I Need Help!!

[LolaHamilton]

Hi, So apparently according to the scale I've gained 20 pounds in 6 months... which is unbelievable to me because for about the last 6 months i've smarted up on my eating habits, i've stopped eating fast food and junk.. once in a while i do have dessert but nothing like what i use to eat before.. i've always started to workout these last couple months it started slow but now i go about 4 times a week.. im just confused as to how and why i gained 20 pounds when my eating habits and exercise were improved by atleast 80% as to what they use to be? Also I just joined the gym so how can i lose 36 pounds within a year? Its depressing seeing the scale jump like that when i know myself ive improved... I also started drinking ALOT more water than what I use to drink i upped my water intake about 4 glasses more than what i use to drink. i need help

[James G Beckerman, M.D.]

One of the challenges of changing one's diet is that we tend to focus on what we're eating and pay less attention to how much.  I think a food diary is a great idea in your situation, so you can get a better sense of your portion sizes.  While eating more fruits/vegetables and less junk food/dessert is a healthy decision, you really do have to lower calories significantly over a period of time to result in significant weight loss.  But I think that changing how you get in those calories is a tough thing to do, and it sounds like you've made a lot of progress already!  Keep it up!

Dr. Beckerman

[Jaquta]

I can relate to how you feel.  I can feel absolutely devastated just putting on 100g.

Firstly, you need to congratulate yourself on your successes.  You've changed your eating behavior and you're exercising -that's huge!!
You need to listen to yourself and pay attention to how you feel.  The number on the scale is secondary to everything else.

Exercising can increase muscle mass so give a disproportionate reading.
Your increased water intake may also influence the number on the scale.  I'm not sure how that works but being well hydrated has got to be good.  (Unless you're retaining excess fluid).  I've been drinking more water too and seem to be a consistently higher weight.  (Although I've been wearing about 20 layers of clothing because it's winter and it's been hard to get an accurate reading).
Also, sometimes with a bigger frame you can 'hide' the weight.

Keeping a food diary may help you to observe any areas that may need more work.

Losing 36 pounds in one year is a realistic goal.  Making small changes will help to keep the weight off long-term.
Diet and exercise are the best combination for losing weight.

You could try reading Dr Beckerman's first (earliest) blog entry as that has some good tips to help the weight loss process.

Best wishes.

J

[LolaHamilton]

ALSO all of my clothes fit the same and i havent had to change any cloth sizes.. im 5'7 and weigh 185... its not normal and i know that but why dont any of my clothes fit different since i gained the 20 pounds?