Question: Running, not dieting, for weight loss?

[desperate housewife]

Is it true that dieting will reduce your muscle and water content as well as your body fat? I am asking because since exercise will burn calories, increase your lean muscle and body tone, and raise your metabolic rate, could one continue to eat enough to feel satisfied, and get a wide range of vitamins and minerals, without putting on weight?

[Sportsmedjosh]

I don't think i really understand your post.

1. It is hard to do both lose weight and attempt to pack on mass at the same time. There will be carry over but it's best to focus on just one.

2. Dieting or a change in eating habit will cause you to lose both fat and muscle, In order to lose weight you need to acheive a negative calorie balance which is simply burning more calories that you consume.

3. Water content should be replaced after you work out. It's best to weight yourself before working out and then change into dry clothes and weight yourself and see the difference. The difference is the amount of fluids you should replace.

4. An increase in learn muscle mass will increase your RMR (resting metabolic Rate / BMR. Which in turn will allow you to consume more calories.