I'm still hiking for the search and rescue party. I've walked (hiked) at least 30 miles since Wednesday. I've gained 4 lbs!!! I'm eating food with carbs in it but goodness, shouldn't it burn off with all of the hiking? Really frustrated, sore and tired. The feels like temp is -10. Please pray we find our person. It's been 8 days

Your probably gaining some muscle. I hope you find your Person!

You're gaining muscle.

You're eating carbs and building up some glycogen in your liver.

And you probably aren't drinking enough extra Water with all the extra exercise you're getting, to keep your body hydrated.

Ergo, on all counts, you're retaining water.

Here's the deal. For those of us who choose not to exercise and then exercise a lot we experience a momentary weight gain. Long-term, the extra muscles help us lose more weight. But short-term, we do gain some extra weight.

Because we're all (overly) foused on the scales during the weight loss portion of our journeys, we usually freak out at this *good* weight gain that really reflects better health.

Chances are you won't keep hiking this much in the coming weeks and you'll see that extra weight disappear.

But wouldn't it be wonderful for your long-term health if you DID keep hiking this much?

I think we should all focus more on how healthy and strong we are getting, not just on what the scales say.

(Preaching to myself here, obviously.)

Still praying for you and the search party.

It is possible you are not getting enough protein, and/or calories to offset the burn. Make sure to get your protein, and water in! On any weight loss program, if I skimped on protein, I gained, or didn't lose. Good luck, I hope your rescue is successful.

You're gaining muscle.

You're eating carbs and building up some glycogen in your liver.

And you probably aren't drinking enough extra Water with all the extra exercise you're getting, to keep your body hydrated.

Ergo, on all counts, you're retaining water.

Here's the deal. For those of us who choose not to exercise and then exercise a lot we experience a momentary weight gain. Long-term, the extra muscles help us lose more weight. But short-term, we do gain some extra weight.

Because we're all (overly) foused on the scales during the weight loss portion of our journeys, we usually freak out at this *good* weight gain that really reflects better health.

Chances are you won't keep hiking this much in the coming weeks and you'll see that extra weight disappear.

But wouldn't it be wonderful for your long-term health if you DID keep hiking this much?

I think we should all focus more on how healthy and strong we are getting, not just on what the scales say.

(Preaching to myself here, obviously.)

Awesome advice!!! Love it and I plan on continuing hiking. 36 miles in 5 days. No news.

It is possible you are not getting enough protein, and/or calories to offset the burn. Make sure to get your protein, and water in! On any weight loss program, if I skimped on protein, I gained, or didn't lose. Good luck, I hope your rescue is successful.

It was -15 today. Isn't it logical I need carbs for energy? I'm constantly sipping something but that something is HOT coffee!