Let's talk about REALISTIC bodyfat goals

[Cheetarah]

Most awesome post JJFigure!! That's the best damn post pertaining directly to women I've ever read!! I enjoyed reading others' responses to it as well!

I wish I would've been able to read something like this when I first decided I wanted to look like a fitness competitor, might have saved me some agony. Eh, then again, I lie, I'm the stubborn type and probably would've had to learn the hard way anyway, lol.

But here is what I learned thru all this dieting, as I was trying to get down to 12% body fat (which never happened)...

I've learned that my genetic setpoint is 18% body fat, bottom line. My body absolutely REFUSES to go below that without a fight. And even to maintain here at 18%, I eat pretty darn close to if I was on a cutting diet. I eat clean and maintain about a 40%P/30%C/30%F diet. The only difference really, is that I don't count my calories, I pretty much let my appetite dictate but I do control the portions. To get below 18% body fat I basically have to fight my body tooth and nail. I did get down to 15%, I can do that in about 3-4 weeks by cutting my calories but then I basically have to live being hungry ALL THE TIME (and friggin starve the first 2 weeks), just to maintain that! It really sucks, who wants to live the rest of their life like that? Not me, so for me, under 18% body fat is unrealistic to maintain. Unfortunately my genetics will not allow me to be under 18% body fat. Those of you who can maintain under 18% with no problem, as in not having to count calories and such, are very lucky, your genetics obviously allow you to do that (of course I'm talking natural without any chemical help).

So anyway, great subject! We women really do need to learn to be happy with our bodies the way they are, like it was said before, our bodies are MEANT to carry more body fat than men. We were not designed to be that lean. It's difficult though, I'd love to have more definition in my abs and legs but I have to try and talk myself into being satisfied with how I look now cause it's either that or fight with my body the rest of my life! And I certainly don't want that either.

 

[SteelWeaver]

Are you the one in grey that only has front double bi shots?

I was wearing a bright blue suit, hair about half ear length, with highlights, number 72, no abs, but brilliant posing routine (oh, sorry, you can't see that part, heh heh). I can't see the pics here at work, only looked at them briefly a few weeks ago, can't remember, will check at home later.

Thanks for the link Ceebs. Sorry JJ - we've hijacked your thread, but it sort of fits, considering what I put myself through to get on that stage.

Oh - the tattoos might help - orchid on right upper arm, octopus below left breast, tiger on left shoulder blade, dragon above right breast.

 

[JJFigure]

Hey JJ - are you set on remaining natural ad infinitum? Is that a set thing, not requiring much thought, or is it something you periodically reconsider?

I have to confess, Steel, I have moments when I think how stupid am I to not consider doing a cycle when everyone else seems to be doing them? After all, I've been lifting heavily for 11 years now - it's not like I haven't given myself time. So far, though, I don't think I need to do a cycle to stay competitive in the federations I compete in. At the time I feel I HAVE to do a cycle to stay competitive, then I need to decide if I still want to compete.

In other words, yes, I do periodically reconsider my natural choice.

 

[JJFigure]

And you're right Cheeterah - it just seems like you're fighting a serious battle with your body the entire time you're cutting. I'm not saying women shouldn't try it - it's a good exercise in discipline, at the very least - just be prepared for a long, hard road. Unless you're one of those lucky, genetically blessed people I keep hearing rumors about. Never met one, personally.

Hey Steel - great pics! I was looking for the tall, plump girl, but couldn't find her - instead, I saw a hottie in a blue bikini w/ tattoos.

 

[SteelWeaver]

Thanks JJ As you know, I wasn't where I was aiming for, but the experience was worth a thousand trophies. And with practice I will become a force to be reckoned with (or something like that, lol )

I checked the numbers: pics #238, 240, 295, 297, 301 aren't too bad. The relaxed poses above that show off my squishy tummy pretty badly, but whatever. There were squishier people, lol.

On the dieting topic - I have the drive and discipline to stick to a pre-comp diet that is temporary and finite - I can't imagine trying to stay very lean just for leaness' sake. I'd just like to find a semi-comfortable medium, where I feel and look good, and can keep building but can cut fairly easily from.

Thanks for the thoughts on the AAS topic, JJ. I think before doing a cycle to compete, I'd ask myself WHY I'm competing, and if AAS would fulfil whatever that reason is. My objectives in competing right now are simply the challenge, the discipline, the drive, the learning curve, the thrill. Placings don't really mean anything for the moment. I suppose if I had desires to go pro or whatever it would be a completley different story.

 

[makedah]

Steel - I thought you looked really great!

 

[VeggieLifterChick]

Steel,

You look hot! Your lats are nice and wide, and your shoulders are poppin! Very impressive! You definitely don't look plump. You look nothing like I thought you would. Not only are you lean, but I had pictured you as a short asian girl.

 

[MS]

Thanks JJ. A truly great post.

 

[wilson6]

15% is reasonable in someone that has been relatively lean most of their life. If you allowed yourself to get fat young or recently, or really blew up with pregnancy, then it will be tough to get below 20% unless you have the genetic potential.

Most of the chicks in the figure/fitness mags are juiced and/or genetic freaks.

I knew only a couple of chicks that didn't have eating disorders (college cheerleaders or varsity athletes) that were able to hang around 12 - 15% with training and live and eat normally but clean as well.

W6

 

[makedah]

Ahh, genetics. My sister is one of those low BF "freaks." I, on the other hand got fat in my mid-twenties, but even at my most 'fit' as a teen or young adult I was probably around 20% BF with big boobies and a gooey, poochy tummy. Thanks, Ma!