Weight Loss While Training

[Jen117]

I have been following the WW Points Plan since Spring and lost 25ish pounds. Since I started "officially" training in September, I have not lost a pound. Not a one! I have even gone and up down the same 3-4 pounds like a yo-yo. I still have 40 more pounds that I would like to lose. Should I just forget about it until after the 1/2 marathon in January? I have been on and off with counting points the last month, but even the weeks that I strictly count, I still yo yo. It is just plain frustrating.

I also wonder if I should switch to Core since I can eat more. I don't know. I just love bread and potatoes and not sure I can just give them up. I did South Beach for 2 weeks and nearly killed my DH because I was craving so badly.

Feel free to give your opinions. Somedays I just want to say wait until after January to dedicate yourself, then other days I say that I really need to get this weight off. Also, it's not like I am being a slug because I am still exercising like crazy, I just think I am eating more because of the extra calories I am burning.

 

[chimera]

Congrats on your 25lb weight loss! Technically, you're not supposed to be trying to lose weight while training for a race. You need those calories to support your training and recovery efforts.

Realistically, I think most of us are in this for the benefits on weight and overall health. And I know EXACTLY how you feel. I still have 20lbs I'd like to drop. I was kinda disappointed last year...I only lost 13lbs the whole year, even with all the training. Fortunately, with the half as a goal, I didn't focus so much on the weight. What I thought was really bizarre was that I GAINED weight the last month of training when I was doing the most mileage ( until the taper and the holidays )

Right now, I'd just like to see the 140s before the half which should be doable (150.8 this morning). What I'm doing now is just trying to make better choices for meals, less snacking and not eating myself into oblivion on the weekends. Now that you've lost 25lbs, you actually need fewer calories just to function during the day, so you might just try tweaking your current WW plan. I got into the bad habit of eating a Snickers marathon bar on the way home from work every day...now I'm trying to only do it on the days I train.

How many points do you do every day? Is there a standard conversion of points to calories?

 

[TiffJ]

Try core! It is not nearly as restrictive as South Beach. You can have carbs like baked potatoes with dinner & low fat popcorn for snack. I think it works well with training & was much easier than I expect it to be.

you are not technically supposed to try to lose weight while training, but I know exactly what you mean. And I lost 40 lbs last year training for the 1/2. I think Christa switched to core for training & had alot of luck with it too.

 

[Jen117]

Thanks for your replies. I know you aren't supposed to lose weight while training and that is where I am struggling. 40 pounds is a lot of extra weight to lose yet. My DH keeps telling me to focus on training and I guess I just needed to hear it from someone else. My current point level is 26 and some days that just isn't enough for me.

I guess I need to look at the positive... my legs are really toning up!!!!

 

[wtpclc]

Your legs toning up may be why you aren't losing too! HAve you tried measuring and checking inches instead of weight?

I gained a lot last year. Now, I'm trying to lose, but VERY slowly. Main goal is not to gain.

 

[Kristi1357]

I have the same problem!

In January, I started training for the Minnie to lose these last 10 or so lbs. on WW. I never lost a blessed thing, and I was not exercising at all before that. I then trained all summer for DL. Even still I am at the same weight, not losing.

I did switch to Core and that helped as I was starting to gain - training & doing flex. I never thought I'd say it, but I like Core better! I do remember hearing Christa say that she loves Core also.

I have been in a WW rut and decided to go back to points this week - just for the sole purpose of shaking things up. It's been 2 days and I am so ready to go back to Core!

Give Core a week trial - I bet it jump starts some weight loss for you.

 

[Outonarun]

I feel for you, Jen.

Sounds like not losing and/or gaining weight while increasing exercise/training is not uncommon (tooo many double-negatives, there!!!). The four times I followed a training schedule for a marathon, I *gained* 14-16 pounds!! That's alot of weight!! But, I was stronger and firmer than the lighter me. And, I enjoyed running more, although heavier, because I was fit.

No words of wisdom here, just thought I'd share my weight-gain-while-working-out-hard experience.

Here's to good health... infinitely more important than the numbers.

Best to all with your health and fitness goals.

Teri

 

[gatorphipps]

Jen - Core helped me loose my weight.....even with training...This way, I can get all the food I need but still be eating healthy.
I was 135 in March when i started core..now I am 111.8. And I eat ALL THE TIME...its just WHAT I eat that makes the diff.

 

[Jen117]

Thanks for all the replies. I am looking into CORE right now. I need to eat. I also have low blood sugar issues, so if I don't eat, I crash. The CORE food list is much better than the South Beach and I think I can handle it. In fact, I went to the bulk store and stocked up on brown rice today. I love the stuff.

Thanks again everyone. It is great to get such positive responses back.

 

[RunningthruDisney]

Hi
First off - remember muscle weighs more than fat, so if your legs are toner you are losing inches. to me that was always more important. People are shocked by how much i weigh and when i go on the scale i never looked at my weight. Even when doing ww I actually had to make my goal weight higher, because i was making myself sick when i wanted to get dowm to 135- i am 5' 7"
When training core is good protein is good along with the veggies and you do need carbs. You also may need to "shock" you body and change your work out. Bike one day or go on a cross trainer. These are not my favorite work outs but they do make my running and swimming better. Good Luck

 

[plutosmyfav]

Yes, the general belief is that you should not lose weight during training. Your muscles need to have maximum glycogen which isn't possible if your body is in a calorie deficit. However, I lost weight while gaining strength and training, Christa just posted she's done it. It can be done, but it's also not easy.

Marathon training really isn't condusive to weight-loss because your appetite increases to compensate. So you have to work real hard to maintain a delicate balance.

As other's have said, gaining muscle and not seeing a loss on the scale will still make you smaller. Don't lose heart!

As for me, I didn't get to go to the Y last night because Dx was sick. THEN, when I got home the stupid birthday cake wasn't gone. I thought for sure the last two pieces would vanish before I got home. I ate them both I don't know where my self control is. I know letting myself get too hungary by not bringing enough with me yesterday had something to do with it.

My biggest problem with Core is keeping up with the right foods in the house and preparing them. I wish I had a personal chef!