So you want a nice stomach
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muffin0615 wrote: »Any ideas for losing baby belly? I have difficult time with weights due to back problems and prior back surgery. I'm 5'4" currently 160 lbs. Pre baby weight was 145lbs. and before working nightshift I was around 135lbs. I am eating 1200 calories a day and working out about an hour daily on my treadmill. Thanks!
Go back and read the first post. Start implementing what you can. Find a way to add some sort of resistance training even if it's just body weight stuff.1 -
I agree with this, and honestly, I enjoy cardio workouts the most (though they were difficult at first when I was so out of shape.) For me, I had to do more cardio to get the fat to come off of my stomach. I did a mix of both strength and cardio around 30-45 minutes a day 4 days a week and it started to come off.
Now to keep my sweet tooth from getting the best of me again.0 -
Can you lose fat fast by walking incline instead of running ?0
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skylatalley4 wrote: »Can you lose fat fast by walking incline instead of running ?
For the cardio needs to lose fat you can do whatever increases your heart rate. Cardio is only a piece of the fat loss equation.0 -
This post is stickied. No one *ever* has to bump it. Please stop!lishie_rebooted wrote: »Just bumping more because @usmcmp is amazeballs & I
her and her sensible, realistic, sustainable advice.
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This post is stickied. No one *ever* has to bump it. Please stop!lishie_rebooted wrote: »Just bumping more because @usmcmp is amazeballs & I her and her sensible, realistic, sustainable advice.
Not everyone checks the stickies. Some people stick to the recent discussions list. We all MFP different.0 -
This post is stickied. No one *ever* has to bump it. Please stop!lishie_rebooted wrote: »Just bumping more because @usmcmp is amazeballs & I her and her sensible, realistic, sustainable advice.
Why does it bother you?
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Bump
Aha really great post. Thanks for all of the great info
I just started a couple weeks, but strength training is my favorite so far. Can't wait to see myself in a year 0 -
I need help with making meal plan to help me lose weight can anyone help i am wanting to lose my lower belly/muffin top and tone up my body and gain a bigger booty i need help from someone who knows what there doing please help me asap... thanks Sahara0
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sahararenee20 wrote: »I need help with making meal plan to help me lose weight can anyone help i am wanting to lose my lower belly/muffin top and tone up my body and gain a bigger booty i need help from someone who knows what there doing please help me asap... thanks Sahara
I don't do "meal plans" I believe in each of us adopting habits that will last forever. The best place to start is protein at each meal with fruit at breakfast and vegetables with lunch and dinner. Then fill in the rest with things you enjoy and things that will help keep you full.
As far as workouts go, find a workout plan that you think you'll enjoy and go for it. There are tons of free lifting plans out there. The most important factor when starting out is simply something you are going to stick with.0 -
Ok thank u so much i will do that0
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It just does.LolBroScience wrote: »
This post is stickied. No one *ever* has to bump it. Please stop!lishie_rebooted wrote: »Just bumping more because @usmcmp is amazeballs & I her and her sensible, realistic, sustainable advice.
Why does it bother you?
Actually, I didn't even realize there was a "Recent Discussions" tab - mine always defaults to the Home screen. I learned something today!
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@animall I've realised tht snacking keep my tummy chubby, try eating 3 or 2 clean meals a day and make sure ur evening meal is as small as possible, maybe drink to 2 glassed of water before ur supper so u can feel full faster
staying within your calorie goal helps. a tiny supper is depressing and unsustainable for some. but kudos to you. however 'eating clean' is unnecessary especially since the definition is fluid. you will have to pry the oreos from my dead cold hands
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This post is very genuine and there is a truth in these post which tells that what is necessary for getting a tight flat stomach, it is not an easy as it looks. Thanks for such a nice information.0
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@animall I've realised tht snacking keep my tummy chubby, try eating 3 or 2 clean meals a day and make sure ur evening meal is as small as possible, maybe drink to 2 glassed of water before ur supper so u can feel full faster
@bunnypy Eating clean is unnecessary. Eating a tiny meal at dinner is unnecessary. Snacking is not harmful and it doesn't make you fat unless you are going over your body's calorie needs (and I don't mean just one day over, it's consistently over).
The only thing you need to do to lose weight is to eat less calories than your body needs day in and day out. If snacking keeps someone on track they should do it. If eating clean keeps someone on track then they should do that. If eating one meal keeps someone on track they should do it. The calorie balance equation and personal preference are king.0 -
I have 3 questions
1) What is the best way to measure Body Fat?
2) What are the best exercises for tightening ab muscles? I do not like traditional weighted Squats or Deadlifts. But I do Single leg deadlifts and airsquats. Any suggestions would truly be appreciated.
3) Is it true plank is a more for conditioning and building the base and may not solely assist in tightening ab muscles?
I track all my food in grams and exercise regularly.
EDTA: If any of the questions have been answered before I apologize for missing the info.0 -
I have 3 questions
1) What is the best way to measure Body Fat?
2) What are the best exercises for tightening ab muscles? I do not like traditional weighted Squats or Deadlifts. But I do Single leg deadlifts and airsquats. Any suggestions would truly be appreciated.
3) Is it true plank is a more for conditioning and building the base and may not solely assist in tightening ab muscles?
I track all my food in grams and exercise regularly.
EDTA: If any of the questions have been answered before I apologize for missing the info.
1. BodyPod, Dexa Scan or Hydrostatic. Most of those cost money and aren't available everywhere. Calipers used by someone with training and experience can be fairly accurate.
2. Best exercises are things that require core stabilization. That's why many of us suggest squats and deadlifts. Overhead press, bench press, dips, and pull ups all do a pretty good job of it. Then there are things like hanging leg raises, landmine 180's and ab roll outs. They don't "tighten" the ab muscles. All exercise does is strengthen the muscles or make them bigger. "Tight" abs come from low body fat and a strong core.
3. Most people don't engage their core doing planks, so I would say that planks for most people are fairly worthless and can actually create posture issues. If you really want to do planks then do RKC planks.1 -
I have 3 questions
1) What is the best way to measure Body Fat?
2) What are the best exercises for tightening ab muscles? I do not like traditional weighted Squats or Deadlifts. But I do Single leg deadlifts and airsquats. Any suggestions would truly be appreciated.
3) Is it true plank is a more for conditioning and building the base and may not solely assist in tightening ab muscles?
I track all my food in grams and exercise regularly.
EDTA: If any of the questions have been answered before I apologize for missing the info.
1. BodyPod, Dexa Scan or Hydrostatic. Most of those cost money and aren't available everywhere. Calipers used by someone with training and experience can be fairly accurate.
2. Best exercises are things that require core stabilization. That's why many of us suggest squats and deadlifts. Overhead press, bench press, dips, and pull ups all do a pretty good job of it. Then there are things like hanging leg raises, landmine 180's and ab roll outs. They don't "tighten" the ab muscles. All exercise does is strengthen the muscles or make them bigger. "Tight" abs come from low body fat and a strong core.
3. Most people don't engage their core doing planks, so I would say that planks for most people are fairly worthless and can actually create posture issues. If you really want to do planks then do RKC planks.
You rock, you know that? Great thread, really helpful answers.
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I have 3 questions
1) What is the best way to measure Body Fat?
2) What are the best exercises for tightening ab muscles? I do not like traditional weighted Squats or Deadlifts. But I do Single leg deadlifts and airsquats. Any suggestions would truly be appreciated.
3) Is it true plank is a more for conditioning and building the base and may not solely assist in tightening ab muscles?
I track all my food in grams and exercise regularly.
EDTA: If any of the questions have been answered before I apologize for missing the info.
1. BodyPod, Dexa Scan or Hydrostatic. Most of those cost money and aren't available everywhere. Calipers used by someone with training and experience can be fairly accurate.
2. Best exercises are things that require core stabilization. That's why many of us suggest squats and deadlifts. Overhead press, bench press, dips, and pull ups all do a pretty good job of it. Then there are things like hanging leg raises, landmine 180's and ab roll outs. They don't "tighten" the ab muscles. All exercise does is strengthen the muscles or make them bigger. "Tight" abs come from low body fat and a strong core.
3. Most people don't engage their core doing planks, so I would say that planks for most people are fairly worthless and can actually create posture issues. If you really want to do planks then do RKC planks.
You rock, you know that? Great thread, really helpful answers.
I try! I was clueless when I started. Just trying to help shorten the learning curve for others.1 -
I have 3 questions
1) What is the best way to measure Body Fat?
2) What are the best exercises for tightening ab muscles? I do not like traditional weighted Squats or Deadlifts. But I do Single leg deadlifts and airsquats. Any suggestions would truly be appreciated.
3) Is it true plank is a more for conditioning and building the base and may not solely assist in tightening ab muscles?
I track all my food in grams and exercise regularly.
EDTA: If any of the questions have been answered before I apologize for missing the info.
1. BodyPod, Dexa Scan or Hydrostatic. Most of those cost money and aren't available everywhere. Calipers used by someone with training and experience can be fairly accurate.
2. Best exercises are things that require core stabilization. That's why many of us suggest squats and deadlifts. Overhead press, bench press, dips, and pull ups all do a pretty good job of it. Then there are things like hanging leg raises, landmine 180's and ab roll outs. They don't "tighten" the ab muscles. All exercise does is strengthen the muscles or make them bigger. "Tight" abs come from low body fat and a strong core.
3. Most people don't engage their core doing planks, so I would say that planks for most people are fairly worthless and can actually create posture issues. If you really want to do planks then do RKC planks.
You rock, you know that? Great thread, really helpful answers.
I try! I was clueless when I started. Just trying to help shorten the learning curve for others.
I'm reading through the pages (lunchtime reading ha ha). I'm right now on 18th page. It was shocking to read some of the negative comments.
Thanks for the wonderful post. Very helpful responses you have given.0 -
i had to just copy and paste this and going to put this in my workout folder !! thanks for the great info
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Saving this post0
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I did my first 6 months of diet & exercise without weights and lost weight, but not really inches like I thought.
I now combine lifting, cardio & toning with the a healthy diet and protein shakes and only since doing that has my shape started to change.0 -
I started lifting Monday (Stronglifts) and I'm sooooo excited! Thanks for your post and your patient and thoughtful answers to everyone's questions and concerns!0
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Hey usmcmp, you are clearly the champion of insight and knowledge here so may I ask you a brief question with the hope that I am not interfering with existing thread(s)? If I am, please let me know and I will send you a private message so as not to detract from the flow of your conversations with people. You are entitled to that degree of courtesy since you must spend a great deal of time both contemplating and then responding to your readers.
Here is my situation (and I do not mind if others would like to add a thought or two).
Yesterday, I chose to eat an enormous amount of food; most of which was high in saturated fat, salt and sugar. The scales this morning told the story of an increase from 92.4 to 96 (kg). I find myself panicking a bit and obsessing about getting to the gym and beginning the self flagellation one part of me things I deserve. I have been engaging in this quasi type of bing behaviour on a decreasing basis but when it happens, I worry about the sharp spikes in my blood-sugar levels, the implications for enormous insulin production, the rapid storage of fat and the introduction of some very unnecessary and unhealthy oils and chemicals. So what are the questions:
1. Is it normal to have such an increase in weight?
2. How long might it take for the body to restore its homeostasis?
3. Is there anything I can do after the fact to help my body recover after this type of "eatathon"? in terms of food and water?
Thank you
S
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shelleygold wrote: »Hey usmcmp, you are clearly the champion of insight and knowledge here so may I ask you a brief question with the hope that I am not interfering with existing thread(s)? If I am, please let me know and I will send you a private message so as not to detract from the flow of your conversations with people. You are entitled to that degree of courtesy since you must spend a great deal of time both contemplating and then responding to your readers.
Here is my situation (and I do not mind if others would like to add a thought or two).
Yesterday, I chose to eat an enormous amount of food; most of which was high in saturated fat, salt and sugar. The scales this morning told the story of an increase from 92.4 to 96 (kg). I find myself panicking a bit and obsessing about getting to the gym and beginning the self flagellation one part of me things I deserve. I have been engaging in this quasi type of bing behaviour on a decreasing basis but when it happens, I worry about the sharp spikes in my blood-sugar levels, the implications for enormous insulin production, the rapid storage of fat and the introduction of some very unnecessary and unhealthy oils and chemicals. So what are the questions:
1. Is it normal to have such an increase in weight?
2. How long might it take for the body to restore its homeostasis?
3. Is there anything I can do after the fact to help my body recover after this type of "eatathon"? in terms of food and water?
Thank you
S
@shelleygold
I'll answer here just in case others are curious as well, but if you have further questions I'd like to continue by private message.
First of all you are way over thinking the entire fat/sugar/insulin thing. Insulin is not just used to store fat, it's also an important part of stimulating muscle growth. Worrying about all of that is majoring in the minors.
When we eat a significant amount of food our weight will spike. This comes from a few factors. The first is glycogen. Our glycogen stores deplete when we start dieting, which is one of the reasons we tend to lose more in the first weeks than we do after the first month. The second is that many of us eat a lot more sodium and carbs when we binge, which would increase water weight. Another factor is simply food volume. You usually eat a certain amount of pounds in a day (most studies say 1.5 to 2.5 kg), so when you eat twice that you're going to have extra weight in your digestive tract for a few days.
1. Gaining 3.6 kg isn't unheard of. After a binge most people see about a 2.5 kg increase.
2. It could take a week or even two weeks to return to normal. Your body will take a bit to burn through the glycogen. You'll eventually flush out the excess water. After a few days you should pass the extra food volume.
3. The best thing you can do for your body and your mental health after having a calorie surplus day (or even few days) is to go do some sort of resistance training. You're going to have extra energy and that means a bit more fuel for muscles. Now you haven't really ruined your progress, you've fed your muscles well. Return to a balanced diet and maybe drink a little bit of extra water (your weight could go up a little bit more, but it will drop).
I struggled with binge eating for a long time and I've done a lot to overcome it. The biggest thing that helped was setting an appropriate calorie goal. I say it all the time on here, but for most people the two pounds a week goal doesn't give them enough calories to be sustainable. Setting it to one pound a week or even half a pound a week can do a lot to prevent binge eating. The other reasons many people struggle with binge eating is unnecessary dietary restriction (which we fix by making sure they include treats) and habit (which we fix by recognizing the habit, like how I always eat an entire box of Swiss Cake Rolls).
I hope this helps explain it a bit and help you get back on track. Now is a good time to reflect on what the circumstances were that lead you to binge. Once you understand why it happens you can work to fix that. Above all, further restriction or punishing yourself for a binge will lead to another one.0 -
Wow lots of good stuff in here, and congrats on your awesome transformation!! I just want to see if anyone has any other hints or tips because I feel like I'm getting disheartened and scared of going off track. My typical routine is this..45-60 mins cardio min 500 cal burn, eat carbs til lunch (although I don't eat bread, pasta, potatoes, peas or corn) protein with each meal, 5 or 6x meals daily, late afternoon I'll do weight training 5x a week (following legion training program), I'll have a protein shake usually as afternoon snack and dinner is lean meat/chicken/fish and salad or veges. I have one day a week full rest with no cardio or weights, cardio 6 days. My results have been what I think slow for the amount of effort I feel I put in but that's ok, I'm getting there slowly. I still weigh my food as much as possible. I'm eating around 1200-1400 daily and not eating back any exercise calories usually. (I'm only 5'2) but going by the TDEE - 25% it says I should eat around 1660 or so. If I change to this now after eating at the lower for months, would this make me put on some of what I have lost? Which is the better method to go by? I started at 93.8kg and currently 77.6kg...aiming to get to 60kg but it seems so far away!! Any advice appreciated, thanks so much 0
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disturbed_s wrote: »Wow lots of good stuff in here, and congrats on your awesome transformation!! I just want to see if anyone has any other hints or tips because I feel like I'm getting disheartened and scared of going off track. My typical routine is this..45-60 mins cardio min 500 cal burn, eat carbs til lunch (although I don't eat bread, pasta, potatoes, peas or corn) protein with each meal, 5 or 6x meals daily, late afternoon I'll do weight training 5x a week (following legion training program), I'll have a protein shake usually as afternoon snack and dinner is lean meat/chicken/fish and salad or veges. I have one day a week full rest with no cardio or weights, cardio 6 days. My results have been what I think slow for the amount of effort I feel I put in but that's ok, I'm getting there slowly. I still weigh my food as much as possible. I'm eating around 1200-1400 daily and not eating back any exercise calories usually. (I'm only 5'2) but going by the TDEE - 25% it says I should eat around 1660 or so. If I change to this now after eating at the lower for months, would this make me put on some of what I have lost? Which is the better method to go by? I started at 93.8kg and currently 77.6kg...aiming to get to 60kg but it seems so far away!! Any advice appreciated, thanks so much
More isn't always better. We have a variety of hormones that get out of balance anyway when we diet. Adding in a bunch of cardio and strength training on top of not fueling your body is going to cause an imbalance in leptin and cortisol. Drop some of the cardio and increase your calories. There's nothing wrong with bread, pasta, potatoes, peas or corn. Carbs are actually one of the things that help keep our leptin levels close to normal.
Even at 5'2", with your activity level you should be eating at least 1600 calories. Possibly even more. Try it out for a month. You may see a small spike on the scale initially, but it won't last.0 -
I truly appreciate your response and information. What a wealth of information you are. Thanks
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