Been dieting and working out but gained weight

sphrrson
sphrrson Posts: 9 Member
edited November 11 in Health and Weight Loss
ive been on a roughly 1200-1400 calorie a day diet along with five days a week 60 minute cardio and weight lifting regime for the past two weeks but I've gained like 3 pounds instead of losing any! Why!

Replies

  • sandrande
    sandrande Posts: 1
    You're gaining muscle, for one thing and probably holding onto some water. Too soon to get frustrated...hang in there! ;)
  • thedarkwombat
    thedarkwombat Posts: 123 Member
    why weight lifting?
  • allison1983weber
    allison1983weber Posts: 126 Member
    ;Muscle weighs more than fat :) Don't get discouraged. As you gain more muscle you will lose more fat. The more muscle you have the higher your resting metabolic rate it. You will burn fat for hours after your workout! Don't get discouraged! Make sure to take measurements once a week to see true results. Great job!
  • diannethegeek
    diannethegeek Posts: 14,776 Member
    Okay, first the OP isn't likely to gain enough muscle at 1200 calories to offset the weight loss they should be seeing. Muscle gain just doesn't happen that quickly, even newbie gains.

    Starting a weight lifting routine will cause the muscles to retain more water, though, which can cause a stall or slight gain on the scale. It can also give the muscles a "pumped" look with some people mistake for muscle gains.

    Two weeks isn't really enough time to determine whether or not a routine is working for us. Our bodies have a tendency to freak out for a little while when we start something new, so give it some time to even out before you worry :flowerforyou:

    Opening your diary might help to get you more specific advice. The most common problems we see come from underestimating calories eaten and overestimating calories burned.

    You're logging everything you eat? Including condiments, cooking oils, veggies, cheat days, etc? Are you using a food scale, measuring cups, or eyeballing your portion sizes? Most people can be off in their estimates by several hundred calories when they eyeball portions. Measuring cups are better, but a food scale is going to be the most accurate.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1234699-logging-accurately-step-by-step-guide
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1290491-how-and-why-to-use-a-digital-food-scale

    And make sure that you've calculated your calorie goals appropriately. Remember that these are just estimates. You may need to play around a little to find what works best for you.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets

    If you're exercising and eating back your earned exercise calories, be sure that you're using accurate estimates of your burn. MFP and gym machines have a tendency to overestimate certain activities, which can cause you to eat back more calories than you need to. Even a heart rate monitor isn't 100% accurate. If you're eating those extra earned calories it might be a good idea to eat only 50-75% of those.
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