Gained 5 pounds working out for over a month

Question
I am currently working out on the eliptical machines for 30 minutes a day as well as weight training 5/6 days a week. I am 180 pounds and just figured out that I have gained 5 pounds. I have been working out for over a month and have cut down my intake and reduced my eating of bad foods: candies, sodas, anf other fried foods. I just wanted to know if this at all is normal. Also I am really trying to maintatin if not lean up my muscles and trim off fat. Will this workout work for this? Are their any other thingds I need to be doing?

Answer
Dear Nicholas,

Since we don't know what exactly you've gained - water, and/or fat, or muscle, it's hard to tell what you should do.

Generally, cutting down on "bad foods: candies, sodas, and other fried foods" is far from being enough. Sometimes, it's what's NOT on your plate that matters. Are you getting enough of essential fats? Quality protein?

Anyway, this is what you might want to do.

1. Check out your body fat percent. Go to:
http://dietandbody.com/article1113.html and use one of the calculators. You'll need only a measuring tape. Repeat the measurement after a week.

2. Learn how to eat right when you exercise:

Athletic Nutrition
http://www.dietandbody.com/article1222.html

Hope it helps,

Tanya Zilberter

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