Please Scroll Down to See Forums Below 
I want to thank everyone for the comments and insights so far. To answer some of the questions and comments...
I read Body for Life when it first came out, about 6 years ago I think. It was a good read to get started with. Pretty basic but thats the point I was/am at. I got so much out of it I leant it to a friend and havent seen it since. At least she got great use of it too.
The ratios Im using are from Venuto's book, Chapter 8: Macronutrient Ratios. He states "The starting point for an effective fat-burning and muscle-building diet, often called a 'baseline diet' is 50-55% Carbs, 30% Protein and 15-20% Fat." After reading the posts I thought I might have gotten it wrong so I re-checked. I agree that the carbs seem high but figured Id begin with this and as the author says...tweak the percentages to what works for my body. He goes through all the different ratios and the good and the bad of each. This is just the ratio that he claims works. The ratio is definately not a cutter, but this is more of an initial "clean up your act" diet that will allow me to follow through in the early days. It will definatley be modified and tweaked quite a bit as time passes.
I have been using Fitday.com and that is how I plan all my meals to be sure Im getting the desired calories as well as the carbs, protein and fats. I love the site and find it to make life a hell of a lot easier.
Ive been curious about the ANPB since reading the posts here. Why does it have to be the all natural? I assume the processed stuff has a ton of sugar in it but am not sure. It definatley sounds like a good way to get some calories as well as fats.
Finally, I know some swear by eating as much protein and as little carbs as possible. It doesnt seem to work for me. The carbs are what keeps my energy up. However, I am making it a point to eat complex carbs...potato, yams, brown rice, oats and fiberous veges in moderate amounts. Additionally, the carbs cause insulin which in turn allow the amino acids of the proteins into the muscle cells while the protein in turn slows the digestion of the carbs and prevents insulin spikes. Besides, I still need my daily Constitutional.
All in all progress is slow and steady. My energy is really picking up and I get a kick out of not just wanting to sit and watch tv all night.
Again, thanks for the comments and keep them comming if you like. Advice on the Natty PB would be nice too. Anyone here use the Accu-Measure body fat caliper? I know, way too many damn questions.
I read Body for Life when it first came out, about 6 years ago I think. It was a good read to get started with. Pretty basic but thats the point I was/am at. I got so much out of it I leant it to a friend and havent seen it since. At least she got great use of it too.
The ratios Im using are from Venuto's book, Chapter 8: Macronutrient Ratios. He states "The starting point for an effective fat-burning and muscle-building diet, often called a 'baseline diet' is 50-55% Carbs, 30% Protein and 15-20% Fat." After reading the posts I thought I might have gotten it wrong so I re-checked. I agree that the carbs seem high but figured Id begin with this and as the author says...tweak the percentages to what works for my body. He goes through all the different ratios and the good and the bad of each. This is just the ratio that he claims works. The ratio is definately not a cutter, but this is more of an initial "clean up your act" diet that will allow me to follow through in the early days. It will definatley be modified and tweaked quite a bit as time passes.
I have been using Fitday.com and that is how I plan all my meals to be sure Im getting the desired calories as well as the carbs, protein and fats. I love the site and find it to make life a hell of a lot easier.
Ive been curious about the ANPB since reading the posts here. Why does it have to be the all natural? I assume the processed stuff has a ton of sugar in it but am not sure. It definatley sounds like a good way to get some calories as well as fats.
Finally, I know some swear by eating as much protein and as little carbs as possible. It doesnt seem to work for me. The carbs are what keeps my energy up. However, I am making it a point to eat complex carbs...potato, yams, brown rice, oats and fiberous veges in moderate amounts. Additionally, the carbs cause insulin which in turn allow the amino acids of the proteins into the muscle cells while the protein in turn slows the digestion of the carbs and prevents insulin spikes. Besides, I still need my daily Constitutional.
All in all progress is slow and steady. My energy is really picking up and I get a kick out of not just wanting to sit and watch tv all night.
Again, thanks for the comments and keep them comming if you like. Advice on the Natty PB would be nice too. Anyone here use the Accu-Measure body fat caliper? I know, way too many damn questions.
