What Am I Doing Wrong?

I need some opinions because I am at a loss...

I have been exercising cardio/weights 2x a week and light kickboxing 1x a week consistently for the past three weeks.
I've also changed my eating habits to 4-5 small meals (advice from doctor and trainer) a day.

My starting weight was 161.00....went on a low carb. diet, no exercise, 3 meals a day and dropped down to 156.00 (I lost over 30lbs this way last year as well)

Went to the doctor and she said change your eating habits and start exercising. I did.
Three weeks ago (before my changes my weight was 156.00 lbs. This is the trend I've seen since I've changed my eating habits and excercise routine - 156.00 - 156.4 - 157.4 - 160.00 - this a.m. 160.6.

Heck, when I was at 161 it was because I spent a week in Las Vegas eating at buffets. I was 155-156 throughout the entire summer prior to vacation.

What the heck??? Is this normal. Will I go up then drop down?

My carb intake has been the same or better. Even on any cheat day my meal portions are way smaller. My exercise level is more then it's been in years. When I work out my muscles are fatigued and I am sweating! I'm not sore the next day though.


I'm really frustrated. Any opinion or advice?? :(

I wanted to cry this morning...

Replies

  • You're probably gaining muscle from all the exercise! Don't fret. Muscle weighs more than fat.
  • beachlover317
    beachlover317 Posts: 2,848 Member
    You're probably gaining muscle from all the exercise! Don't fret. Muscle weighs more than fat.

    No. You do not gain muscle in 3 weeks at a calorie deficit. Your muscles will, however, retain water when you begin exercising, for repair. If you are eating at a calorie deficit (weighing food, logging consistently) that is how you will lose.
  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    Are you logging your food? Do you weigh and measure or guesstimate/eye-ball portions?

    If you are truly eating at a calorie deficit, there is no way you're gaining muscle. You may have been retaining water initially from the increase in activity but I would think that would have passed by now.

    Are you taking body measurements? Sometimes the scale shows no loss but you may be losing inches.
  • I don't think it's muscle, this soon.
    I haven't being doing a specific diary...just the fitness pal app.
    I do drink a lot of water but thought any water retention would have passed as well.
    :(
  • cafeaulait7
    cafeaulait7 Posts: 2,459 Member
    Track your calories just to make sure that all the working out hasn't made you hungrier! I get hungrier at first, definitely. Then I lose my big appetite a couple of weeks in (that's a good thing, lol).

    I think your muscles can hold onto water longer than 3 weeks if you keep up the tough exercising. There are a lot of people who ask about exercise weight gain about a month in, and I know I still had it at 4 weeks myself. I wouldn't worry about it, but do track everything just so you know what's up for sure.
  • chrissysue
    chrissysue Posts: 85 Member
    I completely understand your frustration with a gain when you want to lose. BUT things to factor in:
    Is it that time of the month?
    Are you drinking enough water?
    Is there too much sodium in your diet/food?
    Is there too much sugar in your diet?food?
    These are very important!!!!!! In order to lose you need to drink water!!!!! Eliminate soda and sugary drinks. Also read the lable on all of the foods you are eating. I was shocked at how much sodium is natually in chicken. and of course TOM plays havic on you!!!!! I know probably not the answers you were looking for. Keep your chin up! If you are only exercising 3X/Wk you may want to up that to 5. Keep a journel of your food so you can take it to your doctor if you continue to have problems and they can better evaluate, there may be underlying medical factors. Remember you didn't gain the weight you want to loose over night you wont loose it that fast either. Honestly at 156# you may not have as much to loose as you think. My 14yo daughter is 5'8" and weighs 140#.....I would have to say if she were measured she would be under 10% body fat.....she is a cheerleader (a high school team and an all star comp team) sometimes I look at her and think she is too thin.... so don't let the number on the scale deter you!!!!!!
  • rick_po
    rick_po Posts: 449 Member
    If you went off a low-carb diet, you'll gain a whole bunch of water weight. That's one of the misleading things about low-carb diets - that first 10 pounds (give or take) is just water loss, which comes right back when you start eating bread and potatoes again..