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2003/10/14, 12:34 AM
Let me first of say that I already somewhat know the answer to this question and I am fully aware of the consequences that come with fasting and extended periods of low caloric intake.
That said, I know in my heart if I didn't see results right away I would quit my plan and go back to eating what and when I wanted to. So I have managed to starve myself and study weight lifting very very heavily. I hav also worked out EVERYDAY giving each major muscle group the appropriate time to heal (2 for most groups and 3 for glutes and my back). Feel free to leave feedback on my progress it can be found here <a href="http://www.geocities.com/singlegeorgiadad/">here.</a>
Ok, now I know im walking the fine line between loosing too much body fat/muscle and interfering with my metabolism to a point that it would be detrimental to my progress.
I need a way to eat healthy (I still want 8% bodyfat) with out reintroducing to many calories to my body and having a negative impact. Right now I take in about 800 to 1200 cals a day inculding 1 meal at 7:00 PM and softdrinks throught the day (inclusive).
Any help on how to reintroduce a low calorie diet (to obtain the 8% body fat) yet still build enough muscle to have the carved gymnist look. At this point im scared that anything I do will have a negative impact.
Another HUGE issue for me right now is quitting smoking, I have smoked for nearly 10 years now and hear the horror stories of weight gain associated with it. But I know that I will never have the wind to do cardio/aerobic while I smoke. Any ideas on how to do this without the weight gain.
I could really use the help guys. Thanks so much in advance.
http://www.geocities.com/singlegeorgiadad/
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2003/10/14, 08:42 AM
From the "sound" of your post, I'd guess you have a pretty fair idea that you're setting yourself up for a fall. That said though - I have seen that rare person that got down to almost where they wanted and managed to stay that way. The majority of folks will yo-yo so much it'll make your head spin. The smoking -- again your post indicates you know the long term affects so no point in beating a dead horse there either. You might want to check the American Lung Association web site (read some of the articles) and you might find that the weight gain thing is more of an excuse not to quit than anything else. Been there/done that - I used the weight as an excuse many years ago saying that I'd drop that extra 10 lbs and then I'd quit. Wellll - us being human - I put on ten lbs. Finally said to heck with it and just did it.
One thing I did notice in your post was the mention of soft drinks - those things are eveil :). Anyway - the only reason for this unintentionally long ,post since it's obvious you know what you NEED to do - It's just a matter of you kicking yourself in the butt and living the kind of lifestyle you already KNOW that you need to do.
Good luck to you.
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2003/10/14, 01:18 PM
I guess you know from your own words in your post that your metabolism has slowed to a crawl, and you are set up for a tremendous rebound. This is a very unhealthy protocol you have undertaken. You have lost more muscle probably than fat, thus your fat to muscle ratio has gotten even worse. You have to understand, muscle stokes the metabolism. The more lean mass you lose, the more you are losing the battle. You may see the scale go down, but it is going down with wrong weight coming off.
As stated, diet and lean mass raise your metabolic rate. At this point this is essential. I would start with raising your calorie intake by 250 calories per day, make them solid calories, lean proteins and good complex carbs, lots of green veggies. I would keep this protocol up, 250 calories per day till you start to see a small weight gain! Then stay there and let it level off, keep your weight trainning up, and you will get things back in order. When the weight gain stops, which it will shortly, you will have your maintenance calories. Then from there you start adjusting according to need. Never, ever do what you did. This is a very short term "fix", and upon eating again your body will actually react by storing more fat as a starvation mechanism, in anticipation of next time. At this point, there is going to be no way around this, you are going to have to let it run its course. The 250 calorie per day is a good, small increase of 1750 calories per week. With exercise added in, this is a very small amount and should ease you back to where you are healthy again.
Do not worry about gaining weight when quitting smoking. Most people do this due to the fact they substitute food in place of the cigarrettes. Just be concious of this and don't do this, and you will be fine. I quit over 18 yrs. ago, and had no detremental weight gains or anything. Good luck to you...
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Great people never want it easier, they just want to be better!
Ron
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2003/10/17, 07:59 AM
I quit smoking and haven't gained one pound in 5 months! (well, I did start again for a reason that's beyond my understanding, but still :)... )
Your story reminds me of a friend of mine who's done the same thing for years. She likes to eat and when she does, she eats like crazy and gets very fat in a few months. Then she decides to lose weight and being a very stubborn person, she succeeds in going through 3 weeks or so eating basically nothing, just drinking a lot of tea, water and occasionally orange juice and eating sunflower seeds at night, when she gets hungry and needs to keep her hands busy in order to keep away from food. Then she goes and gets some fake tan, buys new clothes etc.
She has a great period when she's very happy and pleased, and eventually allows herself to eat something here and there. She gains back the weight in a very short while and becomes discouraged and fat again.
She's done this so many times, that I never know which one of her two versions I'm going to meet next time. But it's definetly not good for her body and mind, even though I've always admired her ambition and determination.
I think outdoing it is going to make you hate your workouts and diet instead of turning them into a lifestyle.
Why are you in such a hurry, after all? Is there a beauty contest you want to take part in ? ;) :)
I'm taking it easy for now. I've started to work out again two weeks ago and I can already see results, I've bought a new suit and I'm starting to like my butt again :) And all that, without ever feeling hungry!
:)
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...snow can wait, I forgot my mittens...
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