Is it fat or muscle?

[EagleRider]

I've gained just under 5 lbs since starting my workout about 9 weeks ago. Two pair of jean no longer fit. I have cut all fast food, all junk food, all soda, all sugar (except a little fruit). I measure my meat portions because I know I was eating more than a 4 oz serving before, and I've cut back on portion sizes in general. I should be losing a little weight, huh? I know I have some muscle now because I can see it beneath the fat (ugh), but I seriously doubt I could gain 5 lbs of muscle in 9 weeks - Five pounds of fat, yes, but muscle? And even if I did, wouldn't my clothes fit better? I'm a 50 y/o female who quit smoking about 2 years ago and put on a LOT of weight. I quit smoking in a matter of weeks. I've been fighting this weight for 2 years!
Please pardon my frustration. Any idea what's going on?

[Lady C]

Are you tracking what you are eating? You may be eating too much too.

[trainerty]

Much agreed the tracking is very important along with tracking of macronutrients.

What does your training look like?

Weight is very decieving. Body composition changes (muscle to fat ratio) can make the weight fluctuate up or down.

Clothes fit better how? Generally the hip and waist area is the most important change. Women tend to hold onto mass here more than guys (just built for it). This area will take some time to get results.

Stay consistent I'm sure its a minor change that will get you on track.

[LiftGirl]

In addition to tracking your food very carefully (a great suggestion) what is your workout routine like? How intense is it? What exercises are you doing, etc.?

[westside24]

whatever you do, Dont blame it on smoking, and use smoking as a tool for losing weight... That is not the answer. Remember self control. I know smoking can be more habitual for some than others, but you really got to control yourself, same with how you eat. it takes dedication, and that word shouldnt be threatening and scare you away. dedication means you gotta work hard, and I feel good after I accomplish something that involves time and effort, dont you?

[minime]

www.fitday.com

put in everything you eat or drink for each day (everything that passes your lips!) and do it for a couple of weeks. In addition keep a detailed log of your workouts. In a couple of weeks you will have better information to draw results from : you will probably see a pattern emerging.

good luck!

[Maxgain]

Originally Posted by EagleRider

I've gained just under 5 lbs since starting my workout about 9 weeks ago. Two pair of jean no longer fit. I have cut all fast food, all junk food, all soda, all sugar (except a little fruit). I measure my meat portions because I know I was eating more than a 4 oz serving before, and I've cut back on portion sizes in general. I should be losing a little weight, huh? I know I have some muscle now because I can see it beneath the fat (ugh), but I seriously doubt I could gain 5 lbs of muscle in 9 weeks - Five pounds of fat, yes, but muscle? And even if I did, wouldn't my clothes fit better? I'm a 50 y/o female who quit smoking about 2 years ago and put on a LOT of weight. I quit smoking in a matter of weeks. I've been fighting this weight for 2 years!
Please pardon my frustration. Any idea what's going on?

Are the jeans too tight now? YOu have gained fat then.

Not much chance of a fifty year old woman gaining 5lbs muscle in that time. It is prob a mix.
YOu are prob now storing more glycogen and are no dehydrated since you cut out all the junk which dehydrates gving the impression of a lower weight.

Watching waist size is key for calories control

[minime]

that is interesting maxgain, i never knew that about the dehydration! so this is why people often 'gain' a couple of pounds when they first begin to diet.