What am I doing wrong?

[seriouslyfit]

You don't have to eat eggs. Can you eat egg substitute at all?? You can add protein powder to your morning meal.

You also don't have to spend a TON of money. Unhealthy foods cost more -- like those Ritz thingies -- processed foods like that are expensive!! Look around your area for a nutrition store other than GNC to see if they sell protein powders for less. I get a 2lb tub for $14 here..... Buy in bulk, on sale & with coupons. Eating healthy does not have to cost a lot. And the price on your health is priceless.......

The way I'm eating in my log is for life...which is why it'll show good & bad things in it. I'm not going to compete, so can be less strict. I'm striving for a balance myself.

I've seen your food log and I could probably do this for life also. I will try the egg substitute tomorrow. Thanks for the advice. You're right those "Ritz thingies" are expensive!!

 

[jenscats5]

I've seen your food log and I could probably do this for life also. I will try the egg substitute tomorrow. Thanks for the advice. You're right those "Ritz thingies" are expensive!!

Check the egg substitute label since some have "real eggs" as an ingredient....don't want you to go into anaphalactic shock!! I think some are more of a true "substitute."

Check the "Recipe Thread!" for some meal ideas, if you need ideas.

As for groceries -- it takes a little time -- but I shop the grocery ads & buy only what's on sale & store it. That way you're not running to the store & buying stuff when you run out -- cuz it's then it gets expensive!!

 

[MrsJnuts]

Welcome

You will learn soo much here, these ladies are very knowledgable.
I find the healthier I eat the better I feel and it carries out into everything else in my life. I have a cheat meal once or twice a week when not competing. Don't beat youself up for cheating once in awhile, everyday is a new day. Setting a Goal will help you to.

 

[seriouslyfit]

Welcome

You will learn soo much here, these ladies are very knowledgable.
I find the healthier I eat the better I feel and it carries out into everything else in my life. I have a cheat meal once or twice a week when not competing. Don't beat youself up for cheating once in awhile, everyday is a new day. Setting a Goal will help you to.

I've already learned so much in the little time I've been here. You ladies are DEFINATELY an inspiration!!

 

[Sassy69]

How you eat depends on your goals -- in my case -- competition. After that, good "off season" shape. Cheats you want to do either 1 day or 1 meal / week. That gives you room to enjoy your life.

 

[jenscats5]

How you eat depends on your goals -- in my case -- competition. After that, good "off season" shape. Cheats you want to do either 1 day or 1 meal / week. That gives you room to enjoy your life.

Exactly! So, what are your goals?? Health & vigor? Competition? Other?

Once you decide on that -- and you can change your mind anytime -- figure out what type of eater you are. Grazer? Picker? Cooked meals? Meals on the go? Both? Some of each?

I've found it helpful towards my goal to understand when & why I want something & to eat along with my nature so I don't feel deprived.

And remember, we can eat healthy, yet still eat well!!

 

[Sassy69]

Part of it is just establishing the good habits that others might see as rather extreme & "fitness obsessed", but are probably just normal for most of us here. But in the long term u need to find what works for you & fits your lifestyle as habits. That is what you will continue and will keep you meeting your goals!

 

[seriouslyfit]

Part of it is just establishing the good habits that others might see as rather extreme & "fitness obsessed", but are probably just normal for most of us here. But in the long term u need to find what works for you & fits your lifestyle as habits. That is what you will continue and will keep you meeting your goals!

You're right about the good habits. I have been in the habit of watching what I eat for a while now, even though I still need help and my family members sometimes look at me like I'm crazy. Mind you I come from a family who eats fried, smothered and barbequed foods on the regular and their idea of working out is sitting down and WATCHING taebo! I've actually become quite used to cutting out most of those foods and I don't crave them as I used to.

My first goal is to get abs. I think I'm in pretty good shape overall but I just want a little more definition and bulk. If I get the guts, I will post some pictures of what I look like now.

 

[jackedmom]

I know I have to tweak my workout schedule but here it is. I've only been doing this particular schedule for about two weeks.

Tuesday: 35-40 min HIIT on treadmill
I do a 5 minute warmup and then run at about 9.0 for a minute and then walk at 3.9 for 1 1/2 min. I repeat this about 8 times.
I work my legs for about 45 minutes. I do squats: 4 sets of 8 with the machine. Lunges: 3 sets of 10 for each leg with dumbbells Squats: 4 sets of 10 with dumbbells. And some other machine that works the front of the legs (don't know what it's called)

Thursday: 35-40 min HIIT on Treadmill
I do an ab workout for about 15 minutes and I do two machines that work the chest. I don't really focus on my arms because they are already defined. Maybe this is a mistake.

Saturday: 35-40 mins on treadmill with incline at 8.0 and mph=4.0
Ab workout

My schedule is extremely hectic. I work nine hours a day, I am the co-owner of a small business, I write grants on the side and I have a three year old that keeps me extremely busy so these three days are the only time I can make it to the gym. I go at night around 8:00 or 9:00. I know for a fact I could do more weight training because I want bulk and definition but I'm not really knowledgable in this area.[/QUOTE]

Just thought I would ask...are you doing the cardio right before your weight training? I do the opposite. I do the cardio after the weight training on days when I can't do it in the morning on an empty stomach.

You mentioned abs--seeing those are mostly about the diet; however, I thought I should add that a nice set of abs come from training them with weight. You didn't realize specify what your 15 minute ab workout was. I do hanging leg raises, rope crunches, and crunches with a medicine ball, for example. I train them like any other bodypart. My abs show all the time at 20% bodyfat...so they are pretty developed.

The rest of your training, could use just a little tweaking...I'm sure the more knowledgeable ladies on this board could help you out there. I've been training for 11 years (on and off) and am kinda stuck in my ways. I train 6 days a week and dedicate each day to a different bodypart. Like this:

day 1:chest/cardio
day 2:back/cardio
day 3:hams/abs
day 4:shoulders/cardio
day 5:arms/calves/cardio
day 6:quads
day off.

One way you could break it up would be like this:

Training day #1: Chest/Triceps/abs/
Training day #2: Back/Biceps/calves
Training day #3: Shoulders/Traps/legs

Not sure how you would do cardio on day three...I can't do shit after I train legs!

But, there are many different and effective training splits. Maybe someone who trains on a three day split can post a workout for you.

Good luck and I hope you reach all your goals!

 

[Sassy69]

My first goal is to get abs. I think I'm in pretty good shape overall but I just want a little more definition and bulk. If I get the guts, I will post some pictures of what I look like now.

Just to set your expectations about abs -- its all about DIET there. Your abs are there, but they are usually under a certain amount of fat. So all the crunches in the world will not build you a 6-pack if you can't see your abs already.

Don't worry having guts -- just do it! You'll appreciate it when put up your 6-pack next to it and also have the satisfaction of knowing you will have inspired future newbies to the EF Ladies Forum!