Eating more healthily yet putting on weight!?

Question

hey I'm 16, 5ft 6 and around 120 pounds and have recently decided to become vegetarian as my family all are and its much easier for them. plus they are all alot thinner than me and i thought it would be helpful in achieving my goal of 110 by november, however in the last 2-3 weeks ive put on like 4 pounds, doing my usual amount of excersize and eating nothing but fruit, veg,yogurt, cereal and bread, could anyone give me any idea of why this has happened?

Answer 1

First of all, at your height 120 pounds is a normal weight and 110 pounds would a bit underweight, so I really don't think you should be trying to lose weight.  That being said, in answer to your question, I have two theories about this for you.  Number one:  Muscle weighs more than fat.  You say you've gained 4 pounds, but how are your clothes fitting?  Are they getting tighter, or are they about the same.  If they're about the same, it's possible that you've actually built a bit more muscle through exercising and eating healthily.  The number on the scale isn't the only thing you should be looking at.

Theory number 2:  Did you just get your period?  It's pretty normal your weight to vary around the time of your period, and many women gain a few pounds of water weight before it starts and then lose the water weight again after it ends.

Answer 2

It's all about portions, balance and cycles. Its probably a combination of reasons. Its a shock to the body, and a vegetarian diet requires planning, the right portions of carbs to make up for what is being lost while stilling getting all the good stuff. Also, individual differences, just because it worked for your family doesn't mean it will work for you. Keep it up, your body might just be readjusting. But if you are concerned, see a nutritionist, they'll be able to help you keep healthy and may be able to tell you why your body is doing this.

Sorry its a vauge answer, but there really is no hard and fast reason.