Friday, 12 Dec 2008
Nutrition/Diet/Results: Live and Learn
I have learned a few things about dieting and the results over the last couple of months from being on and off a strict diet.
- My recent feelings of being “run-down”, tired, and on the verge of getting sick are a result of not consuming enough calories. This happened 1-2 weeks before the wedding when I was last consuming 300-500 calories less than my daily expenditure. I was constantly tired, moody, and needing more sleep. So not fun. When it happened again a couple days ago, I ate more and then felt better.
- Weighing yourself on the Tanita scale after showering creates a lower fat % reading and higher hydration % reading. The weight is the same. I speculate that this is a result of the water or humidity on the skin as well as the temperature of the body (primarily the feet).
- The scale mistakens excess food for more muscle mass. Before leaving for Hawaii in August, I had not broken into the 10’s but when I came back with a full stomach, the scale registered my first 10.9% fat reading. I’ve noticed that any time I binge eat/drink and then weigh myself, the scale registers a lower fat % reading and higher hydration % reading.
- Even though I’ve been eating more than I burn, I have been losing weight. This is a loss of muscle mass and a gain of fat. It’s unfortunate but muscle atrophies very quickly without stimulation and proper resistance training. Which reminds me, I promised to work out today. I will try to get in a small workout after work.
