Answers/

Nutrition

Rachel B.

how to maintain weight and build strength?

asked 5 months ago | Report

Hi! I am struggling with increasing my activity level and fitness; I am at a healthy weight, but don't really consider myself "fit"- I run regularly, and walk several miles a day, but my upper body and core strength are far below what they should be. The problem is, when I add more exercise to my routine, I begin losing weight immediately, which is not at all what I'm going for. I'm assuming this is because of a problem with my nutrition. Should I be consuming more calories? Am I eating too many carbs and not enough proteins and fats? What is a good nutritional strategy for someone in my situation?

Answer

Your Answer:

or cancel

• 

  Kris B.

  For me, when I add more to my exercise routine I get hungrier, so without adding more (and better) food I could imagine losing weight. I like to add more protein when lifting more - lunch meats, nuts, chicken, even a protein drink. But that being said, unless weight really matters, focus more on how you feel than the number on the scale.

  answered 5 months ago |Report

  • 0
    thumbs up
  • 0
    thumbs down
  • <img alt="Spinner" src="/images/spinner.gif?1337794248" style="padding-right: 5px" /> Adding..
• 

  Paul

  Rachel, Assuming you have a relatively healthy Balanced Diet at the moment then all you need to do is eat a little bit more of everything... to maintain your current weight.

  When Im light and running a lot, i will start to use honey as a high calorie food stuff to mix in with things... an extra spoon or two of honey on my oatmeal for breakfast... honey on the Peanut Butter sandwich.... honey glazed chicken ... your get the idea.

  If things get real bad theres allways peanut M&M's to fall back on... although then the problem for me becomes stopping when i should :)

  answered 4 months ago |Report

  • 0
    thumbs up
  • 0
    thumbs down
  • <img alt="Spinner" src="/images/spinner.gif?1337794248" style="padding-right: 5px" /> Adding..
• 

  Chris R.

  I struggle with this every year, drop 15 to 20 lbs during the race season then spend 3 months in the gym putting it back on.

  Allot of it is due to fluctauting metabolism. If you are in an aerobic/fat burn phase (running/riding/swimming) you need to consume more carbs and additional protein to keep energy levels high and not cannablize your muscles/fat stores. Throwing in some low rep/heavy core work will help build and tone muscle.

  answered 4 months ago |Report

  • 0
    thumbs up
  • 0
    thumbs down
  • <img alt="Spinner" src="/images/spinner.gif?1337794248" style="padding-right: 5px" /> Adding..