New to this- no idea what to do

[bigjumper21]

In the last 3 or 4 months, i have gained a lot of weight all over my (thighs, stomach, chest). I want to lose a lot of it or all of it, or at least enough so that I can gain muscle and at least look a little skinnier. What should I be eating? Currently, I work out whenever 3-4 days a week, and try to do push-ups every night before bed. I used to run a lot but I haven't lately. Should i start running more? If so, how much? I like to eat bread or bagels with butter, that was the first thing Im thinking about cutting. What should i should eat for every meal? Give me examples please. Thanks

 

[faller]

Hmm. You're probably going to need to post more info about yourself. In the meantime...Start with eating every three hours (make sure you have protein every meal), run if you like running, I'd skip the pushups and save your energy for your workouts. switching to whole-grain breads is a good idea. Drop the butter, you can use jam, or natty pb for a topping if you want. For now, can you give me some detail as to what you are eating, your workouts, and stats (age, weight, ht, etc).

 

[SoreArms]

For me, diet is first on the list. You can train like a champ, but if you are not eating right, your results will not be as good as if you had the right diet.

For loosing fat, first, cut all refined sugars (sodas, juices, candy, etc..)
Second, cut down on your carbs (limited bread intake, find some rye bread. Definately loose the bagels and butter thing, get lots of green veggies)
Third, log all your meals, I mean every single thing you eat and try to keep count of protein, fat, carb and total calories. At the end of a week, look at your eating habits and cut where appropriate. Post what you typically eat in a day and people here can then help you fine tune your diet.
Fourth, keep reading. There is a wealth of information on these boards, and it takes a while to catch on to the lingo and concepts that people recommend.
Fifth, ask questions. People here are very friendly and helpful. Don't be afraid to ask questions, that's the only way you'll learn.

I am currently on a cutting (fat loosing) diet, and this is what I put together with the help of everyone here.

Current body weight, multiply by 11, that is my total amount of calories per day. I then do a 50/30/20 P/F/C, which means that I take in 50% of my calories from protein, 30% from fat and 20% from carbs. I choose what I eat carfully, I stopped eating fast food, and basically cook every thing I eat, the only way I can really control the diet. I log every single meal, weigh my self once a week and change things in my diet according to the progress (or lack of). I know it seems like pain in the ass to do all these things, but it's the best way for me to keep motivated and concentrated on my goals.

I also started out doing tons of cardio, about 45 mins. 4 days a week, but since I started with the diet, I work out 3 days a week, I do 10 mins. cardio pre workout and 10 mins cardio post work out (not much at all) and i have lost over 15 lbs in about a month and have developed some muscle. Too much cardio can hinder you from building/retaining muscle.

Hope this helps, good luck.

 

[i be kiz]

check out the ckd diet or ANPB in the links up top. they'll help you out

 

[KWKSLVR]

Good advice SoreArms. Also, as far as logging your meals goes, check out www.fitday.com

You can log everything you eat. There are a lot of foods already listed, but there is also room to input any specific foods you want to (Most of what I use is custom). Definately cut out the bagels and REALLY watch your bread intake.

Head over to www.mmsfitness.com and register to read Mr.X's CKD manual. A CKD is probably your best bet. A lot of this can seem complicated at first, but we're here to guide you along with anything that seems weird to grasp.

 

[bigjumper21]

Currently, I'm 6'3" and about 200lbs. I'm somewhat lean, i suppose. I'd post a pic if i had a camera. Normally, I'm pretty good wtih keeping my weight down and staying healthy, but over the last couple months, i was unable to work out because of a broken wrist, and now im really starting to see the effects. Back in July, when i broek it, i was 180lbs, and pretty lean. My only goal is to get back to that state, possibly even better. Also, is milk bad?