Don’t Panic: Times Every Woman Gains Weight - Page 15

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Sometimes you eat right, exercise and the number on the scale still makes you say “What the hell?” But not every scale setback has to do with your diet. There are times in our months, years and lives in general where weight gain is almost unavoidable, even when you’re working hard to get it off and keep it off.

Thankfully, such times too shall pass. So before your number makes you want to throw in the towel, read through this list. Water weight, hormone changes and even some major life events might be driving the numbers up on your scale. Stick to your guns and things will get back to normal in no time. But whatever you do, don’t panic — and start stuffing your face in frustration.

That Time of the Month

If the scale suddenly ticks up, it might be time to check your calendar. When your hormones are driving you to retain water and crave chocolate, weight loss is almost impossible.

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The Freshman 15

Anyone who’s ever gone through their first year of college with a meal plan and a light class schedule knows that this isn’t just a myth. But the freshman 15 doesn’t just apply to university kids. Go through any major life change like a new job or a move to a new city and the new environment can make you more likely to gain as you adjust to your new life.

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The Romantic 15

Speaking of life changes, falling in love can make you gain weight as well. Happy weight. Heard of it?

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When You Start a New Workout

It sounds a– backwards, but when you burn more calories you get hungrier – at least in the beginning. Snack more during the day and build muscle during your workout (which weighs more than fat) and you can actually see a larger number on the scale.

Keep an eye on your calories while your body adjusts to the new program and you will be back on track to reach your goals sooner than later.

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During the Holidays

It’s not impossible to lose weight, but combine food, stress, and alcohol over the holidays and you have a perfect recipe for weight gain. It’s best to try not to overdo it and hold on until after New Years, but if that doesn’t work out, you have yourself a resolution to tackle.

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Over the Weekend

You might as well skip weighing yourself on a Monday. When we’re not at work eight hours a day and have the freedom to do what and eat what we want, when we want, most of us eat more. But don’t worry. We eat less on weekdays so it usually balances out. That’s why Friday is the best day to check your progress on the scale.

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When You Lose Your Job

Speaking of eating more when we’re not at work, most of us gain weight when we’re unemployed. You’re stressed to the nines. Your best bet? While you should be cognizant of your calories, I would say that you should take your weight off of your top five things to worry about until you’re employed again.

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After You Get Married

Sometimes that blissful (or stressful) first year of marriage can come with a few extra pounds. But you’re only a newlywed once. (Well, hopefully.) Enjoy it!

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After You Get Divorced

It’s no surprise that struggle and weight gain go together. Our advice? Take the time you need to be sad and heal, and then hit the gym with a vengeance when it’s time to move up and on — and get that revenge body on point.

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When You Quit

Whether it’s cigarettes or caffeine, most of us eat more when we’re feeling deprived so we can fill the void. A better option? Exercise. It will give you the feel-good chemicals you’re missing from your favorite addiction without increasing the numbers on the scale.

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When You’re Pregnant

We’ve all heard that you only have to gain around 10 pounds when you’re pregnant, but try telling pregnancy hormones that.

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After a Diet Ends

When you cut calories, your metabolism slows down. Start eating however you want again and you put on a few extra pounds. One way to avoid yo-yoing your diet progress away? Increase your amount of exercise until your metabolism returns to normal.

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When Work Stresses You Out

Stress doesn’t just make you want to grab extra snacks. It also increases your body’s production of the fat-storing hormone cortisol. Until you find ways to chill out, losing weight can be harder than normal.