Got back from training

SharmaineP

Hey all! I just got back from Army training, and I've lost 10 pounds. I'm currently at 140 pounds which is my ideal weight but lately I've been gaining a few pounds from holiday parties (I don't eat beyond 2000 calories). Should I continue to consume 2,000 calories or go lower? Could it be the amount of sugar I consume? My fitness has subsided because I've been battling a cough that stops me from running. Any comment is much appreciated!

Jestinia

Congrats on the weight loss! Since you're fighting a cough, maybe you don't have to try too hard to drop calories (at least not much, depends on how many you burned from when you were exercising) but do try to eat the most nutritious foods you can to help get over being sick.

Just my non-medical two cents!

ItsCasey

I would first make sure that your perceived intake is accurate (i.e. weigh, measure, and log everything you eat). I would think 2000 calories is pretty close to maintenance for you at 140 lbs. The gain could be due to water retention (happens when you eat more sodium/carbs than usual, as most people do at the holidays). It could also be due to either underestimating intake or not being as active because of your illness.

If your goal is to maintain and you're gaining weight at your current intake and activity levels, then you should either eat less or burn more or some combination of the two. No need for a drastic change, maybe 5 or 10%. Try that for two or three weeks, and if you're still gaining, cut back a little more.