Book suggestions? (and other stuff)

[Askesis]

Well, I'm on the way. I didn't really get started until after the holidays. Cutting out the soda, eating a bit healthier (not necessarily less, haven't started counting calories yet), and getting some exercise was enough to get the ball rolling. But it's rolling slowly, something on the order of about a pound a week.

The thing is, I'm an adult, and I should have the self-discipline to do more than this. My attitude of "dipping my toe in to make sure the water is comfortable" won't cut it. Getting fit is something I need to do, whether I want to or not.

I'm going to pick up a kitchen scale today while doing the grocery shopping. And now to the subject of the post, what books out there are good reading for exercise and nutrition? I think I have the exericse part covered after reading that Steve favors Mark Rippetoe. I've read two of his books and working on the third. I've also heard Stuart McRobert is good. Still open for more suggestions though.

It's the nutrition book I could use help with. Not something motivational or fad diet, I'm looking for science type stuff. I've been reading a lot more lately. About a year ago I decided that TV was 98% crap and just gave it up. Most of the people I know think it's a little weird (especially the girlfriend's mom), but these are the people who schedule their lives so they don't miss episodes. If that's their norm, then I'm definately outside of it.

Geez, for someone who rarely has much to say, I can sure ramble on. Thanks for reading.

-Scott

 

[maleficent]

I had written this in another thread...

Steve had suggested to me a book called and the suggestion might very well have been to shut me up and make me go away and stop bothering him but the book is pretty good in level of detail - it's written for coaches to teach others how to lift - so if you're teaching yourself it kind of works -it doesn't cover a basic that I need (that i'm done whining about) but it does cover a lot.. and while the book could have used much better editing, the facts seem correct and it's easy to understand... I was looking for a book that gave the basics of technique and why i was doing something -and it seems to cover it...


Tony M suggests a bunch and it's a good read - in an entertaining style (sort of -it can get a little annoying) - but i didn't feel it was good for a beginner but i am beginning to think i'm just slower than most... it's worth looking at though...

The followup book to starting strength was Practical Programming - good stuff but like SS it's WORDY - the guy likes to hear himself talk - and I really really really want him to make his point far more succintly than he does - but that could be me and my preference.

 

[Steve]

And now to the subject of the post, what books out there are good reading for exercise and nutrition? I think I have the exericse part covered after reading that Steve favors Mark Rippetoe. I've read two of his books and working on the third. I've also heard Stuart McRobert is good. Still open for more suggestions though.

Glad to see you are reading Rip. Good stuff, right?

I've got some of Stuart McRoberts stuff and it was alright. Worth a spot on the book shelf.

More suggestions? It really depends on what you're looking for. There are 2 tiers when it comes to training books. The lower tier is basically different author's, coach's, and professional's twists on the science and how to apply the information.

The upper tier is the actual science. It's heavy stuff.

I could make a ton of recommendations but why don't you describe more of what you hope to obtain from said readings.

It's the nutrition book I could use help with. Not something motivational or fad diet, I'm looking for science type stuff. I've been reading a lot more lately.

The science behind nutrition is really heavy stuff too.

I like all of Lyle McDonald's books. He's a fantastic researcher and I've seen all of his diets put into use with good results. I'd probably start with A Guide To Flexible Dieting.

But this is that lower tier of readings. Very high quality.... but still one person's twist on the science.

If you're truly interested in the first tier, let me know and I'll throw some recommendations your way. Realize, this stuff is going to be more text book than anything.

 

[Darth Pooh]

Glad to see you are reading Rip. Good stuff, right?

I've got some of Stuart McRoberts stuff and it was alright. Worth a spot on the book shelf.

More suggestions? It really depends on what you're looking for. There are 2 tiers when it comes to training books. The lower tier is basically different author's, coach's, and professional's twists on the science and how to apply the information.

The upper tier is the actual science. It's heavy stuff.

I could make a ton of recommendations but why don't you describe more of what you hope to obtain from said readings.



The science behind nutrition is really heavy stuff too.

I like all of Lyle McDonald's books. He's a fantastic researcher and I've seen all of his diets put into use with good results. I'd probably start with A Guide To Flexible Dieting.

But this is that lower tier of readings. Very high quality.... but still one person's twist on the science.

If you're truly interested in the first tier, let me know and I'll throw some recommendations your way. Realize, this stuff is going to be more text book than anything.

Also, a lot of it reads like Biology books. It helps to have a medical dictionary nearby (at least I found that I needed one) to help with some of the explainations given.

Steve, are there any books that attempt to give nutrition facts in laymans terms?

 

[Steve]

Also, a lot of it reads like Biology books. It helps to have a medical dictionary nearby (at least I found that I needed one) to help with some of the explainations given.

Steve, are there any books that attempt to give nutrition facts in laymans terms?

Hmmm, off the top of my head I can't think of any. Tom Venuto's Burn The Fat, Feed the Muscle is out there and pretty good. It's a little outdated, but nonetheless it's not scientific.

I mean the basics of nutrition are relatively simple if you think about it. You either have the general stuff that we talk about around here for the most part, then you have the science.

 

[[Focus]1]

I'm reading Jeff Volek's TNT Diet right now, and it comes highly recommended. If you're willing to consider a modified ketogenetic diet. If not, I'd recommend The Venuto book above, or John Berardi's Gourmet Nutrition.

For lifting, New Rules of Lifting, and the magnificent mobility DVD. The basics are fairly simple, though, so just the stickies here on weight-loss.fitness.com and training.fitness.com will get you off to a great start.

 

[Askesis]

Hit me with the heavy stuff, I should be able to handle it. I have a science degree and now that's what I teach. Hopefully it won't seem written in an alien language when I read it.

What I'm looking for is just the facts. I'd like to avoid any spin an author would put on the information.

And yes, Rip is good. He definately tells it like it is.

-Scott

 

[Darth Pooh]

Hmmm, off the top of my head I can't think of any. Tom Venuto's Burn The Fat, Feed the Muscle is out there and pretty good. It's a little outdated, but nonetheless it's not scientific.

I mean the basics of nutrition are relatively simple if you think about it. You either have the general stuff that we talk about around here for the most part, then you have the science.

Thanks, they aren't for me but a few of my kids in the workout room, they think lifting is all they need to do and don't realize the nutrition part of the game. I feel like if I give them the materials that I read then they will just lose interest and quickly.

I'll check that out ASAP.

 

[Steve]

I'm reading Jeff Volek's TNT Diet right now, and it comes highly recommended. If you're willing to consider a modified ketogenetic diet. If not, I'd recommend The Venuto book above, or John Berardi's Gourmet Nutrition.

For lifting, New Rules of Lifting, and the magnificent mobility DVD. The basics are fairly simple, though, so just the stickies here on weight-loss.fitness.com and training.fitness.com will get you off to a great start.

Yea, that's sort of my point. Especially on the nutrition front. Any quality forum is going to have all the basics covered already. Beyond that you can delve into specific diets to try out some applicable approaches. If you want to go beyond the basics and understand how and why things work the way they do.... there's no choice but to get your hands dirty.

 

[Steve]

Hit me with the heavy stuff, I should be able to handle it. I have a science degree and now that's what I teach. Hopefully it won't seem written in an alien language when I read it.

What I'm looking for is just the facts. I'd like to avoid any spin an author would put on the information.

And yes, Rip is good. He definately tells it like it is.

-Scott

If you are wanting to know how food is digested, thats physiology. If you are wanting to know how its metabolised, thats biochemistry. The real thing nutrition is about is understanding resarch and applying prinicples of physiology, biochemistry, chemistry, anatomy etc to it. That said, having a foundation of knowledge in each of these subjects is pretty much mandatory.

Here's some heavier stuff you can check out in no particular order.

Exercise Physiology: Energy, Nutrition, and Human Performance by McArdle

Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism by Gropper, Smith, and Groff

Optimum Sports Nutrition by Michael Colgan (this one is a little dated but worth the read)

Physiology of Sport and Exercise by Wilmore, Costill, and Kenney

I'll have to check on my shelf for others to get you started.

 

[Steve]

Thanks, they aren't for me but a few of my kids in the workout room, they think lifting is all they need to do and don't realize the nutrition part of the game. I feel like if I give them the materials that I read then they will just lose interest and quickly.

I'll check that out ASAP.

Yea, welcome to pretty much any kid's mind when it comes to training. For that matter, that's the theme for most anyone anymore. Look in any gym and see people doing all the right stuff year in and year out, yet they aren't changing physically. When that's the case, you know something is off nutritionally. I feel bad for people in these situations, many times it's simply a matter of not having an understanding or grasp of the big picture.

Other times though, when I've actually helped people who asked..... it was very evident that they don't have it in them to do what it takes on the nutrition side of things. They bust their ass in the gym.... and it amazes me that they aren't willing to get the full bang for the buck by fueling their programs with proper and adequate nutrition.

There are days I literally have to drag my ass into the gym. They are few and far between, but they exist. Regardless, what I do in there is NEVER easy. I can't imagine going through all these tough motions without reaping the benefits that can be had by simply eating properly.

It's crazy to me.

 

[Darth Pooh]

Yea, welcome to pretty much any kid's mind when it comes to training. For that matter, that's the theme for most anyone anymore. Look in any gym and see people doing all the right stuff year in and year out, yet they aren't changing physically. When that's the case, you know something is off nutritionally. I feel bad for people in these situations, many times it's simply a matter of not having an understanding or grasp of the big picture.

Other times though, when I've actually helped people who asked..... it was very evident that they don't have it in them to do what it takes on the nutrition side of things. They bust their ass in the gym.... and it amazes me that they aren't willing to get the full bang for the buck by fueling their programs with proper and adequate nutrition.

There are days I literally have to drag my ass into the gym. They are few and far between, but they exist. Regardless, what I do in there is NEVER easy. I can't imagine going through all these tough motions without reaping the benefits that can be had by simply eating properly.

It's crazy to me.

Its exactly what I say to them (except not so eloquently). I wish they could realize that their nutrition just blows. I was like that for years too... Workout 1.5 - 2 hours in the gym, doing all kinds of crazy shit. Then go back home and order out a small pizza, a steak sandwich and an order of mozz. cheese fries. No lie... I would just eat like that easily. My favorite was going to WAWA (local food store that does hoagies and whatnot) and get a classic 10 inch italian hoagie with mayo, a medium cream of broccoli soup and a medium mac and beef. IF you go to their website, the calories for that meal is pushing 1700. They don't eat properly and think eating in excess is what bulks... they think quantity not quality. Took me almost 27 years to realize differently... I hope I've been able to set an example and show them what proper nutrition can do for one's body.

 

[Steve]

Its exactly what I say to them (except not so eloquently). I wish they could realize that their nutrition just blows. I was like that for years too... Workout 1.5 - 2 hours in the gym, doing all kinds of crazy shit. Then go back home and order out a small pizza, a steak sandwich and an order of mozz. cheese fries. No lie... I would just eat like that easily. My favorite was going to WAWA (local food store that does hoagies and whatnot) and get a classic 10 inch italian hoagie with mayo, a medium cream of broccoli soup and a medium mac and beef. IF you go to their website, the calories for that meal is pushing 1700. They don't eat properly and think eating in excess is what bulks... they think quantity not quality. Took me almost 27 years to realize differently... I hope I've been able to set an example and show them what proper nutrition can do for one's body.

Honestly, I fell into that trap early on in my training career too. In reality, unless you have someone to shed the light on you (mentor, good author, coach, etc) you just aren't going to know these things. It's not taught to us, so it's nonexistent in our minds.

Thankfully I met some awesome coaches and trainers as well as had/have an intense desire to read and research.... so I got out of that slump quickly.

But I remember 2 years or so of literally busting my ass in the gym without gaining a pound. I was certain that it was due to my programming and I'd switch it up. But nothing new ever stimulated growth.

When I finally started eating sufficiently/adequately.... I could pretty much do anything and grow. And amazingly, it was the basics that worked the best. All the shit I was doing before I hardly ever do now.

BTW, I love Wawa.... haha.

 

[Darth Pooh]

BTW, I love Wawa.... haha.

Who doesn't?! I actually still eat there, love the shorti wheat rolls with smoked turkey breast. Mustard now... and their Maryland Crab soup is killer.

It's all in knowledge my friend... that's the beauty of it.

 

[Askesis]

Look in any gym and see people doing all the right stuff year in and year out, yet they aren't changing physically. When that's the case, you know something is off nutritionally.

Hey, that was me in 2004. I worked out 3 days a week for almost the entire year and finally said screw it. I got stronger, but not much else changed. I hope I've learned enough since then to make a difference I can really see.

I copied the book list, going to pick those up one after another and work my way through them.

Thanks.

-Scott