P90X Without the Diet

I am female, 5'2", age 47. (short)

I have lost almost 60 lbs with P90X. (I have done P90x many many times, heavy weights, low reps, and P90x2 twice)

I do not follow their nutrition guide, it has me eating to many calories for my height, and metabolism, and its lots of stuff I just was not crazy about, don't want to cook, or buy, nor would my family like it.

Instead I eat food, me and my family like, using common sense, moderation etc. We make healthy nutrient dense food choices, but we also eat what we like, and use moderation. We really don't ban any food, we donot eat 100% clean, but limit portions of some things etc. to stay within my calorie ranges, and macro goals.

I use MFP rough eating ranges, but I have had to tweak them alot here and their as my body weight has changed, and as weight loss stalls or slows, as I get closer to my goal..

I personally aim for about .5-1 gram of protein per pound of lean body mass - or you can use your goal weight. I do a roughly 40/30/30 plan, but really my main aim is high enough protein, with a decent mix of carbs and fats to feel satisfied, and have enough energy to complete the workouts and improve in strength and reps.

I don't really have alot of hard fast "rules".

If my protein, carbs, or calories get to low, I find I am tired, and unable to complete DVDS, and my weight loss stalls.

I never go below 1200 calories, and I aim for roughly 1400 calories. I also have one free day a week, where I have relaxed eating, and eat what I want or crave, if I am hungry. Keep in mind - I am short, so my calorie level is different from someone taller, and my metabolism at 47 is much different then it was at 22. When I start consistently going to 1600-1700 a day, everyday, I also added on fat. So for my height, the suggested P90X diet guide was to high.

I also personally do use protein shakes or bars as needed to beef up my protein and help me stay in my goal ranges. They are not my only protein source, but one I use along with food options, within my allotted calorie range.

If I find I am not getting results I want in performance, fat loss, muscle gain - I make adjustments as needed to my calories, routines, macros.

So there is no "one perfect" diet fit for everyone.

Find what works for you, foods you like, can eat, can afford, and meet you calorie and macro goals. Do not undercut yourself on calories, but if after 4 weeks things are not changing, don't be afraid to tweak things if needed here and there.

Many people try to do the program, with to low a calorie level and cannot complete it. You do need calories to rebuild the muscle you are tearing down.

And do not use weight loss as your only guide, inches loss is much more important, as is appearance in the mirror, clothing fit, fitness improvements etc. The weight loss will eventually come. With P90X many people do not see a dramatic weight loss at first, it usually shows more at the end. But if they were doing the program right - they DO see inch loss and body composition changes and tightening as well.

I'm not doing it following the diet either honestly, so I know the results may come a little slower. I'm just trying to eating pretty healthy and for me it's about cutting way back on my wine and beer consumption, lol. I haven't been really strict with that for this first phase but I have noticed I've lost a couple of inches here and there. Depending on my 30 day pictures I may tighten up the diet more for phase 2. I've decided to up my calories to 1800 and eat back exercise calories if I'm hungry, if not then I'll try not to go below my BMR which is 1530 ish I believe. Just keep pushing play! :drinker:

You don't need to follow the diet plan religiously just stick to your goal percentage (50%carb 30% protein and 20%fat) and you should have great results, just stick to healthy choices of fruits veggies lean meats and a few nuts for fats. I am also a college student and do P90X it took me a little while to get the nutrition down but once you find what works for you you can just stick with it and it works. Good Luck!