gaining weight.

[randerson]

Hi everyone,

This is my third week of excercise and one week of good eating habits.
I am doing very well, but I have gained 3 lbs, I have to wonder if this was because of my free day, we had lots of wine and turkey and candy floss from the fair.

I have a dinner coming up in 2 weeks and it's for my husband to be and myself, I am almost afraid to have my free day that day.

I am eating the 6 small meals per day, palm of hand size portion.
I hope it wasn't my free day.
Any related issues or advice would be greatly appreciated.

-Michelle

[GregCP]

Hey Michelle,
It is common to gain 1-3 lbs after a free day because of the water retention that follows with it, its a problem we all have when we exercise our freedom on free days. It will take up to 3-4 days for you to completely flush that out, so thats why i like to check my weight only once a week, the day right "before" your free day, that weight is a more accurate measure of your progress. Also keep in mind, whats happening with your muscles. The initial bulk of any muscle gains are also because of water...your muscles are like a sponge, that after damaging them, they get filled with water/blood/nutrients to repair itself. So initial gains in muscle weight at the beginning of any weight training program can be significant- even for females.

Biggest concerns is whether or not that 3 lbs is from fat. If you're following the plan as follows, which its seems that you are, the likeliness of that is VERY unlikely. Again, have your free days, but dont be discouraged with the fluctuations in your weight, just pay attention to your weight at the end of the training week, the day before your free day...and also keep in mind, muscle weighs more than fat, so dont be too discouraged if you dont see the kind of weight loss you are expecting....especially if you dont have much to lose in the first place. Measure your progress in sizes, how you're clothes fti, and how you look and feel.