I've been very resitant about lifting...

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  • TR0berts
    TR0berts Posts: 7,739 Member
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    The answers you're looking for are contained in "The Starting Line" and "The First Cut" chapters/sections of the book. Go back and re-read those. Don't skim!

    Of course, your idea of going with 2000 Cals to start off with is probably fine. Just give it a month and adjust, if necessary.
  • BlueBombers
    BlueBombers Posts: 4,065 Member
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    HEAVY COMPOUND LIFTS!!
  • MissGamerGirl
    MissGamerGirl Posts: 187 Member
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    You don't have to be insanely controlled with your diet when you're starting out weight training. A beginner will make progress on just about any diet.

    A lot of the 'rules' you read and hear about really only apply to intermediate or even advanced lifters, or elite athletes. For 99% of the population, it's often little more than a distraction.

    I know, but I like having hard numbers to work with. :/

    Whether I choose 1-3 hrs of light exercise or 3-5 hrs of moderate exercise makes a difference on my calorie calculations. With the 3-5 hr option, maintenance is at 2270 and my calorie goal at 2043.

    I'm tempted to just round it off at an even 2000 for a typical day and be done with it. Lifting days will be a couple hundred calories more because of the protein shake.

    Ah, understood. Didn't mean to seem dismissive-- I just had a friend who beat himself up trying to hit certain macros when he was starting out and probably didn't need to.

    No worries, I understand where you're coming from. :)
  • MissGamerGirl
    MissGamerGirl Posts: 187 Member
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    Unless your aim is to become a bodybuilder, there is no need to run cut and bulk cycles per say. If you want to put on muscle, try with a calorie surplus of 1,750/week (1/2 lb gain/week) and go from there. Aim for 1g of protein per lb of lean body weight to 1g per lb of body weight. Since you're already measuring/weighing/tracking, it's really not any more work. You may simply need to increase your protein intake a bit.

    I'm pleased to report that I'm finding this to be MUCH easier than I expected! :D I believe it was yesterday that I even went over 1g/lb of my bodyweight.