Hi Priscilla,

Our bodies are like a car, in the sense that we require fuel (energy) to run smoothly. As we are not cars, we don't drink petrol, but instead consume food and drinks, which form calories and kilojules which provide us with the energy that we need. When our bodies are deprived of food or drink, it goes into starvation mode, which is what would happen if you were stranded on an island without food. Therefore, the more frequently we eat (smaller, but more frequent meals), you are telling your body that you are going to be replenished with food shortly, and it therefore burns off any excess energy (your last meals) faster. As you are skipping meals, this may be cause for your feeling fatter. Try to eat smaller meals, more regularly, and at the same time every day so that your body clock is able to set your metabolism at maximum efficiency. You also need to ensure that you are consuming sufficient calories given your output. Be sure that you are not creating too much of a calorie deficit from both your diet AND exercise. Water retention could also be another reason for your feeling fatter, due to the bloatedness. Be sure that you are drinking enough water, particularly during your workouts. Remember, when you FEEL thirty, you are already showing signs of dehydration, so make sure that you are drinking enough so that you never even feel thirty - this is a good sign that you are keeping hydrated.

Good luck!

Phil