I could just scream!!!

Well maybe not, but I am so frustrated. I have been loosing weight since April of 2008. I lost 40lbs, was bad for about 6 monhth and gained 10 back, now I am back at it again. This time however I am excercising. Well I increased my food intake because I am swimming at least 5 times a week for a minimum fo 1 hour (usually 1 hour 15 min). I work hard too, I swim breast stroke and back stroke. Any way, I have been swimming for almost 3 weeks and.... here is the kicker, I have kept my calorice intake between 1400 and 1600 calories a day and have GAINED 1.3 lbs!!! ARGGGG!!! I know, I know!! I'm gaining muscle, I know all the arguments.......it is so frustrating especially since I am only 5 feet tall and need to loose at least another 30lbs.

Now my workouts are not for nothing, because I really love to swim, but I would really like to start seeing some results........I'm just bummed.

Will extreme heat make you retain water??? it is like 100 degrees with obscene humidity here........they are expecting a heat index today of over 110 degrees.....will that make any difference?? This weight gaine is over 2 weeks, this is not just I gained a lb one day I understand the swings...........but it is getting old.........I'm just really really bummed....

Susabelle

Keep at it, you said it yourself you're probably gaining muscle (swimming can do that).  In theory, you might be burning calories slower because it's warmer water so I suggest keeping a water bottle with cold water at the edge of your pool to keep yourself hydrated and cool down your system.  Cheer up, when you do start losing weight you will start to lose it pretty fast because all that muscle is bringing up your metabolism.  Good luck!

Yes, extreme heat will make you retain water. So does working out. Hang in there, it will catch up soon, I'm soon. Congrats for working so hard! You're doing great!!!

Do you keep measurements? I tell myself, no matter how much weight I gain, as long as I lose inches, that's what I really want. And you know you've been working at it hard, before you know it, your weight will just melt off :)

Oh, I just wanted to mention that swimming gives you awesome looking butt/back/shoulder/arms.. and you are going to get it !!

It could be that you're not eating enough because you are burning so much. Have you been eating a healthy snack after your work out? Your body needs something to burn at least 30 to 40 minutes after you eat or your workout is for nothing.

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the encouragement!!! Yes I always have yogurt or half a peanut butter sandwich after I work out. I also usually time a light snack about 30 minutes before I workout too. I also water with me and drink it during my swim. I was worried that I was not eating enough, but like I said, I am only 5 feet tall (4'11.5" actually ) and have had issues because my burn rate is lower than most. I have given myself an off "diet" day. I had two slices of pizza at the Mellow Mushroom (I think they put heroin or something in their pizza because it is soooo amazing) we also stopped at coldstone creamery this afternoon.............(it really was very hot today, over 100) and I had a frozen yogurt (small). I worked out an hour and 15 minutes this morning so I feel like I got my burn meeter off to a good start today.

Anyway, thanks for your words of encouragement.

Susabelle