Getting Lean

[danexp80]

I run for about 30 mins a day, everyday, with the 2 off days per week. One off day, just taking rest from all the cardio I do. The other, pigging out (basically my cheat day.) The rest of the week I am sticking to a low fat, high protein, carb watching diet. However, with all that said, I don't or I barely see any results in losing weight. Especially around my lower torso. Am I doing enough? How long does it usually take to lose grabbable fat around my stomach?

[Klinger]

As a case in point, it's taken me more than two years -- and it's not a done deal yet. It can take a loooong time to cut abdominal fat. Keep working out and keep watching that diet.

My advice would be to drop the cheat day and, if you absolutely must have some junk food, have one cheat meal. Just don't go overboard and call a bucket of fried chicken, a liter of soda and a bag of oreos your "meal."

[MrsRiley]

I'd agree the cheat day is what is killing you. I learned the hard way..I exercised and ate perfectly all week and then ruined it all by pigging out on the weekends.

[nate]

man you have a cheat day....i like have a cheat meal, and even them, i only go over my set daily amout but about 300-500 calories

[JawD]

Thing is though, if you burn maybe 200 cals per day that you work, so thats 1000 per week. You might stay even on your off day but then pig out on your other off day. On that pig day you could, and probably do, easily eat and extra 1000 calories so that for the week, you dont move.

This is just a basic way of putting it without going into depth. Now even if you just changed it to an extra 300 - 500 cals on your cheat day, that saving of 500 cals per week could burn you a lb of fat in 7 weeks. Not much, even better if you didnt cheat at all!

I dont cheat as such, but I do usually go out for a meal at the weekend. I try to be as careful as possible when out, eating plenty of fibrous carbs and fresh meat. No sweets!

I guess its all up to you and how quick and how much progress you want.

[River]

Man, what u mean fot "carb watching"?
How macy calories do u take? How many carb?

In my opinion your first (and big) mistake is cutting fats from your diet. If u wanna burn your body's fat, u must eat lots of fats! And few carb! I suggest u a chetogenic or a Sears diet: eating specially fat u change your body metabolism from a carb-user into a fat-user. Adding an ipocaloric diet, the needed energy will be taken from your body reserves (of fat!)

[danexp80]

Hey Everyone, thanks for the advice. Hey RIVER!....high fat, low carb, isnt that the Atkins diet?!...Ive tried it before...but heard it wasnt all too healthy for you. Anyway, what are foods with good fat that i can try...because yeah....i barely have any fat in my diet. Mostly protein and some carbs.

[Klinger]

Originally Posted by danexp80

Hey Everyone, thanks for the advice. Hey RIVER!....high fat, low carb, isnt that the Atkins diet?!...Ive tried it before...but heard it wasnt all too healthy for you. Anyway, what are foods with good fat that i can try...because yeah....i barely have any fat in my diet. Mostly protein and some carbs.

The fats in nuts like almonds and cahews are good. So are the fats in fresh fish (salmon, tuna, etc.) and cheeses and milk. Do a search for "good fats" and you'll find a lot more.

Just keep in mind that you need to strike a balance between carbs, fat and protein. For example: 40%c/30%f/30%p.

[River]

I saw low carb, not 0 carb... In atkins u eat very few carb and your body will produce chetons... I think that's an extreme solution becouse isn't so healthy...
I suggest a carb's range between 20 to 40%... U may start with 40 and wait for 3 weeks... if things are goods continue with 40... if not try to go down at 30... then 20... or so...

40/30/30 is another good diet...

PS: the best fats come from olive's oil, nuts, and fat fish (good for omega 3). Cheeses (and all animal derived fat) aren't the best

[cursor]

Originally Posted by River

If u wanna burn your body's fat, u must eat lots of fats!

Not exactly. Your body only needs enough fats ... not "lots of fats". :

danexp80: Try adding some flax seed meal to your oatmeal and shakes (a tablespoon or so per serving). Baked salmon is marvelous. Avocados and olives are also great sources of quality fats.

[danexp80]

Thanks Cursor...one more thing...is there a certain time of day workouts are more effective?

[Lady C]

Originally Posted by danexpo80

is there a certain time of day workouts are more effective?

Yes - the earlier, the better. It keeps the metabolism high all day.