My legs look bigger for some reason

sokkache

Now, I'll be honest and say that I do like to look at myself in my mirror each day and see if I've lost any inches. Funny thing is that I don't even measure inches which I probably should, but anyways, not exactly the point.

I exercise, eat at a deficit, I go to the gym every other day or two days to do strength training and HIIT on the treadmill. On my at home days, I do bodyweight exercises and sometimes I play kinect sports(which is a really fun and easy way to get a workout in). I've gotten down to 148.2 as of Tuesday. I haven't weighed myself since then, but the only thing that has changed is that i've been eating more calories. Keep in mind that my daily goal is 1600 which is a very reasonable goal, but usually my calorie limit is 1200-1400 and these past few days I've been eating anywhere from 1500-1700 calories. Also, these past few days, same exercise routine and everything, I think I'm looking a little fatter. My eyes could be playing a trick on me, but I'm noticing that my tummy is a little chubbier than before I upped my calorie goals, and my thighs seem HUGE, more so than before.

Is there possibly an explanation for this that may include my diet or foods I'm eating. I don't think that the problem is muscle gain because although my legs are getting more muscular, they shouldn't get bigger if I am eating at a deficit, right?

MoreBean13

There's zero chance you're fatter after a couple days of eating slightly higher (but presumably lower than your TDEE) calories. You could be bloated, that's a very likely possibility, equally likely is your mind playing tricks with you. Either way, you didn't get fatter in a couple days with that limit. I can comfortably say that's impossible....I don't even need to know more about your stats or diet to know that.

It's also not muscle gain. For a woman, on a deficit, in a few days, that is also impossible. Your muscles could be "swole" though- which means they're retaining fluid that can make them look bigger temporarily as a result of stressful and/or new workouts.

ritchiedrama

I don't have much to say, too tired to read the thread properly.

But..

I checked your diary..

and...



it's really nice to see a female with a brain eating a reasonable amount of food for once, so for that, good job

MB_Positif

Definitely eyes playing tricks or bloating or maybe your period is about to start.

sokkache

Maybe I'm going crazy because I've been staying at home and doing nothing all day. I don't know what could cause the bloating though and my period shouldn't start for another week at least.

1princesswarrior

I always swell or bloat after I exercise, especially if I try new routines. Also, we women have to consider TOM. I also bloat when I don't drink enough water. Just some thoughts.

stephaniemejia1671

Probably water, no need to freak out, try to limit salt for a few days, usually helps.