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Weight GAIN! Don't know how to turn it around

madisonsteelex
madisonsteelex Posts: 295
edited December 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
I've been eating fairly healthy and started Insanity 2 weeks ago, and I also run. I've gained almost 10 lbs and I don't know what to do
Has anyone gained/ fallen off track? How did you get back into things and what specific changes did you make?

Replies

  • MoreBean13
    MoreBean13 Posts: 8,701 Member
    I took a peek at your diary and I suspect you have a combination of 2 things going on

    1) Starting a new fitness program, especially an intense one like insanity, will cause a temporary water weight gain. It is a protective reaction where water surrounds the muscle tissue to help repair the microscopic muscle tears. Its swelling and it will go away, but it will cause a temporary water weight gain.

    2) You're shooting yourself in the foot by eating less than 1000 cals. 600 or 700 calories is not enough to support most people's breathing and brain function, let alone an intense workout program. You absolutely need to eat more, and shoot for 1g protein/lb lean body mass to avoid losing muscle. There's no point in doing a muscle intensive program like insanity if your diet is forcing your body to eat its own muscle tissue for energy.
  • heybales
    heybales Posts: 18,842 Member
    I've been eating fairly healthy and started Insanity 2 weeks ago, and I also run. I've gained almost 10 lbs and I don't know what to do
    Has anyone gained/ fallen off track? How did you get back into things and what specific changes did you make?

    You are asking your body to burn a lot of carbs on that type of workout - in fact it's almost total carb burn except for the brief rest period.

    Because of that, your body is going to store more glucose along with water in all your muscle. 500 cal stored weighs 1lb.

    And just starting out, this is an intense workout and muscles have probably been injured and are trying to repair, by retaining water.

    So you might say, double water-weight gain.

    You have given yourself a rest day? Since just starting this routine.

    Ditto's on level to eat at for your level of activity.

    I know that program came with recommendations of an eating level - follow them.
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