If I try to lose weight fast, will I sacrifice muscle too?

Question

I'm a runner, I run every day, and I want to lose 10-12 pounds before Cross Country starts on August 11th. (I know, I'm a huge procrastinator.) But I was wondering, if I try to lose that much weight in that little time, will I be sacrificing muscle? If I continue to workout every day, does that prevent losing muscle? I have to lose about half a pound a day, at least.

Right now I'm 5'8 and 134 lbs.

If this helps, normally since I'm an athlete I can eat almost 3000 calories a day. That means that I can probably lose weight faster then people who aren't athletes, right?

Answer 1

You won't lose muscle mass if you eat right. Try not to eat just junk, but try to eat 4:1 carbs to protein. That is a good ratio for all distance runners to follow. Also, continue to lift weights.

Answer 2

definitely, if you say you can eat like 3000 calories then i dont think you would be sacrificing muscke weight

Answer 3

basically, once you have lost a lot of weight (fat) from your body, your muscles will start to be worn away and broken down my your body. i think if you workout everyday building muscle it should help to stop you losing muscle but remember when you are checking your weight, muscle weighs more than fat! so if you build up your muscles you are just adding to your weight anyway

i guess as you are an athlete it would be easier for you to lose weight as you are used to a healthy lifestyle but make sure you dont overwork yourself! i know its important to get into shape before the Cross Country starts but you dont wanna get yourself an injury which means you cant even participate in it. good luck!

Answer 4

Yes , you will lose muscle mass losing all that weight and yes you can lose weight faster than people who aren't athletes.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

If you cut your calories down too much, you will definitely lose muscle. your body has to have something for energy, and if you aren't eating enough calories, it will burn fat and also muscle. Besides, if you lose too much weight before your run, you will also cut down on your energy and stamina. That wouldn't work very well in  a race! Your best bet would be to continue with your workouts, but get enough of the right foods, plenty of sleep, and drink plenty of water. Don't concentrate on losing weight now. a couple of pounds a week is the most you should lose to maintain your muscle tissue. After the race would be a good time to really work on your diet.

Answer 7

I'm pretty sure that in order for you to lose that much weight (which i personally dont think you need to lose any), you're going to have to practically starve yourself.. which means your body is going to start to eat itself... starting with your muscles. If you really need to lose weight that fast, and not lose muscle, make sure you drink a protein shake right after you work out. They all ussually have a whole bunch of fat and sugar, but i found one that has very little fat, sugar, and carbs. I get it from Sam's for like 35 bucks.

http://www.vitacost.com/EAS-100-Whey-Pro...

theres a supplement fact link right under the picture.

good luck and please be careful