Running, Lifting and Diet - 18 consecutive days...no weight loss

G

gmobisson

0
Ok - I need a little help here.

Bottom line is that I am running and lifting for 70min a day...and have done so 18 straight days. No weight loss, in fact I have gained 4 lbs. So here's my data:

Physical:
40 yr old Male - 6'3" - 242lbs - problem area: stomach, but I seem to carry the weight well (except for gut - 38in).

Health:
Good health, High Blood Pressure controlled, Athlete's heart diagnosed in college where I played hoops and fball but not a problem. Sedentary job (computers), moderate stress (i.e.: wife/3kids/2dog). Currently on Norvasc 10mg, Hydrochlorothiazide 5mg, Lexapro 10mg.

Workout:
SaWS - 30min elliptical vigorous, 40 min core workout 16 exercises.
MR - 30min elliptical vigorous, 40 min upper body lifting, 8 exercises (3X12)
TF - 20min elliptical vigorous, 30 min lower body lifting, 6 exercises (3X12)

Diet
Very inconsistent days 1 through 14 - probably 2500-3500 cals a day + one day a week of 4-8 alc-drinks. Found myself eating a lot at night. Use whole food vitamins and fish oil. Last 4 days on weight watchers type of plan (successfully used WW 4 years ago, to cut 50lbs). I give myself 30 points, which is about 1600 healthy calories.

Sleep
Not great - probably 5-6 hours. Since I started working out, I get up at 6:30am without alarm clock. Thats a big change!

PROBLEM
I realy want to build strength, but lose weight at the same time. Im not trying to get huge, just trying to get my system in working order. I want to lose 25 pounds, and look great. Thats it. I cant understand why after 18 straight days, I am heavier. What gives???? WHAT AM I DOING WRONG?
 
The easy answer is you've taken in more calories than you burned. You say your diet was very inconsistent for the first two weeks; you're really are only guessing at how many calories you might have consumed. You've only done the WW thing for a few days, give it a chance. 1600 calories sounds low for someone of your size. There are tools on the web to help determine how many calories you need to lose weight. You should shoot for a loss of 2 to 3 pounds per week. This will give you time to establish some healthier eating habits. Also consider keeping a food diary and counting your calories. This will give you a better idea of how much you're really eating, though WW probably takes care of that for you.

It looks like you have enough activity in your workout, but only you know how hard you're working. Consider a heart rate monitor. It will help make sure your working at the right intensity level.

You didn't gain the weight in 18 days. I know, you just want to see some progress in the right direction. Count your calories, know your daily target calories, keep working out and be patient.
 
Thanks for the encouragement - I agree that the caloric intake is probably the likely culprit. I checked the WW for my weight and you're right, its a little low. Range for my weight should be closer to 1700-2000 with another 300 or so if I workout...which i am, thus 2k or 2300 should be more appropriate.

I think the hard part in all this is the combo of training AND diet...man this is hard. Doing either by itself is difficult. Both is taking a lot of discipline...which obviously I havent had much of since. If I see some results in a couple weeks, I'll be very energized...also turning this into a sustainable lifestyle change is going to be the next challenge i think.
 
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