Starting out...Read everything....Need help
Starting out...Read everything....Need help
Well let me start with my own sob story...
Been overweight for 7 years. Stopped smoking 7 years ago and started packing on the pounds. I am 6' tall, 235 pounds. I am overweight. Also, I'm 33 years old.
Just like when I wanted to quit smoking, I spent several years to bring myself mentally to want to do it. I knew that if I didn't, I would fail and that could cause me further problems down the road. So for the past 7 years, I've been thinking (daily) how I need to lose weight (preparing myself mentally).
Why I'm fat....
It's not that I over eat.... I don't, in fact, I hate eating, too much of a nuisance. It's not that I drink sodas throughout the day, I don't. I don't snack after dinner (never) but, I do enjoy the Beer.... On average I can drink several bottles on the weekends throughout the day, and during the week I can drink 4-5 beers in the evenings. For the last week though I've stopped drinking entirely and only expect to drink on occasions that I'm with my friends. I also never drink water, only when I'm real thirsty (About 3 glasses a day).
My plan...
Been reading the forum here (all the sticky's) and I firmly believe that my biggest problem is (In this order)
1) Beer
2) No exercise
3) Eating only when I'm hungry (Usually Lunch and Dinner)
4) Living dehydrated
So, in theory, being 6' and 235 without any exercise and drinking beer almost daily, I've been rather successful keeping myself towards the lower end of obesity. :)
Ok, back to the plan.... I cut out beer (done that already) replaced that with bottled water. I plan on drinking more than 3 litres of water each day. And I started exercising. I've been warming up the last few days with some push ups, sit ups and stationary bike. I just got a weight set yesterday, which brings me to the following questions....
Eating better, following recommended foods suggested here (clean foods) , eating many times per day, smaller meals.
My friend is taking something called Firelean, trying to convince me I should take it. I read about it, and I don't think it's of any use to me...what do you think?
Should I be taking protein shakes, and at what quantity?
I plan on lifting 3 days a week, cardio the other two days, weekends off.
So, should I be lifting low, medium or heavy weights? How many reps?
I know these are elementary questions, but there is so much information on here, that it's easy to get lost in it, and I am :)
Thanks,
Glenn
I am not an expert and essetially I am just beginning the journey myself. But I have learned a few things. One is that it is all about commitment and consistency. I have been slacking off and now i am trying to get myself together and it makes me think of where I would have been if i didnt take the last two weeks off. another is eating habits. they say six meals a day and that this what i have tried and it has given me good results so far. cut out as much sugar and fried foods. drink only water for the most part.
Exercise is also key. weight training and cardio work together to get you results. weight training is good because every lb of muscle that you put on will burn an extra 50 calories. for cardio research a good HIIT regimine.
Some other things that i need to update myself is progress pics and measurements. you can use this site to keep track of these and this will help with motivation as you see your self change.
and be patient. it wont happen over night.
I'll let the experts comment on the micronutrition cause i am still learning about that.
Oh yeah keep blogs updated and make friends and ask questions...
Hey,
You made the first few steps. Congrats. You have a lot of questions. I know you said you read everything, but try reading this one too. Answers a lot of your questions.
If you still have questions, post and I'll (we'll) help. Or PM me with specifics.
Have a good one.
Exercise is also key. weight training and cardio work together to get you results. weight training is good because every lb of muscle that you put on will burn an extra 50 calories. for cardio research a good HIIT regimine.
Some other things that i need to update myself is progress pics and measurements. you can use this site to keep track of these and this will help with motivation as you see your self change.
and be patient. it wont happen over night.
I'll let the experts comment on the micronutrition cause i am still learning about that.
I did not know for every pound you add you burn an additional 50 cals...
As for patience... I know what that is... this isn't the first life change I have made... This I would say is my third... I'm prepared.
Thanks for your reply...
Glenn
Your name makes me not question your love for beer haha.
I am German and have a weakness for beer myself but as when I myself quit smoking a couple years ago I have found that not drinking a lot of beer was a much easier effort.
Normally I would type half a page full of suggestions and guidance but I really think you should follow Lava's link and spend some time on it. I hope this goes well for you, keep us posted!
Like I said, I've read everything...just looking for 3 answers :)
1) My friend is taking something called Firelean, trying to convince me I should take it. I read about it, and I don't think it's of any use to me...what do you think?
2) Should I be taking protein shakes, and at what quantity?
3) So, should I be lifting low, medium or heavy weights? How many reps?
Thanks Guys!
Glenn
Like I said, I've read everything...just looking for 3 answers :)
1) My friend is taking something called Firelean, trying to convince me I should take it. I read about it, and I don't think it's of any use to me...what do you think?
2) Should I be taking protein shakes, and at what quantity?
3) So, should I be lifting low, medium or heavy weights? How many reps?
Thanks Guys!
Glenn 1) no. dont waste your money. fix your diet first.
2) your body would prefer regular protein sources like chicken and tuna.
3) hard and heavy. the best way to keep muscle during a cut.
Good luck
I am no expert, but my general opinion is you should stick to the basics.
1. Firelean. No need to take it. Supps like this work best when you are a highly trained athlete.
2. Protein shakes while important are not really nessessary at this time.
3. Lift weight that is only moderately difficult and work up slowly. Your body is going to need some time to adjust to the workload.
Start with a 5x5 or something like that. Simple is better when you are just getting started.
Good luck. Most important thing is...Never quit.
Like I said, I've read everything...just looking for 3 answers :)
1) My friend is taking something called Firelean, trying to convince me I should take it. I read about it, and I don't think it's of any use to me...what do you think?
2) Should I be taking protein shakes, and at what quantity?
3) So, should I be lifting low, medium or heavy weights? How many reps?
Thanks Guys!
Glenn These are only my opinions:
1.) Stay away from fat burners until you get your nutrition and exercise program complete and are second nature.
2.) Protein shakes are great to give your muscles what they need. You should focus on getting a good solid diet plan that will give you most of your protien from real food and supplement with shakes. I recommend taking a shake before and after your weight lifting workouts.
3.) Your focus should be 1.) diet - 80% of your work towards a great body is in the kitchen. If you aren't eating properly, You will only become frustrated at your lack of progress. 2.) gain as much muscle as you can. There is alot of material out there on how to achieve this coupled with fat loss and not one specific plan is going to work for everyone. You will have to do your research and find out which works best for you and your body type.
Good luck on your goals and remember you journey has only just started. Don't expect to find your destination in 6 months.
Like I said, I've read everything...just looking for 3 answers :) If you had read what I suggested, you wouldn't have these questions. Just trying to help, but I guess you've read everything.......:D
If you had read what I suggested, you wouldn't have these questions. Just trying to help, but I guess you've read everything.......:D In your own little sarcastic way you are only partially correct. What you are missing is the fact that for each and every answer there is a contradictory post following - to hard for me to say what is best for my body type and size.
I can tell you how people are lifting weights, in what quantity, it's shown everywhere... I can not for the life of me determine if someone like me should be concentrating heavy weights less reps, or medium weights... Not sure, that's why I posted it.
Firelean, can't find out if that's good for a newbie or not.
As for the protein, I wasn't sure at what times are best to take it, if I should take it when starting out...
If I didn't read the above links (which is what you are challenging me on) I would have a lot more questions than the 3 I had. Sorry if I missed the answer in one of the threads.
Thanks,
Glenn
Well let me start with my own sob story...
Been overweight for 7 years. Stopped smoking 7 years ago and started packing on the pounds. I am 6' tall, 235 pounds. I am overweight. Also, I'm 33 years old.
Just like when I wanted to quit smoking, I spent several years to bring myself mentally to want to do it. I knew that if I didn't, I would fail and that could cause me further problems down the road. So for the past 7 years, I've been thinking (daily) how I need to lose weight (preparing myself mentally).
Why I'm fat....
It's not that I over eat.... I don't, in fact, I hate eating, too much of a nuisance. It's not that I drink sodas throughout the day, I don't. I don't snack after dinner (never) but, I do enjoy the Beer.... On average I can drink several bottles on the weekends throughout the day, and during the week I can drink 4-5 beers in the evenings. For the last week though I've stopped drinking entirely and only expect to drink on occasions that I'm with my friends. I also never drink water, only when I'm real thirsty (About 3 glasses a day).
My plan...
Been reading the forum here (all the sticky's) and I firmly believe that my biggest problem is (In this order)
1) Beer
2) No exercise
3) Eating only when I'm hungry (Usually Lunch and Dinner)
4) Living dehydrated
So, in theory, being 6' and 235 without any exercise and drinking beer almost daily, I've been rather successful keeping myself towards the lower end of obesity. :)
Ok, back to the plan.... I cut out beer (done that already) replaced that with bottled water. I plan on drinking more than 3 litres of water each day. And I started exercising. I've been warming up the last few days with some push ups, sit ups and stationary bike. I just got a weight set yesterday, which brings me to the following questions....
Eating better, following recommended foods suggested here (clean foods) , eating many times per day, smaller meals.
My friend is taking something called Firelean, trying to convince me I should take it. I read about it, and I don't think it's of any use to me...what do you think?
Should I be taking protein shakes, and at what quantity?
I plan on lifting 3 days a week, cardio the other two days, weekends off.
So, should I be lifting low, medium or heavy weights? How many reps?
I know these are elementary questions, but there is so much information on here, that it's easy to get lost in it, and I am :)
Thanks,
Glenn
Answer:
I am not an expert and essetially I am just beginning the journey myself. But I have learned a few things. One is that it is all about commitment and consistency. I have been slacking off and now i am trying to get myself together and it makes me think of where I would have been if i didnt take the last two weeks off. another is eating habits. they say six meals a day and that this what i have tried and it has given me good results so far. cut out as much sugar and fried foods. drink only water for the most part.
Exercise is also key. weight training and cardio work together to get you results. weight training is good because every lb of muscle that you put on will burn an extra 50 calories. for cardio research a good HIIT regimine.
Some other things that i need to update myself is progress pics and measurements. you can use this site to keep track of these and this will help with motivation as you see your self change.
and be patient. it wont happen over night.
I'll let the experts comment on the micronutrition cause i am still learning about that.
Answer:
Oh yeah keep blogs updated and make friends and ask questions...
Answer:
Hey,
You made the first few steps. Congrats. You have a lot of questions. I know you said you read everything, but try reading this one too. Answers a lot of your questions.
If you still have questions, post and I'll (we'll) help. Or PM me with specifics.
Have a good one.
Answer:
Exercise is also key. weight training and cardio work together to get you results. weight training is good because every lb of muscle that you put on will burn an extra 50 calories. for cardio research a good HIIT regimine.
Some other things that i need to update myself is progress pics and measurements. you can use this site to keep track of these and this will help with motivation as you see your self change.
and be patient. it wont happen over night.
I'll let the experts comment on the micronutrition cause i am still learning about that.
I did not know for every pound you add you burn an additional 50 cals...
As for patience... I know what that is... this isn't the first life change I have made... This I would say is my third... I'm prepared.
Thanks for your reply...
Glenn
Answer:
Your name makes me not question your love for beer haha.
I am German and have a weakness for beer myself but as when I myself quit smoking a couple years ago I have found that not drinking a lot of beer was a much easier effort.
Normally I would type half a page full of suggestions and guidance but I really think you should follow Lava's link and spend some time on it. I hope this goes well for you, keep us posted!
Answer:
Like I said, I've read everything...just looking for 3 answers :)
1) My friend is taking something called Firelean, trying to convince me I should take it. I read about it, and I don't think it's of any use to me...what do you think?
2) Should I be taking protein shakes, and at what quantity?
3) So, should I be lifting low, medium or heavy weights? How many reps?
Thanks Guys!
Glenn
Answer:
Like I said, I've read everything...just looking for 3 answers :)
1) My friend is taking something called Firelean, trying to convince me I should take it. I read about it, and I don't think it's of any use to me...what do you think?
2) Should I be taking protein shakes, and at what quantity?
3) So, should I be lifting low, medium or heavy weights? How many reps?
Thanks Guys!
Glenn 1) no. dont waste your money. fix your diet first.
2) your body would prefer regular protein sources like chicken and tuna.
3) hard and heavy. the best way to keep muscle during a cut.
Answer:
Good luck
I am no expert, but my general opinion is you should stick to the basics.
1. Firelean. No need to take it. Supps like this work best when you are a highly trained athlete.
2. Protein shakes while important are not really nessessary at this time.
3. Lift weight that is only moderately difficult and work up slowly. Your body is going to need some time to adjust to the workload.
Start with a 5x5 or something like that. Simple is better when you are just getting started.
Good luck. Most important thing is...Never quit.
Answer:
Like I said, I've read everything...just looking for 3 answers :)
1) My friend is taking something called Firelean, trying to convince me I should take it. I read about it, and I don't think it's of any use to me...what do you think?
2) Should I be taking protein shakes, and at what quantity?
3) So, should I be lifting low, medium or heavy weights? How many reps?
Thanks Guys!
Glenn These are only my opinions:
1.) Stay away from fat burners until you get your nutrition and exercise program complete and are second nature.
2.) Protein shakes are great to give your muscles what they need. You should focus on getting a good solid diet plan that will give you most of your protien from real food and supplement with shakes. I recommend taking a shake before and after your weight lifting workouts.
3.) Your focus should be 1.) diet - 80% of your work towards a great body is in the kitchen. If you aren't eating properly, You will only become frustrated at your lack of progress. 2.) gain as much muscle as you can. There is alot of material out there on how to achieve this coupled with fat loss and not one specific plan is going to work for everyone. You will have to do your research and find out which works best for you and your body type.
Good luck on your goals and remember you journey has only just started. Don't expect to find your destination in 6 months.
Answer:
Like I said, I've read everything...just looking for 3 answers :) If you had read what I suggested, you wouldn't have these questions. Just trying to help, but I guess you've read everything.......:D
Answer:
If you had read what I suggested, you wouldn't have these questions. Just trying to help, but I guess you've read everything.......:D In your own little sarcastic way you are only partially correct. What you are missing is the fact that for each and every answer there is a contradictory post following - to hard for me to say what is best for my body type and size.
I can tell you how people are lifting weights, in what quantity, it's shown everywhere... I can not for the life of me determine if someone like me should be concentrating heavy weights less reps, or medium weights... Not sure, that's why I posted it.
Firelean, can't find out if that's good for a newbie or not.
As for the protein, I wasn't sure at what times are best to take it, if I should take it when starting out...
If I didn't read the above links (which is what you are challenging me on) I would have a lot more questions than the 3 I had. Sorry if I missed the answer in one of the threads.
Thanks,
Glenn