Amy - losing winter weight
Hi Amy,
I think you are right to recognize our bodies’ natural tendency to put on
some winter insulation. I do have an extra consideration for you. This
winter, I have put on 3-4 lbs, even though I have improved to my diet to
nearly all HB and neutrals, lots more water & sleep, AND I have been able to
reorganize my schedule so as to exercise 4-6 times per week, vs. previous 3-4.
Even though I put on weight, I have LOST INCHES. Remember, muscle only takes
1/4 the space as fat. To quote an familiar example, look at one pound of
butter: it is four pieces. One pound of muscle would be the size of only
ONE of those pieces. If you are following the O eating plan consistently,
and if you are exercising to the degree recommended for an O, there is a
possibility that, like me, your body is converting fat to muscle, which will
cause weight gain.
Have you been taking basic chest, waist & hip measurements? I weigh myself
weekly, and measure myself once every few months. It is interesting that the
weight can go up, the inches down, and vice versa. The clothes that were a
little snug or just right three months ago are a little baggy on me now.
That seems weird, as the scale shows the increase, but I am undeniably
leaner, and I feel better too: very “bouncy” with energy (probably annoying
to everyone around me, but it’s not my problem if they’re all on diets that
make them miserable!).
If you can tell us how you are doing in size vs. weight, that would be
helpful. There are a lot of us following your progress, and we want to help
you succeed.