Why am I gaining weight?

blueberryk

After I had my daughter 2 years ago I never tried getting the extra weight off. I assumed I could eat like before I got pregnant and not gain. Well, that was true but I still have the extra pounds! A couple weeks ago I started aiming for 1200 calories a day and gave up junk food and most processed foods. In addition, I've been walking/running 4 days a week and doing the 30 Day Shred 5 days a week. In this time, I have actually GAINED 4lbs! What do you think the problem is? It's very frustrating! Thanks.

billsica

why did you choose 1200 calories? Is that the right amount for you? Do you need more calories a day? How many days have you been doing this? Are you retaining water with a load of sodium?

galvestongal

Sounds like you are not eating enough calories for your body to meet the demands you are placing on it. By limiting yourself to 1200 calories which is the bare minimum you should take in, you are sending your body into starvation mode and it is actually hanging on to everything you eat instead of burning it for energy. Try increasing your caloric intake and varying it from time to time like 3 days at 1600 cals, then 2 at 2000, then 4 at 1400, etc.

NotGoddess

Sounds like water. If you work out and haven't or exercise new muscle groups, your body will keep extra water in the muscles to help repair them and keep the glycogen stores in place in case you need to do it again. Just keep doing as you are and drink plenty of water so your body doesn't think it needs to hold onto excess. As you get used to doing the exercise your body will release the extra water weight.

Edit: I was commenting on the new exercise being the possible cause. 1200 may not be enough but if you are using MFP and logging food/exercise it should be obvious by the whole X calories left gauge on your home page.

TrevorHyland

If you're eating clean and drinking lots of water, then it is very possible that you may just be building muscle, which is heavier than fat and that's why you're actually gaining weight instead of losing it. I would pay less attention to weight and pay more attention to eating lots of lean protein and continuing to push yourself in your exercise. As long as your body looks and feels good to you, who cares what the scale says?!

blueberryk

I've only been doing the 1200 calories for about a week. I'm 5'3" and 155lbs, looking to lose at least 20lbs.

eddiegirll

Hello.

What I learned is that 1200 is too low, because when you are lowering your calorie intake & you up your activity level. You need extra calories to fuel your body so you can burn the extra calories, to boost your metabolism. Plus to repair your body after exercising.

This is something I have been battling with MFP. I thought my Daily Calorie Allowance was too high, but I am learning why it is that number. I lost 7 lbs the first wk, then the second wk, I gained 1 lb, because I began to get hungry. Now I do not know who to start again or begin this diet with MFP.

5' 4"
S.W. 234(Sept.5, 2011)
P.W. 227(Sept. 12, 2011)
C.W. 228(Sept. 19, 2011)-Opps! What happened?
G.W. 125

Debby0904

Ok I am just as guilty. 10 days into this and gained 2 pounds. So I decided to take out my tape measure and yep I gained two pounds but overall lost 2 inches. I'm going to give up the scale for a while and just go by measurements if I have to check myself. If you're feeling better you know you're doing something right.

RAFValentina

Hi there, I'm suffering with similar problems. I run LOTS and far and hard. I always hold on to a lb or 2 the couple of days after especially when I continue to do consecutive days. However I've gained A LOT of weight through it. So I know that one or 2 lbs are going to be through muscle mass as I've gained 1 stone in weight yet maybe only gained an inch on my tummy...which I think is due to bloating at the moment as I'm suffering terribly with it right now. I also was on 1200 a day and its far too few, I would suggest going for something more sensible like 1600 or even 1800, especially if you're training, weight loss shouldn't be "fast" and it needs to be doable and sustainable. I find just making smaller changes like changing stuff to low GI foods and lower calore or fat versions of the same thing to prevent feeling deprived. I'm suffering too but I think that'll work as has in the past and according to friends. However, if you are a bit heavier, do check on dress size and fitness levels as ultimately they're whats going to affect your health. xx

kducky22

Ok I am just as guilty. 10 days into this and gained 2 pounds. So I decided to take out my tape measure and yep I gained two pounds but overall lost 2 inches. I'm going to give up the scale for a while and just go by measurements if I have to check myself. If you're feeling better you know you're doing something right.

^^^ this^^^

olyrose

Likely it's your muscles holding onto water. When you start a new workout, it's pretty common. Before I knew what was going on, I would always quit at that point, because if exercising was making me gain weight, I really didn't see the point.

It will likely drop off in a week or so. I just started the 30 DS also, and have gained about 2 pounds in the past three days since starting it. Usually that extra weight drops off and takes even more with it. Just keep on going

loridaisy1

I'm having the same problem. Woke up today 2 lbs heavier. I have been following my calories at or under goal. I felt bloated and swollen all day. Drank tons of water and extra protein and veggies.
I have ben working out pretty hard so took the day off from exercise.