Is it possible to gain muscle mass while you are losing weight?

Question

I am currently doing weight watchers and have lost 10+ pounds since I started with them; however, I want to gain muscle. Most "buffed" people say "eat eat eat" and I say "no no no." I mean that is how I got obese in the first place. Currently I'm eating around 1600 to 1700 calories a day. I'm playing tennis and walking for cardio, but I want to gain some muscle. I'm 5'7" tall and weigh about 220. I have lost around 30 pounds in the last 2 years on my own and have kept it off before starting with weight watchers. I would like to know about maybe if just increasing protein intake at the current calorie level would help. Best supplements (creatine, protein shakes, etc)? I have my own set of weights at home to work out with.

Any info would be of great help.

Thanks

Answer 1

Yes, you can definitely gain muscle mass while you are losing weight. In fact, gaining muscle mass will eventually help speed up the weight-loss process. If you are planning on hitting the weights hard, then supplementation would make sense. Whey protein shakes are a good source, as well as foods such as raw almonds, avocados, fish, etc. If you are simply wanting to "tone" your muscles, then additional protein is probably not necessary at this point. Either way, do not get discouraged if you see a leveling-out or slight bump on the scale after a few weeks of weight training, as this will NOT be body fat, but muscle growth. Stay the course with your cardio, and you will start to see a difference in your appearance in 6-8 weeks.

Answer 2

Build Ripped Muscle Fast

Answer 3

Absolutely. When I started taking Muay Thai kickboxing, that's exactly what happened. Same thing when I first enlisted into the Marine Corps.

Fat will start to shed away, while being replaced by muscle. For a short while, you weight may even seem to equalize.

Answer 4

You need to add strength training. Lift weights for upper body. Squats and lunges are great for lower body. You shouldn't really need to increase your calorie intake, but your muscles do need "fuel" for pumping. Try a protein shake or bar about an hour before you do any muscle conditioning. Remember, muscle weighs more than fat, so if the scale starts to raise - don't worry too much about it just pay attention to how your clothes are fitting.

Answer 5

eat 5 6 small meals a day instead of 3

Answer 6

2 hours golfing but make sure you carry the clubs

Answer 7

I agree with nb 109, I would also like to add that muscle burns more calories than fat so the more muscle you have, the more fat you burn!

Answer 8

swap half of the avocado in a 1 2 cup of guacamole for zucchini

Answer 9

yes. you should do weight training to increase muscle mass and lose the fat. but it depends on what you eat. you don't want to eat so much! eat moderatly, protien with lots of vegetables, fruits...YOU eat 1700 cals? wow...I thought women should eat up to 1200 cals.

Answer 10

Drink green tea green tea can help you lose weight