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Staying Active/fit And Weight Loss After Going gluten-free?

JonnyD

By JonnyD
in Sports and Fitness

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JonnyD Rookie
JonnyD
Posted

Hi,

I recently learned that I have celiac and switched to a gluten-free diet two weeks ago. In the meantime, I'm continuing to work out (moderate running ~30min about 4 days per week [varies from 7-9 min/mile], stretching, and light lifting a couple days too). I've always been very active but have had more of a pudgy frame (thanks gluten). I'm in my late-30s/5'7" and began this journey at 165 lbs. Two weeks in, I'm already 8 lbs lighter and nowhere close to leveling out. A couple years ago, I actively watched my diet and was down to the low 150s. I'm not counting calories but am obviously well below my previous intake. I'm on track to drop below those numbers too. I'm not taking any supplements or anything like that.

Can anyone relate their experiences with continuing to exercise and weight loss after going gluten-free? How long until your weight leveled out? Any suggestions as my body goes through these changes? I'd appreciate your insights.

Thanks,

Jonny

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chasbari Apprentice
chasbari
Posted

I had to go strictly grain free when diagnosed and dropped weight very rapidly. Lost most of my body fat but was in bad shape due to the severity of gut damage. Tried to workout too soon relative to recovery and really couldn't tolerate it. Dropped forty pounds in a hurry and have been struggling for two plus years to gain muscle mass back. Slowly but surely have managed to gain about twenty pounds over that time after the initial loss. It's real easy to overwork and hinder my recovery. Still much damage but.. have never felt better in spite of that.

jenthestrawberry Newbie
jenthestrawberry
Posted

Can anyone relate their experiences with continuing to exercise and weight loss after going gluten-free? How long until your weight leveled out? Any suggestions as my body goes through these changes? I'd appreciate your insights.

I only found out I had Celiac a few months ago. Before that I had suspected some sort of wheat intolerance, but never went "entirely" gluten free. When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, it damages the intestinal villi. Fat absorption is compromised. When your body isn't absorbing fat through your food, it craves fat, and believes it's being starved. Your body shuts down its metabolism, and refuses to allow weight to leave your body.

For me, finally understanding this, made a huge difference in my life. Because I already had a calorie system, work-out, cardio, and weight training plan in place, once I *entirely* cut out the gluten, I started losing weight. I had a relatively high-muscle mass already, so once my body realized it wasn't being starved, my metabolism revved up higher than I ever thought it could be! It took me a few weeks to adjust to no-gluten without adding in other high-suger items or processed grains, but I finally found a balance.

From looking younger, to looking thinner, to seeming healthier, I get compliments all the time, and I'm down nearly 40 lbs. That's more weight than I've lost in the last 4 years of watching my calories and working-out!

It

ciavyn Contributor
ciavyn
Posted

I'm gluten free for a year and a half, and have found it just as easy to put on weight as take it off! But standard exercise, watching what I eat, and being responsible about my health has ensured I stay the same size. I don't think you'll find any difficulties, outside of the possible inside damage that might slow you down, tough it doesn't appear to be doing that. So you might just be good to go!

gibsonSG Newbie
gibsonSG
Posted

I was lifting heavy and taking a ton of supplements when I got my diagnosis, and I ended up losing 20 pounds in the first two months as my doctor told me to eliminate diary and eggs in addition to grains while I started to heal. As my absorption started to increase however, I started to get my performance back and my weight leveled out about 1 year in once I dared to start playing with my diet again. Now I'm 2 years in, and though I'm still 10 pounds under where I started I'm pushing nearly the same weight as I was before and my endurance is way better than it has ever been. So hang in there, your body is working better than it ever has right now. Just be sure to listen to it and rest when you need to and push when you can. Worst case scenario to get fully dialed in I would guess at a year, but really six months should do it (mine only took so long because I made basically every single mistake possible along the way :D )

NorthernElf Enthusiast
NorthernElf
Posted

I'm a fitness instructor & avid exerciser - early 40's and gluten-free for 8 years. After going gluten-free I lost 5 pounds and my weight stays stable (I am at a good weight, losing weight at this point would be bad ! 5'5" and 122 and muscular...or so they tell me). I don't watch my weight BUT I eat pretty clean (unprocessed)....Ha ! I'm cheap, premade gluten-free food is expensive ! I teach mostly water stuff, lift, and run. This year I intend to run my first half in May. Celiac hasn't impacted my fitness long term - there was a time where I was a mess - bad virus changed my life, took the gluten out & recovered. But honestly, I had stomach issues all my life, just that wicked virus that knocked me down for a week (really knocked me down, ended up in the hospital)changed my life permanently...turned on the celiac gene I guess.

Anyway, fitness & celiac are not exclusive. I'm fitter now than ever...just watch out for the 'screw up days' and take those easy !

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