Metabolism Decrease? But Why?

[MCS2009]

This is a bummer: I've increased in size and strength, yes, but I've put another 1.5" on my waist in the last 45 days! I've always had a problem of adding BF when I try to add size - they always seem to go hand-in-hand.

The only things that have changed in that time frame:

1) Started on the fat loss program only eating carbs post-workouts other than the fruits with meals as per Mehdi's plan.

2) My sleep/wake cycle has gradually shifted up by 2 hours - later to bed/later to rise - this was a problem before.

3) Ive had to lay off the HIIT cardio on my off days because of the heel spur.

4) Training heavier.

5) Caloric intake same & consuming approx. 1g protein per lb of bodyweight. And I don't go light on natural fats!

What else could it be?

My guess is that it's a down-regulation in BMR. But why? What doesn't make sense is that BF shot up even though I decreased total carb intake. I know a time shift up in my sleep/wake cycle can trigger a decrease in metabolism, but it's hard to think it would have that much of an effect if I'm getting the same amount of sleep? However, I have to admit this was a problem about 2 years ago when I was heavier and was trapped in a cycle of staying up and sleeping in later and later.

I am wondering if the low carb intake could actually have the opposite effect in that an overall decrease in good carbs needed for energy consumption causes a slower BMR (for example, I always had a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast and did not lose but didn't gain) and could actually be counter-productive?

[atypical1]

Are you getting enough calories? Have you used the cunningham equation to figure out what your needs are? Have you counted the number of calories you are getting daily by type?

james

[MCS2009]

Not familiar with the cunningham equation nor have I counted cals lately. Please elaborate.

[atypical1]

The cunningham equation tells you how many calories you need. If you do a search of the site you can find it. If you don't know how many calories you need and how many you're putting into your body then how can you tell if your metabolism is slowing down or not?

james

[guru]

Link to the article on Cunningham equation -
http://stronglifts.com/how-many-calorie ... t-per-day/

[tenkev]

Its probably because you stopped doing HIIT. Trying swimming instead.