Looking for some veteran advice

Hello, I am new to the forums. I signed up because I am sick of friends giving me crappy, conflicting advice.

I am a 20 year old male college student. I am about 5'10'' and 155 lbs. The pants I wear range from a size 31-33 waist (depends on the brand for some reason) I am not fat or anything but I desperately want to have that tight and toned look. Having fairly large muscles would be nice, but mainly having no visible fat and six-pack abs are my main concerns. I am a pretty slim guy but I have some fat lower on my stomach, as well as alot on my sides (love handles) and on my butt. Nothing noticeable really, but I want to look good naked, you know?

I eat a vegetarian diet. I take multivitamins and occasionally a protein supplement. Most of the time I would estimate I eat 800-1500 calories a day. It depends on how I feel. I would be willing to change my diet and there is a pretty well equipped gym on my campus. I have been trying to do some cardio and strength training but so far I've had almost no improvement. I have been considering taking a metabolic enhancer, such as "ripped fuel". Any advice would be welcome. Thank you.

oh and PS: Besides having a vegetarian diet I eat very healthy in general. I eat all fruits, vegetables and complex carbs. I almost never eat any sweets and I try to keep dairy in moderation. That's why I don't understand why I still have this layer of fat.
 
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just keep running lots like 5 times a week more if you think you can handle it, and build up your muscles, more muscle == more fat burning. but dont expect results instantly if that was true we could be spared from all these fad diet. ive been going hardcore for a week and im starting to notice that im getting way hungery and ive lost a few pounds and am getting more definition all over my body. stick with and youll get the results you want.
 
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Your bodyweight is ideal, sounds like all you need to do is redistribute it.

Are you looking to bulk up and gain any weight at all? Let us know which way you want to go and one of us here can get you started.

Gram is right though, hard work and dedication will get you there, all we can do is put you on the right track :D
 
Are you seriously eating only 800-1500 calories?!?!?! That is way too little!! I'm unsure of men's BMR's, but most women need at least 1600 just to function - and I know men's are higher. I think you definitely need to eat more - this will give your metabolism the boost it needs to help get rid of extra fat.
I'm glad to hear, however, that you're eating a healthy diet - that is key in attaining a six-pack. Do your best to stay away from processed foods and white flour. You probably just need to add a lot of protein to your diet. You say you are a vegetarian - do you eat eggs? Fish? Egg whites are perfect for adding protein - start the day off w/ a few scrambled whites. You can buy the cartons of whites and "scramble" them in the microwave - it's actually rather tasty. Canned tuna is good, as well. Natural PB is also good to add for protein. Protein shakes and bars are a good way to add "healthy" calories.
I don't know what your exact work-out plan is like, but the more muscle you have, the more calories you will burn - another way to boost your metabolism. Definitely continue and perhaps add on to your strength-training routine.
 
IMHO, you should consider focusing on the weights in addition to your current lifestyle. I'd suggest looking into a strength training program. Look for sets/reps to be about 5x5 or 3x6. In my experience these set/rep ranges promote strength as well as hypertrophy when the training session is kept intense and rest periods never exceed 2 minutes. I try to keep these programs as close to 1 1/2 minutes rest between sets if at all possible.

Your diet and cardio seem checked for the most part. I'm sure when you start to hit the weights you're going to need more quality calories. 800 cals does seem very very low. I try to stay in the 1700 range while dieting and up to 2500 when working hard. (5'11", 190lbs) My job keeps me on my @ss for the better part of 10hrs per day so my daily requirements are fairly low.

I could link you to some training programs if you're interested. Take advantage of that campus rec. and use the weights.

Good luck
DM
 
I wouldn't mind gaining some muscle, but as I said my main goal is tightening and toning. About the specifics of my diet, I do not eat fish but I DO eat eggs and dairy products (ie; vegetarian and not vegan) Everyone I've asked pretty much has said to increase my calorie intake, so now I'm stuffing my face to my heart's content (with complex carbs like rice and pasta mostly... I don't eat sweets) and I will try to increase my strength training regiment. I would love some help in creating a training program if possible.

Along with my normal diet I have been taking a protein supplement, in the form of shakes made with a powder I bought. Each serving is 23g of protein. Due to the advice I have been given I am taking 4 servings a day, but the whole huge thing only has 30 servings and they are *not* cheap.

Also, noone mentioned metabolic enhancers or energy supplements. I am seriously considering taking ripped fuel before workout sessions to give me a boost of energy and stamina. This would be something temporary I would imagine, I'd probably take it for a month until I got on track. Any thoughts on this, or any other such products?
 
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