Putting on weight - don't know why

whalesong2164
whalesong2164 Posts: 18
in Motivation and Support
Over the past few days I've put on 3 pounds. I've been going a little over my net goal most days because I haven't been able to exercise as much, but according to myfitnesspal not enough to put on weight.

It's really disheartening and any words of encouragement/advice or similar experiences would be really appreciated. The only thing I can think is that I am 'lowballing' my food diary, so from now on I'll be as generous as possible when logging food (either that or I reaaallllly need to go to the toilet!) :wink:

On a separate note, happy Saturday morning, have a cup of tea on me :drinker:

Replies

  • Achrya
    Achrya Posts: 16,913 Member
    Is your period coming? Have you increased your carbs? Started a new workout routine? Constipated?

    There are lots of things that can cause fluctuations. My period started and I went up 4 pounds literally between going to bed and waking up the next morning.
  • FaylinaMeir
    FaylinaMeir Posts: 661 Member
    just wanted to let you know your weight can fluctuate a lot in a week or even a day. You could be "backed up" or holding onto more water, especially if you've eaten a lot of salty items lately. I really wouldn't worry about it too much. I also suggest buying a scale if you're unsure about portion sizes, Walmart sells one for 19 bucks that I adore (I bought a bunch of expensive ones and they aren't as good as the mainstays one shockingly!)
  • whalesong2164
    whalesong2164 Posts: 18
    Wow, thank you for your replies, I can't believe it got replies so quickly! Loving the support of this site.

    I don't really get regular periods because I have the contraceptive implant, but I do suffer from IBS and all that entails, ahem. If more of my calories were made up of carbs would that create a weight gain then? I have a read a lot about weight loss 'science' and I know there's loads of conflicting information, but I currently understand (or thought I did!) that it's the numbers of calories rather than the types of calories that count in fat gain/loss, is that not what you have read? Either way, I don't think I'm eating more than usual but will have a closer look, thank you for the suggestion.

    Thank you, I should start weighing and measuring more. If I have a squirt of mayo or ketchup I log it as 5 or 10 grams, but maybe it's way more! I'll make my measuring spoons my new best friends :)

    I'll try not to worry and keep plodding on as normal. What could have happened, perhaps if I wasn't seeking support on here, is that it would have triggered of old harmful behaviours and I would have severely restricted while over-exercising to quickly shed those 3 pounds, which would inevitably lead to a binge that would put it all back on. I'm trying really hard to keep steady and allow my body to find it's own way.

    Thanks again xx :flowerforyou:
  • KLangleydoula
    KLangleydoula Posts: 1,494 Member
    Hi! My weight fluctuates day to day. Salt intake can play a major role in the scale jumping up. My name is Kim and my weight loss journey began two years ago. I was at my heaviest (225) and things were not good. I couldn't keep up with my kids, I was tired all the time, and my doctor told me that my cholesterol was on the rise! I decided something needed to change. I started walking, and eventually doing some weight training. I am down over 70 pounds! I feel so much better, and I love supporting and encouraging people to do the same. I would be happy to be an accountability partner with you. I still have some weight to lose, so we can work at it together! Getting your nutrition under control is a big key to losing weight. I can share what has worked for me if you are interested. If you work hard, I know you can reach your goal! So what do ya say? Are you in?
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    Scales should be your best friends... Weigh EVERYTHING!
  • ironanimal
    ironanimal Posts: 5,922 Member
    An increase in carbs can affect an immediate weight gain; increased carbs allow for increased glycogen storage, which in turn allows for more water storage.

    BUT, it is NOT fat. Glycogen is an immediate energy source used for explosive movement.
  • mactaffy84
    mactaffy84 Posts: 398 Member
    Believe me, I get how you are feeling. You feel defeated putting in all this hard work and then you find out you weigh more. But listen to the others who have said what I am going to say: it isn't fat. Weight goes all over the place. You will have ups and downs, but your trend over time will show your weight going down I you just keep at it. We all need a slap,on the back and a "you're doing great, keep at it" every once in a while. This is yours. Don't let it get you down (I know, easier said than done). I think you're doing great. :flowerforyou:
  • whalesong2164
    whalesong2164 Posts: 18
    ^^ That's really kind thank you. Feeling a little better about things today, thank you for all your advice's and words of encouragement :drinker:
  • kirkor
    kirkor Posts: 2,530 Member
    Check the scale at most once per week ... plus, in general, measurements and bikini-in-the-mirror type evaluation should give you more useful feedback ... as you improve your body composition (i.e. increase muscle, decrease fat), the scale may read higher than you think it should, but you'll look, feel, and perform better.
  • whalesong2164
    whalesong2164 Posts: 18
    I actually find it easier psychologically to check the scale everyday. If I had checked once per week I would have seen no change at all, whereas every day helps me learn about my body's fluctuations. It might be alarming but I feel like I have more control overall.

    I did take some pics today, dear god they're awful. Hopefully will have some good before/after pics to post in a few months. Thank you for your reply.
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    As long as you're tracking properly, you know it can't be fat... it's normal water weight fluctuations. They're frustrating, but you didn't eat 13000 calories over your TDEE, so you're fine!
  • DRHutchins
    DRHutchins Posts: 1
    Watching the scales each day, if you are not mindful of what you are seeing, can be depressing or discouraging. If you choose to weigh yourself each day, you must decide up front not to get jacked up about the number. It will fluctuate, so just watch the trends over weeks, not days. And as others have suggested here, to gain that much weight -- actual weight, not water weight which can create significant variations in your weight -- would require well in excess of 10,000 calories above/beyond your normal break-even caloric intake.

    So you are fine. If you like to see the daily fluctuations, cool. But know they are not meaningful on a day to day basis. Watch the long term trends. And if you are eating right and exercising, that's really all that matters. The numbers will work themselves out, over time. In the mean time, don't let that bathroom scale bring you down.

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