Water weight?

crazylucky

Do you retain water weight when starting to exercise? I don't always use MFP for logging food (although I have now started due to this!!), but I eat a paleo-type diet and have for months (6? 8?). I started working out last week and I dont think my food intake has gone up - at least not by much. I weight myself every day, every other day, and I'm SHOCKED that my weight (and my waistline) is creeping UP... WRONG DIRECTION!

I'm so disappointed - my wedding is in 3 months, and I thought with 90 days to go, I'd buckle down and try to go from 132 to 125 with weight training. I'm seeing a trainer 3x per week, starting last week, and I've gained 4 pounds. I don't remember the last time I increased by 4 pounds in one week! How can it be water when my paleo lifestyle hasn't changed? Any advise here?

Wow, I'm ready. Also, I'm new to using the MFP community... i was always set as private. Would love if someone in the know would add my as a friend so I can understand how to crack into the community portion of MFP - need the motivation!

All the best,
CL

EmilyAnnWeiss

Not sure if you know this but muscle weighs more then fat. Since you are weight training rather than aerobic, you honestly may not lose those few pounds. You should, however, lose the inches. Do you mind if I ask how much weight you've gained. People's weight will fluctuate throughout the day as much as five pounds due to water, food, waste. For women, it could fluctuate more when they are on their period (one day I weighed myself in the morning and then at night and gained 9 pounds).
MFP recommends that you only weigh yourself once a week and at the seem time of day every time. MFP also recommends that you measure your self too- neck, waist, and hips. I think you should consider measuring your self rather than weighing because of the kind of exercise that you are doing. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this either! My overall goal is to get down to a size 8 in pants (I'm at a 14 now) which is all measuring. This is actually a healthier way to look at your body!!
If you are really concerned about your weight, talk to your trainer. Most gym trainers are also nutritionists and should be able to tell you more about it.
I hope I helped you out and I'll send you a request

DanceGirl0309

I agree with everything EmilyAnnWeiss said. I've also heard that when you start working out or start a new workout program that challenges your muscles in a different way, your body may retain more water while your muscles are healing after the workout. I have noticed an increase in weight after having a few days off and then starting up again. Usually the 2 days after I start again my weight is a little higher than it was before.

Are you doing any cardio with your weight training? Cardio is a great way to burn the extra calories. Also, not eating back your "extra" burnt calories will help.

redraidergirl2009

Have you considered that paleo isn't working for you? Not all diets work for everyone.

crazylucky

Thanks for your thoughts! I lost one pound today, but still 3 over where I was last week.

As far as paleo, I know it's working for me.... I've lost 10 pounds in the past several months, but mostly, I'm eating a lot healthier. No more processed foods!

Thanks again for your thoughts!

jzammetti

Are you sore from your workouts? If so, it is definitey water weight and will go away over a week or two (our muscles retain water to aid in repair after a workout). No worries!

DopeItUp

It's just water, no big deal. There's nothing for you to be disappointed by, you haven't gained any fat have you? No? Then what's the problem? Weight is just a number. Focus on losing fat and preserving lean body mass (with strength training) and you'll have better results. Sounds like you're doing just fine.

crazylucky

I just wanted to check back in and let everyone know it was indeed just water weight. I'm back down to the 132.8 - which is exactly 4 pounds lighter. Thanks for the positive thoughts and responses this past week - it was a bit of an ride. I don't usually retain any water!

Off to the gym in an hour!