When the Scale Doesn’t Match Your Efforts

When the Scale Doesn’t Match Your Efforts

by | Jun 19, 2018 | All, Ask Our Dietitian, Home

Question:

I have been working out for two weeks now. I have not been eating a lot. I have gained a pound, and I don’t understand why. I started out at 216 lbs. and when I got on the scale last night I was actually 217.8 lbs. I am trying really hard and need some advice. 

– Monica R.

Answer:

Bravo at how much effort you are putting in! The scale is a guide but the true marker of how your body’s responding to curbing calories while increasing exercise is how your clothes are fitting. Scale weight can fluctuate with hydration status, time of day and changes in clothing. For the most accurate and consistent result when weighing yourself use the same scale dressed in lightest clothing possible at the same time of day each time, and never post-exercise. A digital scale is more accurate than a dial-type scale. A manual balance (physician’s beam) scale is the kind most often found in our sports clubs’ locker rooms as it stands up to heavy use – this type is very precise if it’s calibrated regularly. 

Reference: 

Accuracy and consistency of weights provided by home bathroom scales.  M. Yorkin, et al. BMC Public Health 2013, vol. 13, article 1194. 

– Debbie J., MS, RD

This article should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.

Some questions have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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From Tragedy to Triumph – Podcast Ep. 3

From Tragedy to Triumph – Podcast Ep. 3

by | Jun 18, 2018 | All, Home, Member Stories, Podcast

Welcome to the 3rd episode of the Living Healthy Podcast, presented by LA Fitness.

On this episode of Living Healthy, we speak with LA Fitness member, motivational speaker, author and all-around positive person, Logan Seelye. Logan shares his story and gives listeners advice on how they can move forward, even when life knocks them down.

How Are We Doing? 

This podcast should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.

Timecard Markers – From Tragedy to Triumph – Podcast Ep. 3

Introduction of Logan Seelye

Begins at 0:01

Logan Seelye joins the show

Begins at 1:20

Outlook on life

Begins at 1:41

The tackle, Logan takes us back

Begins at 2:37

The 10 and 90 quote

Begins at 6:07

The 10 and 90 Foundation

Begins at 7:53

Fitness after the injury

Begins at 9:25

Logan’s typical workout routine

Begins at 12:06

Logan’s mentor

Begins at 12:50

Logan’s Advice

Begins at 16:09

Recommended Podcast Episodes 

AAT: Ep. 23 – Is Working Out Twice a Week a Good Starting Point?

AAT: Ep. 23 – Is Working Out Twice a Week a Good Starting Point?

by | Jun 15, 2018 | All, Ask A Trainer, Fitness, Home, Workouts

Ask A Trainer: Featured Question of the Week

LA Fitness Pro Results® Master Trainer, Stone T., gives his expert advice on what a good starting point is for working out. Are you hitting the magic number? Find out with us.

Do you have a fitness question? Ask one of our certified Pro Results® trainers here! Your question may be featured in an upcoming Ask Our Trainer video.**

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**Selected submissions will be featured on the LA Fitness blog and possibly other LA Fitness digital media entities & websites. By making a submission, you hereby grant LA Fitness a non-exclusive, perpetual, worldwide, irrevocable license to use and make copies of the contents of such submission for any purpose and in any medium whatsoever, and you hereby waive and relinquish any copyright or other intellectual property right you may have in the contents of such submission and your right to pursue any claim for LA Fitness’s violation of those intellectual property rights.

Recommended 'Ask A Trainer' Videos

Stressful Day Nutrition Advice 

Stressful Day Nutrition Advice 

by | Jun 14, 2018 | All, Ask Our Dietitian, Home

Question:

I wake up at 4 am to be at the gym by 5am, work out until 7am, and then I work 10 hours. My job is stressful so I forget to eat, and I want to eat healthy. Which foods are best and at what times throughout the day should I eat? My goal is to lose abdominal fat. 

– Mike

Answer:

Hello Mike. It seems to me that if you’re forgetful, stressed out or not hungry which results in not eating during your work day, I’m not sure that making precise recommendations will make a difference. Start with a regular eating routine by setting reminders at set times or regular intervals. Employ sticky notes or smartphone alarms if you have to! Having ready-to-eat food on hand may make the difference between grabbing a bite and not eating altogether.  

You only need a microwave or refrigerator for temperature acceptance (rather than food safety) for the following: pop-top cans of chili and tuna, aseptic packaged chocolate milk, and shelf-stable ravioli.  Dried fruit, nuts/seeds, protein bars, turkey jerky and veggie chips make for easy dry snack options to have on hand. Don’t forget a convenient refillable water bottle! 

Of course, eating in the morning surrounding your workout is crucial to your performance in the gym and success losing abdominal fat. Are you drinking a protein shake as soon as you rise or before you leave the door? At 7:00 after your exercise you should be fueling up on a major breakfast given the 2-hour workout and long duration before your next meal. 

– Debbie J., MS, RD

This article should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.

Some questions have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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Have a nutrition question? Our registered dietitian is ready to help!

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Fitness and Nutrition Advice for Soon-to-be-Brides

Fitness and Nutrition Advice for Soon-to-be-Brides

by | Jun 12, 2018 | All, Ask Our Dietitian, Home

Question:

I heard over the radio at the gym today that we can ask for nutrition info through this email. I am trying to lose weight. I am 25, weigh 170.4 pounds (last time I checked), and the body fat scanner at the gym says 30.2% with a 25.9 BMI. Since January, I go to the gym an average of 5 days a week but I haven’t lost any weight. My eating habits are the same. Right now, I am trying to keep to about 1,600 calories per day with a low carb, moderate fat, and high protein diet.  

 I am not perfect with my food (never have been) but I am always making conscious health choices and it seems like what I am doing isn’t working. I can tell I am getting stronger and my endurance is getting better, but I am not seeing fat loss results. I feel like I am just building muscle under the fat. I drink a lot of water, drink almond milk, and keep my dinners at home simple with just a meat and veggie. I only eat boiled eggs for breakfast and usually have a 310-calorie nutrition shake and a tuna packet for my lunches.  

I was wondering if you had any suggestions on the cals/macros I need to do. The trainers at the gym say what I am doing at the gym sounds good, but they aren’t sure why I am not seeing results. I was hoping to lose weight for my wedding on June 2 and I am getting depressed that it seems I am putting in all this time and effort and not going to hit my goal!  

– Jessica M.

Answer:

Congrats on your upcoming nuptials! From everything that you’ve described, it sounds like your current intake is lower in energy than what’s predicted for quick weight loss (your estimated resting metabolic rate is ~1890 calories). It’s great that since you’ve increased calories and activity, you have not gained weight and are getting healthier. However, your diet is low in fiber – a diet high in fiber can help you feel full longer and clear your bowels to reduce abdominal bloat. Getting rid of any excess water weight will bring out more definition and reduce your waistline. 

Since your wedding is just around the corner, at this point you might want to focus on combatting bloating for a slimmer look while incorporating unsaturated plant fats to nourish your skin for that bridal glow. Keep sodium low (goal under 2,400 mg) while boosting potassium (goal 4,700 mg) by eating more bananas, beet greens, juices (carrot, orange, pomegranate, and prune), yogurt (non-fat and low-fat), potatoes, spinach, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and tomato products, and white beans. 

Here’s what you might tweak for the next couple of weeks: 

Breakfast 

  • Vegetable omelet w/ salsa 
  • ½ grapefruit 

Lunch 

  • Green tea smoothie* 
  • Tuna packet 

Dinner 

  • Salmon 
  • Brussel sprouts 

* Green Tea Smoothie: In a high-powered blender mix 1 cup vanilla almond milk, 1 teaspoon powdered green tea, ½ avocado, ½ banana, 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed and ½ cup crushed ice. Blend until smooth. 310 calories, 5 gm protein, 39 gm carb [6 gm fiber], 755 mg potassium, 160 mg sodium. 

– Debbie J., MS, RD

 

This article should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.

Some questions have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Ask our Dietitian

Have a nutrition question? Our registered dietitian is ready to help!

Email nutrition@lafitness.com or submit your question below and it may be featured in an upcoming article!

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