Gaining Weight - Not Eating Gluten Free Subsitutes

[leaden321]

Hello!

 

I am 26 years old, 5'6'', and 160 pounds. I was diagnosed as a Celiac 2-3 months ago via blood test AND endoscopy. 

 

I have been gluten free for about 2 months now - and I cannot stop gaining weight! 

 

I've read many posts on this site telling people to watch out for the gluten-free substitutes for bread, pasta, etc. Well - I don't eat those except maybe once or twice a week for one meal that day even. 

 

I eat very clean - this is what I ate today: (hopefully you can see it)

 

Breakfast

 

Fage - All Natural Nonfat Greek Strained Yogurt, Total 0%, 0.33 cup (227g)

Bob Mills - Chia Seeds, 13 g (1 Tbsp)

Fruit - Nectarine - Large, 1 Large Nectarine

365 - Walnuts Chopped, 1 oz

 

Mid Morning Meal

 

Blackberries - Raw - Blackberries, 0.5 cup (250 ml)

Driscolls Raspberries - Raw (Net Carbs), 0.5 cup

 

Lunch

 

Tyson Chicken Breast - Shredded Skinless Boneless, 8 oz

Aldi - Roma Tomato, 1 tomato

 

Mid Day Meal

 

Acient Harvest - Quinoa Rotelle, 2 oz. (57g)

Kraft - Reduced Fat Parmesean Grated Cheese, 2 tsp.

Intek - Vanilla Protein Powder, 1 SCOOP

 

Dinner

 

Tyson Chicken Breast - Shredded Skinless Boneless, 4 oz

Belfonte - Nonfat Sour Cream, 2 Tbsp

Cilantro - Chopped, 0.1 cup

Tillamook - Special Reserve - Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, 0.5 oz.

Berkley & Jensen - Broccoli Florets, 1 cup (85g)

 

Total Calories and Macros for the day:

 

1484 Calories

95 grams carbs

50 grams fat

156 grams protein

25 grams fiber

 

 

I eat very clean (above is a typical day) - I love veggies, clean proteins, and love to cook my own meals from scratch. 

 

I have gained 10-15 pounds in the last two months. Exercising 3-4 times a week (weights) and a very active weekend chasing after my nephews. 

 

I have no idea what is going on!

 

HELP!

 

Alex

[Nikki2777]

My doctor said I would gain weight once healed because now I would be absorbing my food.  As I'm already heavy, this was not good news, but the consequences of not treating the celiac are far, far worse -- so I'm doing my best to eat healthy and keep my calories in check.

 

However, I will say that seems like a lot of dairy (cheese, sour cream and yogurt) and berries have a lot of sugar.  And walnuts are very caloric.

 

good luck.

[fatjacksonthecat]

Im in the same EXACT boat. Matter of fact Ive been on an elimination diet  meaning Ive been eating totally natural, nothing processed at about the same amount of calories per day as you and Ive gained about 30 pounds after finding out Im gluten imtolerant/ Celiac.My naturopath who also used to be a neurosurgeon said that for some people they cant lose weight while still having digestive problems and apparently can gain as well.

 

I read somewhere that everytime an offending food is eaten (which can be alot more than just gluten for some people) a person can gain between 3-5 pounds.If its only been two months for you your gut most likely has not healed yet.Leaky gut issues can cause weight gain due to the inflammatory process which as we know is very tied to Celiacs.Maybe google leaky gut and weight gain, not saying it is but that could be your problem also.

 

Your diet looks pretty good and your macros seem dead on so I know thats whats so frustrating but I would cut out the dairy as well as the same villi thats used to digest gluten is also used to digest dairy.In the past when Ive had problems with not being able to lose and I cut out dairy that was all it took. As for me now however, it seems nothing is helping as I keep reacting to not only gluten but other hidden things also.I found I had lots of intolerances to things like fake sweeteners and dyes and anything packaged at all and I mean anything, even like protein blends and almond milk.

 

I hope I can get a handle on it as before this all started I was 147 and Im now at a whopping 175! Its a freaking nightmare and pisses me off too when like you I know my diet and exersice is spot on. Let me know if you find something thats works for you. I think you have a good chance of being able to lose if you keep things about where they are at but just omit the dairy although like I said if not for Celiacs your diet looks good to me,your macros are right in line with what the majority of bodybuilders do over at BB.com hha. I know its tough though, trust me im with you on that, it stinks to be in the group that gains intsead of loses but then again I know they have another set of problems thats terrible as well.

[YouAreWhatYouFeat]

I would try cutting out the dairy and also protein powder isn't necesary. Many of them have a lot of calories. i used to drink protein/fruit smoothies and I gained weight as well. You will get plenty of protein from nuts, meat, vegetables, and quinoa. My protein shakes would add up to 700 calories of just mixed fruit, veggies, greek yogurt, and protein powder. After cutting out dairy and protein powder all together, I felt better and dropped the extra weight. hope this helps!

[pugmug]

Have you had your thyroid checked? That can slow things down big time.

If that's not an issue and you just need to find a way to cut calories, I'd suggest more veggies -- especially leafy greens. You get a whole lot for very few calories and they're good for you too

[WinterSong]

People responding have to remember that the OP is 5"6, incredibly active, and is consuming 1500 calories a day - I would not recommend cutting many more calories out of your diet for fear that your metabolism will slow down. With how active you are, you need the calories and nutrients. I'm not a nutritionist, but I am a personal trainer, and I get very wary of active people cutting back too much. Also note, that you may be gaining muscle mass since you are now accepting nutrients and you eat so much protein. Muscle weighs more than fat. 

 

I gained weight after going gluten-free, too. I was able to lose some of it with mindful eating and exercise, but I also follow a calorie counting plan that some of my other personal trainer friends and I use. It's similar to the idea that if you run on the treadmill for the same amount of time at the same intensity every day for several years, eventually nothing will change. This is why you need to vary your workouts. This diet theory asks you to vary your calories. I eat a normal amount of calories most days; two days a week I dip my calories down (me personally I do about 1300 on low days), and one day a week I jump my calorie count up by 300ish. The theory is that it keeps the metabolism challenged. 

 

I've had good results with this, but again, I am not a nutritionist or dietitian. I try things and see what works for my body.

 

I also came to the realization that my body naturally wants me to be a few pounds heavier than when I was really sick, and that's natural. Most of my family members say that I look healthier/better than I ever had, despite me not being as happy with my weight. But I'm still working on getting toned and maintaining my current weight, if not trying to lose an extra three pounds.