Garrocha Journal

I did this a couple of years ago but I guess I needed to do it again. I’m just not getting it apparently. My goal is to write this stuff out and realize where I need to adjust what I eat for my goals.

Short term goal: To improve my diet and improve my workout routine.
Longer term goal: Lose the flab around my belly, then bulk up a little.
Long term goal: Maintain diet, continue to improve workout.

Male, 35, 5’5”. 173 lbs

BMR 1,734 RMR 1,647 (calories)

I chose 1.3 sedentary because I sit at a desk and computer most days.
BMR 2,254 RMR 2,141 (calories)

Some History:
Very active since a kid. Soccer, downhill skiing, hiking, horses, etc. Moved to Texas and not much activity going on. Started gaining weight. Quit smoking Oct 2005, gained 20 lbs, in process, bought weights and treadmill, lost some of it and gained some muscle, stopped working out over summer 2006, gained back the weight I lost, started working out again beginning of December. I’m progressing slow in cardio and weights. Weider Pro 800 Bench, free weights, Proform Treadmill. Current workout schedule is 3-4 times a week, weights then cardio on treadmill.

My weight routine is not very good and needs to be adjusted as I have been reading. I have been working different areas of body every night when lifting weights doing 2 sets of ten reps. One night shoulders and chest, one night triceps and biceps, crunches every night, then cardio. No legs (I know, bad).

Cardio consists of (with 2 lb dumbbell weights) walk 5 min, run 2 min, walk 3 min, run 2 min, walk 3 min, run 2.5 min, walk 2.5 min, run 2.5 min, walk 2.5 min, run 3 min, walk 2 min, run 3 min, walk 2 min, cool down for remaining until 40 minute workout is complete.

I’m looking at my diet today to see where I can cut the bad calories and what good foods to add to my diet and where.

Starting this morning I cut sugar out of all of my coffee and oatmeal which probably cut over 150 cals of sugar a day out of my diet. Still using some creamer but measuring at 10 cals a teas. Work on cutting back on coffee (I drink way too much). I have started drinking more water throughout the day. I still need to make a list of foods to eat which I will be doing today.

Yesterday and today were days off from working out.
 
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Check out the fitness.com links in my sig. Move to full body workouts, you'll benefit much more from them.
 
12/29/06

Well, I did as much reading as I could yesterday. I still have some more to do but I think I am starting to form a better idea of what I need to do.
I copied the foods list and started looking at different meals to make for lunches and dinners. I think I need to get a food scale so I can portion my cooked meals better and really count my calories closely. Guessing what is an 8 oz portion is proving difficult.
I looked at my workout routine and settled on some changes I hope will give me a more rounded session.

Squats, calf-raise, bench press, bent row, upright row, my choice for the last exercise to keep things from getting boring. I may end up redoing this list according to advice or what-not and weight and reps I will need to play with but my main goal was to take the advice I got to date and drop some of the same old exercises I have been doing forever.

Treadmill work will stay the same except I am going to lose the 2 lb weights.

Food today:

Coffee with no sugar - I have cut all of the sugar out of my coffee and creamer is 10 cals / teas. - 20 cals a mug full. I am trying to limit myself to 3 cups from now on. = 60 cals

9:00 am - Oatmeal = 170 cals

11:00am - Orange = 110 cals

1:00pm - Sandwich (2 slices oatnut, 2 slices ham, 3 slices turkey, mustard) = 265 cals

3:00pm - Non-fat yogurt - 100 cals

Several glasss of water throughout the day.

Here is where I need to start measuring meals at home better. I plan on having black eye peas and bacon and a portion of cooked ham.
Workout.
Snack on foods with proteins???
No sugar after dinner.
It looks like I am still under on calories according to what I read but I need to confirm this and tighten up my menu at night.

Edit: Went to Chili's for dinner.
3 Southwest eggrolls - 405 cals
shrimp and tuna dinner (did not eat everything) - 1020 cals (?)

2 hours later worked out
Squats - 10reps, 2 sets - 40 lbs
Calf Raise - 10reps, 2sets - 40 lbs
Bent rows - 10reps, 2sets - 40 lbs
Bench press dumbbells - 10reps, 2sets - 20lbs (need to go heavier)
Upright row - 10reps, 2sets - 40lbs
Bent row dumbbell - 10reps, 2sets - 20lbs (need to go heavier)
 
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12/30/06

Started starving by 5:00 pm Friday. Definitely will be adding food to my afternoon menu. On the other hand, I thought I went way over in calories yesterday after I ate dinner. About 2100 cals! But I felt really good even before workout and this morning felt really good.

Creamer for coffee - 60 cals
7:30am - milk - 65 cals
9:00am - wheat chex w/ milk - 258 cals
11:00 am - non-fat yogurt - 100 cals
1:00pm - sandwich - 260 cals

Heading to the grocery store with my list. Working out tonight weights and cardio.

Talapia and peas for dinner.

2 hours later worked out
Squats - 10reps, 2 sets - 40 lbs
Calf Raise - 10reps, 2sets - 40 lbs
Bent rows - 10reps, 2sets - 40 lbs
Bench press dumbbells - 10reps, 2sets - 30lbs
Upright row - 10reps, 2sets - 40lbs
Shrugs dumbbell - 10reps, 2sets - 30lbs

Cardio: walk 5 min, run 2.5 min, walk 2.5 min, run 2.5 min, walk 2.5 min, run 3 min, walk 3 min, run 3 min, walk 3 min, run 4 min, cool down for remaining until 35 minute workout is complete.

Black eye peas and bacon post workout

Wheat Chex and milk later as a snack
 
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12/31/06

Breakfast: 2 eggs scrambled, 1 english muffin w/ jam, ham, 1 slice fat free cheese, coffee

string cheese

pita chips w/ light cheese wedges

banana

work out
Squats - 10reps, 2 sets - 40 lbs
Lunges - 4reps, 2 sets - 30 lbs (lighter)
Calf Raise - 10reps, 2sets - 40 lbs
Bent rows - 10reps, 2sets - 40 lbs
Bench press dumbbells - 10reps, 2sets - 30lbs
Upright row - 10reps, 2sets - 40lbs
Shrugs dumbbell - 10reps, 2sets - 30lbs

protein shake

6 oz salmon w/ black eye peas and bacon

3 guiness beers

pretzels

4 spanish olives, 2 dill pickles

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
 
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Just have a couple questions. I'm confused a little here - are you you using only 40lbs on squats or are you using 40lbs Db's (so 80lbs total)? Why the reps and set scheme? 2 sets of 10 reps for everything. What is your primary goal as far as working out? Fatloss, bulking, strength. Sorry if I am not getting it but your list says loss belly fat and bulk up. You aren't trying to to do both at the same time are you?
 
Jenn

I will fix my goals. Lose belly fat first (fatloss) then bulk up a little.

Right now my main goal is to improve my diet and improve my workout routine. Previously, I was only doing upper body exercises and the same exercises I have always done. So I chose some exercises that were recommended in a list of a full body workout in a post above.
I am playing with the weights and reps. I chose 10 reps, 2 sets as a starting point. As I go along I will fine tune the session. I have not done some of these exercises since I was 16.
Squats are 40 lb barbell. I have banged up my knees in the past so I need to go slow with the squats and lunges.
My intention is not to bulk up at the same time. I am just trying to retain the muscle I have while I lose the fat.
 
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1/02/07

Coffee = 80 cals

9:00 am - Oatmeal = 170 cals

10:45 am - Banana = 120 cals

11:45pm - Sandwich (2 slices oatnut, 3 slices turkey, mustard) = 290 cals
- String Cheese = 80 cals

2:30pm - unsalted peanuts = 170 cals

5:15pm - Nature Valley bar - 180 cals

Several glasss of water throughout the day.

Dinner –Vegetable and chicken stir fry with olive oil and garlic over noodles, added parmesan cheese (need to watch the parmesan cheese)

Workout

Squats – 12 reps, 40 lbs barbell
Bench press - 12reps, 30 lbs dumbbells
Calf Raise – 12 reps, 40 lbs barbell
Bent rows – 12 reps, 30 lbs dumbbells

90 sec rest

Squats – 10 reps, 40 lbs barbell
Bench press – 10 reps, 30 lbs dumbbells
Calf Raise – 10 reps, 40 lbs barbell
Bent rows – 10 reps, 30 lbs dumbbells

3 minute rest

Lunges – 12 reps, 10 lb dumbbells
Upright row – 12 reps, 40lbs barbell
Leg curls – 12 reps, 50 lbs
Shrugs – 12 reps, 30lbs dumbbell
Deadlift – 12 reps, 30 lbs dumbbell
Kickback – 12 reps, 10 lbs dumbbell
Curl – 12 reps, 10 lbs dumbbell

90 sec rest – sucking wind

Lunges – 10 reps, 10 lb dumbbells
Upright row – 10 reps, 40lbs barbell
Leg curls – 10 reps, 50 lbs
Shrugs – 10 reps, 30lbs dumbbell
Deadlift – 10 reps, 30 lbs dumbbell
Kickback – 10 reps, 10 lbs dumbbell
Curl – 10 reps, 10 lbs dumbbell

(I added the kickbacks and curls to the second circuit just to see how much I could do but by the time I got to those exercises I was sucking wind, barely finished the second circuit kickbacks and curls)

protein shake

angel food cake with strawberries
 
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1/3/07

Something must be working because I left work last night famished. I ate the most I have eaten yesterday but I don't feel bloated. I have been trying to get my intake up to 2000 cals a day but its still tough to tell my mind that its ok to eat more as long as it is not junk. I think I am close. I keep track of cals as best I can but when I get back from ski trip I am going to get exact count to make sure. I feel tons better it just seems like I am hungry constantly.

Oatmeal - 170 cals
Low-fat yogurt - 100 cals
Leftover from dinner last night - 300 cals (?)
serving of peanuts - 170 cals
sandwich - 290 cals
 
Back from skiing Copper Mountain. Did not splurge much at all like I thought I would.
Going to start learning more about tracking the calorie breakdown in my diet.

Tuesday: (P\C\F)

Coffee - 50 cals - 0g\5g\2.5g
Oatmeal - 170 cals - 4g\35g\2g
cucs, tom, onion, fat-free dressing - 80 cals - 2g\12g\0.5g
sandwich - 260 cals - 16g\20g\4g
Low-fat yogurt - 100 cals - 5g\19g\0g
String Cheese - 70 cals - 8g\Lg\4g
serving of peanuts - 170 cals - 7g\5g\14g
Nature Valley bar - 180 cals - 5g\30g\7g

Dinner was 3 pcs pep & ssg pizza from local Italian Rest. (guessing nutrition by finding info on other pizza chain) 1,080 cals - 44g\100g\56g

Several glasss of water throughout the day

Workout

Squats – 12 reps, 40 lbs barbell
Bench press - 12reps, 30 lbs dumbbells
Calf Raise – 12 reps, 40 lbs barbell
Bent rows – 12 reps, 30 lbs dumbbells
Crunches - 12 reps, 10 lb disk
Curl – 12 reps, 10 lbs dumbbell

30 sec rest

Squats – 10 reps, 40 lbs barbell
Bench press – 10 reps, 30 lbs dumbbells
Calf Raise – 10 reps, 40 lbs barbell
Bent rows – 10 reps, 30 lbs dumbbells
Crunches - 10 reps, 10 lb disk
Curl – 10 reps, 10 lbs dumbbell

90 sec rest

Lunges – 12 reps, 10 lb dumbbells
Upright row – 12 reps, 40lbs barbell
Leg curls – 12 reps, 50 lbs
Shrugs – 12 reps, 30lbs dumbbell
Deadlift – 12 reps, 30 lbs dumbbell
Kickback – 12 reps, 10 lbs dumbbell

30 sec rest

Lunges – 10 reps, 10 lb dumbbells
Upright row – 10 reps, 40lbs barbell
Leg curls – 10 reps, 50 lbs
Shrugs – 10 reps, 30lbs dumbbell
Deadlift – 10 reps, 30 lbs dumbbell
Kickback – 10 reps, 10 lbs dumbbell

Protein Shake - 120 cals - 20g\4g\2g

Orange - 87 cals - 2g\22g\Lg

Total = 113\252\92

Notes: The pizza was an unexpected dinner. Was not planning that and I hate to see it in my journal but that is why I am keeping track.
 
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1/10/07

Wedenesday: (P\C\F)

Coffee - 50 cals - 0g\5g\2.5g
Chex w/ milk - 290 cals - 13g\50g\6g
Nature Valley bar - 180 cals - 4g\29g\6g
sandwich - 300 cals - 24g\23g\2.5g
String Cheese - 70 cals - 8g\Lg\4g
Banana - 121 cals - 2g\31g\Lg
Carrots - 70 cals - 2g\18g\0g
Water

Dinner: (best matches)
2 Breadsticks - 280 cals - 10g\52g\3g (?)
Med Shrimp Scampi - 824 cals - 39g\90g\31g (?)
Killians Red - 163 cals (?)
Pinot Grigio Montevino - 123 cals (?)

Note: Kind of a frustrating night. I went to the store and bought a bunch of food according to what I read on JB's website, had a really good meal planned, and cardio workout planned, then was told we had to go out and celebrate an occasion. I ended up eating more than I wanted and no workout.
 
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01/11/07

Thursday: (P\C\F)

Coffee - 50 cals - 0g\5g\2.5g
1 Egg, 2.5oz ham, .5oz cheese - 208 cals - 22g\1g\13g
Non-fat Yogurt- 100 cals - 5g\19g\0g
Banana - 121 cals - 2g\31g\Lg
sandwich - 300 cals - 24g\23g\2.5g
String Cheese - 70 cals - 8g\Lg\4g
Beef Jerky 1 oz - 90 cals - 20g\1g\1g

Water

Dinner:
7oz Chicken Breast - 330 cals - 62g\0g\7.2g
4 tbsps Mushrooms & sauce - 88 cals - 4g/17g/Lg
brussel sprouts - 90 cals - 6g/16g/0g
Mixed Greens w/ 20 cals dressing - 1/2 roma tom. .25 cucmber

Workout

Squats – 12 reps, 40 lbs barbell
Bench press - 12reps, 30 lbs dumbbells
Calf Raise – 12 reps, 40 lbs barbell
Bent rows – 12 reps, 30 lbs dumbbells
Crunches - 12 reps, 20 lb disk
Curl – 12 reps, 15 lbs dumbbell

30 sec rest

Squats – 10 reps, 40 lbs barbell
Bench press – 10 reps, 30 lbs dumbbells
Calf Raise – 10 reps, 40 lbs barbell
Bent rows – 10 reps, 30 lbs dumbbells
Crunches - 10 reps, 20 lb disk
Curl – 10 reps, 15 lbs dumbbell

90 sec rest

Lunges – 12 reps, 10 lb dumbbells
Upright row – 12 reps, 40lbs barbell
Leg curls – 12 reps, 50 lbs
Shrugs – 12 reps, 30lbs dumbbell
Deadlift – 12 reps, 30 lbs dumbbell
Kickback – 12 reps, 10 lbs dumbbell

30 sec rest

Lunges – 10 reps, 10 lb dumbbells
Upright row – 10 reps, 40lbs barbell
Leg curls – 10 reps, 50 lbs
Shrugs – 10 reps, 30lbs dumbbell
Deadlift – 10 reps, 30 lbs dumbbell
Kickback – 10 reps, 10 lbs dumbbell

Protein Shake - 120 cals - 20g\4g\2g

Banana - 121 cals - 2g\31g\Lg

Note: Todays goal was to eat a better breakfast, reduce the carb grams, forget last night and move on. Eat a better dinner.
 
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01/12/07

Friday: (P\C\F)
weighed in at 171 lb this morning

Coffee - 50 cals - 0g\5g\2.5g
7:00a 2 Egg, 2.5oz ham, .8oz cheese - 311 cals - 30g\2g\20g
9:30a Orange- 45 cals - 1g\11g\Lg
11:30a 1 oz peanuts - 170 cals - 7g\5g\14g
12:30p Sandwich - 275 cals - 20g\34g\5.5g, 1 oz Colby - 110 cals - 7g\1g\9g
3:30p Oatmeal - 120 cals - 4g\24g\2g
1" slice of a turkey rollup - turkey, cheese, bell pepper, lettuce (?)
Dinner:
1 tbsp Olive oil - 60 cals - 0g\0g\7g
Chicken - 130 cals - 26g\0g\2g
Marinated artichokes - 195 - 1g\7g\16g
1 cup bowtie pasta - 210 cals - 6g\41g\1g
2 tsp parm - 20 cals - 2g\0g\1.5g
1 cup mixed greens, 1/4 cuc, 1/2 roam tom, 2 olives, vinegar dressing

30 minute cardio
5 minute warm up walking
2 minute run 5.2 mph
3 minute walking 3 mph
2.5 minute run 5.2 mph
2.5 minute walking 3 mph
3 minute run 5.2 mph
2 minute walking 3 mph
3.5 minute run 5.2 mph
6.5 minute walking cool down

protein shake w/ 2% milk - 250 cals - 28g\16g\7g

.5 med orange - 31 cals - Lg\7g\Lg
 
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01\13\07

Saturday: (P\C\F)

Coffee - 20 cals - 0g\2g\1g
8:00a 2 Egg, 2oz ham, 1 oz cheese - 317 cals - 29g\2g\21g

11:00a Banana - 121 cals - 2g\31g\Lg

12:30p 7oz Chicken Breast - 330 cals - 62g\0g\7.2g
4 tbsps Mushrooms & sauce - 88 cals - 4g/17g/Lg
brussel sprouts - 45 cals - 3g/8g/0g

Banana - 121 cals - 2g\31g\Lg
.5 med orange - 31 cals - Lg\7g\Lg

Workout

Squats – 12 reps, 40 lbs barbell
Bench press - 12reps, 30 lbs dumbbells
Calf Raise – 12 reps, 40 lbs barbell
Bent rows – 12 reps, 30 lbs dumbbells
Crunches - 12 reps, 20 lb disk
Curl – 12 reps, 15 lbs dumbbell

30 sec rest

Squats – 12 reps, 40 lbs barbell
Bench press – 12 reps, 30 lbs dumbbells
Calf Raise – 12 reps, 40 lbs barbell
Bent rows – 12 reps, 30 lbs dumbbells
Crunches - 12 reps, 20 lb disk
Curl – 12 reps, 15 lbs dumbbell

90 sec rest

Lunges – 12 reps, 10 lb dumbbells
Upright row – 12 reps, 40lbs barbell
Leg curls – 12 reps, 50 lbs
Shrugs – 12 reps, 30lbs dumbbell
Deadlift – 12 reps, 30 lbs dumbbell
Kickback – 12 reps, 10 lbs dumbbell

30 sec rest

Lunges – 12 reps, 10 lb dumbbells
Upright row – 12 reps, 40lbs barbell
Leg curls – 12 reps, 50 lbs
Shrugs – 12 reps, 30lbs dumbbell
Deadlift – 12 reps, 30 lbs dumbbell
Kickback – 12 reps, 10 lbs dumbbell

protein shake w/ 2% milk - 250 cals - 28g\16g\7g

5:30p Shrimp Scampi - 461 cals - 39g\45g\11g
Mixed greens, 1/4 cuc, 1/2 roma tom, 2 olives, vinegar dressing
 
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I dont like your workout routine that much. So many exercises and only two sets per exercise. I would remove kickbacks, curls (arms and legs), calf raises, and upright rows.

Garrocha said:
You feel I should have more sets of the remaining exercises? Why less exercises just out of curiousity.

Thanks,
Greg

I would say 3-4 sets. Those exercises are not needed and more concentration should be put on the compound movements. Not to mention kickbacks and hammy curls are not great exercises.
 
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01\15\07

Sunday: (P\C\F)

30 minute cardio
5 minute warm up walking
2 minute run 5.2 mph
3 minute walking 3 mph
2.5 minute run 5.2 mph
2.5 minute walking 3 mph
3 minute run 5.2 mph
2 minute walking 3 mph
5 minute run 5.2 mph
5 minute walking cool down

Monday: (P\C\F)

Coffee - 50 cals - 0g\5g\2.5g
8:00am – 1 egg, ¼ cup egg sub, ham, cheese - 304 cals - 30g\2g\20g
11:00am - non-fat yogurt - 100 cals - 5g\19g\0g
1:00pm – turkey sandwich - 275 cals - 20g\34g\5.5g
2:00pm - 1 oz peanuts - 170 cals - 7g\5g\14g
3:00pm - Oatmeal - 120 cals - 4g\24g\2g
4:00pm - med orange - 62 cals - Lg\14g\Lg

Dinner:
.5 tbsp Olive oil - 60 cals - 0g\0g\7g
Chicken - 130 cals - 26g\0g\2g
Marinated artichokes - 195 - 1g\7g\16g
pasta - 210 cals - 6g\41g\1g
2 tsp parm - 20 cals - 2g\0g\1.5g
1 cup mixed greens, 1/4 cuc, 1/2 roam tom, 2 olives, vinegar dressing

Workout
4 sets; reps 15, 12, 8, 6

Squats – 50 lbs barbell
Bench press - 30 lbs dumbbells
Lunges – 12 reps, 15 lb disks
Bent rows – 12 reps, 30 lbs dumbbells
Deadlift/shrugs – 30 lbs dumbbell
Side Bends - 15 lb disks

protein shake w/ 2% milk - 250 cals - 28g\16g\7g
Chex w/ milk - 290 cals - 13g\50g\6g
 
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01\16\07

Tuesday: (P\C\F)

Coffee - 50 cals - 0g\5g\2.5g
6:00am – 1 egg, ¼ cup egg sub, ham, cheese, 1 slice ww toast
--------- 394 cals - 34g\20g\21g
9:30pm - Oatmeal - 120 cals - 4g\24g\2g
12:00pm - Dirty rice - 368 cals - 26g\41g\8.5g
1:30pm - non-fat yogurt - 100 cals - 5g\19g\0g
3:30pm - String Cheese - 70 cals - 8g\Lg\4g

Tilapia 1/2 lb - 293 cals 60g\0g\6g
salad - 60 cals - 2g\4g\4g

30 minute cardio
5 minute warm up walking
2.5 minute run 5.2 mph
2.5 minute walking 3 mph
3 minute run 5.2 mph
2 minute walking 3 mph
3.5 minute run 5.2 mph
1.5 minute walking 3 mph
5 minute run 5.2 mph
5 minute walking cool down

Whey Shake w/ FF milk - 250 cals - 29g\16g\2g
Chex w/ FF milk - 290 cals - 14g\50g\1g

Totals 1855 cals 178g\156g\48g
 
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01\17\07

Wednesday:


Workout:
4 sets; reps 15, 12, 10, 8

Squats – 50 lbs barbell
Bench press - 30 lbs dumbbells
Lunges – 12 reps, 15 lb disks
Bent rows – 12 reps, 30 lbs dumbbells
Deadlift/shrugs – 30 lbs dumbbell
Side Bends - 15 lb disks
 
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01\18\07

Thursday & Friday:

Today is an off day from working out. The plan is to watch my diet today & tomorrow and look into ways to improve my meals.
 
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