What Gives???

Ok, I finally started exercising. I joined a gym that was under construction in Feb/07 and it finally opened in December. So, now I am doing the treadmill at least 2 times a week, mostly 3 and I have gained 1 or 2 pounds!!! See...this is why I don't exercise. I haven't really exercised in months and I stayed pretty steady with my weight, Now I am exercising and gaining. Ugggghhhhh. That being said, with all the stress I have, I do enjoy going and working up a sweat, it feels good and I feel better after I am done. Also, does anyone have any good "on the go" snacks that are high protein and low carb. I know those carbs are killing my diet. I think I did a carb overload last week, I started to feel funny, sweaty and shakey at work, so I had someone test my blood sugar....it was 52! Yikes! No wonder I felt so crappy. So I had a turkey sandwich and felt better after a while. Does anyone else have the low blood sugar issues. It has happened several times to me. Amy

YOu will retain when you first start working out cause your muscles are sore and need more fluid to regenerate. This will hold true for about a month than you will see a drop. Remember if you are building muscle it's ok to have a higher weight number as muscle is denser than fat but you will look fantastic doing it. I always take protein bars and drinks with me when I travel. I will take apples and a pop top of tuna. It works well for thos long days of traveling around. There are ways you can warm up soup, chilli and other high protein things as well so you can keep them with you as well.. you gotta be creative and plan ahead. If you dont you get stuck in that quick purchase that is not as good for you. Hope this helps Carla

Thanks, being creative and planning ahead IS my problem. But you are right about it. Hopefully, I can get my butt in gear and be a little more organized. That would be a good New Years resolution. Amy

hmmm high protein snacks...i'd go for beef jerky, low fat cheese sticks, those little tuna cans, rolls of deli meat/cheeses in a ziploc...i can't think of anything else right now. I'm pms'ing so i'd like something bizarre like fritos and chocolate frosting but i don't give in (doesn't stop me from wanting though). ANDI

Great suggestions, thanks. I hear you with the crazy cravings!!

Hi Amy! I have low blood sugar problems all the time! I have to have a snack with a protein and a carb ... like whole wheat crackers with peanut butter. Or 1/2 a banana with peanut butter. Or a string cheese and some oatmeal. Something like that. I eat small mini-meals 6 times a day and it helps a lot. I exercise a lot and occasionally I'll have a low blood sugar episode during my workout. So I always try to have a protein/carb snack before I start working out and that usually carries me through. Also, your muscles will swell slightly when you first start exercising and you will retain extra fluid at first. Just make sure you keep drinking your water, and maybe drink a little extra too. You will drop those couple of pounds in no time! And you're doing a great thing for your health my exercising! Keep up the great work! Deanna

Thanks for the great advice, I didn't know about the muscle swelling. I will try to keep up the exercising because I do feel better after I do it. I just want instant gratification, that's all. I feel thinner when I am moving, doesn't that sound weird??? Amy

Hi Amy good for you for starting to work out. I'm sure you will see results eventually -don't forget success can be measured in many ways rather than on the scales. Your health will improve for starters. I too get low sugar episodes - they are horrid. I have to eat some crackers and small amount of cheese, or something like that. From what I read on the grads board it's a common problem and for some increases the further out they get! As long as you begin to recognise the signs and have a plan you should be fine. Keep up the great work on exercise

Yea, those low blood sugar episodes are a little freaky. I realized when I actually saw the number that I have to be more vigilant with what I am eating and plan ahead a little better. Amy