Could I be retaining water? Or why can't I lose weight?!
Question: I've completely revamped my diet over the past six months and have been exercising for a year, and while I have gone down a couple of waist sizes, it's not as dramatic a loss as the level of workout I do suggest. (I was a former NCAA athlete, so know how to work out properly.)
For example, I can do a routine of 200 pushups in sets of 80/65/55, lots of crunches, squats, etc., every other day but still weigh 200 pounds after all this time (I should be 180 or so). My typical caloric intake is under 2000. I do some aerobic activity. Nothing seems to make a dent in my total weight.
I did up my water intake dramatically, added many more fibers, and cut out caffeine (coffee and caffeinated sodas).
My energy levels are OK. My only remaining theory as to why I'm not really losing weight is water retention.
(I know the "muscle weighs more than fat" argument, but don't think that's just it.)
Any other ideas?
Answers: I've completely revamped my diet over the past six months and have been exercising for a year, and while I have gone down a couple of waist sizes, it's not as dramatic a loss as the level of workout I do suggest. (I was a former NCAA athlete, so know how to work out properly.)
For example, I can do a routine of 200 pushups in sets of 80/65/55, lots of crunches, squats, etc., every other day but still weigh 200 pounds after all this time (I should be 180 or so). My typical caloric intake is under 2000. I do some aerobic activity. Nothing seems to make a dent in my total weight.
I did up my water intake dramatically, added many more fibers, and cut out caffeine (coffee and caffeinated sodas).
My energy levels are OK. My only remaining theory as to why I'm not really losing weight is water retention.
(I know the "muscle weighs more than fat" argument, but don't think that's just it.)
Any other ideas?
Cardio, cardio, cardio. As much as I hate to admit it, it's the only way to get your weight to budge. The push-ups and sit-up will help to tone those target areas, however, it's the cardio that burns the calories and burning calories is the key. On the days you aren't doing your calisthenics, do 20 to 30 minutes of biking, running, swimming, elliptical or StairMaster. Some days, I wish I could just take a pill instead....
are you on any medications? they can make you retain water. i took an antidepressant in 2005 and still haven't been able to stop retaining water. i read that taking omega3 will improve the liver function and then it will stop the water retention, but i haven't tried it. otherwise, take a water pill and see if you lose the weight.