Weight Gain Explained
Here we find ourselves on the other side of another Christmas and, with it, the fear of stepping on the scales after a period of well-deserved over indulgence.
The celebrations have resulted in me gaining just over 2kg. But it was a really good week, with lots of fun and memories with my nearest and dearest.
I am not freaking out, doing any punishment workouts or a dreaded 'detox'! *eyeroll*
This happens to us all at some point (it's usually a sign of a really nice time) and it's important to know that this is nothing to do with a gain in actual body fat.
Here is What Has Actually Happened
1: Cake, alcohol and more treats than usual were enjoyed. Carbohydrates are stored in our muscle and our liver in the form of glycogen. 1 part glycogen holds 4 parts water... hello water retention!
2: An excess of salt will also cause water retention making the scales heavier.
3: My water intake has been pretty shocking *gets up to go drink a glass of water* Reduced water intake causes …. water retention.🤯 I know, confusing.
4: I'm on day 4 of my menstrual cycle. Even without all the celebrations this gain would be quite usual for me in the luteal phase of my cycle and the first few days of my period. Most women naturally gain weight in this phase of their cycle.
5: My activity levels were down. I was solo parenting for a few days and with twin babies this is no joke. It leaves little time for training / eating well or doing anything outside of keeping the girls alive tbh. I managed some walks and short home workouts from my free Exercise Snack Series and was happy with giving it my best shot given the scenario.
6: All of these factors really effect my digestive system and I could be a bit constipated.
So what's the plan of action???
Quite simply, resume where I left off.
Get some training in, get some buggy walks in, eat as I normally would, drink my water, get to bed early (as much as is realistic when you’re a working mum of 3!) and DO NOT beat myself up.
If you want to be part of a fitness community where enjoying your life meets your fitness and wellness, my programmes may just be for you! Have a browse around empoweredmovement.ie to see which of my programmes speaks to you this January!
