Food allergies and weight gain

Are you having trouble losing weight? no matter how much training or dieting you do your body doesn't seem to change. The answer maybe that you're allergic or have a food intolerance.

There are 2 types of allergic reactions. Type A (classic allergy). In this type of allergy,
you will experience a reaction immediately after contact with an allergen
(such as shellfish or peanuts, for example).

Type B (delayed allergy or intolerance). Here the reaction can take place between one hour or three days after ingesting the food. Symptoms such as weight gain, bloating, water retention, fatigue, aching joints and headaches can all be due to a Type B allergy.

The two most common food allergens are wheat and dairy. Wheat contains a protein
called gluten, which is difficult for the body to break down, absorb and assimilate.
Have you got a Food Allergy?

Ironically, although we may have an adverse reaction to a food - it is that food which we
crave the most that is causing the most problems to our system. A good clue to
whether or not you have a food allergy is if you crave a particular food that you eat
frequently. Once a food allergy exists the food becomes mildly addictive and you can
feel compelled to eat it. If you are allergic to a food, your body can react by storing
it away instead of using it for energy. If you eat a lot of foods to
which you are allergic, there will undoubtedly be weight gain.

Excess fat storage can be called “false fat” as its due to the accumulation of excess fluids, which we experience as bloating and swelling. Once the offending foods has been removed, you should notice rapid water and weight loss and seeing definition in your body.

Allergies and Bodybuilding.
When you're preparing for a contest, your main goal is for fat and weight loss. But
if you have a food allergy then you're going to be fighting a loosing battle if you're still
ingesting foods that make you look puffy or bloated and leaving you too tired to train.
Common bodybuilding foods such as fish, broccoli, cauliflower, some protein powders
and bars can cause some people problems. Ingredients in various sauces such as
soy and chilli sauce can also cause adverse reactions and impede your fat loss efforts.

This is particularly important when it comes to the final days of contest preparation. For example if you have dairy intolerance and you carb up on ice cream or chocolates on the evening and morning of the show, then you're going to appear smooth as your body is reaction to the food. Some athletes have an allergy to red wine (a common drink many athletes sip before going on stage), and instead of making you vascular it may have the opposite effect. You've worked hard to get your muscle definition so you shouldn't let a food allergy spoil your hardwork.

This has just been a small insight into the vast field of food allergies and intolerances.
If you think you have a food allergy or intolerance, you should consult a
nutritionist or dietition.