Help!

jlmoses91

So I have been running for a while, but these past two weeks I have started training for a half marathon. I have been extremely hungry the past week even though I have been eating plenty of protein. I have gained about 7 pounds. I know some of it has been because I have been eating late, but I just feel so hungry and it is freaking me out that I am gaining. Weight! Help! Any ideas?

LoraF83

You didn't gain weight because you were eating late - time has nothing to do with it. You "gained" water weight because your muscles are retaining fluid in an effort to repair themselves. Take a couple of rest days and weigh again - the number should go down.

And maybe you aren't eating enough for the level of activity you are doing? That would explain the hunger.......


*Edit to say that you would have to have over eaten by 24,500 calories to gain 7lbs. I'm almost positive that didn't happen! If you want more help - you will need to open your diary so people can see what you are eating.

portalm

Hi, First off id like to ask, Are you wearing a heart monitor? if not this could be part of the reason you are gaining, when you log to many exercise calories into mfp and eat them back thinking you are ok. But to eat enough to have gained 7 pounds of fat... probably not. You may be gaining muscle in smaller untrained muscles that you use for running, this coupled with eating late night salty foods, you may be retaining more water.

This being said, when you eat is of no importance. if you are hungry you should eat, within your calories. Basically eating more protein coupled with starting a new fitness program i wouldnt worry to much.

I do this when using the scale. While i weigh myself multiple times a day/week, the only ones i count are in the morning after using the restroom. Then i take the average weight, during the week. and calculate fast loss. if any.

Good luck to you, and also im in a 2 hour drive from midland, where is the marathon going to be? I may want to participate.

jcpmoore

Do you use an HRM when you run? I would recommend it. If not, at least use the estimate provided by MFP for calories burned. Consider eating back most of your exercise calories if you are hungry.

And first responder had a point- rest days are important to your muscles. Lots of water and rest or your body will retain. To gain that quickly, that's almost certainly what it is.

Aperture_Science

You didn't gain weight because you were eating late - time has nothing to do with it. You "gained" water weight because your muscles are retaining fluid in an effort to repair themselves. Take a couple of rest days and weigh again - the number should go down.

And maybe you aren't eating enough for the level of activity you are doing? That would explain the hunger.......

I agree with this but would also add that when doing significant running (such as training for a half) you need to ensure you are getting enough carbohydrate (as this is the easiest to convert to fuel for the running). protein is great for muscle retention and feeling full but carbs (ideally complex) will fuel your runs better.

LoraF83

You didn't gain weight because you were eating late - time has nothing to do with it. You "gained" water weight because your muscles are retaining fluid in an effort to repair themselves. Take a couple of rest days and weigh again - the number should go down.

And maybe you aren't eating enough for the level of activity you are doing? That would explain the hunger.......

I agree with this but would also add that when doing significant running (such as training for a half) you need to ensure you are getting enough carbohydrate (as this is the easiest to convert to fuel for the running). protein is great for muscle retention and feeling full but carbs (ideally complex) will fuel your runs better.

Thank you - I almost added that!

jlmoses91

Portalm- thanks the half I am running is actually in San Antonio, I'm going to the Rock n' Roll November 11th. Everyone told me it is a great first time one because their are so many people there to support. I am thinking that it is water retention for the most part. I just dont know how to lose it? Also I had always heard that eating late makes you gain more weight? Is that not true? I have been hungry before bed alot lately.


Aperture- For complex carbs I have been eating brown rice and whole wheat noodles with meals, or fruit.

I dont use a heart monitor and have never used one. I didnt really see the need? I have always had a low heart rate- usually in the 50's because I work out often. Should I use a HRM? What are the pro's?
And thank you everyone for all of your posts!

Philllbis

A HRM will show you the calories you're burning. It's more accurate than the MFP estimate of calories burned. If you get one get one with a chest strap as it's the most accurate.

Eating late has nothing to do with weight gain. You can eat your calories at any time through the day. The factor in weight gain is calories in vs. calories burned. If you eat at a surplus you gain. Eat at a deficit and you lose.

If you've just recently started running or increased your exercise then likely 7lbs is just water weight. Keep an eye on your sodium intake and drink pleny of water and you should see this weight drop off once your body gets used to your exercise routine.

jlmoses91

I have been running for a while, but increased my weekly running by quite a bit for my training program. What brand of HRM would I get?

helenmc40

I just bought Polar FT7 and I love it!! It is great to see how many cals I actually burn than waht MFP estimated (way over)!!

http://www.polar-heart-rate-monitors.com/

A few of my friends have the FT4 and they love it!!

Hope this helps