Weight gain????

[Sasha4]

Hi,

Great website! I only recently started lifting weights seriously (about 1.5 months). I had always lifted before but low weights and no real goal in mind. Since starting my new program, I have noticed a change in my upper body (more muscle definition) and in the lower body as well although it is coming along more slowly. My question is, although my diet has not changed very much I seem to be gaining weight! I also check my body fat % and it seems to be staying the same. Can you be gaining muscle without it affection your bodyfat%?

My other question is about protein shakes. I have read so many articles about protein intake some say you must take it and others say it hasn't been proven safe for a long term usage. Help!!! I am so confused! Is it safe? Do most women bodybuilders use them?

Thanks!

[TrishB]

If your weight and BF are staying the same, then your lean body mass is staying the same too. You may be off on the BF figures which would explain why you are noticing a difference in your body. BF can be tough to calculate and it is not unusual to be off by a few percentages each time you check.

You are confusing protein shakes with very high protein diets. There is a difference. Most of us use the shakes as supplements to add to our protein, but we are still consuming carbs and fats in good proportions too. Protein is a necessity to any bodybuilder, but so are the carbs and fats.

Now that you are working out, start working on your diet. It all goes together to get you that body you want.

And welcome to the board!!