Losing Muscle??

[NoMorePumpkin]

Okay,

I know everyone always says, "make sure you measure." BUT, I'm concerned and here's why: When I started the 6WEC, #21, I weighed 264.5 and we are five weeks in. I now weigh 253ish (official weigh in is tomorrow morning). I have not taken all my measurements, but when I have spot-checked here and there, I haven't lost any inches (okay, maybe one!).

I work out pretty vigorously 4 times a week. Twice a week, I do strength training and four times a week I do cardio. Cardio is always a minimum of 60 minutes. I like to vary it: 30-35 minutes eliptical, 20-30 minutes recumbant or stationary bike, 25-40 minutes walking on the treadmill, etc. Some nights I will do all three machines.

Now, I call myself being in "Extended Induction," however I'm probably really in OWL. For the past couple of weeks, I have been experimenting with no rhyme or reason with a few berries and several nuts. Most days I'm under 20 carbs, some days I might hit 30-35. I am "on plan" more than not; eat lots of veggies, drink plenty of water and take my supplements. I NEVER eat bread, starchy veggies, grains of any kind (okay I did have some grits last weekend while on vacation).

I'm NOT Complaining because I am losing weight. But does anyone know how I can be losing weight AND exercising this much AND not be dropping inches? I feel great!

Just curious.

Hugs,
Punkin-kid

P.S. Thanks in advance for your input. I won't be able to respond until Sunday because I'm going out of town again (arrrghh).

P.S.S. I really miss posting and being able to read what's going on - in a hectic phase of life (for now).

[2big4mysize]

Re: Losing Muscle??

You are not alone in those inches things as the folk who were here back in the early days know I would destroy the tapemeasure after every 6WEC cause I'd gained more inches in those parts Brook had us double then I"d lose in the not doubled areas so I'd come in dead last even though I was exercising like crazing even treadmill walking in evening chat sessions.

Our bodies are storing the excess (excess in that they are more then the amount we ned for normal tissue repairs and growth) proteins ( just like they store excess carbs and fats) we are eating and that can be adding bulk to your muscles. The UConn study on normal weight fellows not exercising and eatting Atkins maintnenace levels showed they added in 6 weeks around 2 pounds of new muscle mass and lost body fat. So if you are happy with your scale losses don't worry about the tapemeasure. Heck for 6WEC 3 I refused to buy a new tape measure to measure anything!! Unless you think you are stalled because of no scale movement you really don't need to measure at all.

Happy low carbing