Arkk's Weight Loss Thread - Page 6

Tonic · 05-04-2009, 11:30 AM

I'm 3 days into the p90x program. One of my former co-workers finished the program a few weeks ago, and holy shit what a change. He followed the program totally and it is day and night. If you want pictures of his before and after I can grab em.

The program kicks your ass, but it's well worth the effort from the results I've seen so far.

Fungul · 05-04-2009, 11:47 AM

Fantastic article.

Bodybuilding.com - John Berardi - Berardi's Kitchen, Part 1 - In My Fridge.

arkk123 · 05-04-2009, 12:03 PM

1- Westside is far too complicated imo for anyone who isn't already experienced in lifting, imo. Westside works with with people who have extensive access to a lot of diff types of training equipment, and knowledge of how to do a lot of unique lifts.

2- I posted something on the original body comp thread I believe that is just like the Rippetoe program that a lot of people tout. There is a lot of diff versions of things like that, but the simplicity of it makes it good imo. Although for the later stages of a diet I believe a little more volume would benefit someone. But that would be awesome for 98% of people.

3- Shutup, that routine could be much worse, but 5x5 or something similar is always a good idea for beginners. I don't understand the setup of that though, is that supposed to be like 1 big giant set? Like circuit training?

4- The reason people nut-hug p90x is because people see this elaborate training program and follow a routine for once in their lives. When you actually stick to something religiously, it works, no matter what it is. This is why personal trainers make money. No one wants someone to sit there and give them this boring ass, basic, progressive routine that just requires dedication and patience. People want to do "core work", and fuck around with swiss balls, and utilize training concepts found in p90x that they have never heard of, but have been around for 40 years, yet prior to p90x they had never stuck with something so it motivates them. If that is what they need, that's fine. But plenty of people get shredded by lifting 3 days a week, doing basic lifts and eating tuna out of the can and brown rice.

Getting into shape is not rocket science. It is extremely easy...if you stick with it.

PS- Berardi is a brilliant dude, and has shifted totally away from catering to the bodybuilding crowd and focuses more on fitness and performance athletes now. His website has a ton of information and articles on random facets of training. Dr. John Berardi, Ph.D.

Shutup · 05-04-2009, 12:29 PM

After reading westside it gave me a few good ideas, but being that I dont really know my limits nor do I have a workout partner I think a few of those lifts could be dangerous.

As for my diet, I've pretty much been following what I've read here. Although, I was the type to either starve myself until I was hungry or just waited until I got high and got the munchies. I've been trying to eat something healthy every 3 hours, but it's been kind of hard to put down the full meals.

Ark- when you say circuit do you mean a full body exercise? When I worked out before I usually did a specific body part daily. Would that be more effective?

Fungul · 05-04-2009, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shutup

After reading westside it gave me a few good ideas, but being that I dont really know my limits nor do I have a workout partner I think a few of those lifts could be dangerous.

As for my diet, I've pretty much been following what I've read here. Although, I was the type to either starve myself until I was hungry or just waited until I got high and got the munchies. I've been trying to eat something healthy every 3 hours, but it's been kind of hard to put down the full meals.

Ark- when you say circuit do you mean a full body exercise? When I worked out before I usually did a specific body part daily. Would that be more effective?

Don't necessarily need to eat full meals everytime. Look at what you're daily calorie intake should be and try to spread it across the day evenly.

I did a full body routine called Crossfit for a year and recently just switched. It's some pretty intense shit, but you'll see the results. There are a lot of full body programs I can recommend if you're interested. It's important to keep switching up your exercises. Your body is very smart at adapting.

ChewieTobbacca · 05-06-2009, 04:50 PM

BTW to all those beginners who love doing isolation movements and machines and stuff....

Forget it, stick with the basics: squats, bench press, deadlift, and standing press

They'll literally do 80-90% of all the muscle you can build at 15-20% of the time it takes you to do all thoe machines if you're a beginner.

I also advise you to get the proper form down before your ego takes over and you do heavy squats and benches with improper form. For deadlifts, definitely find someone who knows what they're doing to teach you cause it is fucking hard to learn and keep form.

Malakie Torsade · 06-01-2009, 12:50 AM

Trying to lose weight myself. Started P90X about a week and a half ago.

Diet/Eating "Right" is the biggest pain in the ass for me. For starters, I don't like the majority of food that you are supposed to eat. Some of it I can force myself to choke down (yogurt, bananas, English muffins,) but many others I will not touch (oatmeal, spinach, Skim milk (gag), cottage cheese, smoothies, any tea that ISN'T sweet tea.) It's frustrating trying to come up with a meal plan when 1) I am crossing out 50%+ of the suggestions I see in these lists and 2) almost nothing I actually LIKE is shown (except tuna and lima beans!)

Another big hang up is I don't cook much at all, especially breakfast. I barely wake up in time to make it to work, let alone have time to cook something. The extent of my cooking ability is salmon or chicken breast in the oven with a few spices. My problem here is that I just get bored with it and want something that I can make quickly or without much hassle.

The research itself is frustrating as well. Obviously there are common themes but there is also contradictory information too.

Anyway, just kind of a rant. Some of the links in this thread have been great (especially the one to the Men's Health list of foods) and will continue trying to figure out what is going to work for me. I know for sure that I'm just not eating enough right now and am trying to fix that.

My only goal is to lose weight. Anything else is a bonus. I am 6'0" and 255 lbs. If I can get close to my ideal weight but have little/no definition that is A-OK by me. I'm just tired of being a fat ass. If I can get to be 5-10lbs over my ideal weight while still pigging out on on lava tacos, chili dogs, Krystal burgers and Kung Pao chicken I will die happy.

Quick question : How do you do egg whites? Are you buying those egg beater things or straining out the yolks yourselves?

ToeMissile · 06-01-2009, 02:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malakie Torsade

Trying to lose weight myself. Started P90X about a week and a half ago.

Diet/Eating "Right" is the biggest pain in the ass for me. For starters, I don't like the majority of food that you are supposed to eat. Some of it I can force myself to choke down (yogurt, bananas, English muffins,) but many others I will not touch (oatmeal, spinach, Skim milk (gag), cottage cheese, smoothies, any tea that ISN'T sweet tea.) It's frustrating trying to come up with a meal plan when 1) I am crossing out 50%+ of the suggestions I see in these lists and 2) almost nothing I actually LIKE is shown (except tuna and lima beans!)

Another big hang up is I don't cook much at all, especially breakfast. I barely wake up in time to make it to work, let alone have time to cook something. The extent of my cooking ability is salmon or chicken breast in the oven with a few spices. My problem here is that I just get bored with it and want something that I can make quickly or without much hassle.

The research itself is frustrating as well. Obviously there are common themes but there is also contradictory information too.

Anyway, just kind of a rant. Some of the links in this thread have been great (especially the one to the Men's Health list of foods) and will continue trying to figure out what is going to work for me. I know for sure that I'm just not eating enough right now and am trying to fix that.

My only goal is to lose weight. Anything else is a bonus. I am 6'0" and 255 lbs. If I can get close to my ideal weight but have little/no definition that is A-OK by me. I'm just tired of being a fat ass. If I can get to be 5-10lbs over my ideal weight while still pigging out on on lava tacos, chili dogs, Krystal burgers and Kung Pao chicken I will die happy.

Quick question : How do you do egg whites? Are you buying those egg beater things or straining out the yolks yourselves?

I struggle with breakfast too, I try and keep some Clif Bar & Company | Food | Products Clif Bar | or Odwalla Bars around for mornings when I don't get around to throwing anything together. Better than coffee & donuts or nothing.

arkk123 · 06-01-2009, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malakie Torsade

If I can get to be 5-10lbs over my ideal weight while still pigging out on on lava tacos, chili dogs, Krystal burgers and Kung Pao chicken I will die happy.

You can't unless you train like some sort of elite athlete and would burn off the majority of the calories. So basically, you can't. So if that is your aim, don't bother. You will fail.

The vast majority of people who diet succesfully or live that lifestyle do not cook on the spot. They make their carbs/protein on like a Sunday and freeze it for the week.

You also don't have to eat "breakfast foods" for breakfast. Have whatever you want. Eat a turkey sandwich, who cares. Food is food.

Also, I can't stand eggs. But generally people just crack the eggs and strain them and cook them on the spot. There are things like Lana's Egg Whites you can buy too to make cooking quicker...sort of.

jayrebb · 06-01-2009, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arkk123

Also, I can't stand eggs. But generally people just crack the eggs and strain them and cook them on the spot. There are things like Lana's Egg Whites you can buy too to make cooking quicker...sort of.

Egg Whites International - 100% Pure Liquid Egg Whites - Order Online!

Just drink them. They are tasteless.

I throw 30g of egg protein, 1 cup of coffee grinded quick oats, 1 banana, 2 scoops of whey, and eyeball the olive oil for a shake personally. Usually twice a day. Waking up and evening. Liquid meal supplementing is something everyone can benefit from.

Some people have problems with raw oats even though the coffee grinder powders them completely. You usually adjust after a few weeks.

Malakie Torsade · 06-03-2009, 03:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arkk123

You can't unless you train like some sort of elite athlete and would burn off the majority of the calories. So basically, you can't. So if that is your aim, don't bother. You will fail.

What I meant to say was that I want to get to my target weight and then stay at that level while living in a lava taco utopia. Realistically, I know that at my age and metabolism rate it's not going to happen so I'm going to have to find a happy medium.

Quote:

Originally Posted by "ToeMissle

I struggle with breakfast too, I try and keep some Clif Bar & Company | Food | Products Clif Bar | or Odwalla Bars around for mornings when I don't get around to throwing anything together. Better than coffee & donuts or nothing.

I usually just grab stuff and bring it in to work; small cans of tuna, apples, bananas, almonds, whole-wheat English muffins, etc. I'm going to check into those bars, though. Can you pick those up at the local GNC or are they online only?

Speaking of those bars... is there anything in particular you look for? There are tons of different "Health bars" and I think it's safe to assume that many are not what you want to eat when you are trying to lose weight.

Kasi · 06-03-2009, 09:18 AM

Well the key to eating badly when getting in shape is to control how often you're bad. So eat good for 5 days out of the week and then 2 days eat your bad stuff. You probably won't lose much weight that way, but you shouldn't gain much either if you're exercising well and eating well on those 5 days.

arkk123 · 06-03-2009, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kasi

Well the key to eating badly when getting in shape is to control how often you're bad. So eat good for 5 days out of the week and then 2 days eat your bad stuff. You probably won't lose much weight that way, but you shouldn't gain much either if you're exercising well and eating well on those 5 days.

Terrible idea.

Anyone who is fat by virtue of eating a lot, not someone who has a legitimate health issue with their thyroid or something along those lines can put down 2-3x the amount of calories you'd diet on in one day. People get fat because of consistently bad eating habits.

Fact: If you eat 4000 calories of junk every day, your body will over time grow into a product of that ritual. If you halve those calories, lose 20lbs in a few months and then expect you can somehow eat what you ate before and just hover at your new weight, I can tell anyone right now to not waste their time eating a chicken breast or a bowl of brown rice because you'll be fat again in a much shorter amount of time than it took you to lose it.

I don't believe in "cheat meals" or "cheat days" unless it is used when you are already lean as a way to stimulate your metabolism. This doesn't mean someone who pulled themselves away from McDonalds for 5 days so they are gonna go eat a big mac as their reward. Thinking like that is why we have so many fat people in this country...no one wants to work for it. "Magic" pills, fat burners, colon cleanse diets that will make you lose 10 lbs in 5 days, bla bla bla.

Getting in shape isn't a phase, it is a lifestyle. If someone can't completely change their routine and eating habits, they can and will stay fat.

Kasi · 06-03-2009, 12:20 PM

Well sure its better to go the whole way. I don't think anyone is denying that. The problem is there are people out there who have urges they can't control. So rather than breaking down and saying fuck it to the whole thing, it is much better for those types that they limit their damage to a smaller number of days. Sure it would be great if those people could change their eating habits and just not eat the bad stuff. But they won't do it, they're incapable of it.

So its better if you balance the good days with the bad so they have that carrot in front of them to dangle on the 5-6 day streaks where you want them to be really good. I know people that without that cheat day to look forward to will never buy into the good days that are necessary for them to lose weight. Of course most people will have bad days occasionally, generally its not really planned, but for some that planning is important. "You give me a week of eating really well and working out with me and I'll let you go to the burger shop on Sunday" is a perfectly valid strategy for getting someone who isn't enthusiastic about diets into doing something positive.

It's like smoking, some people can just do it cold turkey but there are some out there who do it successfully by reducing again and again til they finally quit. The leap you're asking for is just too much for many people to make, and its especially hard when you're a friend trying to get someone to lose weight when they're not really excited about it.

Quineloe · 06-03-2009, 12:21 PM

I tried having just salad today for lunch. When I got home I absolutly could not resist picking up two whoppers. How the fuck do people live on that stuff?

05-04-2009, 11:47 AM	#77 (permalink)
Fungul Molester of Nature Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 488	Fantastic article. Bodybuilding.com - John Berardi - Berardi's Kitchen, Part 1 - In My Fridge. __________________ Fung Fires of Heaven

05-04-2009, 12:03 PM	#78 (permalink)
arkk123 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 1,110 -83 Internets	1- Westside is far too complicated imo for anyone who isn't already experienced in lifting, imo. Westside works with with people who have extensive access to a lot of diff types of training equipment, and knowledge of how to do a lot of unique lifts. 2- I posted something on the original body comp thread I believe that is just like the Rippetoe program that a lot of people tout. There is a lot of diff versions of things like that, but the simplicity of it makes it good imo. Although for the later stages of a diet I believe a little more volume would benefit someone. But that would be awesome for 98% of people. 3- Shutup, that routine could be much worse, but 5x5 or something similar is always a good idea for beginners. I don't understand the setup of that though, is that supposed to be like 1 big giant set? Like circuit training? 4- The reason people nut-hug p90x is because people see this elaborate training program and follow a routine for once in their lives. When you actually stick to something religiously, it works, no matter what it is. This is why personal trainers make money. No one wants someone to sit there and give them this boring ass, basic, progressive routine that just requires dedication and patience. People want to do "core work", and fuck around with swiss balls, and utilize training concepts found in p90x that they have never heard of, but have been around for 40 years, yet prior to p90x they had never stuck with something so it motivates them. If that is what they need, that's fine. But plenty of people get shredded by lifting 3 days a week, doing basic lifts and eating tuna out of the can and brown rice. Getting into shape is not rocket science. It is extremely easy...if you stick with it. PS- Berardi is a brilliant dude, and has shifted totally away from catering to the bodybuilding crowd and focuses more on fitness and performance athletes now. His website has a ton of information and articles on random facets of training. Dr. John Berardi, Ph.D. Last edited by arkk123; 05-04-2009 at 12:06 PM..

06-01-2009, 12:50 AM	#82 (permalink)
Malakie Torsade Genocide Engineer Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Georgia Posts: 1,911 +9 Internets	Trying to lose weight myself. Started P90X about a week and a half ago. Diet/Eating "Right" is the biggest pain in the ass for me. For starters, I don't like the majority of food that you are supposed to eat. Some of it I can force myself to choke down (yogurt, bananas, English muffins,) but many others I will not touch (oatmeal, spinach, Skim milk (gag), cottage cheese, smoothies, any tea that ISN'T sweet tea.) It's frustrating trying to come up with a meal plan when 1) I am crossing out 50%+ of the suggestions I see in these lists and 2) almost nothing I actually LIKE is shown (except tuna and lima beans!) Another big hang up is I don't cook much at all, especially breakfast. I barely wake up in time to make it to work, let alone have time to cook something. The extent of my cooking ability is salmon or chicken breast in the oven with a few spices. My problem here is that I just get bored with it and want something that I can make quickly or without much hassle. The research itself is frustrating as well. Obviously there are common themes but there is also contradictory information too. Anyway, just kind of a rant. Some of the links in this thread have been great (especially the one to the Men's Health list of foods) and will continue trying to figure out what is going to work for me. I know for sure that I'm just not eating enough right now and am trying to fix that. My only goal is to lose weight. Anything else is a bonus. I am 6'0" and 255 lbs. If I can get close to my ideal weight but have little/no definition that is A-OK by me. I'm just tired of being a fat ass. If I can get to be 5-10lbs over my ideal weight while still pigging out on on lava tacos, chili dogs, Krystal burgers and Kung Pao chicken I will die happy. Quick question : How do you do egg whites? Are you buying those egg beater things or straining out the yolks yourselves? __________________

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05-04-2009, 11:30 AM	#76 (permalink)
Tonic Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Nashua Posts: 500 +15 Internets	I'm 3 days into the p90x program. One of my former co-workers finished the program a few weeks ago, and holy shit what a change. He followed the program totally and it is day and night. If you want pictures of his before and after I can grab em. The program kicks your ass, but it's well worth the effort from the results I've seen so far.

05-04-2009, 12:29 PM	#79 (permalink)
Shutup Cajun in yo pocket Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Opelousas, LA Posts: 891 +20 Internets	After reading westside it gave me a few good ideas, but being that I dont really know my limits nor do I have a workout partner I think a few of those lifts could be dangerous. As for my diet, I've pretty much been following what I've read here. Although, I was the type to either starve myself until I was hungry or just waited until I got high and got the munchies. I've been trying to eat something healthy every 3 hours, but it's been kind of hard to put down the full meals. Ark- when you say circuit do you mean a full body exercise? When I worked out before I usually did a specific body part daily. Would that be more effective?

05-06-2009, 04:50 PM	#81 (permalink)
ChewieTobbacca Spawn more Overlords Join Date: May 2003 Location: Southern California Posts: 2,683 +12 Internets	BTW to all those beginners who love doing isolation movements and machines and stuff.... Forget it, stick with the basics: squats, bench press, deadlift, and standing press They'll literally do 80-90% of all the muscle you can build at 15-20% of the time it takes you to do all thoe machines if you're a beginner. I also advise you to get the proper form down before your ego takes over and you do heavy squats and benches with improper form. For deadlifts, definitely find someone who knows what they're doing to teach you cause it is fucking hard to learn and keep form.

06-03-2009, 09:18 AM	#87 (permalink)
Kasi Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 1,053 +8 Internets	Well the key to eating badly when getting in shape is to control how often you're bad. So eat good for 5 days out of the week and then 2 days eat your bad stuff. You probably won't lose much weight that way, but you shouldn't gain much either if you're exercising well and eating well on those 5 days.

06-03-2009, 12:20 PM	#89 (permalink)
Kasi Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 1,053 +8 Internets	Well sure its better to go the whole way. I don't think anyone is denying that. The problem is there are people out there who have urges they can't control. So rather than breaking down and saying fuck it to the whole thing, it is much better for those types that they limit their damage to a smaller number of days. Sure it would be great if those people could change their eating habits and just not eat the bad stuff. But they won't do it, they're incapable of it. So its better if you balance the good days with the bad so they have that carrot in front of them to dangle on the 5-6 day streaks where you want them to be really good. I know people that without that cheat day to look forward to will never buy into the good days that are necessary for them to lose weight. Of course most people will have bad days occasionally, generally its not really planned, but for some that planning is important. "You give me a week of eating really well and working out with me and I'll let you go to the burger shop on Sunday" is a perfectly valid strategy for getting someone who isn't enthusiastic about diets into doing something positive. It's like smoking, some people can just do it cold turkey but there are some out there who do it successfully by reducing again and again til they finally quit. The leap you're asking for is just too much for many people to make, and its especially hard when you're a friend trying to get someone to lose weight when they're not really excited about it.

06-03-2009, 12:21 PM	#90 (permalink)
Quineloe Hard Rock Hallelujah Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 10,128	I tried having just salad today for lunch. When I got home I absolutly could not resist picking up two whoppers. How the fuck do people live on that stuff?