[BonusMom]

I was always a little bit of a lazy one with working out. But in my 4 years of active duty I had no choice. I ran all the time and worked out every day. Funny thing is, I GAINED weight. I went from 135 to 155 just after basic training. kay 20 lbs, no biggie I guess. It dropped and I stayed at 144 for most of my duty.

Then I attended an academy where I had to live there for 30 days (for those of you who might know, Army PLDC or WLC as they call it now) and lost massive weight in that 30 days. I went down to 124 lbs!!!! better than when I was 19!!! But the weight came back on with in 5-6 months.

I have tried everything to get down and it just seems to make me fatter. I was up to 165 lbs when I was released from active duty (finished contract). I couldnt stay away and joined the reserves and when they taped me I failed! I have to lose this weight. I am up for promotion and cant get promoted or recieve any awards if I am over weight.

I am only alowed (for 26 years of age and 5 ft 3 inch high) 30% body fat. My first tape I failed with 32% body fat and this second time I broke even at the 30% weighing in at 156 lbs. (technically passing) but I know that will only balance for so long.

I have started eating exactly what the food pyrimid says to. I typed in my age ect an it poped out how much dairy, grains ect I need to eat. So I have converted my family to this lifestyle. My 6 year old even played the online game with me to help her understand why we will be limiting some things and adding more of others.

But I'm afraid this wont work either. I just cant have more than 30% body fat. Its not just a personal health choice, My career is at stake. I could get kicked out of the army!! or at the least flagged for any sort of favorable actions untill my weight is down again.

[mcmama]

What was different at the academy? Activity? Food?

[BonusMom]

The truth is we did LESS working out there because we had so much more bookwork to do. But we did march to the school house everyday, there and back, which was probably only 2 miles. And I HAD to eat three times a day because thats when they would bring us to the dining facility to eat. I normally didnt although I am trying to now. But it seems like working out, causes me to gain weight. Is that odd?

[maryavan]

Well, if you have cut your calories signifcantly and boosted your workouts alot, your body might drop its metabolism. They talked about this recently on Biggest Loser Couples. Some of the folks weren't eating as much as they should, thinking they were doing the right thing. But when they were working out 6 hrs a day, their body needed fuel. W/o enough calories, the metabolism drastically slowed b/c it thought it was starving.

Is it actually pounds that you need to lose, or do you need to increase muscle mass? If you are trying to drop body fat, make sure that you are getting enough protein. Even w/ snacks you should have a protein. Is there a nutritionist you could talk to? The food pyramid isn't necessarily the best guide for everyone and in all situations.

What is your exercise routine and caloric input a day? Are you doing cardio and muscle strength training?

[cutupmama]

I have been a yo-yo dieter my whole life! At my most I was close to 200 pounds and use Slimfast to get down to about 150. By my senior year in college I was about 160. I was getting sick of my weight ups and downs and started trying everything! Then I was sitting down and was watching Celebrity Fit Club. The doctor on the show was Dr Ian K. Smith and his program is called - Fat Smash Diet (it's a book - bought it for something like 13.99). Anyway - it's changed my life because it's practical and teaches you how to eat. I now fluctuate between 130 and 140 (depends on the seasons) and couldn't be happier. If I start to feel big, I go back on the diet for like a month and feel great. You should definetly try it!

[BonusMom]

Well I have a weigh in on Saturday. I taped two days ago and have 32% body fat again. Booo. and according to my bathroom scale I am 157 in the morning and 160 by the time I go to sleep.

Wish me luck that I pass and send some good vibes this way. (pray for me)