Help! I Have Program ADD

[Annabelle2]

I will try to be short....I am sitting here practically boohooing and not knowing what to do ....maybe I am hormonal. I am also embarrased.

I have gained now a total of 20 lbs since the end of 2005. I have spent all of 2006, so far, trying to fix it. I quit smoking OVER a year ago then began to gradually gain....I upped my activity and lowered my calories. I bonked.....I began to gain, no matter how hard I work it is not enough, I have been doing tri-training for a sprint tri - plenty of crosstraining and I like to work hard. I signed up with a reputable online trainer (Love her) she says I need to eat more and lift heavier and do less cardio but make it HIIT. I am growing out of my clothes.....I am afraid to eat any more.....Cathe, if you can you answer it would be great, if you can't can someone else please advise. I always thought it was "calories in and calories out". I have read several books on increasing metabolism.....there are so many programs out there by very knowledgeable people that I am becoming confused. I am at a loss and I want to listen to the trainer but there is so much out there.......I also find the exercises from the trainer not really intense enough (no offense if you are reading) I need advice, reassurance....something. I am 48 but not menopausal yet.....however I am sure I sound crazy.

 

[runlikeagirl]

Hi I know how frustrating it can be at losing weight...but have you been to your Doctor yet? You might want some blood work done to see if you are menopausal or if it is a Thyroid problem etc. Just a thought.

 

[smiles4383]

Kathy,

You don't say if you are losing inches. To gain 20 pounds 'is not the issue'.......if those pounds are muscle and associated tissue. It is entirely possible to gain muscle and loose body fat.

I've done other programs and love them, but now I am focusing on a CATHE centered regimen and finding great results. I do Cathe for muscle building and alternate cardio days with all my favorites.

Weight lifting one day...cardio the next. It is working, however I have not lost one ounce. People are commenting on 'HOW MUCH THINNER' I look, but alas, the scales say otherwise......I don't trust the scales. As my pants get looser and I feel stronger the scale is only ONE tool for my progress.

I just turned 51 and know the difficulties that hormonal changes can bring into our lives.....I will NOT be buried in a piano box!!!

Keep us posted on your progress!

 

[Evie]

Not Cathe here - but - Please don't feel bad about gaining weight after quitting smoking. Smoking is much worse for your health than gaining 20 lbs. I, too, gained about 20 lbs. when I quit smoking, and I'm still struggling with it - and it's been about 9 years. That 20 lbs. is very difficult to get rid of but you are STILL in better shape than you were when you were smoking. Give it some more time and keep trying.

It is discouraging, yes, but try to focus on the positive things you've gained since you quit. If you're like me, you still haven't hit that stage where you don't still crave cigarettes, but that will come with time.

 

[teddy16410]

Kathy I know your pain & frustration. I started doing Cathe circuits for 2 months and saw results for the first time in 2 years. At week 6 I stalled again so I switched to cardio 1 day (60-90min) Strength 1 day. Mainly Gym Styles, PS and SH (alternating weeks) This kicked my body into gear.
I stalled again and have slowly up'ed my 1200 calories to a whopping 1650 average (zig zagging) 90% clean. Here my weight goes DOWN again! I also lowered cardio to 45-60min just 3x a week...A totally new concept for me! I never thought I'd be able to eat this much food again but proper fuel and the strength training is really proving beneficial for me.
I had 15 extra pounds on for 2 years that just wouldnt budge...even with 6-7 days a week cardio now in the last 4 months I have only 7 left to lose. I am 43 and my hormones did greatly affect my weight and shape... I can see/feel the hands of time finally turning back. Hang in there...You just have to find what will work and then its a pure joy from there.

 

[Storm]

Kathy, I know exactly how you are feeling. I wish I had some advice but I'm afraid I am in the same boat. It seems like no matter what I do I don't lose weight. It's so confusing and frustrating when you think you are doing everything right. It seems like other people who work out less and eat more lose weight and I don't. Sorry, I didn't mean to turn it to about me, but I wanted you to know I understand. The only thing I can think of is have you had your metabolic rate tested?

 

[Storm]

I found a little information. I'm sure you probably know this but just in case:

The Hypothyroidism / Metabolism Connection http://thyroid.about.com/od/loseweightsuccessfully/a/metabolism.htm

If you have undiagnosed hypothyroidism, or your condition is not adequately treated by your doctor, almost anything you do to raise your metabolism on the output side may fail. So the first, essential step is to get a thyroid test. And if you have been tested and are being treated, you need to make sure your treatment is optimized -- including the proper drug and dosage, as well as supplements to support thyroid function.

From another site http://k2.kirtland.cc.mi.us/~balbachl/meta.htm,

Symptoms of slow metabolism include fatigue, feeling cold, dry skin, constipation, a slow pulse and low blood pressure. These symptoms could be the result of a medical condition rather than low metabolism - MAKE SURE YOU SEE YOUR DOCTOR to rule out any type of medical problem.

 

[andtckrtoo]

Kathy - I went through the same thing. I quit smoking, upped my activity and then got tired of all of the activity and bonked for a bit. The weight began to sneak on until suddenly I was 70 pounds over weight x( . I did lose that weight (well, most of it, and the rest is because of personal choice, not that I cannot lose it). I'm also active again, but this time I'm consistant.

Smoking does cause you to eat less than you normally would. You get that hand-to-mouth action that seems to satisfy even without actual food. So, keep in mind that diet is an absolute key. And whether you need to eat more or less is very dependent on your activity level, what you weigh now, and what you're eating. It's a delicate balance and it can be tricky to find that exact point that works for you. It IS calories in, calories out - but the kind of calories do make a big difference. I have found that if I make a concerted effort to eat clean - no processed foods, less meat (even lean meat) and more fruits and vegetables, I can feel full and still lose weight. And unless you very short and petite, try for at least 1500 calories a day. You can play with that number, but that a healthy number. (I'm 5'10 and lose weight with 2200 calories a day).

As for exercise - there are people who lose weight better by doing more lifting and less cardio. Unfortunately, they are few and far between. Most of us benefit from more cardio. Try doing circuits instead of full on weight workouts. Add cardio - take up running if you like to run (running does more for me than anything else, but it's not for everyone). You can modify something like the January '06 rotation to give you a good solid 60 minutes a day (the rotation is 90 minutes a day - and I find that when I do 90 minutes I need to eat more and more frequently - make sure you keep that in mind).

It IS possible to lose weight after quitting smoking - I'm a testament to that. But it's not as easy, especially in our 40's.

 

[Annabelle2]

thank you so much for responding

runlikeagirl -- I have not been to the doctor, actually I had not thought about it but I might have to take your advice here.

smiles - believe me the 20 lbs is not muscle, it is pure fat, my BF% shot way up there for me, I used to stay around 17/18% I am at about 28% right now.....congrats to you on conquering the weight mess!

Evelyn - that is a good way to think about it....

Teddy - OK, how much did you raise your cals at a time? Do you eat 5/6 meals a day - now this gives me hope....I probably have been not eating what my body needs.....

Storm - thank you for the info that is very sweet of you

Kristine - thank you, nice to know there is hope.....

well, I am 5'2", was 127 lbs, up until 2 weeks ago I usually did one total body weight workout, one upper and one lower a week. 45 to 60 minutes of cardio 3 mornings a week. In the evenings I ran outside one evening, bike ride 2 nights a week with a brick of riding and running on Saturday evenings.....I ate 1200 - 1300 cals a day but I am small (was) and don't burn much......I just wish I could decide on something and stick with it...I have been carb cycling for 2 months now and not a lb gone......

 

[teddy16410]

>>>Teddy - OK, how much did you raise your cals at a time? Do you eat 5/6 meals a day - now this gives me hope....I probably have been not eating what my body needs.....>>>>

Kathy-
I raised calories 100 1 day & 50 the next - a key for me was adding clean foods. I never saw the scale "jump" in any direction I remained consistent. Because I was lifting so much more generally the extra calories were in the form of protein & quality fats. I noticed that on weeks I didnt see results or seemed more "squishy" my log showed I was adding too many grains, yet another thing my body cannot tolerate in high dosages at a time. Yes I eat at least 5-6 x a day- sometimes more on cardio days. But its always CLEAN when its added. My last meal of day rarely has grains just because of how they make me feel. I stick to salads, protein, 2-3 different color veggies. Feel free to PM me if you'd like more info. Its just what I finally found that has worked for me.