Rapid Weight Gain

I've been working out for the past month and instead of losing weight I'm gaining weight.  I'm a 25 yr old female.  I use my albuterol inahaler every morning before exercising since I suffer from asthma.  My usual workout includes at least 30 min of cardio 4-5 times a week and of couple of abs.  I've been eating healthier.  This morning I weighed myself and realized I gained 3lbs in 2 days, this is insane!  I don't know what to do.  My doctor ran some bloodwork for my thyroid and they came back normal.  I was wondering if it's related to my asthma medication.  I'm almost ready to give up on exercise.

[Barb135]

There are 2 things I can say --- first off, I hate the word "normal" in relation to blood work!!  The reason for that is because doctors consider you "normal" so long as you fall within a given set of numbers --- sometimes labs use outdated reference ranges, and sometimes, those numbers just aren't "normal" for YOU........I'd recommend that you get the actual numbers for your thyroid tests and see where you actually fall in the range....

Secondly -- I'm not sure I understand "eating healthier".  I recommend that you calculate the number of calories you need daily to maintain your weight, then cut back enough to create a deficit.  I also recommend that you keep a food diary (medhelp has a good one), along with the weight and exercise trackers.  Keeping a food diary will tell you exactly how you are doing calorie wise.  It will let you track fats, proteins, fiber, carbs, etc.  Even though you are eating healthier -- maybe you are eating too many fats, too much carbs, not enough protein, etc.  

The exercise tracker lets you keep track of how many calories you actually burning.  One pound equals 3500 calories, so if you want to lose one pound/week, you have to create a deficit of 500 calories/day.  Usually that's accomplished by cutting 250 calories from your diet and using 250 with exercise.........If you need some help with this let me know.......

Don't give on exercise -- just keep trying to work it out and if one thing doesn't work for you after a few weeks, try something else.  

Oh - the 3 pounds in 2 days could be from undigested food, extra fluid retention, etc.  

[Cinains]

Thanks for the info, I will track the food I eat on this website.  I think I might be eating too much carbs and not enough protein.  I eat poultry every 3 days and no red meat.  I don't eat seafood either.  I should start eating beans since it contains a lot of proteins.

[Barb135]

Don't forget dairy -- lots of protein there as well.  AND don't forget the fruits and veggies; that's where a lot of the vitamins/minerals are, plus lots of fiber to fill you up.  Try to make your carbs complex as much as possible -- such as whole grains for breads and pasta, brown rice instead of white, etc.  Yes, beans have protein -- also fiber.......

Good luck and hope you'll keep posting to let us know how you're doing.  

[Cinains]

I've been using the weight, food and exercise trackers at this site.  I'm happy to say I've lost 2lbs in one week.  My goal is to lose 20lbs.  I'm only 18 lbs away!

[Barb135]

good for you ---- keep up the good work.............

[lucindamartinez]

Great job on that weight loss!  You keep up the good work and we will be right here to cheer you on!  : )

[Cinains]

thanks for all the support, I've lost another 3lbs, it feels great!