Weight Loss Assistance

brittneyy32
brittneyy32 Posts: 19 Member
edited November 15 in Health and Weight Loss
Hello everyone!

I'm in need of some assistance from the MFP Community.

I am roughly 60lbs overweight especially for my height as I'm only 5 foot 1, and close to 200lbs. I've recently joined my local gym and aiming go to 5-6 times per week. :) I've got quite a bit of fat and very little muscle.

What I'm asking for is………some sites I've read (bodybuilding.com, etc) have suggested using a pre/post workout drink mix to help burn the fat that I have into muscle.

Has anyone done this? Would you recommend it?

If so, which products do you suggest?

Thanks for your time!

Replies

  • Anonymous_fiend
    Anonymous_fiend Posts: 196 Member
    edited February 2017
    Right now focusing on hitting your macros, calorie deficit, and cardio is more beneficial. Without proper protein its hard to build muscle. For strength training I like eating a post snack/protein bar since those drink I can't tolerate. If you can they're great to get protein in. Consuming protein after a hard workout helps them build and recover. Carbs an hour before gives energy. What workouts are you doing? Cardio will burn the fat you have while strength training builds muscle.

    If you're looking for fitness supplements if be wary if overpromises. Most aren't a long term thing if they even work. If pills and mixes could make us fit everyone would take them.
  • brittneyy32
    brittneyy32 Posts: 19 Member
    edited February 2017
    miritikvah wrote: »
    Right now focusing on hitting your macros, calorie deficit, and cardio is more beneficial. Without proper protein its hard to build muscle. For strength training I like eating a post snack/protein bar since those drink I can't tolerate. If you can they're great to get protein in. Consuming protein after a hard workout helps them build and recover. Carbs an hour before gives energy. What workouts are you doing? Cardio will burn the fat you have while strength training builds muscle.

    If you're looking for fitness supplements if be wary if overpromises. Most aren't a long term thing if they even work. If pills and mixes could make us fit everyone would take them.

    Right now I'm doing 15-20 mins of cardio then about an hour of weights (machines). One day I'll do all upper body and abs then the following day do lower body and abs. Then 10 mins of a cool down on a stationary bike followed by stretches.

    Then enjoy 10 mins on the hydromassage beds!

    I will normally eat an apple or banana after my workout is complete.

    I eat a Vegan diet, so I'm getting plenty of protein. I have considered adding protein in my morning shake that consists of almond milk, frozen fruit and chai seeds.

    I'm just at a loss. I also don't want to drop a whole bunch of weight at once, I would like my weight loss to be a gradual thing so I'm less likely to gain it all back plus some.
  • Anonymous_fiend
    Anonymous_fiend Posts: 196 Member
    You seem to be doing all the right things so just sticking to it you should see some incredible results! Persistence is key. IIFYM.com is a good tool. They can give more advice by your activity level and stats to see if you should add more protein. But yes some of the drinks/bars/pills can provide some benefit I've just found them too pricey $$$. I found a vegan pill call Drs choice that helped...until I drank my calories back bc I thought I was doing so good. Slimquick has powders and they actually helped me but was too pricey. Some cause me to get too jittery so if your sensitive check for caffeine. Chromine isn't much beneficial. My mom got some medical grade ones prescribed that were fantastic but you would need a prescription.
  • lemonychild
    lemonychild Posts: 654 Member
    You can get the drinks they mention if u feel like u will do a better job at the gym. Go slow those things have a lot of stimulants
  • MelanieCN77
    MelanieCN77 Posts: 4,047 Member
    All pre-workouts are is a bit of an energy boost. You'd either be adding calories or a non-caloric energy source like caffeine. Nothing can "burn fat into muscle."
  • PAV8888
    PAV8888 Posts: 14,254 Member
    edited February 2017
    You can probably afford a caloric deficit of 20-25% subject to it being sustainable for you in terms of feeling able to comply without giving up.

    Up to 0.07% of your bodyweight lost per week is probably acceptable and compatible with preserving lean mass. If you're currently classified as obese even 1% would be considered compatible with preserving lean mass.

    None of the items you mention screams of eating a lot of protein. Everything you mention except for Chia seeds screams carbohydrates not protein.

    With a normal weight range around 120 to 140lbs (assuming this is the case) you would ideally, and assuming no kidney issues, be trying to increase protein to 0.8g to 1g per lb which is double the RDA level. Women would probably want to eat at least 0.4g of fat per lb. And ~28g fiber. The rest being whatever keeps you happy.

    So quick *minimums* would be 115g protein, 56g fat, 28g fiber. The rest carbs or combination of everything such that you're content!

    Do remember that activity is activity. A simple walk burns less calories than an intense gym session, but it still burns calories...

    Also remember that exercise is for health. Your weight will be determined by how much you eat relative to how much you burn and that's regardless of exercise. Of course exercise does allow you to eat more. And feel better.

    Supplements and such... If you find it hard to meet macro goals... go for them. When I was actively losing weight I preferred maximizing the calories I ate so as to stay satiated longer and only used them occasionally. Others use them more.

    Google vegan protein sources for ideas.

    Best of luck
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