Claudette, I don't roll it on my fingers for the push press. I just grab the bar and hold on tight otherwise I can't get it over my head due to a weak shoulder. It's may not be perfect form but it works for me.

Oh, there was a conversation about protein. On my "on target" days I'll get about 120g it's an egg sandwich in the morning, tuna on pita for lunch, protein bar, protein shake, greek yogurt and some kind of soy protein for dinner or chicken with peanuts and cheese as my late night snack. It's the only way I even come close because I don't eat that much chicken, but I can't do it everyday, it's just too mundane and damn it I like pasta.

Welcome Jaci! It doe get more intense as you go along that's for sure, but your body will be ready every step of the way. There's NEVER been a time that any one of us said, "no way, I can't do that" though we may say, "yeah I'm going to feel that tomorrow." LOL

Anyone else trying to hit lower carb numbers (besides Sue)? I try to be around 50-60/day.

would if I could but I'm struggling to hit 40% without going over

Hey JNH-

I am in the process of trying that, but not sure it's really working. When I started the program, I was keeping close to the 40/30/30, but more recently, I cut out eating grains during the week, so my carbs are pretty low Monday-Friday.

However, in doing this, it is SO HARD for me to meet my calorie needs. For the first few stages, I gained weight but it was mostly muscle. Now that I cut back on carbs, my weight is going back down (but I don't need it to), and it's been a struggle to keep up with the strength gains.

I had to adjust my mentality to be able to meet my 1700 calories (plus half my exercise) a day with the low carb. I wanted to keep with lean proteins (so basically, still no pork) so I went for higher calories options over "diet" options. For instance, I try to regular cheese instead of cheese with skim milk which is a big calorie punch. I also eat nuts which, as we all know, carry a big calorie price tag. Also, I normally have a salad a day (at least a side salad with a meal) so I can use real ranch on it or whatever. It's hard to cross over from trying to get the most food for the least amount of calories (so everything is the "diet" option).

Hey JNH-

I am in the process of trying that, but not sure it's really working. When I started the program, I was keeping close to the 40/30/30, but more recently, I cut out eating grains during the week, so my carbs are pretty low Monday-Friday.

However, in doing this, it is SO HARD for me to meet my calorie needs. For the first few stages, I gained weight but it was mostly muscle. Now that I cut back on carbs, my weight is going back down (but I don't need it to), and it's been a struggle to keep up with the strength gains.

I had to adjust my mentality to be able to meet my 1700 calories (plus half my exercise) a day with the low carb. I wanted to keep with lean proteins (so basically, still no pork) so I went for higher calories options over "diet" options. For instance, I try to regular cheese instead of cheese with skim milk which is a big calorie punch. I also eat nuts which, as we all know, carry a big calorie price tag. Also, I normally have a salad a day (at least a side salad with a meal) so I can use real ranch on it or whatever. It's hard to cross over from trying to get the most food for the least amount of calories (so everything is the "diet" option).

I totally agree with the whole-fat options. Most of the stuff they add to products to make them "low-fat" or "low-cal" are a bunch of gross unnatural fillers that you don't want in your body anyway!

I eat an avocado every morning, but haven't been incorporating too much dairy (though cheese is strictly ON-limits!). I will get a good dose of calories/fat if I have something with cheese, as who doesn't love oodles of cheese on anything?

Is your food diary private, jnh? I'd be interested in checking out what you do. Also.. do you find that doing the low-carb you also struggle physically? I do like how I look/feel when I cut out the starches (I do splurge on the weekends), but sometimes I feel like it might hinder my workout progress. And lately, I've been losing focus at work and not sure if it's related to the cutting carbs.

Anyone else trying to hit lower carb numbers (besides Sue)? I try to be around 50-60/day.

you mean grams? Wow. I struggle with my 45% (approx 180g), but then i am a sugar fiend. Any lower and i have no energy. Don't forget you need it as fuel! Even if you don't go as high as me.

My diary is viewable to friends jlhudy. I'm definately not the most impeccable logger -- if we go out to eat, most of the time I don't log if it's my final meal of the day and I know 1. I won't go over and 2. I'll get enough protein via the meal.

Honestly, I'm not sure if I see a difference or not. It's hard to say. Last week I was super sluggish and extremely sore BUT I haven't had a break from NR's since the end of Stage 1 (I'm halfway through stage 4). I'm still making gains in strength. Plus, if I just HAVE to have a sandwhich or whatever, I"m okay with it. Oh and yes, 50-60 grams. But I'm wondering, what specific effect do carbs have on energy level vs calories and energy level?

Congrats to your son Jennie, it's so nice when your hard work and abilities are noticed, at whatever age. I will still pop into the stage 5 thread. I was amazed at how much stronger I am doing the BWM now than I was in stage 3. It's not a cake walk by any means, but it does feel easier and whole lot faster.

Nobody answered my stage 6 vs, stage 7 question, I guess because I didn't pose it as a question, DUH! I want to be done by Sept 4th and will only have 4 weeks, do I skip stage 6?

Anyone else trying to hit lower carb numbers (besides Sue)? I try to be around 50-60/day.

So my thing is that I can't resist if I start and I eat crap carbs... sugars and yucky breads and way too much bad potato options. I eat a whole lot of veggies, well over 6 cups each day counting salads and other vegetables and I don't worry about fat generally. I am trying to eat "better" protein, although I start each day with eggs, cheese, and 2 meat options, including bacon. I'm also adding in a protein drink as well. I don't even really count carbs anymore, but I always read packaging to see what the ingredients are. I am eating more recently, since I started lifting - yesterday I was actually over 1800 cals and that scared the crap out of me, but on lifting days especially I'm pretty sure I don't have to worry about that too much. I do struggle to get all my protein in and I am really concentrating on that more.

Welcome Jaci! Yup, intense it is!! I'm had to scream at myself to get my butt in gear, but I guess we all are here with the same goal in mnd, get strong and prove to ourselves we can do it!
@Jenn congrats to you and your son! What a cool invitation for him. Bet he is (and your!) as proud as proud can be!

I'm such a carb eater. I struggle to stay at 40% and I sure don't hit my 25% protein I have set :frown:

I'm a big carb eater too. Most of it comes from all the darn running I do. Seriously, yesterday and today (so far) my macros are coming in right at 40/30/03 and I feel so darn proud! I also feel a little sluggish and grouchy because 40% carbs is a big cutback for me.....I'm usually closer to 50%.

Sam how long are you away for? If it's 1 or 2 weeks, then don't rush to get the prog done before you go. a couple of weeks off would be ok i'm sure. And you can definitely mess around with stage 6/7. (eg do stage 7 once OR twice).

---

So I FINISHED IT!!! :drinker:

Very happy to say I finished stage 7 last night, and broke 101lbs for the deadlift 6 reps x 2 sets, which is very good for me. But y'all haven't got rid of me yet, cos i'm doing stage 7 again (albeit slightly modified to my preferences) which will take me up to my big break in just under 3 weeks. I haven't taken after-pics yet, I will wait until I finish the second round, take a few days to un-bloat and then take pics/measurements.

Stage 7 surprised me largely because although there are no direct abs moves in it, I really felt my abs the next day! I think the main culprit was the push ups, which are like dynamic planks really, aren't they!

Feeling quite proud of myself, and even caught an unexpected glimpse of some good shoulder muscles in an elevator mirror the other day and was surprised to realise it was me!:blushing:

Most mainstream knowledge is that you need carbs for fuel. However, there has been a lot of research on using other nutrients, such as fat, for fuel. (Check out marksdailyapple.com for some great resources on this). http://www.marksdailyapple.com/why-grains-are-unhealthy/#axzz21dfKRn5Y

I suggest if you need a high amount of carbs, keep it from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and not from anything enriched or processed or with added sugars.

Sam how long are you away for? If it's 1 or 2 weeks, then don't rush to get the prog done before you go. a couple of weeks off would be ok i'm sure. And you can definitely mess around with stage 6/7. (eg do stage 7 once OR twice).

---

So I FINISHED IT!!! :drinker:

Very happy to say I finished stage 7 last night, and broke 101lbs for the deadlift 6 reps x 2 sets, which is very good for me. But y'all haven't got rid of me yet, cos i'm doing stage 7 again (albeit slightly modified to my preferences) which will take me up to my big break in just under 3 weeks. I haven't taken after-pics yet, I will wait until I finish the second round, take a few days to un-bloat and then take pics/measurements.

Stage 7 surprised me largely because although there are no direct abs moves in it, I really felt my abs the next day! I think the main culprit was the push ups, which are like dynamic planks really, aren't they!

Feeling quite proud of myself, and even caught an unexpected glimpse of some good shoulder muscles in an elevator mirror the other day and was surprised to realise it was me!:blushing:

Congrats, rock star! Beautiful shoulders are a fabulous reward.

Its taken me 4 days to read back LOL.



I'm also trying to reduce Carbs. I'm finding I've become quite addicted to them lately esp bread and butter. I'm also finding a lot of bloating occurs after eating and I don't like that either. I just don't know what to replace bread with, as my lunches are usually sandwiches of some sort. Would appreciate any suggestions on what you all eat mid-day.

Can I ask a question, do any of you find your tongue drys out from increasing protein. I can't really explain it but I have to drink more, and my tongue feels dry more?


Have a good day everyone.

I use Whole Wheat Pitas, they are only 80 cals and 18 carbs about the same as 1 slice of bread but holds more. You can really cram that thing with veggies with your lunch meat, chicken, or tuna.

Anyone else trying to hit lower carb numbers (besides Sue)? I try to be around 50-60/day.

Yes, I look to stay between 30-70 a day, only occassionally hit 100 when I've had some sweet potato or pumpkin or extra seasonal fruit. I have zero added white sugar in my diet, no chocolate and no artificial sweeteners either. Wheat / grain free as well apart from a small amount of rice perhaps once a month.

That's me. I did find a great pasta substitue in Miracle Noodles - they are made from shirataki mushrooms and wow are they great and easy to prepare too! Open the package, blanche drain eat!. I also just picked up some kelp noodles with green tea. I'll try them tonight and let you know what I think tomorrow. There's also some low carb bread that's supposed to be quite good, and very healthy. Have to find the name and let you know about it. If I eat grains, I stick with flax mostly, and I use almond flour if I need that sort of ingredient. There's a wealth of info out around the internet, many low-carb forums with great recipes! If anyone wants more info, message me - I don't want to tie up the thread with it all.

So, does anyone else feel like their shoulders just don't get stronger fast enough? I am impatient with them! I did S1 5B today and really struggled with 17 each dumbbell, I had to drop back to 15 to finish the sets and I was at failure on #10 or set 3. I know I'm progressing, when I started S1 I was pushing barbie weights 5lb dbs.

I bumped weights on everything today including lunges - all with 3 sets. deadlifts a 70 today for the first time and felt GREAT!!! I really love them! Lat pull-downs at 50, struggled with the last 5, but finished. Muscles feel very jello-y if that makes any sense!

Sam I hope you have a wunnerful time in the mountains and dandelion hope the stay-cation is more play and very little work!!