Question:
I am almost 17 months post of I am down over 100 lbs to 165. I have not lost in

months. Two weeks ago I started a program at the gym. I do cardio 5 times a week for 40 minutes and weight training three times a week on the circuit machines working all the machines for that circut for a full body work out. I have not lost any weight yet. I have upped my water, upped my protien, and eat sensible three meals plus healty snacks three times a day. When should I see results, I feel better but want to lose 25 more lbs. How much protein should I be eating and calories. I drink 64 to 96 oz of water...Is that enough? Please help me stay encouraged as I really love working out but want results. Thank you.    — Tammy P. (posted on May 5, 2003)

May 5, 2003
You have embarked on a really good program (cario and weight training). As I'm sure you've heard, muscle weighs more than fat, so IF you are building muscle, you may not see a nosedive on the scale right away -- and if you keep up your exercise regime, you may wind up stabilizing at a higher weight than you planned. BUT -- here's the good part -- you will be smaller, inches-wise and size-wise, and stronger, and your metabolism will burn more efficiently because you have more muscle tone than you did before. I'd keep at it for those benefits, and not expect the scale to validate your choice so quickly (as it so stubbornly doesn't validate us at other times ... you know how capricious that annoying scale can be!). The exercise may also help you with any head hunger issues you may develop, too. So its benefits reach far beyond the instant gratification of the scale which, btw, WILL pay off in time ... if you can give it more time. Good luck and CONGRATS on getting your program started!
   — Suzy C.

May 5, 2003
Muscle doesn't weigh more than fat. A pound is a pound. Anyway...be patient (doesn't it suck to hear that). Keep up the same routine w/the exercise -- definitely don't give up on that. Don't know if your protein is in meat or liquid form but try the shakes. I do the shakes as a part of my several small meals during the day. I rarely have 3 full meals a day but still do get my nutrition. Anyway, I made it to goal in 18 months doing these things. You'll be fine. Relax and know you're doing the right things and you'll see the results.
   — Kimberly L.

May 5, 2003
True, a pound is a pound, BUT a muscle is DENSER than a pound of fat. So, a pound of muscle has less volume than a pound of fat (it takes up less space) that's why you may lose inches without losing weight. Sue
   — Sue C.

May 5, 2003
Try making your snacks protein only: Hard boiled egg, chicken, cheese..... See if you curbs your cravings for carbs and will keep you satisfied longer. If you are doing a new program, your body may just want more protein as you are kicking things off. Good luck! And remeber that even if you don't get all of those last 25 lbs off, you will look and feel better with the program you are on. Go by how you look and feel, not what the scale says.
   — Dana B.

May 5, 2003
You should start seeing results soon- maybe a couple more weeks. Once I started the gym, the first few weeks I maintained my weight, then I started to lose more, plus I was getting very toned. So you may be losing inches right now and not pounds- do you measure yourself? Your water intake sounds perfect! Protein and calorie amounts vary from person to person. You should be getting atleast 60 grams of protein. And 1200-1500 calories is usually ok. It may increase a little bit b/c of all the working out you're doing- but you need the fuel to burn. You may just have to do trial and error- do 1500 calories for a week, if it works- stick with it, if not, go lower, etc. Go to www.caloriesperhour.com and you can calculate your metabolic rate- now ofcourse these things aren't perfect, but I did it and it was pretty close to the rate that I got from RN who tested it. Then you know how much you burn each day, so you eat less than that to lose more weight. Goodluck to you!
   — Lezlie Y.

May 5, 2003
you may want to ease up on the weight lifting as you could actually gain weight without gaining size. To prove this take two measuring cups fill one with beef fat from a steak fill the other with lean meat from that steak.Fill both equally volume wise and weigh each,the cup of lean will weigh more. Been there done that in physiology class. Thats why pro body builders weigh close to 300 pounds with only 8 percent bodyfat.
   — bubba