Gaining weight!

violetlattice

I've started logging my diet on myfitnesspal recently in an attempt to be more aware of my protein, fiber, calorie and sugar intake, and have also started exercising daily (usually around 30 mins biking) but I weighed myself today and I've gained 5 lb's in as many days! I considered muscle gain but I am already relatively muscular due to a childhood spent swimming competitively. Does anyone have any other possible ideas/suggestions as to what's going wrong with my weight loss? Feel free to check out my diary/add me as a friend.

shadow2soul

Weight – So many things can affect weight, because of this it shouldn’t be the only way you track your progress. Things to keep in mind:
:drinker: Always use the same scale – Different scales can show different weights. You will get the most accurate number for tracking when using the same scale.
:drinker: Don’t move the scale – Carpet, uneven flooring, different types of flooring…can all affect the weight on the scale. So when you weigh, you want it to be approximately the same spot for the most accurate number for tracking.
:drinker: 3500 calories – To gain 1lb of fat you need to be over maintenance by 3500 calories.
:drinker: Muscle Repair – Muscles will hold onto water to repair, because of this it is not uncommon to see a gain for a little while after a workout. This weight comes right back off when they are done repairing.
:drinker: Sodium – Can cause you to retain water. This can also be amplified if you don’t drink enough to flush it out of your system. This is also another reason for temporary weight gain.
:drinker: Water – Not drinking enough water can actually cause you to retain water. Recommended amount is 8 cups or 64oz. I drink 64 oz to 128 oz of water a day. It doesn’t have to be plain water either. I like to flavor mine with crystal light or tea.
:drinker: Time of day – Your weight can fluctuate throughout the day. So for the most accurate tracking, you want to weigh at around the same time.
:drinker: Frequency – This is up to you, but if small fluctuations bother you than only weigh once a week or less.
:drinker: Lightest Weight – Will be naked, first thing in the morning, after using the bathroom
:drinker: Multiple times a Day – Don’t Do It. As I said before, your weight will fluctuate throughout the day. What you eat, what you’re wearing, ect will all affect weight.
:drinker: Clothes – If you weigh with clothing on, keep in mind that the scale will show your weight plus the weight of your clothes. (Jeans are heavy)
:drinker: TOM - A lot of women will retain water around their TOM, but its just temporary and will go away.

firstjog11

From what I've heard, when you first start out, your body will hold onto extra water. Nothing to worry too much about. Keep at what you're doing and it should go back to normal levels within a couple of weeks.

PikaKnight

The scale is very unreliable due to fluctuations from food intake, water retention etc - especially during that time of the month for females.

You also say you "started" exercising. Your muscles may be retaining fluid.

rely more on measurements to track your progress.

Also, if you don't use a food scale - get one. using cups and tablespoons to measure things out is also not all that reliable.

j6o4

I looked through your diary and some days it says your burned 1600+ calories from exercise, what are you doing to burn that much? Do you use an HRM? Maybe you or MFP over estimate your calories burned.

Jimaudit

Also, some of your food entries seem very low compared to what you ate. For instance you logged 3 pieces of generic triple chocolate cheesecake for something like 350 cals. I looked up no fewer than 8 recipes and they all were between 350 and 480 cals per slice.

So maybe pay additiona lattention to labels and ensure what you logged represents what you ate.

MyaPapaya75

I looked at your diary as well I think your over estimating your workout burn unless your using a Heart Rate Monitor...also you just started...you may want to minimize the treats/fast food some ..you do stay within calories it seems but limit the treats to only once a week just a suggestion...I know one day of fast food the sodium intake alone sets me back for a few days.

PikaKnight

I looked at your diary as well I think your over estimating your workout burn unless your using a Heart Rate Monitor...also you just started...you may want to minimize the treats/fast food some ..you do stay within calories it seems but limit the treats to only once a week just a suggestion...I know one day of fast food the sodium intake alone sets me back for a few days.

Even if using an HRM, it could still be overestimating depending on the workout. In that case, I'd recommend doing -30% from the burn given.