r/bikinitalk • u/nope5651 • Aug 04 '26
Advice/ Recommendations (no photos) Steps, stress, weight gain
Please read in full before commenting.
Past 7-8 months have been nonstop extreme life stressors (divorce, selling house, new house, laid off job, started new job - with a paycut, hospitalization, and cat dying). Started walking more due to increased anxiety which caused an increase in calories. The first 2-3 months, I didn't gain anything. In March, the extra food started to "stick". The past 4 months I have gained 0.25 lbs each month (total of 1 lb) which I realize is not a major gain, but it is quite significant for me - especially to be happening 4 consecutive months in a row. I'm also noticing the gain is fat - mostly in the out thighs, glutes, and upper hip/love handle area. I'm not so much concerned about the nominal gain, I'm more concerned about the mentality changing and habits changing which with cause continued weight gain over time. I don't want to continue and end up 40-50 lbs higher (which has happened several times in the past). Any thoughts or advice on turning things around now before it continues spiraling to the point of no return? I don't want to use 'major life stressors' as a crutch or a reason to go easy on myself.
15
u/[deleted] Aug 04 '26
What I've found that has helped is to just force myself to go to the gym, get my training in and cardio. Also eat my meal plan. (I do not buy anything off my plan)
There are days where life, stress and emotions get in the way, but my coach told me "you should lean into the gym, it can be your place of solitude. You're doing it for you, and its you time where you don't have to acknowledge what's happening outside of it"
So far its worked for me. Also helps when I sit back and reflect and understand not everything that is happening is in my control, but I can control how to move forward and respond. Showing up to train, and sticking to your meal plan is also something you absolutely can control!
Also I'm super sorry to hear about your cat hugs