fueling/diet issues - help?

[enfuego23]

I'm meeting with a dietician on Friday but wanted to get some input from everyone here:)

I'm currently running 30 miles a week (training for 2 half marathons in the Fall) and hot yoga 2 times a week for an hour a session. I also am walking about 2.5 miles to yoga each time I go. 

My weight is creeping up - I'm currently up 3 pounds. I know that doesn't sound like a lot but it is for my smaller frame. I use Lose It to track calories. When I looked back over the past couple of weeks, I'm averaging 1600 -1700 calories a day. My BMR is around 1300 calories but if I add in activity level - it gives me averages around 1800 - 2000 calories. Why am I gaining weight? 

I am measuring my food and I'm eating lots of fruits and veggies and I even cut out sweets for the past 4 days. What gives?? 

[joenali]

Have you had any blood work done recently?

[enfuego23]

No. What type of blood work should I get done?

[joenali]

Thyroid.

[wambam]

How is your digestion?

[clseale]

If you go in for a basic physical, the blood work they order should include a thyroid test. Mine always has, anyway.

[ckinla]

Yoga is a great form of strength training - perhaps you're gaining muscle? I know if I take extended time off yoga and then go back (daily power practice) I always gain about 5 pounds in muscle.

[Brit]

I have a few thoughts about this...

1) Is it possible that you are not eating enough? People are constantly posting on here about how they were able to lose weight by eating more. If you try that (in my experience anyway) it needs to be "good" foods, not more junk.

2) Are you being really honest with yourself about what your are eating? In the past, I have fallen into patterns where I was really "good" about eating well and in proper amounts all week, but would totally go overboard on the weekend with junk that my H would make/bring home, food at parties, booze, etc. and totally undo (and beyond) all of the hard work I had put in all week. I'm not saying this is you, but I KNOW this has been me before.

[Brit]

More rambling, probably useless thoughts:

Obviously we are not the same person, but my activity level is pretty similar to yours and I can lose weight eating 2000 calories/day*.

*None of these calories can be alcohol. For some reason I can not lose weight at all if I drink alcohol, even if it budgeted into my calories.

[Deleted]

Are you just estimating your BMR from a website? Mine from a website calculation is 1450. When I actually did the breathing test with a dietitian, it registered at 2050 resting! I know that's not the norm, but it's a possibility.

[tuggyruns]

Jul 9, 2013 11:42:15 GMT -5 Brit said:

More rambling, probably useless thoughts:

Obviously we are not the same person, but my activity level is pretty similar to yours and I can lose weight eating 2000 calories/day*.

*None of these calories can be alcohol. For some reason I can not lose weight at all if I drink alcohol, even if it budgeted into my calories.

If you drink alcohol again- do you gain the weight back? ( I am assuming yes, but ya never know)

[enfuego23]

Jul 9, 2013 11:42:15 GMT -5 Brit said:

More rambling, probably useless thoughts:

Obviously we are not the same person, but my activity level is pretty similar to yours and I can lose weight eating 2000 calories/day*.

*None of these calories can be alcohol. For some reason I can not lose weight at all if I drink alcohol, even if it budgeted into my calories.

You may be on to something here - I rarely drink, it dehydrates me so much and I get tipsy pretty quickly but...I have been drinking wine more lately and DH has been buying lots of different beers that I have been sharing with him. I have been counting the calories in the drinks but maybe I need to cut the alcohol out again.

[rfs13]

Just my two cents regarding the alcohol. I have been indulging in a few cocktails during the week and have noticed my weight creeping up even though I'm making healthy decisions and working out. Maybe the wine and beer are the culprits in your case.

[Deleted]

Yea, definitely might be the beer/wine. I can maintain my weight while drinking alcohol, but not actually lose.

I also agree with PPs to think about how much you're eating/drinking (misc calories, it's so easy to undercount), and then also to try upping your calories. Also, what's your breakdown of protein/carbs/fat? I do best with a ratio of about 20% carbs, 30% protein, and 50% fat in terms of calories, but it's different for each person.

Also look at what you're doing in terms of fuel after running. If I don't replenish well with electrolytes (not just water), I tend to hold onto weight.

[Brit]

Jul 9, 2013 11:58:17 GMT -5 tuggyruns said:

Jul 9, 2013 11:42:15 GMT -5 Brit said:

More rambling, probably useless thoughts:

Obviously we are not the same person, but my activity level is pretty similar to yours and I can lose weight eating 2000 calories/day*.

*None of these calories can be alcohol. For some reason I can not lose weight at all if I drink alcohol, even if it budgeted into my calories.

If you drink alcohol again- do you gain the weight back? ( I am assuming yes, but ya never know)

Haha, typically. I don't think I'm alone either. The general consensus last time we had this discussion was that in order to have six-pack abs, you must drink very rarely or never.

[tuggyruns]

Jul 9, 2013 15:07:47 GMT -5 Brit said:

Jul 9, 2013 11:58:17 GMT -5 tuggyruns said:

If you drink alcohol again- do you gain the weight back? ( I am assuming yes, but ya never know)

Haha, typically. I don't think I'm alone either. The general consensus last time we had this discussion was that in order to have six-pack abs, you must drink very rarely or never.

Makes me feel better. I'm thinking this could be why I gained some of my weight back. 

[Deleted]

Yep - booze is a killer for me too.

[tuggyruns]

But wine makes every injury betterrrrrr! I mean it has all kinds of anti-inflammatory stuff!