When I got my bodyfat tested about a month ago, it was 16.9%, and my weight was 127.4. This month it was 16.6% and weight 125.6. So if these measurements are correct (3-site skinfold test by the same operator), I have lost lean body mass. I thought I was eating plenty of protein - about 4oz of meat or equivalent three meals a day and 2oz for 3 or 4 snacks. I am breastfeeding but dd is almost 2 years old so does not rely on me for her primary source of nutrition. I am very dedicated to exercising and lift heavy weights for someone my size (bicep curl with 20# dumbells, for example). I recently received my shipment of protein powder blends from the protein factory and plan to use more of these when I work out. Any suggestions? I'll add that I can lose weight relatively easy with a little effort, but I have trouble building muscle, although I do better now that I am eating meat. Thanks in advance!

Jen

I don't think that three tenths of one percent is much to worry about... it could be human error, water retention, time of the day, tom, etc.

I think kmarie is right - your level of hydration can make a huge difference in those measurements, and whether you were measured before or after a workout, and stuff like that. It doesn't sound like you could be losing lean body mass.

I know my body fat % did not change significantly, but because my weight went down almost 2# I am concerned. According to the earlier reading I had about 106# of lean body mass. This month's reading puts me just shy of 105# lbm. If anything, as hard as I have been working, I would think I would have gained lbm. That is why I am confused. I hope you ladies are right and that it is just a measurement error. Next time I will be sure to have it measured AFTER instead of before TOM and see if that makes a difference.

Jen

Caverjen where are you in Alabama? I'm in (good ole) Huntsville :-)

Where are you getting these readings? Are you using a online source or do you have a more accurate way of testing your ibm?[SIZE=3][FONT=comic sans ms][COLOR=olive]

Never mind my post, I should have scrolled up ... the answers right there "skinfold" test....oops (sorry) grin

I would think the breast feeding would have something to do with the weight loss and the loss (if any ) of lean body mass.

Atkins does not recommend ketosis state for women who are breastfeeding.

I thought you had to have a 20% bfi to menstrate or conceive? Are you normally at 16?

I conceived dd#2 when my bodyfat was 14%, not sure what it was with dd#1, but it certainly was less than 20%. While breastfeeding dd#1 my body fat got as low as 11% (which was too skinny). Never had a problem with my milk supply and had no trouble getting pregnant with dd#2. With my build 20% body fat looks dumpy rather than voluptuous. I am following the Schwarzbein Principle diet, which is not ketogenic (although I'm sure sometimes I slip into ketosis anyway). I eat close to 100g carbs/day.

Jen

VM,

Dh is paranoid about me posting location. I tried to private message you but it said your mailbox was full.

Jen

atkinso5..I am also in huntsville :-)