its always good to be learning 
hmm so a boy at the gym was checking out your 'form' that's so cute...
hmm so a boy at the gym was checking out your 'form' that's so cute...
Darth Pooh, Sith Lord of the Honey Pot
- Thread starter Darth Pooh
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Darth Pooh
New member
its always good to be learning
hmm so a boy at the gym was checking out your 'form' that's so cute...
I always hated going to the gym because of the gym-heads there... I feel like I've become one (to a certain degree). Weird.
I liked the way I looked in the mirror today. It was very rewarding looking at myself in the gym when I got there (before I lifted and got even more jacked
lol). I am happy for the small wins in life.I am also thinking more and more about set point theory. I wonder if I am TOO low for caloric intake. Most people (in order to lose weight need to take their weight and multiply by 12) follow RMR calculators (or BMR have you) and do subtractions. I wonder if putting in my stats into one of those things is fairly reliable. If I actually multiple my weight, I get 2200, all things considering, I take in roughly 2200 cals (with my supplements like fish oils and CLA's). I wonder if this is too low. I won't do any adjustments until this weekend (when I have measurements on Saturday morning, I'll see if I dropped two much weight for two weeks). But, I think my line of thought is, I work out five times a week (which I've explained in this thread a millions times) which includes HIIT and interval training, I would think I have an above normal MR. Ah well, I'll see this Saturday... I might ask my doctor to refer me for a test.
Darth Pooh
New member
Ok... Truth is in numbers...
No loss, no gain. I worked my ass off in the gym this week (especially for my cardio). Intake ranged from 2100-2300 cals a day, everyday. Also, I had a high sodium intake on Thursday and Friday, so that could have possibly thrown off my numbers in a big way, but I don't know. As far as measurements go... I am clueless on that one too. Because my wife lost my old measurements
Very discouraging with the status of this new development. The only thing I can say positive is that I actually feel like my abdominal region looks better. I mean, it looks like its filled in less than the previous two weeks.
Perhaps I had a glycogen/water issue, but again, I just don't know and I would like to think it was. Maybe I am just trying to kid myself that I had no progress. My wife asked me to give it another two weeks before I start an EC stack to jump start something. I am essentially taking in 12 cals per lb... I wonder if I should weigh myself in a few days after some low sodium days or just wait out the two weeks. I don't want to become obsessed with the scale, so I think two weeks would probably make more sense. All in all, I thought it was visually looking better...
Darth Pooh
New member
Again, that's the bitch slap I needed. thanks for perpetually looking out for me.
I'll keep the status quo for now.
I know its the salt and I know at 13% BF, things are going to be rougher. I won't give up tho.
Thanks man.
I'll keep the status quo for now.
I know its the salt and I know at 13% BF, things are going to be rougher. I won't give up tho.
Thanks man.
Happychubette
Banned
Thanks for the info on calories and RMR. You made a good point about eating too little. I know that as weight decreases caloric need decreases too but it is very gradual.
I think the increased effort at cardio is really helping. Today I noticed another inch off my waist. I am surprised by these quick results. It just makes me want to keep working hard.
I noticed you are now at 13% b.f. Congratulations. I hope to see a big change this year.
I think the increased effort at cardio is really helping. Today I noticed another inch off my waist. I am surprised by these quick results. It just makes me want to keep working hard.
I noticed you are now at 13% b.f. Congratulations. I hope to see a big change this year.
Happychubette
Banned
I did an RMR calculation and it said 1504 for my age, sex and weight. I definitely don't eat less than that, usually I eat more than 1550. I'm just unsure how it all works - the calories I burn from activity - how do I know what my deficit is.
Also, I'm thinking of buying a heart rate monitor. Did you use one??
Also, I'm thinking of buying a heart rate monitor. Did you use one??
Darth Pooh
New member
I used to be at 11% BF, I gained a bit of fat back due to a bulk I was in, however, that 13% is probably wrong due to the weight not changing from water intake.
At any rate, I told people they can just eat exactly what their RMR (I prefer BMR) is and that in itself is a deficit since it doesn't account for everything else you do (like daily movement to and from work, etc.). Just remember, as your weight goes down, so does your RMR, so you need to go lower as your weight does (or else you are just closing the gap to maintaining weight).
Also, find out how close that RMR number is to your body weight X 12 cals/lb. That should probably give you a number within 100 cals of each other. If I were to take a guess that 1500 sounds REALLY low. My wife, who is 5'3" and 130 lbs, she gets close to 1400 for her RMR. I am not so sure I think your number is right. How many calories do you eat a day again?
I used to use a heart rate monitor religiously, I have since backed off from it but I might start again if I don't show any measurement/scale changes in two weeks. I have a Polar F55 () except that might be excessive for you. I would suggest something like this for your purposes I like that one because it tells you when you get into your recommended zones and keeps tracks of calories. There are even cheaper ones that don't have as many features. But for the extra 20 bucks, the F4 is worth it. Also this place is VERY reliable...
Darth Pooh
New member
Looking at your current weight... I'd say to lose weight, you could do your weight x 11 cals/lb. That gives your roughly 1900 cals a day. Which gives PLENTY of room to move down once you start losing. Ok, even more, looking at your stats, I found in your diary (plus the ticker weight), if you worked out 3-5 times a week, you would burn about 2400 cals a day. If you eat 1900 cals, that is a deficit of 500 a day (roughly a lb a week). I'd say that's a nice place to be with weightloss. More than that... your skin is more likely to look like worse than losing it slowly. Trust me... I wanted 3-4 lbs a week and I got it sometimes, now, I hate how my skin looks.
I don't think you want to go so low that you hit a plateau at some point and can't take off more weight until you bring back up the calories to a more normal level and then reduce again. Most people go so drastic that their body doesn't like all that at once. If I knew that when I was in the heavier stages I wouldn't have gone down to 1500 calories a day. Ever. I just didn't need to be there... last November - December, I had that issue, where I caused my own plateau by having too large of a deficit.
I don't think you want to go so low that you hit a plateau at some point and can't take off more weight until you bring back up the calories to a more normal level and then reduce again. Most people go so drastic that their body doesn't like all that at once. If I knew that when I was in the heavier stages I wouldn't have gone down to 1500 calories a day. Ever. I just didn't need to be there... last November - December, I had that issue, where I caused my own plateau by having too large of a deficit.
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Happychubette
Banned
I got 1505 for RMR by just googling RMR. Thanks for the advice. It sounds good. I ate 1700 calories today. Thanks to your advice I just had a big spoonful of peanut butter to bring it up to 1900. Its true I work out four days a week.
I copied your posts in my diary and will check out the hr monitor website you gave. I mean I check my pulse while I'm working out and its up there in the 156-160 range during work part of my interval. (I'm 44)
I keep thinking I'll be glad to get a couple more pounds gone so I know what I'm doing is working. But I am losing inches so I should be happy with that, and I've been told that I might not actually lose weight working in the gym. But I know I'm getting my heart rate up there and keeping it up for 30-50 minutes so that's gotta count for something.
Thanks for setting me straight. Its true last year I lost 20 pounds and I was eating 1900-2000. More recently I came under the influence of a girlfriend who eats 1300 and a ton of fibre so she's full. 1600 seemed better to me. But after what you said about plateauing, I think I'll just chill at 1900.
Thanks. Any further advice you have would be greatly appreciated vis a vis weight loss and the gym.
I copied your posts in my diary and will check out the hr monitor website you gave. I mean I check my pulse while I'm working out and its up there in the 156-160 range during work part of my interval. (I'm 44)
I keep thinking I'll be glad to get a couple more pounds gone so I know what I'm doing is working. But I am losing inches so I should be happy with that, and I've been told that I might not actually lose weight working in the gym. But I know I'm getting my heart rate up there and keeping it up for 30-50 minutes so that's gotta count for something.
Thanks for setting me straight. Its true last year I lost 20 pounds and I was eating 1900-2000. More recently I came under the influence of a girlfriend who eats 1300 and a ton of fibre so she's full. 1600 seemed better to me. But after what you said about plateauing, I think I'll just chill at 1900.
Thanks. Any further advice you have would be greatly appreciated vis a vis weight loss and the gym.
Darth Pooh
New member
I hope it works for you and your getting good information. Personally, I find that if something it isn't working you always have room to move down. No harm no foul yano?
As for me, I found a new company that sells different flavors of protein (I love protein shakes but I need to switch it up) and they sell a whey blend that is cinnamon bun and a cake batter flavor. Normally I just buy Body Fortress from Target, but I think this place is worth the try (I bought variety packs to try the different flavors). in case anyone is interested, I'll let you guys know how it is when I get it in.
I also started Animal Pak Cuts. It's a supplement pack that is a thermogenic... I've heard good things about it (as well as no results, but different strokes). So, I will see how that turns out for me. It's a 3 week on, 1 week off cycle, for two cycles.
Measurements and whatnot comes in next Saturday.
Darth Pooh
New member
Confessions of a Former Fat Guy
Confessions of a Former Fat Guy.
I was thinking today, people ask me a lot of questions (in personal and online life) and I thought about one particular question I get asked often: How do you keep at it? I usually don't ever give it much thought when I answer, usually in passing I say things like "Yano, you gotta do what ya gotta do!" Seriously, that is a lame response but I usually feel like people who ask me aren't really "asking" for real, but just interested in either making small conversation or really want to know but don't prefer to dedicate to a lifestyle change when they know they should. So my response is just a prejudiced canned-answer and I should be more mindful of what I say.
Something else I had thought about... yes, I mentally feel fat still. However, I know now it is in my head. That isn't to say I am 100% satisfied with my body and how it looks... I am still dieting and what the gym crowd calls a "CUT". It sounds better than dieting but it is, what it is... if you looked at my meals however, you wouldn't think I am dieting. Most people wouldn't realize it. For instance, at the World Series last night, I still had two slices of pizza, a chicken finger, fries... and while it was estimates, I roughly know what I had in calories and was ok for the day. Tonight, I had eggs, canadian bacon, cheese, pancakes, and toast. It's about portion control but I've really adjusted to my new life style very well... there are some things that helped tho. For instance... I never look at myself in the mirror in the morning and try to compare myself a few hours later, or after the gym, or before bed, because those are different times of the day and my body will take a new composition at those times. Yep, eating changes EVERYTHING. And you have to eat, so don't worry what shape you take during the day. I also learned through very strong advice to stay away from the scale as a daily tool. Yes, it can track changes, but over a period of time (two,three, or even four weeks), just not in daily (or in my case, at one time, hourly) units. I think clothes / pictures / measurements are you greatest tools, but most importantly, do you feel like there is a change? Can you see a better you in the mirror?
This was just some smattering of thoughts that I've had inside for a few days and felt like I needed to type it out. Something for me to look back at during some of my harder times. Just because I might not be a fatty physically, I still have my fatty tendancies, which include low self esteem and self loathing at times. I am not sure what and how I will ever get past that.
Confessions of a Former Fat Guy.
I was thinking today, people ask me a lot of questions (in personal and online life) and I thought about one particular question I get asked often: How do you keep at it? I usually don't ever give it much thought when I answer, usually in passing I say things like "Yano, you gotta do what ya gotta do!" Seriously, that is a lame response but I usually feel like people who ask me aren't really "asking" for real, but just interested in either making small conversation or really want to know but don't prefer to dedicate to a lifestyle change when they know they should. So my response is just a prejudiced canned-answer and I should be more mindful of what I say.
Something else I had thought about... yes, I mentally feel fat still. However, I know now it is in my head. That isn't to say I am 100% satisfied with my body and how it looks... I am still dieting and what the gym crowd calls a "CUT". It sounds better than dieting but it is, what it is... if you looked at my meals however, you wouldn't think I am dieting. Most people wouldn't realize it. For instance, at the World Series last night, I still had two slices of pizza, a chicken finger, fries... and while it was estimates, I roughly know what I had in calories and was ok for the day. Tonight, I had eggs, canadian bacon, cheese, pancakes, and toast. It's about portion control but I've really adjusted to my new life style very well... there are some things that helped tho. For instance... I never look at myself in the mirror in the morning and try to compare myself a few hours later, or after the gym, or before bed, because those are different times of the day and my body will take a new composition at those times. Yep, eating changes EVERYTHING. And you have to eat, so don't worry what shape you take during the day. I also learned through very strong advice to stay away from the scale as a daily tool. Yes, it can track changes, but over a period of time (two,three, or even four weeks), just not in daily (or in my case, at one time, hourly) units. I think clothes / pictures / measurements are you greatest tools, but most importantly, do you feel like there is a change? Can you see a better you in the mirror?
This was just some smattering of thoughts that I've had inside for a few days and felt like I needed to type it out. Something for me to look back at during some of my harder times. Just because I might not be a fatty physically, I still have my fatty tendancies, which include low self esteem and self loathing at times. I am not sure what and how I will ever get past that.
ali2
New member
Keith - you and I have talked before about how much of this game is mental. I think that being overweight changes you in some fundamental way and it is very difficult to lose that way of thinking entirely. At best, I think you can get it to move to the background of your thoughts but it is still present.
I still 'think' like a fat person even though now, I most likely would just pass for overweight. There are habits and throught processes that I have that are borne out of being overweight and I forget that isn't me anymore. I think that what you are doing is good and that may be the best way to deal with it overall and in the long-term.
Sometimes it helps to remember where you came from - that helps you from ever going back.
Sorry for the somewhat disjointed nature of this post, but I think you will get what I am trying to say.
I still 'think' like a fat person even though now, I most likely would just pass for overweight. There are habits and throught processes that I have that are borne out of being overweight and I forget that isn't me anymore. I think that what you are doing is good and that may be the best way to deal with it overall and in the long-term.
Sometimes it helps to remember where you came from - that helps you from ever going back.
Sorry for the somewhat disjointed nature of this post, but I think you will get what I am trying to say.
Darth Pooh
New member
usedtobefatmatt
New member
Keith,
Great post. I know i have said this before but it could be me typing on your computer. I too am going through the feeling fat and scale everyday issue. Although i am getting past the scale problem. I stepped on a scale today for the first time in a week. I lost a couple so i am happy with that. I wont get on again till next week.
As far as the feeling fat, i know in my case i was fat for 34 years and i cant expect that to go away after 2 short years. It's kinda funny how we have good days and bad days when looking in the mirror, i wonder what actually causes the mood swings??? I personally do not know anyone that has long term success with keeping weight off for 10+ years. I'm sure there are some people on this board that have. I know that feeling doesnt go away after 2 years but i wonder if it does after 10+ years. Hopefully someday i will be able to comment on that.
Keep fighting the good fight.
Matt
Great post. I know i have said this before but it could be me typing on your computer. I too am going through the feeling fat and scale everyday issue. Although i am getting past the scale problem. I stepped on a scale today for the first time in a week. I lost a couple so i am happy with that. I wont get on again till next week.
As far as the feeling fat, i know in my case i was fat for 34 years and i cant expect that to go away after 2 short years. It's kinda funny how we have good days and bad days when looking in the mirror, i wonder what actually causes the mood swings??? I personally do not know anyone that has long term success with keeping weight off for 10+ years. I'm sure there are some people on this board that have. I know that feeling doesnt go away after 2 years but i wonder if it does after 10+ years. Hopefully someday i will be able to comment on that.
Keep fighting the good fight.
Matt
Darth Pooh
New member
Damn doode, sorry I missed your post. I was thinking about that too... 2+ 3+ 4+ 5+ years... and if I keep on keeping at it. I like to think and say all the time how I'd never go back.
On a different note... I wonder if my calorie counting is TOO low.
I take in a LOT of fiber. ALOT. So, do I need to start taking in more calories so I don't get to far past my set point OR do I need to stop over thinking?
Darth Pooh
New member
Weigh in on Saturday Morning... down 5.5 lbs. I think that has something to do with the previous weigh-in having yielded ZERO weight-loss. Lost 1.5 inches from the stomach...
I see an improvement in the overall skin fold. I am confident at this point I can avoid surgery if I keep cutting... I think it might make me look sickly in other parts (i.e. face and upper stomach), but I think it's a chance I am willing to take to avoid 6k in surgical costs.
I see an improvement in the overall skin fold. I am confident at this point I can avoid surgery if I keep cutting... I think it might make me look sickly in other parts (i.e. face and upper stomach), but I think it's a chance I am willing to take to avoid 6k in surgical costs.