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very confused...help
- Thread starter miss b
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Sassy69
New member
Hi Miss B -
I understand where you are coming from (I think we all did at one point...) I have lifted for close to 20 years now but didnt' understand the importance of diet & consistency until about 5 years ago. I dont' travel as much as I used to, but the does not mean it was easy figuring out how to "eat clean". I spent a couple days thinking about what I "should" eat and how I could pack that, eat at work, what wouldn't go bad, what was easy to make. Then I had to be more creative when I traveled to continue doing that. The quick answer for traveling is to eat the clean stuff on the menu for your restaurant meals --- get the chicken w/o the parmesan sauce or just a small steak or whatever, the house salad or the mixed vegies just steamed, no butter, and a potatoe, no butter, etc. Because I'm sure you can't hit a restaurant 6 x / day while traveling, I measure out 1/2 c oatmeal & put it in a bunch of zip lock baggies or just brign a big bag w/ the measuring scoop for breakfast. Usually hotel rooms have those little coffee pots, so I just heat up water & use their coffee cups. I'll even bring my own plastic silverware if I have to. If you can get room w/ a little microwave and a fridge, then you can reheat anything. I have also gone to the local grocery store & picked up some cartons of egg whites to nuke (I bring some tupperwear) for breakfast. Tuna always works - I actually pack about 10 of the little single serving cans w/ the pull tab top (dont' have to carry a can opener). Since I can't stand the taste of tuna anymore, I also bring some mustard (or grab a pile of the little mustard packs at the airport food places) and put that in the tuna (this is an "acquired taste...). I also have a big bottled water sized water bottle carrier and a small cooler w/ those little freezer pack ice things to keep stuff cold.
Face it, its more unique to see someone traveling w/ a pile of tuna cans than w/ a big bag of McDonald's from the airport Mcy D's, but the tuna won't clog your arteries.
The first step is commitment to what you want to accomplish. The second step is figuring out how to do it. The third step is doing it.
The interesting thing to point out is that you said you have tried this diet & that diet -- the secret is that its not a diet, its a lifestyle. Whether or not you follow something listed in a book by Dr. Atkins or Bill Phillips or whoever is beside the point. If you take the basic rules of good dieting - 6 small meals w/ protein & good carbs (more complex earlier in the day, stick to dark, green leafy carbs later in the day), good fats (e.g. 1 tblsp flax oil per day, or some nuts or whatever), cut out the simple sugars (simple carbs), most or all processed foods, better to cut back on the sodas, more water, consistent sleep & exercise - then you have a lifestyle. This is just the "way you do it" - not the "diet" you are following at the moment. If you want to drop some bodyfat, then commit to it - long term - a month just ain't enough. Then figure out how to make it fit your lifestyle. If it doesnt' fit, then it won't work. YOu'll get frustrated and go back to old habits.
Also be patient. Say you started the above basic meal plan with some consistent time in the gym -- it will take about 3 weeks to start seeing results, but also to get the habit established (so it isn't so painful to get into the gym or spend the time packing food, etc. ) and also for your body to clean out any garbage its accumulated from previous bad dieting and start running more optimally on the "new" diet. Patience is the key. After a month or two you will definitely start seeing differences in bodyfat & probably also attitude. Your body will run better & more optimally w/ good maintenance instead of random "jump starts". Actually if you try to starve down or hit your body w/ an extreme diet change, it will probably rebel, assume its going into starvation mode and then slow metabolism - the whole process just backfires then.
Also regarding HGH -- first to find out more about *anything*, please spend LOTS of time using the Search button at the upper right corner of the screen. Most of your questions can be answered using that. HGH does have some amazing power to revitalize, etc. But first of all, it is not cheap and only legally prescribed by doctors (at least in the US). Also I think in general, you should know LOTS about it before even considering its use. And finally if you want to use it, to get the most out of the cost and effort to get it, you should have good diet & training habits. Its just plain ignorant to go looking for something that gives quick fix results without doing the research & knowing the consequences. And again, if you haven't already realized most of your potential via good diet & training habits, then you wont' be getting the most out of the supplements such as HGH & steroids. If you don't know how to take it & dose it, then you are just asking for trouble. Consistent, long term diet & training will give you the most reliable, long term results.
I understand where you are coming from (I think we all did at one point...) I have lifted for close to 20 years now but didnt' understand the importance of diet & consistency until about 5 years ago. I dont' travel as much as I used to, but the does not mean it was easy figuring out how to "eat clean". I spent a couple days thinking about what I "should" eat and how I could pack that, eat at work, what wouldn't go bad, what was easy to make. Then I had to be more creative when I traveled to continue doing that. The quick answer for traveling is to eat the clean stuff on the menu for your restaurant meals --- get the chicken w/o the parmesan sauce or just a small steak or whatever, the house salad or the mixed vegies just steamed, no butter, and a potatoe, no butter, etc. Because I'm sure you can't hit a restaurant 6 x / day while traveling, I measure out 1/2 c oatmeal & put it in a bunch of zip lock baggies or just brign a big bag w/ the measuring scoop for breakfast. Usually hotel rooms have those little coffee pots, so I just heat up water & use their coffee cups. I'll even bring my own plastic silverware if I have to. If you can get room w/ a little microwave and a fridge, then you can reheat anything. I have also gone to the local grocery store & picked up some cartons of egg whites to nuke (I bring some tupperwear) for breakfast. Tuna always works - I actually pack about 10 of the little single serving cans w/ the pull tab top (dont' have to carry a can opener). Since I can't stand the taste of tuna anymore, I also bring some mustard (or grab a pile of the little mustard packs at the airport food places) and put that in the tuna (this is an "acquired taste...). I also have a big bottled water sized water bottle carrier and a small cooler w/ those little freezer pack ice things to keep stuff cold.
Face it, its more unique to see someone traveling w/ a pile of tuna cans than w/ a big bag of McDonald's from the airport Mcy D's, but the tuna won't clog your arteries.
The first step is commitment to what you want to accomplish. The second step is figuring out how to do it. The third step is doing it.
The interesting thing to point out is that you said you have tried this diet & that diet -- the secret is that its not a diet, its a lifestyle. Whether or not you follow something listed in a book by Dr. Atkins or Bill Phillips or whoever is beside the point. If you take the basic rules of good dieting - 6 small meals w/ protein & good carbs (more complex earlier in the day, stick to dark, green leafy carbs later in the day), good fats (e.g. 1 tblsp flax oil per day, or some nuts or whatever), cut out the simple sugars (simple carbs), most or all processed foods, better to cut back on the sodas, more water, consistent sleep & exercise - then you have a lifestyle. This is just the "way you do it" - not the "diet" you are following at the moment. If you want to drop some bodyfat, then commit to it - long term - a month just ain't enough. Then figure out how to make it fit your lifestyle. If it doesnt' fit, then it won't work. YOu'll get frustrated and go back to old habits.
Also be patient. Say you started the above basic meal plan with some consistent time in the gym -- it will take about 3 weeks to start seeing results, but also to get the habit established (so it isn't so painful to get into the gym or spend the time packing food, etc. ) and also for your body to clean out any garbage its accumulated from previous bad dieting and start running more optimally on the "new" diet. Patience is the key. After a month or two you will definitely start seeing differences in bodyfat & probably also attitude. Your body will run better & more optimally w/ good maintenance instead of random "jump starts". Actually if you try to starve down or hit your body w/ an extreme diet change, it will probably rebel, assume its going into starvation mode and then slow metabolism - the whole process just backfires then.
Also regarding HGH -- first to find out more about *anything*, please spend LOTS of time using the Search button at the upper right corner of the screen. Most of your questions can be answered using that. HGH does have some amazing power to revitalize, etc. But first of all, it is not cheap and only legally prescribed by doctors (at least in the US). Also I think in general, you should know LOTS about it before even considering its use. And finally if you want to use it, to get the most out of the cost and effort to get it, you should have good diet & training habits. Its just plain ignorant to go looking for something that gives quick fix results without doing the research & knowing the consequences. And again, if you haven't already realized most of your potential via good diet & training habits, then you wont' be getting the most out of the supplements such as HGH & steroids. If you don't know how to take it & dose it, then you are just asking for trouble. Consistent, long term diet & training will give you the most reliable, long term results.
Sassy69
New member
Hi again -- just saw your last post while I was writing my short novel above 
...
If you want to hear some real-life results regarding the Body for Life program, I suggest that you PM JenniferbflChick. She's been doing the 12 week challenges for about a year now and has made FANTASTIC progress - I believe losing about 50 lbs to date. She is living proof that it works.
You can use the supps that Bill Phillips suggests (part of his marketing blitz for EAS) or just go to the health food store & ask for their brand or non-brand equivalents. A good multi is usually sufficient for getting started. The ECA will help you burn a little more, but they may also make you feel queasy or give you headaches or make you feel anxious. They are not necessary.
The protein mixes --- you should probably find something that is low carb & low fat - I'm guessing you tried the EAS stuff - Myoplex - that stuff is heavy in carbs & also doesnt' mix up without a blender. They put some stuff in there to make it thicker but that makes it impossible to just mix in w/ water. I personally prefer Isopure, but I'm not saying they taste great either. Another "acquired taste". But in order to meet the 5-6 small meals /day thing, sometimes protein mixes are an excellent quick meal when you need it. I have at least one per day, and also immediately after a workout.
Protein bars are another option, but they are expensive and you can get addicted to them like candy bars. They have some extra filler stuff in them that make them higher in carbs - they should be used primarily as emergency food, bot a regular meal. When you can, real food is always better.
There is nothing you *have* to do to accomplish your diet (e.g. particular supps or particular brands) - find what is available to you and fits in your lifestyle.
...If you want to hear some real-life results regarding the Body for Life program, I suggest that you PM JenniferbflChick. She's been doing the 12 week challenges for about a year now and has made FANTASTIC progress - I believe losing about 50 lbs to date. She is living proof that it works.
You can use the supps that Bill Phillips suggests (part of his marketing blitz for EAS) or just go to the health food store & ask for their brand or non-brand equivalents. A good multi is usually sufficient for getting started. The ECA will help you burn a little more, but they may also make you feel queasy or give you headaches or make you feel anxious. They are not necessary.
The protein mixes --- you should probably find something that is low carb & low fat - I'm guessing you tried the EAS stuff - Myoplex - that stuff is heavy in carbs & also doesnt' mix up without a blender. They put some stuff in there to make it thicker but that makes it impossible to just mix in w/ water. I personally prefer Isopure, but I'm not saying they taste great either. Another "acquired taste". But in order to meet the 5-6 small meals /day thing, sometimes protein mixes are an excellent quick meal when you need it. I have at least one per day, and also immediately after a workout.
Protein bars are another option, but they are expensive and you can get addicted to them like candy bars. They have some extra filler stuff in them that make them higher in carbs - they should be used primarily as emergency food, bot a regular meal. When you can, real food is always better.
There is nothing you *have* to do to accomplish your diet (e.g. particular supps or particular brands) - find what is available to you and fits in your lifestyle.
I'm going to second Sassy on the isopure. It might not be as fabulous as let's say eating a dish of ice cream-- but it's not bad either. I didn't find it a hard taste to aquire. Having shakes like that is really convenient if you have a busy life. I just haul my protein around with me so I can throw together a shake at work. I don't always have time to prep meals...especially during the day when I'm at the office.
I'll also agree that the protein bars can be pricey...but they're nice when you're rushing around. I find it really helpful to cook more than one meal's worth of stuff when I'm cooking. I break down meals in gladware (gotta love it...cheap and I don't feel bad if I don't want to wash it and I toss it). Then I have a stock of good stuff to grab out of my fridge.
It takes a bit to get used to but eating clean but you really can make it fit into a busy schedule.
Kate
I'll also agree that the protein bars can be pricey...but they're nice when you're rushing around. I find it really helpful to cook more than one meal's worth of stuff when I'm cooking. I break down meals in gladware (gotta love it...cheap and I don't feel bad if I don't want to wash it and I toss it). Then I have a stock of good stuff to grab out of my fridge.
It takes a bit to get used to but eating clean but you really can make it fit into a busy schedule.
Kate
ok, i'm all ready to go now. i do have to wait after x-mas though because i'm on the road with a band and it's very impossible to get any clean food at all and i can't bring a 2nd suitcase with my own food
i signed up with fitday.com which is really great. it will make it easy to watch my carb and protein intake.
i will start doing heavy weights 4 times a week and cardio 5 times.
cardio on low intensity (140-150) or higher?
again, i want to drop from 29% to 20%. is there anything else i should be aware of?
should i do weights on an empty stomach as well or what should i eat before workout? (sorry, but i read so many posts by now that i can't remember)
any tips if i get sugar cravings?
i will give you an update at the end of jan...
thanks a lot
i signed up with fitday.com which is really great. it will make it easy to watch my carb and protein intake.
i will start doing heavy weights 4 times a week and cardio 5 times.
cardio on low intensity (140-150) or higher?
again, i want to drop from 29% to 20%. is there anything else i should be aware of?
should i do weights on an empty stomach as well or what should i eat before workout? (sorry, but i read so many posts by now that i can't remember)
any tips if i get sugar cravings?
i will give you an update at the end of jan...
thanks a lot
miss b,
a band huh? what kind of music? how fun!
u should not lift on an empty stomach. eat carbs and protein before the workout. also eat right after the workout. ur body needs energy for the work out, and then it needs more fuel to recover from the workout -- very important! prolly ur most important meals of the day.
my fav tip for sugar craving - get sugar free jello
a band huh? what kind of music? how fun!
u should not lift on an empty stomach. eat carbs and protein before the workout. also eat right after the workout. ur body needs energy for the work out, and then it needs more fuel to recover from the workout -- very important! prolly ur most important meals of the day.
my fav tip for sugar craving - get sugar free jello
miss b-
why wait until january? how about today? if you are using fitday you can look at what you eat... get a jump start on your food breakdown... get that lifestyle change in order faster!
when I lower the carbs my sugar cravings almost go away! for a great snack I eat sugar free/ fat free jell-o!
why wait until january? how about today? if you are using fitday you can look at what you eat... get a jump start on your food breakdown... get that lifestyle change in order faster!
when I lower the carbs my sugar cravings almost go away! for a great snack I eat sugar free/ fat free jell-o!
i did start today. i put all the food info in the fitday schedule and it came out that i have 50% carb, 31% protein, 19% fat. i guess i have to cut the carbs and push up the protein. what would be the perfect % ratio?
i just can't start weight lifting before dec 27th and i will try to keep my diet as clean as possible. which will be very hard as i'm confronted with candy, cheese, bread and chips. it's like being a junky and drugs all over the place
muskles, the band i'm with right now is a canadian rock band. i'm glad that i don't have to go with all my bands on the road as i would look like a pig in no time...
i just can't start weight lifting before dec 27th and i will try to keep my diet as clean as possible. which will be very hard as i'm confronted with candy, cheese, bread and chips. it's like being a junky and drugs all over the place
muskles, the band i'm with right now is a canadian rock band. i'm glad that i don't have to go with all my bands on the road as i would look like a pig in no time...
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