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How Long Does it Take To Gain Weight?

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 15:45:00 -0700

We all have those days where we may have had one or two (or three) extra pieces of cake at your niece's 4th birthday party. Does this mean that by morning the damage is done? After all a moment on the lips is a lifetime on the hips...

Fortunately, this is not quite how it works. In fact from what I've researched (and since I am no doctor), all I have found is that there is no real way to figure out how long it takes for excess calories to turn into fat. Of course there is a balancing act of calories in with calories out, but many other factors that impact the answer to that vary from person to person based on genetics, metabolism and hormonal factors.

Temporary weight gain could appear quickly after a large meal or two, but that does not mean that if you've overdone it, you're doomed. After all, daily weight fluctuations are normal.

Generally speaking though, if you keep your calories burned in line with your calories consumed over a week's time, you shouldn't gain -- 3,500 calories is equal to one pound. If you do have a surplus of 3,500 calories by the end of one week, most people will be up a pound from the prior week. The most worrisome is the gradual weight gain that people experience, which is more likely to represent new pounds that you truly gain over time. Keep a food diary to try and help combat this gradual weight gain and (you knew this was coming) exercise regularly!

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You Asked: How Do I Gain Weight

FitSugar — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 03:30:00 -0700

You're asking and I'm answering...

Dear Fit,
Hello! I am in desperate need for your help... I am 21 years old, 5'5" and
weigh 105 lbs. I'm not incredibly happy with my size at all. Don't think I
want to go all Nicole Richie... I actually want the complete opposite. I'm
trying to GAIN weight. I was wondering... what types of food should I be
eating to help me add pounds? Please help... I'm desperate for curves!
-Not Nicole

With all the talk in the news about obesity, it is easy to forget that some people actually want to gain some weight. Just like with losing weight, when you want to gain weight you want to do it gradually and not shock your system. 3500 additional calories eaten over a week equals one pound gained. You want to increase your caloric load with healthy foods, not cake and ice cream. Increase healthy fat intake with foods high in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon and nuts. Plus look for lean proteins like fish and poultry. It might be easier to eat 5 - 6 small and balanced meals than 3 large meals a day. Drink juice or milk with meals instead of sugary sodas because of their nutritional value.

Don't forget strength training to build muscle mass.

Good luck!

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The How-To Lounge: Avoiding Weight Gain at Work

DearSugar — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:00:00 -0700

Do you ever ask yourself if your job is making you fat? Well if so, you're not alone. For some easy tips on how to keep your waistline from expanding, click here to read more

According to Glamour Magazine, a new British study found that chronically stressed women are 73% more likely to become obese than their more relaxed co-workers despite diet and exercise, so staying calm at work is critical
Even though it seems like there aren't enough hours in the day, it's important to make friends at work. Not only will it give you a break from your job, but you will have someone to small talk with, gossip with, even commiserate with
If your company stocks a lot of junk food in the kitchen, try to avoid it at all costs. Opt for healthy snacks like nuts and veggies instead
Getting out of the office for lunch is important as well. When you eat at your desk you're less focused on your lunch, which can lead to over-eating so try to take at least 20 minutes away from your desk
Some say that when you're in a subordinate role at work, you're more likely to get bored and distracted which can lead to grazing and over eating, so if you can, take on more responsibility and keep busy

Good luck and if you have any tips that work for you, please share them in the comments below.

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How to Go Vegetarian and Not Gain Weight Like Kirstie Alley

FitSugar — Thu, 07 May 2009 04:30:00 -0700

If there's one person who has publicly spoken about her weight as much as Oprah, it's Kirstie Alley. After shedding 75 pounds as the spokesperson for Jenny Craig, Kirstie reveals in new issue of People that she's put on 83 pounds. She says her current weight, 228 pounds, is her heaviest weight ever. She blames the weight gain on losing the motivation to work out and her weakness for food drenched in butter. Here's what else she told People about her diet:

For seven months I was a vegetarian, and I can't tell you how much weight I gained being a vegetarian! A vegetarian would probably be eating vegetables. But to me being a vegetarian meant I'm going to eat enchiladas with no meat, and I'm going to eat lots of bread, lots of carbs.

Find out what a healthy vegetarian diet should contain when you read more.

Kirstie is on to something with her comment about vegetarians eating vegetables, and there are plenty of other celebrities who have gotten the diet right. A vegetarian diet doesn't have to be complicated. Relying on mostly vegetables, fruit, legumes, nuts, and whole grains will enable a vegetarian to achieve balance and satisfaction from food.

There are so many great sources of healthy veggie protein, like tofu (not fried), beans, and lentils, that can be seasoned and mixed with vegetables to create savory and filling dishes that would appeal to anyone, vegetarian or not. Kirstie Alley's vegetarian diet downfall (besides all that butter) was that she lacked balance - enjoy vegetarian enchiladas and bread, but make sure that's not all you're eating.

Alley being on the cover of People made TrèsSugar ponder the media phenomenon of celebrity weight loss as entertainment. Be sure to weigh in on the discussion here: Bad for Women? Celebrity Weight Loss as Entertainment.

Trying to Lose Weight? Ask These Questions

FitSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:00:26 -0800

Many of the people reading FitSugar have weight loss on the brain, but are your efforts really necessary? Are those extra pounds putting your health at risk, or are you just carrying around a little harmless fluff? WebMD outlined seven questions you should ask yourself to help decide if you really need to get serious about weight loss.

What is your lifestyle? "Regular physical activity and healthy eating are important," say experts who spoke with WebMD, not just for those trying to budge the scale. If you're not active and eat poorly, you should start making some changes for your overall health, not just because of a weight-loss goal.
What is your family history? If high cholesterol, "high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or another weight-related ailment" runs in your family then Web MD notes that "it's crucial to be mindful of your weight."
What is your weight history? If the pounds have been creeping up on you over the past several years, you need to watch out since "experts say your BMI should not increase dramatically, even as you age. Even moderate weight gain in adulthood can increase your risk of diabetes."

To see the other four questions read more.

How is your weight distributed? WebMD warns that if your body is "the so-called 'apple' shape," it can put your health at risk. So if this sounds like you, aim to whittle away your middle. If your weight is primarily in your thighs and butt, it's not as crucial to drop the pounds.
What is your waist size? The National Institutes of Health say that a "waist circumference of over 35 inches in women signifies a health risk, particularly those people with BMIs of 25 and 34.9 (the overweight category)." If you're not sure what your BMI is, check out Fit's Calculator to find out.
What is your health profile? "If your cholesterol and blood pressure levels are high and your BMI falls into the overweight or obese category, it's important to lose weight," writes WebMD. So make an appointment with your doc to get yours checked.
How do you feel? "If you're overweight and have joint problems, shortness of breath, or other health troubles that limit your day-to-day living," and interfere with being able to work, then experts quoted in the article suggest that melting away pounds would help improve the quality of your life.

You Asked: How Do I Approach My Boyfriend About His Weight Gain?

DearSugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 17:00:00 -0700

Dear Sugar,

My boyfriend has gained about 15 pounds over the last year. He's mentioned it offhandedly on occasion, but doesn't seem to be doing anything about it. I haven't made a big deal out of it so far because I thought he'd lose it eventually, but now I'm not so sure and I'm worried. Today was the last straw when one of his guy friends told me he was looking a little tubby and I might want to suggest he hit the gym. If it were me, I wouldn't want anyone to tell me that I've gained weight, but at the same time, if I was aware that I had put on weight, I'd start doing something about it before it became noticeable. So should I mention my concerns to him as his girlfriend, to give him more motivation to lose, or should I keep my mouth shut?

- Unsure Sharon

To see DearSugar's answer, read more.

Dear Unsure Sharon,

Unfortunately, weight gain is always a dicey subject to bring up. It seems no matter how it's done, feelings get hurt, which is why I always think it's best to start with a gentle, less-direct approach. Especially since you know your boyfriend has noticed his weight gain. Mention that you think you both should start being more active together a few times a week - trying jogging, hiking, taking up tennis, or even taking a walk after dinner. If he seems put off, just tell him that you want the company while you do it!

Once you've started to get him moving again, incorporate better foods into your home. Make big steak salads for dinner or whip up stir-fries with lots of veggies. It's likely that once he starts seeing himself get back in shape, he'll want to keep it up. But by making it a team effort in the beginning, it will not only get him off the couch, but it'll give you something to look forward to as a couple. And make sure as his body changes, you reward him well!

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Buzz In: Is HIMYM Giving Up on Barney and Robin Too Easily?

BuzzSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:30:13 -0800

How I Met Your Mother, why must you toy with my emotions?! After just seven episodes of dating seriously, Barney and Robin are broken up and tonight Barney will be back to his old ways of lovin' and leavin'. What's more annoying is that their time together hasn't been crazy in love, and their break up is such a depressing way to end any TV relationship: with Barney gaining weight and Robin letting herself go. As the audience, you wanted them to break up, and I don't think that's fair.

When I asked you guys if you thought Barney and Robin would make it as a real couple, many of you expressed fear that the writers would break them up after a short time, so it's not like we all didn't see this one coming. Still, we went through a whole season of Barney pining over Robin, and tonight we're already back to them being single again. I didn't expect these two to have the easiest route, but I just wish they'd given them a fair shake. What do you think? Do you think they'll be back together by the end of the season?

Photo courtesy of CBS

Kristen Wants to Quit Smoking, Do It Too!

FitSugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:30:06 -0800

Kristen Stewart made the first step in kicking her cigarette habit - admitting to Entertainment Weekly that she's ready to give it up, saying, "I'm going to stop smoking. I'm not such a good smoker, anyway. It's not in my bones. I'm gonna drop it." More power to the gorgeous Twilight star, and here's hoping she sticks with it. Now, if you're out to ditch your own smoking habit, read on to kick-start your plan to quit.

Get Support - If you're ready to quit, whether or not you have friends that are smokers, make your decision known. Spreading the word that you're quitting will let your friends and family know that you'll need support. If you're having a tough day, reach out to friends. Instead of caving for a cigarette break, invite a friend for a long walk, a movie, or a workout class. Having the support of your loved ones who back your decision to quit will help give you a united front against your bad habit.

Don't Underestimate the Power of the Patch (or Gum) - Forms of nicotine replacement therapy have been shown to double your chances of quitting smoking, and can help you fight the urge to light up when you're facing nicotine withdrawal, reducing your feelings of depression and restlessness.

For more ways to help you quit, read more.

Find Another Way to Relieve Stress - Since smoking can often be a way to unwind, you'll have to find a healthier outlet to relieve stress. Combat stress with an alternative that's good for the body like a yoga class, soothing massage, or aromatherapy. Natural herbal supplements like lavender, valerian, and passionflower can aid with feelings of anxiousness and help ease tension. Short bouts of exercise can help relieve cravings, too.

Don't Drink - Alcohol and smoking are social activities that seem to go hand in hand. Plus, since alcohol naturally lowers our inhibitions, it can be harder to resist the temptation of a smoke when you're out drinking. So, when you're trying to quit, it's probably best to avoid the bar scene altogether.

Get Your Fill of Fruits and Veggies - Since many smokers fear gaining weight when they quit, many choose to diet while they're trying to give it up. But it's not a great idea to limit your food intake or choices, which can leave you feeling even more irritable while you're working to quit. Instead, think of quitting in a healthier way - focus on how eliminating the toxins from cigarettes will help to purify your body, and choose healthy fruits and veggies to fill you up. You might even try juicing your servings of fruit and vegetables. The nutrient-rich juice can help to curb cravings and can even help flush toxins from the body.

10 Ways TV Shows Bared or Covered Pregnant Bellies

LilSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:30:06 -0800

Try as they might, it is not easy for a celeb to hide pregnancy after the 20 week mark. Actresses may show off their bumps to much fanfare offscreen, but on-screen it depends on the storyline. While some television writers are willing to make a character pregnant, others use creative means to hide their stars' growing midsections or joke about weight gain. Ellen Pompeo will be disguising her belly as Meredith on the upcoming season of Grey's Anatomy and that inspired us to take a look at how other shows handled pregnancy.

View Slideshow ›

It's True! We Really Do Crave Fatty Foods When We're Stressed

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:42 -0800

If your chocolate cravings are any indication, you may have already suspected that high-fat foods are a woman's go-to snack when stressed. Now there's evidence to confirm your suspicions - UCSF recently conducted a study to examine the relationship between eating habits and chronic stress.

Researchers surveyed 600 overweight or obese women regarding their diet and stress. Issues classified as chronic stressors included job dissatisfaction, financial worries (like inability to pay rent or mortgage), or dealing with an ailing loved one. The women dealing with these taxing personal issues reported a higher likelihood of being unable to control what they ate, and a tendency to eat more fattening foods. Chronically stressed women were also more likely to force themselves to keep a regimented, strict diet to control weight gain, even skipping meals. The downside is that it's hard to keep up a regimented program, and being stressed means a plan like this is bound to backfire - ultimately there's a breaking point, and we're more likely to overeat.

To learn more about stressed-out eating, just read more.

While this study may not offer any groundbreaking info, it does serve as a healthy reminder: Be conscious of when you're actually hungry, and remember, there is such a thing as emotional eating. Be more mindful of your mental health and how it affects your food choices, and make healthy eating a priority. If you need some creative, healthy snack alternatives, visit our Snack Attack group for ideas.