Can this be right?

I have been working out in the gym the past couple of days.  3 to be exact.  I talked to a personal trainer who said to start eating every 2-3 hours protein and a carb.  Nothing big just a little something in between meals.  So I have.  I work out on the machine and elliptical for a total time of 1 1/2 hours.  I noticed that I have gained about 3 pounds and I am a little nervous and don't want to continue to see the scale going up.  Any advice and encouragement.  I want to continue and it feels good but I don't want to have the number on the scale ruin my momentum...

It's difficult to judge after just 3 days, so you should give it a week or so and see how it's going.

It is worth bearing in mind however, that no matter how many meals a day your choose to have, the formula of calories in < calories  out = weightloss, so you need to check your overall calorie consumption if you have increased the frequency of your mealtimes,

Ax

Are you weight training?  If so, your muslces are likely retaining water for repair.

That, and like demerara said, you need to check overall calorie consumption.  Eating every 2-3 hours is a good idea, but if you do not intend to gain weight you need to be sure you are still within your caloric range.

You can eat every single minute of every day if you want. But if you eat more than your body burns then you will gain weight. Now I only said that cause I know you already knwo that. I seriously doubt you ate 10500 more than your body burned cause you are working out and you would have to eat alot to accomplish that feat even over a period of say 14 days.

But anyway, maybe you gained a bit of muscle in your workouts and therefore gained weight. Maybe you are retaining water.

I would just not freak out cause you gotta do alot to gain 3 pounds in the last couple of days while you engage in workout.

Last night I weighed in at 176 after work. After I ate dinner and about 5 cups of water I weighed myself again. I was now 180 pounds. go figure

I am actually trying to lose weight and tone up.  I really don't like the idea of eating every 2-3 hours because it does confuses me and I seem to be eating more calories than normal.  Also I have gone from barely eating to eating all day long so I know that has something to do with it. I am not sure how many calories I am actually burning in the gym because the machines don't tell you how much you burn.  So I don't eat anything extra after a work out although the trainer in the gym says I should.  I have been working on the machines but plan to do free weights as of next week.  I am not much for cardio but do at least 15 minutes on the treadmill or elliptical.  I think I am just going to put away the scale for a month but sometimes it keeps me on track..

Epiphany that is exactly what happens to me.  But then in the morning its the same weight so I get a little nervous.  I am going to try this out for a while and see what happens.  My overall goal is to get rid of the rolls and lose skin.  If I can do that and not concentrate on the scale I would be fine.  Thanks for all your posts it helped relieve alot of anxiety...smile

Ok, eating a million times a day might be optimal, but it's not something everyone can or wants to do. So stop : ). Eat on a regular schedule, and don't go too long with nothing.

More important is pre and post workout nutrition. Check out the forums for what exactly is recommended (some carb/protein/whatever ratios). Personally, I eat a banana and nuts pre-workout, and a protein shake post-workout.

Oh, and if you happen to feel like your muscles already look bigger, then the weight is probably water. Recovering muscles hold water post-workout, don't worry too much. Chucking the scale for a bit is not a bad idea, use a measuring tape instead.

I measured myself last night so that I don't focus on the scale.  I am going to measure myself in the beginning of next month to see.  I can usually tell if I am bloated or have lost when I put my clothes on.  I just really get freaked out when I see weight gain and I can't seem to except natural occurences then I tend to starve myself which isn't good I know but I am trying my best not to do that anymore.  I have been the same weight for a few days before this sudden weight gain and I have been eating food as opposed to starving myself.  One day at a time. 

I enjoy working out.. I am going to continue and see if I can finally get toned and look and feel better.

Can anyone tell me how to measure 1/4 cup of nuts and seeds if I dont have a measuring cup?

Also when loggin in food that I have eaten do I have to log in everything when I eat a salad like scallions or raddishes...?

Original Post by ajtimes24u:

Can anyone tell me how to measure 1/4 cup of nuts and seeds if I dont have a measuring cup?

Also when loggin in food that I have eaten do I have to log in everything when I eat a salad like scallions or raddishes...?

Do you have a scale? Next to the suggestion ("1/4 cup") it should also list a measurement in grams or oz (a serving of nuts is 1oz.)

If not...a serving of nuts is about the size of a lady's handful - enough to fit in your cupped palm, basically. It may be a little off, but it's close. If in doubt, subtract a nut or two. :P Lots of sites will list these "eyeball portions" - things like a serving of meat is a size of a deck of cards, etc. I would just google it!

EDIT: I found one such site for you: http://weightloss.about.com/od/eatsmart/qt/ey eportions.htm to get you started.

As for logging everything - I do, because I like to see my whole nutrition. Many would suggest this as well, since even lettuce and other veggies have some calories. However, if you're in a hurry, or you feel too "neurotic" doing that, then it shouldn't make a huge difference in the long run unless you're eating a lot of very large salads.

Thank you.  I think I am going to invest in a scale but for now I have been having a limited amount of nuts and seeds.  I count out everything.  I really try to make it make sense but since I am trying to do this right I just want to make sure I am not going over board.  Its funny I feel like I eat so much but when I log it in it doesn't add up to much.  I am going to try this out for a week to see if I can track and lose weight. 

By the way that site was/is really helpful.  Thanks..

If this pattern of eating doesn't suit you, and is making you anxious, you should stop and revert to your 3 squares a day or whatever suits your life.  If you are trying to lose weight it's the total number of calories that matters not the frequency of eating them.  Eat when it suits you and don't get too hungry...

Good Morning CC.  Woke up this morning and 2 of the 3 pounds are gone.  hahaha I said I wasn't going to use the scale I know but I just had to.  Today is a new day so I am going to try new things.  I like the idea of eating all day as long as I account for it so I am going to use CC to log in everything I eat and see.  Yesterday I logged in everything that went  in my mouth down to scallions on my salad and I can't believe that I just hit 1200 calories.  Do you think that has anything to do with me gaining or not losing as well?  I can't wish for miracles so I dont think I will lose 10 pounds over night.  Well I know I wont I just wish the trend would start.  Ok going to have my breakfast..  Talk to you later..