it's a packaged food, you can add it.
As for the bloating, increasing intake after that low of consumption over an extended period of time could certainly cause some bloating. It should go away in a bit of time. When you saw your doctor did you tell him your calorie intake? 500 cal/day is low enough to cause serious, life-threatening, and long-term damage. Please see a registered dietician to get some support and guidance. It sounds like you need more specific professional help.nutmegoreo wrote: »dragon_girl26 wrote: »When you say you're eating "as healthy as possible", are you counting calories and logging everything with near 100% accuracy? If your thyroid is in check with medication, then it's likely you're eating more than you think.
I'd say this is likely. I'm 5'6" and 158 lbs, and I still lose weight exercising and eating around 2000 - 2100 calories a day...not to mention I am a little older (35). If you're really eating 500 - 800 calories then the weight should be falling off of you.
Though, if you are eating close to that many calories, I would agree with middlehaitch on the bloating. Especially if you are exercising regulatly, you definitely should be eating more than 800 calories, as your body needs the fuel.
I would start with the logging, though...do you own a food scale, OP?
Yes I do but what do I do when I can't log in something that's not on my fitness pal? Guess the best I can?
What are you eating that's not in the database? If it's a recipe, you can use the recipe builder and it will give you a per serving amount. If it's a packaged food, you can add it.
As for the bloating, increasing intake after that low of consumption over an extended period of time could certainly cause some bloating. It should go away in a bit of time. When you saw your doctor did you tell him your calorie intake? 500 cal/day is low enough to cause serious, life-threatening, and long-term damage. Please see a registered dietician to get some support and guidance. It sounds like you need more specific professional help.
All of this started about mid June I saw a doctor before that I will see him in September.
When I say that something isn't in my fitness pal, when I eat at a independent mom and pop store how could I log that in?
Once you start weighing your food carefully at home you should be able to start understand what is in your food better when you go out.
Let's say you go out for Mexican. You order a chicken burrito. Inside there is chicken, rice, black beans, and cheese.
Step 1-The tortilla. Look in the database for tortillas. You should understand that a tortilla big enough for a burrito has at least 250-300 calories. Sometimes more.
Step 2- The chicken. How many oz of cooked chicken do you think were in the burrito based on your logging/weighing from home? Pick a cooked weight entry from the system.
Step 3- Rice. It's probably a cup.
Step 4- Black beans. Just find an entry for drained black beans and enter a serving. A full serving is usually 122g. Use your best judgement.
Step 5-Cheese. See if you can find out exactly what kind it is. Search it in the database. There is probably at least an oz, log 2 if you want to be safe.
Then you have to start logging all your condiments: sour cream, guacamole. Use the same thought process.
Don't forgetting to log a tablespoon for cooking oil on some meals you order out.
Thank you so much for your help!0
This discussion has been closed.
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