eating more did not help me, and i am about to lower my calories more than i was.

i was eating 1450/day, not losing much, working out 3-4x/week, cardio and weights. weight was 152, want to get down to 135 (i'm 5'4", fairly muscular).

slowly increased to 2000 cals (purportedly maintenance for a 135# woman getting as much exercise as I was). gained 4-5 pounds, hovering between 156 and 157. went back down to 1800 for a few weeks, expecting weight loss. nada. not an ounce.

anyway, i gained 5 pounds and stayed steady. not exactly what i was after, but at least i didn't gain any more.

Sounds like me...How long were you at 2000 cal?  

how slow did you increase to maintainence calories?

I plan on adding about 100 calories a week

I think slow, very slow is the key

~H~

Well I was eating around 1500-1600 calories and I increase to about 1800-2000.  Although my overall burn for the day is usually around 2200-2400 so I really shouldn't be gaining weight yet.  I guess I am just wondering how long the weight will keep increasing?  So I added quite a bit. 

No I mean how quickly did you add more calories?

Did you add the extra calories in one day???

~H~

I guess last week I went up about 200 calories and this week about 100 more  but I do zig zag calories still so not every day is 100.  For example:- Tuesday I ate 1600 burned 2400 but yesterday I ate 2200 and burned 2400.  Today I am planning on 2000 while only burning 2100.  Tomorrow will probably be around 1700 while burning 2000.  I don't know if that answers your question.  I suppose -yes I am increasing to quickly.  

Yep got ya now ;)

From what i've read, you should slowly increase your caloric intake over days....several days.  For example....if you are at 1600 this week, go to 1700 for the next week, 1750 or 1800 next week etc etc etc.....

I also think, once your body stabilizes with the new calorie amount, it will even out again and if you are still a little under your maintenance, you will probably lose those couple extra lbs again soon. 

Hope that helps hun :)
~H~

Thanks for the response.   I am just hoping it stabilizes soon!!  :)  It feels like all my previous work has been for nothing if I gain it all back trying to eat normal.  

Original Post by lorime:

Sounds like me...How long were you at 2000 cal?

for two weeks. i increased by 200 cal every two weeks. the weight basically piled on as soon as i started eating more, then stayed steady at 5 pounds more than what i did.

Im currently having the same problem.. I wish i could give you some advice. Now i know what "they" mean by, trying to lose weight as you get older is MUCH more difficult. You exercise, eat right- and the weight goes up! i dont get it??

i wish our bodies had a way of talking to us.. how nice would that be?!

Mia

I feel ya!  I increased from 1200-15/1600 and have gained about 5lbs in the past 3 months.  : (

Sorry I don't have much to offer in the way of advice, but I totally know how you feel.  I see you're a cyclist...have you been riding a lot?  I feel like my pants don't fit anymore (even though they just fit differently) because I've gained but someone put the idea in my head that perhaps I was gaining muscle in my legs.  Makes sense but still not what I'm goin' for.  : )

goood luck! PS I like the bike

I love cycling.... Funny how cyclist always notice the bike first...hehehe!!  So I guess it is normal to gain a little while trying to maintain... Doesn't make sense though... oh well.  Since I cycle I don't do much in the way of lifting in the summer when I am cycling a lot.  My legs tend to bulk up pretty easily so I know what you mean about pants fitting differently..  thanks for the input.  

No Kidding!!  I can't wait for the day when I can just eat normal and not count every bite I put in my mouth... Uggh!! Someday.....