How is it possible to lose inches off your gut and hips, and not lose weight?

[Baitball Blogger]

I shouldn't complain. Everything fits better than it has before, but I'm still not a size smaller so there's still work to do. I just don't understand how there could be such a discrepancy between the measuring tape that is not reflected on the scale.

[hlthe2b]

1. replacing body fat with lean muscle?

Muscle weighs more...

Congratulations

[Baitball Blogger]

2. That's the odd part.

I thought I had already heft up on muscle because of the workouts at the "Y." In fact, when I started attending the "Y" about three or four years ago I gained considerable weight. About ten pounds, which I could understand because I was completely out of shape. So, I thought the only thing left to do was lose the fat.

For the last three months my exercise regime has been composed mostly of heavy gardening in Florida summer heat.

[Chan790]

3. You may be retaining water.

Water is also heavier than fat. If it concerns you or persists or you feel thirstier than usual, ask your doctor.

[Baitball Blogger]

4. That might be the answer.

I have increased the water intake because working in eighty and ninety degree weather ain't no walk in the park.

[hopemountain]

7. you also may have an electrolyte imbalance

which will also cause you to retain fluids. flush your system with fresh fuits and vegetables.

[Baitball Blogger]

8. That I can believe.

Will Gatorade help?

[politicat]

5. My bet is water. Ghu knows I come back from Phoenix with extra pounds that vanish.

Diet at home is modified paleo - no wheat, legumes or corn at all, limited rice (less than a quarter cup per week - one sushi meal because that's my favorite fish prep); lots of vegetables, especially green leafies; fruit in season, no sugar. We eat grass-fed meat, local chicken and eggs, and some milk products. Also, 3-4 liters of water a day -- dry climate and active. I either maintain or lose a bit, though I expect to stabilize in a few months.

In Phoenix, I don't cheat -- I hit the grocery for olives, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, olive oil based dressing, some sort of meat, yogurt, and fatoush (a salad I love from a local merchant that is completely safe.) I do add more salt and potassium, either with coconut water or salt plus cantaloupe. My water intake usually doubles and I still end up with mild heat exhaustion and muscle pain from electrolyte loss.

When I get home, I'm always at leat 5 pounds heavier than when I left (despite usually tripling my daily walking numbers and food being a handful grabbed on the run), and two days later, either back to normal or below. It's always in my extremities. Heat and internal water do matter. It doesn't matter if I'm there for two days or two weeks -- I will store as much water as I can. I think it has to do with my body knowing that I will have heat-issues. (Always have. Which is why I don't live in Phoenix.)

[Baitball Blogger]

6. Looks like the consensus is water retention.