vamp79 started this discussion ·
I recently started doing cardio again and rapidly losing weight because of it. This is something that I don't want but its so difficult to consume more calories without eating tons of carbs and fatty foods. I know some of u are very knowledgeable about nutrition so maybe you can give me some ideas about adding healthy calories to my diet. Thanks!
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I can't help re nutrition but understand not wanting to lose weight. What kind of cardio are you doing? Years ago I did a lot of cardio with Int/Adv Step Aerobics & loved it. Finally realized I needed weight bearing to build muscle, so switched to power flex weight class and did step once a week. It was much better for me to build muscle weight, plus the instructor was so good we still got our heart rate up. Pole is all I do now. What I don't want is the hormonal buldge in the mid section :) I'm sure others here can help more with diet, nutrition, weight, etc. I can benefit from healthy calories, I tend to be a junk eater, shhh don't tell anyone :)
I am running on my treadmill 3 days a week but thinking of replacing one of those days with a zumba class. I want to burn fat and build muscle but keep my size. I'm already small but flabby in some areas. I've already lost 3 lbs and will keep losing unless I start eating more :(
Fat does not necassarily have to be bad fat do not be afraid on your regular food or for a snack avocado, hummus, nuts. Do not be afraid of no sugar added fruit juices it will allow you to get some extra calories in there. Try drinking low fat or non fat milk. I drink lattes because i can't stomach plain milk. When feeling like desert I go for chocolate milk or hot chocolate (better than the ice cream I want). Yogurt Pops- get yogurt (plain or something without lots of sugar in it, i use lowfat vanilla greek) Chop up some fruit very tiny, mix it, put in pops, and freeze. You can get frozen pop holders at the dollar store, walmart, target
vamp, I'm not an expert, but I was in the same boat years ago. My husband is the one who encouraged me to begin weight training to build muscle tone. I found running and step built up my legs, but not rest of the body. I had an awesome power flex instructor who worked EVERYTHING and mixed it up. I put on about 4-5 lbs muscle weight and toned up. I loved it and was SOOOO disappointed when instructor had to drop classes. That was about three years ago and I am STILL bummed, he is an awesome power flex instructor. Now that I'm poling, my strength has gotten better since poling involves lifting, holding, using the whole body weight, but I find I neglect working my legs, thighs, and working on toning abs. People think because we are thin there's nothing to tone, but I do :( Sometimes my vids show the mid section and it drives me nuts 🙁. A lot of people told me I was doing too much cardio years ago and for me, they were right. Weight toning worked and glad that and poling does get my heart rate up. I hope you find what works for you. And that others can give you some insight here.
Smoothies can be your friend. Adding peanut butter, coconut oil, bananas and even avocado (you really do not taste it when blended with strawberries) will add calories and since it is liquid it goes down easier. There are also mass builder protein powders that have high caloric content.
I became a personal trainer because I wanted to gain weight! 😁 Everyone has some great advice. I tend to loose weight quickly once I start doing cardio so I also have to watch that I eat enough! I also rely on the smoothy and protein or energy bars. I choose ones that are high in protein and calories for after my workouts. If you find your gaining weight then you want to fine bars and shakes that have less calories. I found If I dance a lot drinking power aid helps keep me from feel sick after cardio. Hey Hooked....I have a killer pole workout routine coming soon. We'll get those legs and abs in shape!
Thanks ladies, I really appreciate all the tips! I've never tasted greek yogurt so I will have to give that a try. Will also buy stuff to make smoothies more often. I already consume a good amount of peanut butter at breakfast time :). Hooked - I'm having some trouble getting my legs and tummy area in shape. It has been a challenge since having kids. Hoping to really see some results soon.
We'll both be able to benefit from veena's killer pole workout routine she has coming :) I can't wait, need to work on legs and abs!!
hi vamp79, just wanted to add that protein drinks (protein powder blended with milk in a blender) are a great way to add calories and make sure you are getting all the protein you need. i order from iherb.com, they have a great selection and prices are much lower than nutrition or health stores. you can use regular milk or soy milk. for me it's alot easier than trying to add calories with more food, and bars can be hard to digest. 🐷
I have always struggled to keep weight on me. As strange as this may sound, I've found drinking 2 slim fast shakes a day really helps. A lot of people use them to loose weight as a meal replacemnt. But Ive found you can use them as just the opposite. Eat like normaly would, but drink a slim fast in the morning and one towards the end of the day, or whenever you get around to it. Thats just when I drink them. They are packed with calories and vitamins and such and actually dont taste as bad as some of the other "healthy" drinks out there.
How often are you eating? You could try going no more than 2-3 hrs between eating to keep you fueled. It really annoys me when people think the only purpose of working out is to lose weight - thin people need exercise, too. I had the same issue with toning lower body - dancing in heels really helps! Booty drops are really effective and fun :) I'm also doing a separate ab routine from p90x.
I eat every 2 1/2 to 3 hours. It helps me stay on track and eating healthy. I appreciate all the suggestions ladies :). Already made some changes and can tell that it will work out for me.
