Gaining while counting calories and exercising!!

allysonwonderland
allysonwonderland Posts: 2 Member
edited September 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
I have been counting calories for a month now and, while I lost weight the first two weeks, I've gained over the last two! I didn't exercise as much in the beginning, but wanted to kick it up so have been doing some kind of cardio 5-6 times a week with some toning exercises every day. My cardio lasts anywhere from 15-45 minutes. I'm not lifting much weight (3 lbs) because I don't want to necessarily gain muscle - not yet anyway! I've only noticed a slight change in the way my pants fit, but I still have this "gut" in my abdomen area that insists on staying put! So, any advice on why I'm gaining and how to get rid of this bulge in the middle is appreciated! Oh, and some encouragement to not give up would be appreciated too! :smile:

Replies

  • RdySetGO11
    RdySetGO11 Posts: 89 Member
    Don't give up! I'm in the same boat and have posted a topic almost just like this (but no responses yet)! I'm eager to see responses!
  • Hattie2879
    Hattie2879 Posts: 131 Member
    Not too sure why you'd be gaining weight, but don't give up!! And although you're counting calories, be sure to look at your sugar intake and sodium. Maybe switch up your exercise routine too? I don't really know, but I don't want you to give up.
  • Crystal_Rudolph
    Crystal_Rudolph Posts: 632 Member
    I am with both of you too. I gain a half a pund and then lose it the next week; then gain 2 pounds then lose half a pound the next week...very frustrating.
  • Annette_rose
    Annette_rose Posts: 427 Member
    I have lost but not as quickly as I want :( I know they say that we are gaining muscle and it weighs more than fat when we use weights. I can sure understand how you are feeling. We will keep hanging in here and working together to lose this stuff.
  • Mommyof3loves
    Mommyof3loves Posts: 272 Member
    How has your sodium intake been? And do you drink water? That could be the reason, I know it has been for me in the past. Even though you may be counting calories your sodium might be up there...I don't know what you eat cause I can't see your diary. Also try measuring yourself because you might not be losing weight but you may be losing inches. Just a thought, I keep track of both weight and inches. Good luck!
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,512 Spam Moderator
    I have been counting calories for a month now and, while I lost weight the first two weeks, I've gained over the last two! I didn't exercise as much in the beginning, but wanted to kick it up so have been doing some kind of cardio 5-6 times a week with some toning exercises every day. My cardio lasts anywhere from 15-45 minutes. I'm not lifting much weight (3 lbs) because I don't want to necessarily gain muscle - not yet anyway! I've only noticed a slight change in the way my pants fit, but I still have this "gut" in my abdomen area that insists on staying put! So, any advice on why I'm gaining and how to get rid of this bulge in the middle is appreciated! Oh, and some encouragement to not give up would be appreciated too! :smile:
    You don't gain muscle on calorie deficit. 3lb weights won't do much to overload hardly any muscle in your body to cause it to build, and the gain is from water retention due to increased activity. This is normal.
    If you give up, you stay the same. Don't dwell on the scale or numbers.
  • taso42_DELETED
    taso42_DELETED Posts: 3,394 Member
    Counting calories isn't magically going to make you lose weight. You have to ensure you have a reasonably sized calorie deficit (not too big and not too small) for your current weight and desired rate of loss. What is your typical daily deficit?
  • ek724q
    ek724q Posts: 95 Member
    This also is what has happened to me and I have been trying to figure out the same thing, why am I gaining weight when I am watching my calories and working out every day for the last 2 weeks and more than 30 minutes a day. I had a friend give me this link and it really helped explain why. Hope it helps you too


    http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=why_the_scale_goes_up_when_you_start_a_new_workout_plan
  • fit_chica69
    fit_chica69 Posts: 57 Member
    I'm curious as well. I haven't started gaining but I feel I'm stuck at 137lbs. I'm trying to lose about 17 more pounds. My calories are under but not so low that I'm starving. I drink plenty of water and I continue to do cardio mixed with resistance bands 6 days a week. What do I need to change?


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  • FinalOutrage
    FinalOutrage Posts: 77 Member
    I have been counting calories for a month now and, while I lost weight the first two weeks, I've gained over the last two! I didn't exercise as much in the beginning, but wanted to kick it up so have been doing some kind of cardio 5-6 times a week with some toning exercises every day. My cardio lasts anywhere from 15-45 minutes. I'm not lifting much weight (3 lbs) because I don't want to necessarily gain muscle - not yet anyway! I've only noticed a slight change in the way my pants fit, but I still have this "gut" in my abdomen area that insists on staying put! So, any advice on why I'm gaining and how to get rid of this bulge in the middle is appreciated! Oh, and some encouragement to not give up would be appreciated too! :smile:
    How many calories are you eating a day?
  • sw33tp3a11
    sw33tp3a11 Posts: 4,646 Member
    Water weight, food still in your digestive system, clothing all contribute to the gain weight on the scale. I do it in the morning when my stomach has been emptied and I usually do it in my bday suit so i dont add any extra lbs. Its the most accurate you will get. I also been on this rollercoaster of a ride with the scale its never ending but i think that if you feel like your clothes feel better and have lost inches your all good. Stay optimistic and just keep working on it. :)
  • lizziebeth1028
    lizziebeth1028 Posts: 3,602 Member
    If you're close to your goal weight it's so hard to loose those last few pounds. Also, when you're counting your calories make sure you're also aware of what those calories are made up of........too many carbs, sugar can sabotage a diet. You may also have to reevaluate the your calorie allotment for the day. As far as lifting weights and strength training....beef it up a bit. Unless you have some physical restrictions it is OK for women to lift more than 3lbs. We don't build muscle like men do. And a go strength training program can kick start your weight loss too. Circuit training is also a great booster for a stalled fitness program. Best of luck to you!!
  • allysonwonderland
    allysonwonderland Posts: 2 Member
    I drink water all day (or unsweetened tea) and consume around 1200 calories. Yesterday it was 1280, but I burned around 140. My diary always tells me I have more calories, fat, carbs, etc left in my day when I'm finished. It also tells me I'll weigh 7 pounds less in a month if I continue this way. That would be great because at least I'd be going the right direction! :)
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