Dear Shredheads - I am an (almost) 52 year old woman. I discovered the 30 Day Shred and have been doing it religiously since the first week of February. My husband and I have so completely changed our diet and follow the diet plan. He has lost 6 pounds, while I have gained 1. I DO NOT CHEAT! I work my ass off and gain, and am becoming very very frustrated! I have lost a few inches and gained some muscle in my delts. But no weight loss. According to Jillian, I should still be losing. I need some suggestions fast or I will have to bail on this program. Could someone please throw me some help? - Annette (via email, slightly edited for length)
Gaining weight when you're sticking to the program is one of the most frustrating things EVER! There are a few things to remember and check.
You've Lost Inches
It's not easy to remember, but this is just as big of a success as losing weight. If you're noticing inches gone, then you're doing it right and the weight gain is either from water or muscle.
You're Seeing Definition
Just like with the inches lost, seeing definition is a great sign. The number on the scale is easier to be happy about because you can quantify the loss, but remember that if you're losing inches and seeing definition, you're being successful!
Everyone Loses Differently
I don't believe it's necessarily easier for men to lose weight than women, but I do know we do lose MORE than women. Comparing your loss to your husband's is unfair to you. Focus on your inches lost and muscle definition. The weight will follow.
Drink Water
At the beginning of hard exercise, many people have water weight gain. To combat this, drink extra water. Try to get at least six 8-ounce glasses of water a day...pure water, not soda or anything with caffeine.
You mentioned you're almost 52. As we get older, things we used to be able to eat just may not work for us any more. I'm not sure which diet plan you're following, but watch your sodium in particular. Also, you may want to adjust what you're eating and when. This is a big topic, and we've covered parts of it before. But be honest with what you're eating, and be willing to change it. If you're eating lots of carbs, cut back. If you're eating no carbs, try adding some. Trade some carbs for protein. Make sure you eat breakfast. And note that if you aren't eating enough, you won't lose weight.
Also, you may want to check out our review of the book The Metabolism Miracle. The packaging looks gimmicky, but it discusses insulin resistance and how some people can't lose weight just by eating less -they need to cut out specific things. I know a couple of people who are very successful on this plan.
How's the Booze and Soda?
Alcohol and non-diet soda have lots of calories. If you're drinking anything, make sure you count those calories.
Check Medications
If you're on any medications, ask your doctor how they may be affecting you. There are, of course, lots of side effects, many of which cause weight gain.
Stick With It
You're at the toughest part of the working out right now...working hard and not seeing the results you're after. But stick with it. You're seeing results, and the scale will follow. Know that you can do this.
Who else can help?
-Bill
