Question:
how is it possible to gain 3 pounds by eating badly for only 1 day?

My husband races motorcyles, so while out of town this weekend , all day and night at the races, i ate poorly, by that i mean chips and salsa, cheese,popcorn,even some low sugar butter cookies, i ate alot for me and often thru out the sat and part of sun. well today i have a 3 pound gain. my first gain since the surgery in nov.2002. i had lost 127 lbs, and have stuck faithfully to my diet. untill saturday. now i amm afraid that even one bad day can cause me to gain it all back and i am wondering what i went thru all of this for, if i can never have a chip or cookie again without gaining.will i ever be normal? help I am so scared!    — terri R. (posted on August 18, 2003)

August 18, 2003
Look at all the salt you consumed (popcorn, chips, salsa, etc). Sounds like water gain to me. It's normal even on a high protein/low carb diet for the weight to fluctuate by as much as 5 pounds in a day (or weekend), BUT if you're not careful and really limit these choices it WILL turn back into fat. Hope you had a good weekend though :>)
   — [Deactivated Member]

August 18, 2003
It takes 3500 calories over and above what it takes to maintain your current weight to gain only ONE pound. I can't imagine that you ate enough to actually gain 3 pounds. That would take 10,500 calories. I agree that you ate alot of salty foods and stayed in the hot sunshine so you're probably retaining fluid. Just dust off the crumbs and get back on the wagon. Sounds to me like you're doing GREAT!
   — ronascott

August 18, 2003
Salt causes water retention .. chips, cheese, and popcorn all contain high quantities of sodium. Get back to eating normally, drink your water and you will be fine I'm sure. Water weigth gain can cause the scales to jump even 5 lbs overnight but fortunately once the salt is gone, weight returns to normal. Congratulations on your great weight loss.
   — [Deactivated Member]

August 18, 2003
I agree with the other posters, it is most likely water retention. My weight fluctuates within 3-4 lbs and has done so for over a year, depending on what I have eaten or drank. Salt and alcohol are usually what causes me to be on the upward end. I am also on the upward end during that lovely time of the month. I would not sweat it, just get back to your normal routine an everything will most likely be fine. Kudos to you for keeping such close tabs on your weight, that is the key to long-term success. Best wishes!
   — Lori B.

August 18, 2003
I doubt it's a real gain, more than likely it's water weight from the carbs. Carbs cause your cells to swell with water (your rings are probably tight too). Come off the carbs for a couple of days and watch yourself lose that three pounds and then some. It's very temporary
   — Happy I.

August 18, 2003
THANK YOU GUYS, SO MUCH YOU ALL ARE THE GREATEST!!!!!
   — terri R.