Expert: Linda Erwin, M.S. - 9/14/2006

Question
Hi, I am a Japanese, 160cm tall (5'3"?) and weigh a little over 53 kg (118.5lb) right now, depending on time of day scale. I am 44 years old.  I started with "beach body" exercise programs a couple of years ago, and now I am hooked with "turbo jam" for about 3 months or so.  I do Turbo Jam exercise 3 to 4 days a week; sometimes just 20 minute quick calorie burn on turbo jam, sometimes body sculpt (45 minutes, slow exercise with 5lb weight each). When I feel like it, I do combination of 20 minutes quick burn and body sculpt.  Once in a whie, I do Cardio party (45 minutes calorie burner).  I sweat a lot; feel good, sleep better when exercise.  I have been trying to keep calories per day under 1400 but it is very difficult.  Usually end up taking 1600~1700.  I drink a glass or two wine every night, but don't over do (maybe a little more over the weekend).  It has been like this for about 3 months or so.  I went down to 113lb (50.5kg) at one point right after I started with Turbo Jam.  All of sudden, about a month ago, I started gaining weight (to 118.5 and sometimes more), and just unable to go back to 113lb.  In fact, it seems I am gaining a little by little.  I do feel some muscles in my thighs and arms, but I do feel a little heavier.  What is it I am doing wrong?  Has my body adjusted to the exercise routine and I am not burring any more calories?  I do indulge in some sweets but don't do it every day.  I eat plenty of fruit, when I have craving.  I hate hunger feeling, so I try not to starve myself by not eating for long hours.  I would eat fruit in between or Atkins Bar (150 calories with lots of fiber and some protein).  I just don't understand.  Please help.

Answer
April,
I am not a Dr. so you may want to get an evaluation from your Dr.  Your exercise sounds good but you may be eating more calories than you think.  Fruits are good for you but some people gain weight when they eat fruit.  Try substituting green vegetables instead of fruit and see if that makes a difference.  Muscle weighs more than fat so you might have gained some muscle.  Get your body fat tested to see where you are instead of your scale.
You sound like you are at a good weight for your height.  Just want to remind you to be healthy and not try to be skinny which is unhealthy.
Good luck,
Linda