Weight gain thru training

I have been averaging 5-6 days a week at the gym - 24 Hour Fitness, since I returned last August.

When I started, I was averaging 172-176 pounds.

My weight dropped to as low as 168, and my goal was 163.

But lately, my weight has increased. Yesterday it was 184 and today it was 182.

I have not changed my eating habits, and I rarely drink alcohol.

I drink 2,3 diet cokes a day, but I have always done that.
However, I am drinking more water, and I have adopted the habit of adding lemon for taste as well.

I try to swim at least one day a week. The pool is 85 feet long, and I normally do 20 laps, (1700 feet) or 30 laps,(2550 feet) if I have enough time; and I feel motivated.

I don't understand why I am gaining so much weight.

The only reason I can validate the weight gain is that I have been taking half a scoop of collagen peptides, and half a scoop of Orgain protein with a glass of 2% milk, prior to going to the gym. I have been doing this for about 3 months.

It's hard to believe that a milk shake is adding all this weight. But it's harder to believe that it is all muscle mass, even though I feel much better and I know I am a bit stronger.

I am healthy, and I feel good. But, I feel that losing a few pounds would tighten up my stomach and get me one step closer to a sick pack. I use the AB Crunch machine several times a week.

Is it the milk shake, the muscle mass from training, or is it something else?

Thanks

 

The weight gain seems like it could be from you eating more.

+ == 2 *

 

I never paid attention to the calories.
The last pic was interesting.

I had heard good things about collagen, and I thought that the added protein would be a good substitute for the reduction in my red meat consumption.

Instead of consuming it every day, I think I'll skip a day or two, until it's consumed, and then not buy anymore. I was going to increase my seafood consumption anyhow.

Besides, if I am gaining more weight than I want, I don't need it anyhow.

Thanks

 

I stopped taking those protein (plant based and animal based) powders.

I consider it as UPF Ultra Processed Food and hence should be avoided at all cost.


I mostly eat my home cooked / made food.
I make my own Probiotic food (yogurt, natto bean, sauerkraut).
It is impossible to put on weight.
Be prepared to buy new pants/trousers regularly.

 

Like yourself, I think that that the best way to get vitamins and protein is thru a balanced diet.
But sometimes, I don't eat as well as I should, even though my dietary habits are better now than they were a few years ago.

I don't eat as much white bread. I don't eat wheat bread because it upsets my stomach (Gerd).
I eat more fresh vegetables and I have a salad 4,5 times a week.
As well as fruit.

But I thought that the collagen and the protein powder would help me with my workouts.

I guess not. When I started working out, I had a 32 inch waist. Then it went down to 30 and now it's a tight 31.

I guess there aren't any shortcuts.

 

I stopped eating
white bread
polished rice
sugary drink
fast food ...
years ago.


Occassionally I eat
- snacks (potato chips, sweet biscuits, confectionery, cakes ...)
because my kids are eating and they couldn't finish it.

- fried food with unhealthy vegetable oil (recycled?!?!)
because my kids are eating and they couldn't finish it.
It will cause acid reflux and sore throat/cough.
I will cut it down to zero.



I am happy to say that I don't really miss eating those
unhealthy, UPF food.

 

I do the Mike Mentzer approach, HIT. About 80-90% intensity, around 20min workout 2-3x/week.

I also skip meals in the day and start my eating cycle after lunch.

and 20 min 15% incline walk while fasting..that shit will burn your fat away.

It's 80% diet 20% actual exercise that makes a difference.

 

I believe the remark about diet. I go to the gym 5,6 days a week and although I am a bit stronger and I feel better, I feel like my stomach and abs should be looking better. I am going to focus more on my diet now.

I have been focusing my attention on a book by Frank Zane, 3X Mr. Olympia.
But I 'll check out Mike Mentor. Change is good.

Thanks


This one?

 

It could be that water retention is causing your weight gain.

 

Shouldn't worry so much about body weight but body composition. If you don't have yet, get a pair of skinfold calipers to track that. Forget impedance scales/devices, bod pod, etc. they are no better (or even worse). If you got trouble getting down fat-% start tracking your calories & macros and prepare your own food instead of eating out which you can't track. Weight lifting doesn't consume much calories btw so it's more about diet than going to gym. Sounds like you have already cut "useless calories" from soft drinks & alcohol. Good luck!