Getting Humble and honest. Help.

ValGogo

So, I've been commenting and sometimes I'm a teeny bit snarky but here is my thing.

I'm working on getting down to around 180-190 for my 5'9". That's a good place to start. I don't really care about the number but I've been logging food and exercise. The last three weeks have been sporadic since I was SUPPOSED to move to a new apartment and that still hasn't happened. Am sleeping on my friend floor and I had missed 12 days of workouts and now am back on track.

I'm at 238. I've come down from 248 in last few months. But, I'm seeing that I need to really, really look at my intake and nutrients. I thought since I eat lots of "good" veggies (as opposed to lots of corn, peas, carrots, potatoes, you know, the heavy starchy "veggies;" I stay away from those) and ate egg whites and eggs and beans and light chicken it would work itself out. I'm beginning to get humble and look at my servings and the hours between meals.

I don't over indulge but I am pretty sure the mass of my weight comes from bagels and crusty bread. Trust me, I know what to eat for breakfast, when to eat it and all that stuff. I'm really good with the good food. I'm not THAT bad with the bad food but the ciabbata, bagels, semolina is the issue. The last three weeks have been really light on bread and I'm feeling the difference.

That said I want to talk about exercise. I've been incorporating the barbell and heavier weights in the gym. I was doing HIIT and body weight videos before I moved and I miss it. I can remember some of them and can do them in the park if I want to. My smart phone is out of commish so I can't Wi-Fi on the phone like I used to when I was outside. I like the treadmill and am trying to challenge myself with it to see if I can jog-run better. I like the sweating and rush I get from it. However, I'm wondering if I should do both cardio and weights or just stick to weights and warm up for 10-15 minutes with cardio only. I walk a lot too. And do you think I should jog outside as opposed to the treadmill? I think it's a better workout outside on the stationary sidewalk.

And, can you all recommend any books for people who used to be fit-ish, have gotten pudgy and want to lose the fat and build the body? I've been exercising regularly for the past 6 months. I mean really doing it. The number only changed by 10 lbs. but my body configurations are getting better. I can tell I have big strong abs and obliques under the jelly belly. I've started on the Stronglifts as best I can with the limited weights at Planet Fitness.

OK, bring it people!

a_stronger_me13

This is by far the best and most thorough advice that's been given on this site for when people get really frustrated with lack of progress: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

Have you looked into calculating your TDEE? If the scale is not moving or moving very slowly, it's simply a matter of not being at a calorie deficit or not being at a large enough of one.