Same plan- suddenly different results? Help :/

Hello
I have been working hard to cut the last 5 lbs down for my first ever competition in March. In the past few months I cut my calories to just a 250 cal deficit and increased training days/ week. 1 rest day. I incorporated in another cardio day as well. However, I’m suddenly noticing a ton of water retention and even some weight gain so kind of panicking. What can I be doing wrong? Is this potentially a hormonal imbalance causing bloating and swelling? Hard to tell if it’s water or true weight gain... any thoughts would be appreciated on how I can course correct.
Thank you!

Replies

  • Redordeadhead
    Redordeadhead Posts: 1,188 Member
    If you really do have a 250cal deficit, it cannot be real weight (fat) gain. It could be water retention of you have recently increased exercise with the additional cardio day.
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,139 Member
    Hello
    I have been working hard to cut the last 5 lbs down for my first ever competition in March. In the past few months I cut my calories to just a 250 cal deficit and increased training days/ week. 1 rest day. I incorporated in another cardio day as well. However, I’m suddenly noticing a ton of water retention and even some weight gain so kind of panicking. What can I be doing wrong? Is this potentially a hormonal imbalance causing bloating and swelling? Hard to tell if it’s water or true weight gain... any thoughts would be appreciated on how I can course correct.
    Thank you!

    How is your water intake? This may sound counterintuitive but I find when I drink more water I release water weight more easily.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,451 Member
    Assuming contest, you mean competitive (figure, bikini)?

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
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