CI less than CO...but what just happened?!?

clang74
clang74 Posts: 17 Member
edited March 2016 in Health and Weight Loss
So, I've been using MFP for months (since just after Thanksgiving). I've been having astounding success. I've been a HUGE believer in the CICO philosophy.

However, March Madness came, and I spent extra time excercising, and eating smart throughout the day, so I could enjoy myself (in moderation) with friends watching B-Ball in the evenings.

I've not had a single day where I A) wasn't significantly lower in CI vs CO, or B) basically breakeven (give or take) on my exercise-adjusted goal.

I should also note that my exercise adjustment is calculated by a Garmin device, which drastically underestimates my workout (doesn't take into effect things like a 6-8 degree incline on my walk). The treadmill usually tells me my workout is roughly double what my the tracker/MFP does.

Yet, here I am. Up about 4-5# from where I was just about a week ago. No glaring omissions or shortcomings...

Is it because I lowered my carbs, then suddenly had them? I had a 4-pack of beer in my fridge for 2.5 months...I had a 6-pack between Thursday and Sunday. Has my body suddenly forgotten how to process them?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Replies

  • Ready2Rock206
    Ready2Rock206 Posts: 9,487 Member
    Did you have some extra sodium with your snacks with those beers? Probably just water retention. Drink some extra water and see what the scale says next week.
  • Kitship
    Kitship Posts: 579 Member
    It sounds like you were pretty stringent up until March Madness, yes? An excess in sodium will usually result in a few pounds of water weight. If you accurately weigh and measure everything you consume, what you are seeing is likely not fat gain, but water gain. It will fall back off.
  • queenliz99
    queenliz99 Posts: 15,317 Member
    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10084670/it-is-unlikely-that-you-will-lose-weight-consistently-i-e-weight-loss-is-not-linear/p1
  • tulips_and_tea
    tulips_and_tea Posts: 5,741 Member
    I agree with the above post about water retention. It's probably a combination of the alcohol, additional carbs, and extra sodium depending on what you ate differently.
  • clang74
    clang74 Posts: 17 Member
    edited March 2016
    Thank you, everyone. I think we've found where my issue lies. Sodium. I went back and checked out my sodium this week. WELL over my goals (it's funny how easy it is to dismiss as "it's just one day", when it's actually several in a row). This is great news. I'm going to continue my exercise regimen, and continue my calorie approach. Just replaced the fridge's water filter, and will have a cup near me during the day...
  • senecarr
    senecarr Posts: 5,377 Member
    Both sodium and carbohydrates increases can cause initial water retention.
    You mentioned beer, and while alcohol is sometimes grouped under carbohydrate, it is its own macronutritent. It too can have water retention effects.
  • clang74
    clang74 Posts: 17 Member
    I remember when a 6-pack was a light night out with the guys. Now, it's 4 days on a special weekend. I feel so much better, but appreciate all the feedback. I've learned so much since joining MFP!
  • clang74
    clang74 Posts: 17 Member
    Amyrebeccah, will continuing my regimen help with this? I'm assuming it would...you know, making it NOT "extra" exercise?

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