new member with questions

[lisarene]

Hi, i am a new member who enjoys working out on my treadmill every day. i also use free weights. my question is this. i have increased my workouts to 3 miles per day with a quick warm up then proceed to 4.0 mph for 40 plus min. i have noticed that instead of loosing weight, i have gained weight. 2 lbs to be specific. also worth noting, i did quit smoking aprox 2 wks ago. now i know, that some people will eat instead of smoke, however, i havent changed my eating habits. also will protein powder added to a fruit smoothie cause this weight gain?? i have been drinking 16 oz frozen fruit smoothies with 1 scoop of protein powder added for breakfast followed by a lunch of fresh chef salad. ususally nuts or 1 apple for a mid afternoon snack with dinner consisting of 1 svg of meat and 1 starch and 1 vegie. one more question. will diet sodas cause weight gain? i know lots of questions, sorry

 

[BRAHMA]

Hi Lisa and welcome! To answer some questions. Soda altogether diet or not.. should not be drank. It contains to much unhealthy ingredients, and yes will cause weight gain.

Determining from all the cardio you do.. gaining weight for a female can be alot of things.. since there are certain times of the month where weight can fluctuate. But to clarify it really doesn't look like you gained 2 lbs of fat... rather muscle. It would be very wise to get your body fat percentage done, and from there you'll always know whether you gained 2 lbs of muscle or fat.. but I am telling you it cannot be fat. As many females on here will tell you also.. the scale is not a way to track your progress.. BF% is very important, and thats more important than weight.

125 lb girl BF% 18 compared to
130lb girl BF% 10 will look a hella lot more cut with abs and all. Thats why BF% is more important.

 

[cbolding]

Welcome! As a female, I do agree with the fact that lisarene is gaining muscle, not fat. Throw the scale away or dont even bother weighing yourself, but every once in a blue moon just to se where you are at. I have not gone to get my body fat measured yet but I know I should. I do not weigh myself though because I know I gain body weight, but it is muscle, not fat. Keep up the good work!