NEEDING SOME GOOD ADVICE BECAUSE I AM WORKING OUT TOO MUCH
lreintsma
Posts: 41 Member
So I guess I'm kind of addicted to working out. I have manic style mind set and I do things "way big" or I don't do them at all. I have lost about 50lbs .. but over the last year I have gained back about 5-7lbs. Before this past year I had a regular healthy workout routine . I worked out about an hour to hour and half a day. I started by doing Vinyasa heated power yoga most days of the week. I then incorporated 4 days of vigorous Spinning a week. Then I kind of fell into a group of self proclaimed "gym rats". Now I lift heavy for a couple hours atleast 2 days a week, do Vinyasa 5 days a week, spin 4 days a week and before spin class I "warm up" on a cardio machine at least 20 minutes. I find my self working out 2.5-3.5 hours or more a day at least 6 days a week. On top of all this after I work out I sit in a 180 degree sauna for an 30+ minutes almost everyday that I go to the gym. I totally understand this is excessive and I try to take Saturdays off but I end up working out at least an hour on my elliptical at home. For some reason I cant wrap my mind around calming down on the exercise. I want to kick it down a notch but I cant decide what I want to cut out. I'm almost on auto-pilot it seems. I kind of feel like I'm going to be missing something. The crappiest thing is that its making me gain weight and/or not progress. I've gained some muscle mass weight and that's ok but I understandably have a ravenous appetite that I cant control. I'm yo-yo dieting and it just doesn't seem healthy. I am just working out to eat it seems. I am just kind of looking for some advice or words of wisdom to help me through this so called "plateau" that I've hit. I'm doing all this work day after day and week after week with no results .. I'm just kind of over it.
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Way way too much cardio in my opinion. I'd lift heavy 3 days a week, and do 2 to 3 days of cardio a week (30 - 90) minutes. At the pace you're going now, you have to be concerned with adaptive thermogenesis and your metabolism becoming more efficient0
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Has anyone ever mentioned anything about the possibility that you might have an OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder)? Eating compulsively and/or working out compulsively? You may want to give it some thought or speak to some people about it. I hope this does not offend you or anything, but plenty of people do suffer from this. There's no shame involved and there is help available for this.0
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Well, I work out a lot too, but I think for different reasons. As long as it is fun for you and you aren't injuring yourself...why not? If you cut anything, cut out some of the cardio.
It sounds like your actual problem is your eating and maybe you are having a little bit of disordered thinking around that. Have you ever thought about working with a dietitian/nutritionist to make sure that you have a plan that is going to work for you? If this is a really big problem, maybe it would be worth looking into some counseling.
In your position, I think that my first step would be to focus on getting the food issues straightened out and to limit myself to 2 hours of exercise a day. Maybe cut out 2 days a week of spinning and 2 days a week of yoga. How about writing your exercise plan out on a weekly calendar so that you can see what you have to look forward to while not overscheduling yourself?0 -
AJ_G - I agree there is too much cardio.. and you can believe me or not but I bulk up SUPER easy. Ive actually cut the lifting back because Im 5'1" tall and looking stocky doesn't help the image of myself. I feel like I really need yoga and spin class is just fun. I almost feel like I need to cut some of the lifting out or lift light because Im seriously a natural body builder or something. All my lifter friends are like "how do you get quads like that and how do you get your shoulders like that" and honestly I don't even really have to try. I actually kind of don't like the stocky look because Im so short. As far as the thermogenesis you mention, my trainer friend said I should take like 2 weeks off to rest my body. Thanks for replying I really appreciate it.s0
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Robertus I have talked to someone about OCD tendencies and they have ruled them out. I've been told by professionals that I'm just really head strong about everything I do be it good or bad. I am definitely not offended and I have actually tried that myself.0
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Liking exercise too much...hmm, I wish I had that problem. Exercise can cause some water retention but after a few weeks the scale should start to move nicely. So yes, if you're gaining, you may be consuming too many calories. Are you eating back all the exercise calories once you count everything?
I would suggest you make some nutrition goals - try a new veg, cook a new soup/recipe, etc. Figure out a plan to get the eating area under control and hopefully some of your time will be naturally diverted to accomplishing those goals.
I really do like to exercise - just don't injure yourself. And while exercise is excellent stress relief, if something serious is going on, try to come up with a plan for that as well0 -
azulvioleta6 - I truly agree with everything you have said. And I actually have worked directly with a dietician. But I think I need to find a sports nutritionist because unless one understand how people like us workout they cant really understand our nutritional needs. The advice I was getting from a dietician from "Kaiser" felt like general guidelines. I am using a low carb diet right now. And I actually really like it so far.0
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I wish I had 3-4 hours spare to work out and sit in a sauna!
The lack of weight loss is either water or you're eating more than you think. Generally people don't overtrain so much as under eat for their training.0 -
tavistocktoad - you are exactly right. it is what I am eating. I eat great 3/4 of the day and then I will eat something that isn't on my diet , and then its all out the door from then on for the day. one thing that really sucks is cooking for a family and not eating what I cook. I recently kicked a bad habit of what I call "night ravaging" where I would get up at like 2am and eat like 800+ cals. I feel a great sense of accomplishment for kicking that habit. I just need to figure out what is right for me. I am trying low carb right now and it seems to be good so far.0
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tavistocktoad - you are exactly right. it is what I am eating. I eat great 3/4 of the day and then I will eat something that isn't on my diet , and then its all out the door from then on for the day. one thing that really sucks is cooking for a family and not eating what I cook. I recently kicked a bad habit of what I call "night ravaging" where I would get up at like 2am and eat like 800+ cals. I feel a great sense of accomplishment for kicking that habit. I just need to figure out what is right for me. I am trying low carb right now and it seems to be good so far.
I used to have problems with food choices later in the day and with what you describe as "night ravaging." I am on a moderate-carb diet--around 100G/day. Things that seem to have helped: a more substantial breakfast with significant carbs and protein; more vegetable intake (goal: 10 a day) and staying more hydrated throughout the day. Going to bed early helps too.
I find that when I go beyond 2 hours of exercise in a day...particularly when I hit 1700+ calories burned...that is when exercise increases my hunger. Until that point, it doesn't make a difference. You might want to keep notes to see if you can figure out where the tipping point is for you.0 -
azulvioleta6 wrote: »tavistocktoad - you are exactly right. it is what I am eating. I eat great 3/4 of the day and then I will eat something that isn't on my diet , and then its all out the door from then on for the day. one thing that really sucks is cooking for a family and not eating what I cook. I recently kicked a bad habit of what I call "night ravaging" where I would get up at like 2am and eat like 800+ cals. I feel a great sense of accomplishment for kicking that habit. I just need to figure out what is right for me. I am trying low carb right now and it seems to be good so far.
I used to have problems with food choices later in the day and with what you describe as "night ravaging." I am on a moderate-carb diet--around 100G/day. Things that seem to have helped: a more substantial breakfast with significant carbs and protein; more vegetable intake (goal: 10 a day) and staying more hydrated throughout the day. Going to bed early helps too.
I find that when I go beyond 2 hours of exercise in a day...particularly when I hit 1700+ calories burned...that is when exercise increases my hunger. Until that point, it doesn't make a difference. You might want to keep notes to see if you can figure out where the tipping point is for you.
WOW, 1700 is a lot of calories I am 5'1" tall and 125lbs (id like to be 118 or less but I started this journey at 172 so I am still happy with my progress) and even when I work out 3 hours a day I usually only hit 1300 calories max. I wear a "polar" heart rate monitor and I track all my cals, my typical day burn is about 900-1000 with and hour of cardio and a 75 minute Vinyasa yoga class. Have you had success with the "moderate carb" diet?
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You say you have been told you do not have actual OCD, but an intense personality, which is easier to navigate...but, do you correlate your exercise levels with what you eat? There are certain eating disorders that manifest with feelings of guilt surrounding food coupled with manic and obsessive exercise to "burn it off" calorie by calorie.
Assuming that ED isn't at issue, just make sure you up your protein levels (because your muscles are probably starving for it) and maybe find a way to make fitness activities a more holistic part of your everyday life, as opposed to spending hours and hours at the gym every day. Not that you need to give it up altogether, but maybe there are other ways to be physically active during your recreation time that are a little more balanced and less single minded. Have you looked into adult sports leagues in your area? Joining a soccer, ultimate frisbee, or lacrosse league for women might be a good alternative to some of what you're doing. It lets you continue to enjoy being physical, but the game strategy and social camaraderie of the setting might help you find more balance.0 -
You say you have been told you do not have actual OCD, but an intense personality, which is easier to navigate...but, do you correlate your exercise levels with what you eat? There are certain eating disorders that manifest with feelings of guilt surrounding food coupled with manic and obsessive exercise to "burn it off" calorie by calorie.
Assuming that ED isn't at issue, just make sure you up your protein levels (because your muscles are probably starving for it) and maybe find a way to make fitness activities a more holistic part of your everyday life, as opposed to spending hours and hours at the gym every day. Not that you need to give it up altogether, but maybe there are other ways to be physically active during your recreation time that are a little more balanced and less single minded. Have you looked into adult sports leagues in your area? Joining a soccer, ultimate frisbee, or lacrosse league for women might be a good alternative to some of what you're doing. It lets you continue to enjoy being physical, but the game strategy and social camaraderie of the setting might help you find more balance.
I don't work off every calorie I eat. But I do have a somewhat unhealthy view of food. I kind of unrealistically deprive myself during the day ( I do eat but maybe not as much as I should during the day) and then overdue it completely at night. Once I give it to temptation my will power is out the door. I just have to find a balance with food .. I feel like when I have a really big appetite from working out I tend to overdue the eating and I work out hard everyday so I tend to overeat everyday. Ive overcome a lot eating issues because I was 172 pounds and now im 125 , so I just need to find a happy medium. Im really healthy and id like to keep it that way. I just need to get my mindset on board.
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Basically, the more you work out, the hungrier you will be. And you have developed a very cyclical behavior with food and exercise because you want to justify your large appetite with working it off. But you are just repeating and adding to the cycle. Take a break and really evaluate your goals. I have to wonder how much time you have for friends and family when you spend 3 hours a day at the gym.0
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DancingMoosie wrote: »Basically, the more you work out, the hungrier you will be. And you have developed a very cyclical behavior with food and exercise because you want to justify your large appetite with working it off. But you are just repeating and adding to the cycle. Take a break and really evaluate your goals. I have to wonder how much time you have for friends and family when you spend 3 hours a day at the gym.
I do agree I need to take a break. As far as my friends and family go, they are not affected. I own my own company and my husband and I work from home. I go to the gym after I cook breakfast and make lunch for son and drop my son off at school. I am with friends the whole time I'm at the gym. The gym is a very social thing for me . I home in time to pick my son up with my husband and then we spend the rest of the day together. We usually walk to the park together after I make them dinner. And I do my "work" on my computer while we all sit on the couch and watch some TV. Thankfully I am kind of blessed as far as time goes.0 -
Only eating 1300 calories when you are burning 1000 a day? You can't be netting 300 calories....you would not be surviving. You are only 12lbs from goal weight....you need to be eating more. How long have you been doing this for? Am I correct from your posts that you end up binging a lot?
Honestly, I think you should talk with a dietitian. You need to reevaluate your goals and learn proper eating and exercising habits. The more you exercise the more attention you need to give your diet. It can be difficult tp balance them. And you yourself said you have unhealthy habits.
Exercising like you are isn't a huge deal if you do it because you love it AND are keeping your body properly fueled and maintained. Spin and yoga aren't going to be too injury prone but if you don't know how to listen to your body and give it a break when needed, you could end up down and out for awhile.0 -
Only eating 1300 calories when you are burning 1000 a day? You can't be netting 300 calories....you would not be surviving. You are only 12lbs from goal weight....you need to be eating more. How long have you been doing this for? Am I correct from your posts that you end up binging a lot?
Honestly, I think you should talk with a dietitian. You need to reevaluate your goals and learn proper eating and exercising habits. The more you exercise the more attention you need to give your diet. It can be difficult tp balance them. And you yourself said you have unhealthy habits.
Exercising like you are isn't a huge deal if you do it because you love it AND are keeping your body properly fueled and maintained. Spin and yoga aren't going to be too injury prone but if you don't know how to listen to your body and give it a break when needed, you could end up down and out for awhile.
I usually eat about 1500 calories when I actually finish my food log for the day.. But I usually don't finish my food log because sometime during the day I eat something I think is bad and I kind of give up for the day. I have worked with a dietician and honeslty I think its just something mental I need to work out for myself.. That's why Im seeking advice here,.
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You say you have been told you do not have actual OCD, but an intense personality, which is easier to navigate...but, do you correlate your exercise levels with what you eat? There are certain eating disorders that manifest with feelings of guilt surrounding food coupled with manic and obsessive exercise to "burn it off" calorie by calorie.
Assuming that ED isn't at issue, just make sure you up your protein levels (because your muscles are probably starving for it) and maybe find a way to make fitness activities a more holistic part of your everyday life, as opposed to spending hours and hours at the gym every day. Not that you need to give it up altogether, but maybe there are other ways to be physically active during your recreation time that are a little more balanced and less single minded. Have you looked into adult sports leagues in your area? Joining a soccer, ultimate frisbee, or lacrosse league for women might be a good alternative to some of what you're doing. It lets you continue to enjoy being physical, but the game strategy and social camaraderie of the setting might help you find more balance.
I don't work off every calorie I eat. But I do have a somewhat unhealthy view of food. I kind of unrealistically deprive myself during the day ( I do eat but maybe not as much as I should during the day) and then overdue it completely at night. Once I give it to temptation my will power is out the door. I just have to find a balance with food .. I feel like when I have a really big appetite from working out I tend to overdue the eating and I work out hard everyday so I tend to overeat everyday. Ive overcome a lot eating issues because I was 172 pounds and now im 125 , so I just need to find a happy medium. Im really healthy and id like to keep it that way. I just need to get my mindset on board.
If you are only eating 1300 calories, and working out 2.5 to 3 hours a day, you are almost working off every calorie you eat. You are only netting 300 to 400 calories. If you are only eating 1300 calories, how can you be overdoing it at night?
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I don't know how you can sustain that level of workout on only 1300 calories a day unless that's your net. I also don't know where you find the time to spend 2.5 to 3 hours in the gym.
I'm about your size, 5'1.5" and weigh nearly the same. I'm down to about 122, but I spend 90 minutes at most at the gym on a good day. Some days I have only 30-45 minutes. I tend to space my meals and snacks out over the course of the day because I just get too hungry after I work out. I don't get excessively hungry at night because I do eat small snacks between meals.
You talk about the tendency to overdo food later in the day, but what do you mean by that? Are you bingeing at the end of the day? Or just going over 1300 by a bit. If we could see your diary, we could get a better idea of whether you really are overdoing it.0 -
Hi, OP.
I've fought with compulsive exercise before. A lot of what you describe sounds familiar, especially the parts about being on "autopilot" and being unable to keep Saturday a rest day no matter how hard you try. (And, yes, the hunger, the endless hunger). Working out to justify eating? Yup. Been there.
I absolutely, 100% needed to work with a therapist in order to address the underlying issues behind my disordered thinking. Although "compulsive exercise" is not a big-name eating disorder, it absolutely falls into the same spectrum--I've heard it called exercise bulimia before, since we're trying so hard to 'purge' calories through sweat instead of vomit. Would you be willing to ask your doctor for a referral to a therapist who specializes in EDs?
If working with a therapist who is going to make you cut back on some of your exercise is TERRIFYING--yes, you are falling into the same trap I did, and you definitely should not have to fight it alone. Please, please, please find some support in the people around you--a doctor who understands, a therapist, your partner, a wise friend.
Feel free to PM me if you want to talk more in private.
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I think you should look at why you're exercising so much ... Is it really about weight-loss or health at this point, or is it about control?
It sounds like you may be purging through exercise (as opposed to vomiting). This kind of behavior used to be called EDNOS (Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified) in the DSM-IV. Now it's referred to as OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder). It's a group of harmful behaviors that don't fit into the anorexia, bulimia or binge-eating disorder definitions.
Eating disorders are never actually about food. That's just the way the disease shows itself. And it's not something you can treat or "get over" on your own. I would really recommend talking to someone like a therapist. You're putting your body through a lot of wear and tear with all that exercise and you may be creating the conditions for injury. Maybe even a chronic condition. From someone who deals daily with pain management, I can tell you it sucks!
Please take care of yourself! You've obviously put so much time, energy and investment into improving your health--please don't give that all up now! You don't have to live this way!
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Heart rate monitors are not meant to be worn all day - they are a lot less accurate during inactivity, light activity - so I've heard. You may be woefully under estimating your calorie burn.0
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You say you have been told you do not have actual OCD, but an intense personality, which is easier to navigate...but, do you correlate your exercise levels with what you eat? There are certain eating disorders that manifest with feelings of guilt surrounding food coupled with manic and obsessive exercise to "burn it off" calorie by calorie.
Assuming that ED isn't at issue, just make sure you up your protein levels (because your muscles are probably starving for it) and maybe find a way to make fitness activities a more holistic part of your everyday life, as opposed to spending hours and hours at the gym every day. Not that you need to give it up altogether, but maybe there are other ways to be physically active during your recreation time that are a little more balanced and less single minded. Have you looked into adult sports leagues in your area? Joining a soccer, ultimate frisbee, or lacrosse league for women might be a good alternative to some of what you're doing. It lets you continue to enjoy being physical, but the game strategy and social camaraderie of the setting might help you find more balance.
I don't work off every calorie I eat. But I do have a somewhat unhealthy view of food. I kind of unrealistically deprive myself during the day ( I do eat but maybe not as much as I should during the day) and then overdue it completely at night. Once I give it to temptation my will power is out the door. I just have to find a balance with food .. I feel like when I have a really big appetite from working out I tend to overdue the eating and I work out hard everyday so I tend to overeat everyday. Ive overcome a lot eating issues because I was 172 pounds and now im 125 , so I just need to find a happy medium. Im really healthy and id like to keep it that way. I just need to get my mindset on board.
If you are only eating 1300 calories, and working out 2.5 to 3 hours a day, you are almost working off every calorie you eat. You are only netting 300 to 400 calories. If you are only eating 1300 calories, how can you be overdoing it at night?
No doubt there's some modifications to be done here, but don't worry, a 125 lb woman is not burning 1000 calories during 1 hour cardio and 75 minutes of yoga. Also the part where clarified she's stopping the log when she eats something "bad", well. The total intake may also be more. Plus the no weight loss = maintenance or surplus, especially if this is happening over 6+ weeks
PS: OP, there are no "bad" foods. Sure there are calorie bombs, but you don't have to be down on yourself just because you ate I dunno a brownie or something. Log it and continue on with your life
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You say you have been told you do not have actual OCD, but an intense personality, which is easier to navigate...but, do you correlate your exercise levels with what you eat? There are certain eating disorders that manifest with feelings of guilt surrounding food coupled with manic and obsessive exercise to "burn it off" calorie by calorie.
Assuming that ED isn't at issue, just make sure you up your protein levels (because your muscles are probably starving for it) and maybe find a way to make fitness activities a more holistic part of your everyday life, as opposed to spending hours and hours at the gym every day. Not that you need to give it up altogether, but maybe there are other ways to be physically active during your recreation time that are a little more balanced and less single minded. Have you looked into adult sports leagues in your area? Joining a soccer, ultimate frisbee, or lacrosse league for women might be a good alternative to some of what you're doing. It lets you continue to enjoy being physical, but the game strategy and social camaraderie of the setting might help you find more balance.
I don't work off every calorie I eat. But I do have a somewhat unhealthy view of food. I kind of unrealistically deprive myself during the day ( I do eat but maybe not as much as I should during the day) and then overdue it completely at night. Once I give it to temptation my will power is out the door. I just have to find a balance with food .. I feel like when I have a really big appetite from working out I tend to overdue the eating and I work out hard everyday so I tend to overeat everyday. Ive overcome a lot eating issues because I was 172 pounds and now im 125 , so I just need to find a happy medium. Im really healthy and id like to keep it that way. I just need to get my mindset on board.
If you are only eating 1300 calories, and working out 2.5 to 3 hours a day, you are almost working off every calorie you eat. You are only netting 300 to 400 calories. If you are only eating 1300 calories, how can you be overdoing it at night?
No doubt there's some modifications to be done here, but don't worry, a 125 lb woman is not burning 1000 calories during 1 hour cardio and 75 minutes of yoga. Also the part where clarified she's stopping the log when she eats something "bad", well. The total intake may also be more. Plus the no weight loss = maintenance or surplus, especially if this is happening over 6+ weeks
PS: OP, there are no "bad" foods. Sure there are calorie bombs, but you don't have to be down on yourself just because you ate I dunno a brownie or something. Log it and continue on with your life
I missed the part about stopping the log when she eats something "bad". Thanks for clarifying. I do still believe there is a more serious issue here.
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OP, look in to an Eating Disorder commonly called "exercise bulimia." It is starting to sound like maybe this isn't a case of "I got really in to working out," but more of "I cannot rest until I feel I've worked off every morsel I've eaten." People don't notice exercise bulimia as much because we are trapped in the "all exercise is good" mentality and don't notice that it can also be a form of purging.
Only you know for sure how compulsive or urgent your desire to work out is. But, if it's truly a do-or-die feeling based on your food intake? you need to explore ED treatment. Because even though exercise is healthy for your body, it falls apart if it's tearing apart your spirit.0 -
Heart rate monitors are not meant to be worn all day - they are a lot less accurate during inactivity, light activity - so I've heard. You may be woefully under estimating your calorie burn.
I only wear the heart rate monitor when I work out.. not all day..OP, look in to an Eating Disorder commonly called "exercise bulimia." It is starting to sound like maybe this isn't a case of "I got really in to working out," but more of "I cannot rest until I feel I've worked off every morsel I've eaten." People don't notice exercise bulimia as much because we are trapped in the "all exercise is good" mentality and don't notice that it can also be a form of purging.
Only you know for sure how compulsive or urgent your desire to work out is. But, if it's truly a do-or-die feeling based on your food intake? you need to explore ED treatment. Because even though exercise is healthy for your body, it falls apart if it's tearing apart your spirit.OP, look in to an Eating Disorder commonly called "exercise bulimia." It is starting to sound like maybe this isn't a case of "I got really in to working out," but more of "I cannot rest until I feel I've worked off every morsel I've eaten." People don't notice exercise bulimia as much because we are trapped in the "all exercise is good" mentality and don't notice that it can also be a form of purging.
Only you know for sure how compulsive or urgent your desire to work out is. But, if it's truly a do-or-die feeling based on your food intake? you need to explore ED treatment. Because even though exercise is healthy for your body, it falls apart if it's tearing apart your spirit.
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Heart rate monitors are not meant to be worn all day - they are a lot less accurate during inactivity, light activity - so I've heard. You may be woefully under estimating your calorie burn.
I only wear the heart rate monitor when I work out.. not all day..OP, look in to an Eating Disorder commonly called "exercise bulimia." It is starting to sound like maybe this isn't a case of "I got really in to working out," but more of "I cannot rest until I feel I've worked off every morsel I've eaten." People don't notice exercise bulimia as much because we are trapped in the "all exercise is good" mentality and don't notice that it can also be a form of purging.
Only you know for sure how compulsive or urgent your desire to work out is. But, if it's truly a do-or-die feeling based on your food intake? you need to explore ED treatment. Because even though exercise is healthy for your body, it falls apart if it's tearing apart your spirit.
You know honestly I don't track my food enough to know if I am working off every morsel of food I eat. I am open and receptive to all ideas on this subject, But I really don't think its a eating disorder. I believe its more an issues of "self control" possibly due to having the wrong type of diet or working out too much. I am not scared of food.. But I do feel guilty when I feel like Ive eaten something that is "not in my diet". I don't think food is bad but Id like to live by the 80/20 percent rule and eat good 80 percent of time and splurge if I want 20 percent of the time.. Right now Im doing the opposite.0 -
I don't know how you can sustain that level of workout on only 1300 calories a day unless that's your net. I also don't know where you find the time to spend 2.5 to 3 hours in the gym.
I'm about your size, 5'1.5" and weigh nearly the same. I'm down to about 122, but I spend 90 minutes at most at the gym on a good day. Some days I have only 30-45 minutes. I tend to space my meals and snacks out over the course of the day because I just get too hungry after I work out. I don't get excessively hungry at night because I do eat small snacks between meals.
You talk about the tendency to overdo food later in the day, but what do you mean by that? Are you bingeing at the end of the day? Or just going over 1300 by a bit. If we could see your diary, we could get a better idea of whether you really are overdoing it.
If I go off track I totally binge at the end of the day to be honest. I rarely finish my diary because of this. I don't want to look at it in disappointment.
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I don't know how you can sustain that level of workout on only 1300 calories a day unless that's your net. I also don't know where you find the time to spend 2.5 to 3 hours in the gym.
I'm about your size, 5'1.5" and weigh nearly the same. I'm down to about 122, but I spend 90 minutes at most at the gym on a good day. Some days I have only 30-45 minutes. I tend to space my meals and snacks out over the course of the day because I just get too hungry after I work out. I don't get excessively hungry at night because I do eat small snacks between meals.
You talk about the tendency to overdo food later in the day, but what do you mean by that? Are you bingeing at the end of the day? Or just going over 1300 by a bit. If we could see your diary, we could get a better idea of whether you really are overdoing it.
Also I own my own business. I have ample time to spend at the gym if I want to and with my family.. All my friends are gym go-ers and I enjoy being there.
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azulvioleta6 wrote: »tavistocktoad - you are exactly right. it is what I am eating. I eat great 3/4 of the day and then I will eat something that isn't on my diet , and then its all out the door from then on for the day. one thing that really sucks is cooking for a family and not eating what I cook. I recently kicked a bad habit of what I call "night ravaging" where I would get up at like 2am and eat like 800+ cals. I feel a great sense of accomplishment for kicking that habit. I just need to figure out what is right for me. I am trying low carb right now and it seems to be good so far.
I used to have problems with food choices later in the day and with what you describe as "night ravaging." I am on a moderate-carb diet--around 100G/day. Things that seem to have helped: a more substantial breakfast with significant carbs and protein; more vegetable intake (goal: 10 a day) and staying more hydrated throughout the day. Going to bed early helps too.
I find that when I go beyond 2 hours of exercise in a day...particularly when I hit 1700+ calories burned...that is when exercise increases my hunger. Until that point, it doesn't make a difference. You might want to keep notes to see if you can figure out where the tipping point is for you.
WOW, 1700 is a lot of calories I am 5'1" tall and 125lbs (id like to be 118 or less but I started this journey at 172 so I am still happy with my progress) and even when I work out 3 hours a day I usually only hit 1300 calories max. I wear a "polar" heart rate monitor and I track all my cals, my typical day burn is about 900-1000 with and hour of cardio and a 75 minute Vinyasa yoga class. Have you had success with the "moderate carb" diet?
I sometimes burn as many as 2500, but of course the estimates are just guesses. I am nearly 6' tall and NOT doing yoga.
Yes, moderate carb has worked for me for weight loss and maintenance. I feel like it is healthier than doing something Atkins and more sustainable over time. I'm not at all miserable.0
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