Question:
I am almost 17 months post of I am down over 100 lbs to 165. I have not lost in
months. Two weeks ago I started a program at the gym. I do cardio 5 times a week for 40 minutes and weight training three times a week on the circuit machines working all the machines for that circut for a full body work out. I have not lost any weight yet. I have upped my water, upped my protien, and eat sensible three meals plus healty snacks three times a day. When should I see results, I feel better but want to lose 25 more lbs. How much protein should I be eating and calories. I drink 64 to 96 oz of water...Is that enough? Please help me stay encouraged as I really love working out but want results. Thank you. — Tammy P. (posted on May 5, 2003)
May 5, 2003
You have embarked on a really good program (cario and weight training). As
I'm sure you've heard, muscle weighs more than fat, so IF you are building
muscle, you may not see a nosedive on the scale right away -- and if you
keep up your exercise regime, you may wind up stabilizing at a higher
weight than you planned. BUT -- here's the good part -- you will be
smaller, inches-wise and size-wise, and stronger, and your metabolism will
burn more efficiently because you have more muscle tone than you did
before. I'd keep at it for those benefits, and not expect the scale to
validate your choice so quickly (as it so stubbornly doesn't validate us at
other times ... you know how capricious that annoying scale can be!). The
exercise may also help you with any head hunger issues you may develop,
too. So its benefits reach far beyond the instant gratification of the
scale which, btw, WILL pay off in time ... if you can give it more time.
Good luck and CONGRATS on getting your program started!
— Suzy C.
May 5, 2003
Muscle doesn't weigh more than fat. A pound is a pound. Anyway...be
patient (doesn't it suck to hear that). Keep up the same routine w/the
exercise -- definitely don't give up on that. Don't know if your protein
is in meat or liquid form but try the shakes. I do the shakes as a part of
my several small meals during the day. I rarely have 3 full meals a day
but still do get my nutrition. Anyway, I made it to goal in 18 months
doing these things. You'll be fine. Relax and know you're doing the right
things and you'll see the results.
— Kimberly L.
May 5, 2003
True, a pound is a pound, BUT a muscle is DENSER than a pound of fat. So,
a pound of muscle has less volume than a pound of fat (it takes up less
space) that's why you may lose inches without losing weight. Sue
— Sue C.
May 5, 2003
Try making your snacks protein only: Hard boiled egg, chicken, cheese.....
See if you curbs your cravings for carbs and will keep you satisfied
longer. If you are doing a new program, your body may just want more
protein as you are kicking things off. Good luck! And remeber that even
if you don't get all of those last 25 lbs off, you will look and feel
better with the program you are on. Go by how you look and feel, not what
the scale says.
— Dana B.
May 5, 2003
You should start seeing results soon- maybe a couple more weeks. Once I
started the gym, the first few weeks I maintained my weight, then I started
to lose more, plus I was getting very toned. So you may be losing inches
right now and not pounds- do you measure yourself? Your water intake
sounds perfect! Protein and calorie amounts vary from person to person. You
should be getting atleast 60 grams of protein. And 1200-1500 calories is
usually ok. It may increase a little bit b/c of all the working out you're
doing- but you need the fuel to burn. You may just have to do trial and
error- do 1500 calories for a week, if it works- stick with it, if not, go
lower, etc. Go to www.caloriesperhour.com and you can calculate your
metabolic rate- now ofcourse these things aren't perfect, but I did it and
it was pretty close to the rate that I got from RN who tested it. Then you
know how much you burn each day, so you eat less than that to lose more
weight. Goodluck to you!
— Lezlie Y.
May 5, 2003
you may want to ease up on the weight lifting as you could actually gain
weight without gaining size. To prove this take two measuring cups fill one
with beef fat from a steak fill the other with lean meat from that
steak.Fill both equally volume wise and weigh each,the cup of lean will
weigh more. Been there done that in physiology class. Thats why pro body
builders weigh close to 300 pounds with only 8 percent bodyfat.
— bubba
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