[Xiciljed]

Okay so I've officially lost 18 pounds and then I decided well I need to start running to tone while I'm losing so for the last 4 days I've ran. And now I've gained 2.2 pounds, what gives? I'm on Phase I, so is there anything I need to do, I'm going to stop working out but do I need to do the steak or apple thing, or is that even for this phase! Please help! I'm so confused!

[bikersfan]

Unless you have cheated even the smallest or accidental cheat (eating, personal products etc...)then the only other reason i can think of is water (TOM or/and Salt) or muscle gain ... im curious to see what the experts say but if suggested it would be a apple day but my understanding is that is only if you stall so im anxious to read some replies here dont get discouraged though if you are following the rules to a T then there is an explanation im sure that can be resolved or fixed...hang in there!

[xanaxist]

Deanna I am following the diet to a T, I think that's why I'm so discouraged! Doing well other than that, but psychologically when you step on that scale and it reads more than what you were it's upsetting! Thanks for the reply and I too am interested to see what the experts have to say!!!

[Rugda]

Hi,

Not an expert, but I can say you probably should not be starting anything like running in P2 UNLESS you were doing it routinely before you went on this diet! I started running in my first P3/P4. I got up to about 4 miles 3-4x week. Fast forward 3 mos to my second P2. I found that if I was going to continue to run throughout P2 I had to consume one of my protein servings BEFORE running and I certainly had to drop the level of intensity. I was w/in my normal weight before starting R2P2 as well and I'd say fairly fit so you need to take that into consideration as well. I dropped back to 3 miles, 2-3 X week and got through P2 w/plenty of energy and maybe a little more toned( not sure about the toning part?). I can say that exercising did not increase/decrease my losses and on the day after exercise I'd often see a slight gain (.2-.4) which disappeared on the weekends when I rested. Once I had a 2lb loss which I attributed to dehydration (not good!) and I put back a pound or so the day after the 2lb loss! Some people increase their protein portions....I did not and didn't feel the need to.

HTH until you hear from the pros

[cheesypeetyz]

crystal - I believe Deanna is right - you didn't actually "gain" 2 + lbs - the scale will come down just like it went up! Are you in p1 or p2? Are you doing the VLCDs - the 500 calories of specific meat, veggie, fruit? If so, a steak day is not an option but an apple day is an option. If it were me personally (and I am far from an expert so hopefully someone who knows more can chime in) I wouldn't do an apple day I would just keep doing what I am doing and make sure you aren't cheating at all (even unintentionally.) Also, analyze what you ate yesterday to be sure that you have "cleared" all those foods with your body. Did you add a new meat, not drink enough water, add a new veggie, change any seasonings (that might have sugar), use too much salt, etc.

HCG is not a forgiving program when you go off protocol! Also, if you want to exercise, I personally would not stop just because you gained weight. You aren't for sure that is why and if it is, your body will get accustomed to it, let go of the water retention, and adjust to the exercise. Just my opinion. I am an avid gym-goer - weights and cardio. I was lifting 3 times a week at the time I went to my doctor and went on the program and he told me to stop exercising NOW. So I did. That was before I found this forum and there are mixed opinions all over the board - so I personally would do what you want to do! I didn't ever start exercising again in p2 - to be honest, though, it wasn't because my doctor told me not to or the people on the board that believe you shouldn't - I just didn't have enough energy. I also know to build muscle you have to have adequate protein and I wasn't getting enough protein in p2 to build muscle so I wouldn't have gotten a great benefit anyways (again - my opinion only!) I am in p3 and had my first weight lifting session last night since Sept 3rd.

Hang in there - if you are following the plan as Dr. Simeon's laid it out you will lose weight! It won't fail you! I gained once during p2 and didn't cheat at all and I was the same weight for 11 days straight - and it was so discouraging to me so I know how you feel! However, in the end it all averages out and I know it will work for you too!

[Peretool]

So thanks everyone for your input, as most of you have said I sat back and reflected upon every little thing I put in my body over the last few days. But everything I have consumed was normal to my diet: coffee in the a.m., water, chicken with tomatoe (lunch), apple (snack), chicken with cucumbers (dinner), strawberries (dessert). I repeatedly eat the same thing every day! Fitfanatic, I do believe you are correct I feel great after I excercise especiallly when I'm beginning to notice how tone things are starting to become. I guess I will continue to do what I have been and increase my protein (which is the only thing I've not yet done) to see how that works! If anyone knows of anything to help get over this hurdle it will be much appreciated!

[P3bWjm1j]

I was told you retain water in your muscles when you start exercising. That is why you might gain some at first.

[SeftyJokipl]

in my first P2, I gained when I wasn't as 'regular' as normal, and that could drive a significant gain for me. So I started tracking that bodily function. And funny enough, insufficient water or water retention played a big role in that. Also, I found that when I rotated foods (did not eat the exact same thing within a four day window), I did not have as big a problem with regularity. And this issue did not rear its ugly head until R1P2D17 or so, for me.....

...just one person's experience to consider as you evaluate your situation...hope it helps...

[kenowinnumberss]

Also, if you want to exercise, I personally would not stop just because you gained weight. You aren't for sure that is why and if it is, your body will get accustomed to it, let go of the water retention, and adjust to the exercise. exactly.

there is no way that exercising is causing you to gain fat- that's physiologically impossible, and that's what you're concerned about. it's probably water retention.

[Apparpsmose]

Please, somebody HELP!

I finished HCG shots.(lost 16 pounds) Then did the 3 days on the 500 calorie diet.
After that, went for the NO STARCH NO SUGAR phase, I even followed advice when I gained the famous 2 pounds and did a steak day and on top of that gained .5 more. Now, I have gained a total 4 pounds since off HCG shots 2 weeks ago without cheating even once.

My Basal Metabolic Rate is 1300 calories per day.
I do 1 hour 10 mins of cardio 6 times a week,
Strength training (resistance bands 45 minutes a day six times a week)
and also 30 minutes of yoga and stretches every single day. Altogether, with exercise I burn 1300 calories per workout and it takes me 2 and a half hours. (I have a Polar Monitor to measure accurately). So technically, I could "afford" 2600 calories a day, right?

While on the HCG shots my workouts were only 500 calories and were limited to strength training.
If ever now I am eating 1200 calories and NO STARCHES OR SUGAR. Mostly protein and veggies and little fruit.
Something is just not adding up. And I am gaining weight! PLEASE HELP!!!!!

:-(

[texprofi]

I tend to see people who jump into exercising struggling to maintain. It may be muscle. I don't know. But it's sure a problem. What have you been eating? I'd go back to just meat and veggies for a couple of days and add the other things SLOWLY. Like add eggs for 3 days in a row and watch your weight. Then add cheese for 3 days in a row.

Also check out the leptin forum.

[gvataler]

While on the HCG shots my workouts were only 500 calories and were limited to strength training.
If ever now I am eating 1200 calories and NO STARCHES OR SUGAR. Mostly protein and veggies and little fruit.
Something is just not adding up. And I am gaining weight! PLEASE HELP!!!!!

:-(

Sounds like you are not eating enough. Seriously. This can cause you to gain especially if you are eating UNDER your BMR.

[RadcliffXX]

it's possible you're not eating enough. have you tried eating more?

[stunnyravytal]

Ok I thought I would post here, I'm not sure where else to post. I'm fairly new.. doing the HCG drops. I am in R1P1VLCD13. So.. I was doing pretty good up until Monday 7/9. At this time DH and I mixed new drops (they seem to be fine) and on Monday I had some of those Mio water enhancer drops and a lot of them. I want to say 5 glasses with it in it because it was soo good. Tues I wake up to a 1.5 lb gain, then today 7/11 I'm up another .8 and didn't do anything wrong yesterday. I ate my protein as I was supposed to. The only thing I did different was eat a generous helping of dehydrated onion.. could this have been the culprit? I am not sure what I'm doing wrong, but trying to get some insight! I had a little more salt than usual but nothing else. I heard the apple a day was a waste and you can't do a steak day just yet.. so what do I do next? I appreciate any advice..