The Redemption of Un Miserable [Archive]

bejetah

10-01-2010, 08:34 PM

Me and my mate The Big Sleep decided to make a log together - we will be writing about our nutrition and our training aswell in this thread. We both have a pretty similar past, both recovered from anorexia and on the way to a better and healthier life. He will post his story himself, i'll post mine here. We will be updating the thread as frequently as possible

Comments of any kind (except for those like "gtfo" and such) will be appreciated!
Also, if there is ANYONE who has a similar story about his past, and similar goals in his mind, and would like to join and log with us together, feel free to PM me!
---------------------------------------
Here's a short story about me

I was into sports my whole life. 4 years ago I had a really bad experience which changed my life dramatically. It lead me into deep depression and after that, anorexia. I just didn't want to eat at all. I would punish myself for not being successful enough this way, as i've always been a perfectionist. Before i started losing weight I was in a great shape, healthy and successful in most areas of my life.
I've dropped 80lbs in about 5 months. At the lowest point where I was hospitalised i weighed somewhere around 100lbs. I was told by a doc that i might not live to see the next day. However, I did. Slowly recovered back up to the "minimal acceptable" weight for my height. It was about 130lbs at the time(still skinny like s***). For 3 years after that I did not make any more progress. I wasn't afraid to get fat, and I didn't like it the way I was either. I didn't think about anything much back then. But as my health got worse with every day i finally made a decision to change something about my life.
In January i found this site and started reading the forums. I started to remember the days when I was in shape and realized how much of my life I have wasted undereating and having no energy to do anything. I have lost all of my muscle mass and was weak like a 80-year old. I started to eat a bit more. As I ate more, I got hungrier. It was for the first time after a long while that I actually felt HUNGRY. I increased my portions further, and started to feel my body is getting its life back. Started out jogging a bit first, and then some simple bodyweight exercises, but just doing that after 3 years of nothing felt so good it was unreal. I signed in to a local gym and started doing whole body workouts. After that it all went up. My weight, my energy, my lifts, my mood, my portions and food bills ( :D )
In 6 months I have gained about 30pounds. I am aware that it's not pure muscle or anything but that would be impossible. I’m happy as I’ve gotten stronger and healthier. I can do sports, I train regularly and I’m determined to get better. I’ve got some fat to cut off my stomach first, which ofcourse was inevitable when bulking and putting on that much weight. It doesn’t really matter that much to me, I know it can all be lost, health comes first. (no, I’m not fat, but even a little BF on my stomach makes me think of “Fat” As I could see every vein on my stomach less then a year ago)

My current weight is about 165lbs. I do carry a little bit of fat on my lower stomach, otherwise i'm fairly lean , about 10-13% BF. I’m doing IF and loving it. Makes me energized and focused during the day, and makes my thoughts about food go away. I don’t weigh food and count cals cuz I find It ridiculous, I just estimate because after so much time I have a really good sense of portion size and calorie count of foods. I mostly eat the same things over again, but that makes me think about it less. My current weight is at about 165lbs. I am not very strong but getting better every day. My current goal is to stay healthy, eat well, gain strength, endurance and a little muscle. I do IF and currently take in about 2500 calories a day, depending on how much and what type of training I do. I train 4 times a week. – I’ll be posting my routine and some samples and photos of my diet aswell.(yeah I will make sure to include some food porn occasionally haha :D ) – I’d like to log because I think it will help me keep consistent, aswell as get some good advice and help from other members of this forum which I mostly find very helpful when it comes to different things. Photos will come when there’s some further progress made, so I can post before/after .

Thanks to all again who took the time to read this and we’re really looking forward to some feedback from anyone. My mate The Big Sleep will be posting his info soon

tpblanke

10-01-2010, 08:36 PM

Good luck to ya buddy, although I think there is a sub-forum specifically for logs.

determined4000

10-01-2010, 08:42 PM

gtfo
jk

I am certainly subbed in and am rooting for you.
If you ever have any questions or wanna talk, feel free to PM me.
I admire you for turning things around and being able to remain flexible with your diet.

bejetah

10-01-2010, 08:47 PM

gtfo
jk

hahaha :)

Thanks a lot!

hrdgain3r89

10-01-2010, 09:35 PM

In 1st page!
Looking forward to the log and kudos to you for letting on about your past and congrats on the changes youve made! I was once in the same boat with weight issues/depression. My gf at the time got pregnant around December of last year. Problem was, I found out later on the paternity was in question putting me into a severely depressive state. I binge drank and basically starved myself down to 132 lbs, losing all muscle mass I may have had at the time. I was never into lifting either so needless to say I was very unhealthy. Like you, though, after discovering these forums it really gave me the motivation to get serious about the sport and all its aspects. Gave me something to strive for and slowly but surely I became an avid lifter/healthy person. Im now at 152 and continuing to grow fortunately. Slow bulking ATM and this forum will definitely help myself and others vent and discuss important matters.

Cliffs:
-----------
Traumatic eperience
Crash dieted to 132 lbs./binge drank
got serious about BB'ing, now at 152 lbs. 8% Bf
stoked about this thread =)

Repped.

DTrulez616

10-01-2010, 09:37 PM

This should be a great log. Subbed and repped when I can.

ErikTheElectric

10-01-2010, 09:45 PM

Subbed!

Can't wait too see your progress man! Good luck!

The Big Sleep

10-02-2010, 01:30 AM

Hey guys, Im stoked that Bejetah contacted me and brought up this idea as Ive been wanting to log on the forums for some time and now its on! As he said, this will cover our daily pursuit to HEALTHIER, STRONGER, and BETTER Lives.

We welcome and appreciate any CONSTRUCTIVE comments :)

A Brief History of Myself:

First off, my name is Elliot (call me that or The Big Sleep, doesnt matter). I could actually almost copy and paste Bejetah's story because it practically parallels my upbringing. Anyhow, I grew up in a family that adored food; my parents have both been overweight for years, my older brother was a D1 offensive lineman and is currently obese, and my older sister has been battling her weight issues as well. Needless to say, I found myself a fat kid growing up and was always hassled by kids. I got the usual grief from friends and peers about being overweight, even earned the nickname "Hungry Old Elliot" which I wasnt so proud of.

Everybody said I was destined to be like my bro, a big O-lineman for the varsity squad, but it was around 10th grade I realized that wasn't my calling in life. This is where things took a turn for the worse. I always wanted to know what it was like to be "normal" and not have to worry about people calling me "fatty" or knowing I never had a shot with any girl I had a crush on, etc. So I took the initiative and asked one of my close friends who ran cross country how to lose weight (BIG MISTAKE).

I literally lived with my cross country friend for the entire summer; I went from a sedentary 6'0" 210lbs fat kid who ate like none other to eating ONE MEAL a day (before bed) and doing upwards of 2 hours of cardio PER DAY! Long story short, 3 months later I was 140lbs! On the outside, people couldnt believe it was me when school started back up. Teachers, parents, friends, family, everybody was stunned. I got compliments and people started coming to me asking how to lose weight, but deep down I knew I had a problem. I was afraid to eat. I even went so far as to purge myself if I felt like I overate, or I would go run a couple miles after eating to make sure I didnt gain weight.

I was never hospitalized like Bejetah, but thats likely due to the fact that I kept everything to myself. Im a pretty reserved person, never been a party guy or liked being in a big crowd. I had nobody to confide in so I would basically just look at myself in the mirror and insist I was still fat at 6'1" 140lbs. I would spend nights crying, wondering if it was even worth it to try anymore, but I kept my faith with the Lord and He has guided me since. That was about 7 years ago...

So whats happened since then? Well I eventually found the BB.com forums and started reading about lifting and gaining weight. My brother showed me various workouts and even gave me all his old Flex magazines and Ronnie Coleman DVDs :D and it was like a switch went off...I became hooked on lifting! I read a lot about eating more and slowly started to add food back in. I put on about 25lbs of "newbie" gains in the first 5 months of lifting, my friends asked me if I was taking steroids lol. But then I hit a plateau that has stuck me at the 165lbs I still to this day cant get passed (mentally and physically). I still have recurring issues with putting on fat because I feel like I already am too fat...even though, like Bejetah, Im fairly lean around 10-11% BF. I just have this dang skinny-fat look from all the muscle loss from the anorexia and over exercising. I tend to hold most of my fat right on the lower abdomen and in my glutes so its a struggle but it will be overcome.

Theres a lot more to the story, but it would run for pages to go into all the details :D.

Currently:
As of now, like Bejetah, Im also following Intermittent Fasting and loving it. I started about 3 weeks ago and am really adapting well. For about the past year I had been slipping back into another "phase" where I was over doing the cardio and eating around 1500 calories a day and my body was shutting down. Ive since had to go see several specialists because my hormones were all out of whack and my pituitary gland was failing. I knew the issues were because of my undereating and the stress I put on my body, so it had to stop! Ive started to up my calories each week, cardio has been cut back (NO MORE HIIT), and I lift 4 times a week.

Like Bejetah, I tend to eat the same foods everyday, but I enjoy what I eat. I do weight out everything on a scale and I log it on an iPod app. Im meticulous about those kind of things :) but I am a bit more lax about it now that Im trying to eat more. Ill make an effort to get food pics up in here as well...you can always check the MEN thread as well, Im in there quite a bit now :cool:

I know this was long (and its the short short version of it lol) but this log isnt about our pasts, but about the road ahead! I have some before pics stored away, but I want to keep them concealed until I can post some solid after pictures because its a work in progress ;)

Ill do my best to update every morning on the daily agenda/plan and I look forward to hearing from anyone who's following!

Its not where you start, its where you finish that counts. Lets Roll B!
-Elliot

Flyin Ryan

10-02-2010, 02:13 AM

Good luck fellas.
Its grow time... let's do the damn thing.

JValjean724

10-02-2010, 04:24 AM

Definitely going to follow this

I have just recently got over similar issues and it'll be great to see you guys progress

watermelon_2001

10-02-2010, 06:25 AM

Great to see you got the log going Elliot- looking forward to seeing both of your progress! Work hard, stay focused and stay strong, you've got the support of a lot of great people here, and they'll be backing you all the way.

DTrulez616

10-02-2010, 08:16 AM

I have a feeling this is gonna be a very inspirational log. I cant wait to see it get going with some workouts, food, ect.

The Big Sleep

10-02-2010, 10:23 AM

Good luck fellas.
Its grow time... let's do the damn thing.

Definitely going to follow this
I have just recently got over similar issues and it'll be great to see you guys progress

Great to see you got the log going Elliot- looking forward to seeing both of your progress! Work hard, stay focused and stay strong, you've got the support of a lot of great people here, and they'll be backing you all the way.

I have a feeling this is gonna be a very inspirational log. I cant wait to see it get going with some workouts, food, ect.

Thanks for the support guys, Bejetah and I are definitely motivated by the expectations you have set forth.

The Big Sleep

10-02-2010, 10:48 AM

Saturday, October 2, 2010
Words to live by

"A happy life consists in tranquility of mind."-Cicero

Bodyweight (As of last Monday)=164.5lbs

Current Workout Split:
Mon-Lower Body A
Tues-Upper Body A
Wed-LISS Cardio
Thurs-Lower Body B
Fri-Upper Body B
Sat-LISS Cardio
Sun-Rest Day (Maybe a morning walk if I feel like it)

Goal Macros Today: 225g protein/75g fat/205g carbs

Today's Agenda
Today is off from weights, just have 30 minutes of LISS cardio (either walking or biking) and some stretching to get my legs fresh for Monday! Im a big football aficionado, so today will consist of plenty of college football viewing :D
I got a bit behind with my meals yesterday so I wont be eating until 7 or 8 PM today. I tend to follow a 19 hour-fast/5-hour feeding split for Intermittent Fasting and generally eat TWO meals in the window.
I may be going out to eat with a friend tonight, in which case I just do my best to make sure the food fits my macros. I do have designated cheat meals each week in which I dont count anything, but I also dont use it as an excuse to binge.

-Ell

bejetah

10-02-2010, 12:24 PM

hrdgain3r89

10-02-2010, 12:33 PM

Here goes mine

Current Workout Split:
Mon- Legs, (abs)
Tues- /
Wed- Shoulders, Tri's, Chest
Thurs-/
Fri- Bi's, Back
Sat- (soccer)
Sun- (soccer)

I have rest on weekends but sometimes play some soccer with my friends. Nothing too strenous, just a little cardio for up to 2h. The games are usually not very intense.
Some days we play, some days we don't. But i don't count it as a workout of any kind. Other than that, i do no cardio. A year of excessive cardio has done its work on me. I go nervous anytime i see someone running on a treadmill

DIET

I do IF almost the same way as Elliot. (Kinda funny, we seem to be very much alike at almost everything, even tho we didn't know anything about each other before we made this log)
I too eat 2 meals (somedays just 1) I've had some problems with uncontrolled binges when bulking so i stay away from anything labeled as a "cheat meal" . I eat something i like everyday, and I eat big meals (or 1 meal) to make myself full. Going hungry and depriving myself of anything right now isn't a good thing for me IMO, makes the urges to binge come back.

(those "binges" weren't really binges in terms of enormous amounts of cals eaten, just periods when I lose control over my food intake when too hungry or too deprived of anything. It still happens, I admit)

Nice split man, how is training shoulders/tris/chest together n whats your routine look like? Seems like itd be brutal at first glance! Im the same way when i see someone on the treadmill haha i used to be in the mindset that if i didnt run EVERY DAY id wake up a porker lol...wasnt much fun to be had in my earlier days...

What do you do to control binges? I dont IF but when I go too long without a meal i definitely feel its effects on me and going for the box of golden grahams is almost uncontrollable lol i could polish a whole box in 5 minutes some nights it seems!

Really interested in IF...im just nervous about starting due to my schedule and not being able to keep at it...

hrdgain3r89

10-02-2010, 12:35 PM

Sat-LISS Cardio

noob question what exactly is LISS?

Flyin Ryan

10-02-2010, 12:38 PM

noob question what exactly is LISS?

Low Intensity Steady Speed
Basically a brisk walk on the treadmill on a slight incline... something like that.

Also, diggin' updates so far gentlemen!
Definitely giving me the urge to get my brand new log rollin'!!

JValjean724

10-02-2010, 12:39 PM

noob question what exactly is LISS?

Low Intensity Steady State Cardio (eg: jogging)

bejetah

10-02-2010, 01:01 PM

Nice split man, how is training shoulders/tris/chest together n whats your routine look like? Seems like itd be brutal at first glance! Im the same way when i see someone on the treadmill haha i used to be in the mindset that if i didnt run EVERY DAY id wake up a porker lol...wasnt much fun to be had in my earlier days...

What do you do to control binges? I dont IF but when I go too long without a meal i definitely feel its effects on me and going for the box of golden grahams is almost uncontrollable lol i could polish a whole box in 5 minutes some nights it seems!

Really interested in IF...im just nervous about starting due to my schedule and not being able to keep at it...

Yeps it's pretty intense. My routines differ every week but i always do the main exercises (benchpresses, shoulder presses, butterflies, military presses, dips) I always include some other stuff, whatever i feel like (usually use the machines)
I make sure to get the workout done in 1hour. But i go with very little pause between sets. Feels better, ever felt that "instant soreness" feeling? That's what it feels like :D

I did exactly the same with the treadmill . So yeah ... Time to stop punishing myself for nothing i guess

What do I do to control binges? Nothing. Sometimes it just happens. IF is self control, no matter what anyone says. Yes I could also eat several boxes of different things (lol) but i stick with whole, filling foods, that fill me up without packing up too many unnecessary calories. I go with veggies,legumes, fruits, dairy, meat, oats and fats. I don't stomach eggs or anything with them well so i avoid them. I also eat ZERO refined carbs. no cereal, no nothing. i curb sweet cravings by eating cottage cheese ice cream, whey pudding, fruit, and SF jello.

For me it works great but if you decide to do it get ready to feel hungry sometimes. Also get ready for huge meals :D I didn't have any problems with hunger during the day, i get busy and forget about food. Sometimes it's a problem to stop eating when i stop. Especially when I eat anything that tastes sweet

hrdgain3r89

10-02-2010, 03:35 PM

sounds like a good routine may have to give it a run one of these weeks...as for the hunger and huge meals it sounds perfect fo me and im sure you know what i mean when i say that i used to keep my diet so strict and ate so little i lost the feeling of true hunger and to this day i could go forever without eating a thing..yet strangely enough im very tolerant to large meals and dont easily bloat or get full fast...hmmm lol mayhaps ill be starting this week!

The Big Sleep

10-02-2010, 04:29 PM

Also, diggin' updates so far gentlemen!
Definitely giving me the urge to get my brand new log rollin'!!
I eagerly await your new log as well :D

What do I do to control binges? Nothing. Sometimes it just happens. IF is self control, no matter what anyone says. Yes I could also eat several boxes of different things (lol) but i stick with whole, filling foods, that fill me up without packing up too many unnecessary calories. I go with veggies,legumes, fruits, dairy, meat, oats and fats. I don't stomach eggs or anything with them well so i avoid them. I also eat ZERO refined carbs. no cereal, no nothing. i curb sweet cravings by eating cottage cheese ice cream, whey pudding, fruit, and SF jello.

For me it works great but if you decide to do it get ready to feel hungry sometimes. Also get ready for huge meals :D I didn't have any problems with hunger during the day, i get busy and forget about food. Sometimes it's a problem to stop eating when i stop. Especially when I eat anything that tastes sweet Sweets make me eat a lot as well, but I really havent had an all out "binge" in years. IF has definitely helped me learn to control and enjoy my foods rather than sit around and worry about eating every 2-3 hours.

.yet strangely enough im very tolerant to large meals and dont easily bloat or get full fast...hmmm lol mayhaps ill be starting this week! Im very intolerant to bloating and large meals and it still works like a charm haha ;). Definitely give it an honest try man, could be gold for you, you never know.

determined4000

10-02-2010, 05:14 PM

What do I do to control binges? Nothing. Sometimes it just happens. IF is self control, no matter what anyone says. Yes I could also eat several boxes of different things (lol) but i stick with whole, filling foods, that fill me up without packing up too many unnecessary calories. I go with veggies,legumes, fruits, dairy, meat, oats and fats. I don't stomach eggs or anything with them well so i avoid them. I also eat ZERO refined carbs. no cereal, no nothing. i curb sweet cravings by eating cottage cheese ice cream, whey pudding, fruit, and SF jello.

For me it works great but if you decide to do it get ready to feel hungry sometimes. Also get ready for huge meals :D I didn't have any problems with hunger during the day, i get busy and forget about food. Sometimes it's a problem to stop eating when i stop. Especially when I eat anything that tastes sweet

As I suggested to you in the past, sometimes anything sweet can trigger cravings, so sometimes savory is the way to go.

Are either of you going to be posting workouts as well?

The Big Sleep

10-02-2010, 06:37 PM

As I suggested to you in the past, sometimes anything sweet can trigger cravings, so sometimes savory is the way to go.

Are either of you going to be posting workouts as well?

Sweets are definitely a "trigger" food for most people which is why I rarely eat cake, ice cream, pastries, etc. If I do eat them, I always portion it out and START the meal with it. This way you avoid ending a meal with a few bites of cake or something and then it turns into "oh its so good, Ill just have one more slice..." and before you know it the whole cake is gone :o.

I dont know about Bejetah, but Ill be posting lifts from workouts, yes. I also have a home gym and do take videos when I hit PRs and notables which I would like to get up as well when they come.

bejetah

10-02-2010, 09:01 PM

determined4000

10-02-2010, 09:17 PM

d4000, I try :) it's alredy got better. Somedays i'm fine, the others i'm not. I don't think about it too much and i think it's the best way to get over it. Takes time i guess.

I will be posting my workouts aswell. But eh i don't have a home anything ( :D ) so workout videos are unfortunately not an option for me.

Dont take what I said the wrong way. Wasn't meant as a knock, just a potential alternative.
You obviously aren't just "trying" but succeeding. You are way ahead of the curve. When I was your age (not trying to sound like an old fart at my age of 23 :)) I was fully engaged in my ED and didn't really want to get out. I wasn't enjoying it by any means but was doing everything I could to hold onto it.
The longer you allow it to develop the harder it is to lose.
EDs are kinda like accents. It becomes a part of you. Someone who grows up in Ireland but leaves when they are 12 is far more likely to lose their accent than someone who leaves at age 40.

As far as it taking time. I think 95% of the developed world struggles with food. Eating too much, too little, over/under exercising. That's why it is best to think of it as fuel. It s the means for you to reach your physical as well as simply keep your body functioning. And yeah, we should enjoy it as well.

hrdgain3r89

10-02-2010, 09:36 PM

Dont take what I said the wrong way. Wasn't meant as a knock, just a potential alternative.
You obviously aren't just "trying" but succeeding. You are way ahead of the curve. When I was your age (not trying to sound like an old fart at my age of 23 :)) I was fully engaged in my ED and didn't really want to get out. I wasn't enjoying it by any means but was doing everything I could to hold onto it.
The longer you allow it to develop the harder it is to lose.
EDs are kinda like accents. It becomes a part of you. Someone who grows up in Ireland but leaves when they are 12 is far more likely to lose their accent than someone who leaves at age 40.

As far as it taking time. I think 95% of the developed world struggles with food. Eating too much, too little, over/under exercising. That's why it is best to think of it as fuel. It s the means for you to reach your physical as well as simply keep your body functioning. And yeah, we should enjoy it as well.

IMO its the BB'ers that have experienced and recovered from ED that have the greatest levels of success once recovered and on the way to putting on good weight and making healthy eating choices. I feel as if weve had something to lose (in our minds) when we made the choice to put on weight and become healtheir people, in which case we are more meticulous about the process than those who dont know what its like to have to detatch yourself from something you hold so dear, i.e. our weight/appearance/etc, and makethe dive into weight gain.
It makes it that much more enjoyable though with each gained lb. of muscle and each PR. It becomes a self-reckoning and you really start to become one with yourself and have a newfound appreciation for your body. This is my take anyway and not trying to sound sappy or anything its just good to hear that others are having great success as well and are happier with their current situations!

determined4000

10-02-2010, 09:39 PM

bejetah

10-02-2010, 09:55 PM

Also another thing which i'd like to mention here.
Please don't go angry with me if i don't post every single day. Somedays i simply don't have time to even turn my pc on
I'm pretty busy as i'm trying to do the best I can at school. I'm trying really hard to improve my english too, but as you can see I am still having some problems :/
The reason is I live in a small country in Europe where economy is pretty weak and so are options for education and getting a good job. I'm really interested in medicine and if there's any chance-anyhow- for me to go study abroad i'd really like to give it a shot. Ppl in my country rarely get a chance to go, it's pretty expensive (not quite sure about how the system is, perhaps someone could explain it from first hand??) But i know a guy who lives there (he got himself a decent scholarship) - one single year of his study costs more than our whole family earns in 5 years , and we are considered above average in terms of yearly income. So i think you get the point. I'm reading about the possibilites and thinking about my options here(i have 2 more years of high school to do). There's only 1 university in my country and only about 1000 people get accepted every schoolyear (yes, one thousand)

determined4000

10-02-2010, 09:58 PM

what country are you from?
You should see what types of scholarships colleges may offer.

PS your English seems fine to me
I am an econ major (lol)

The Big Sleep

10-02-2010, 10:59 PM

IMO its the BB'ers that have experienced and recovered from ED that have the greatest levels of success once recovered and on the way to putting on good weight and making healthy eating choices. I feel as if weve had something to lose (in our minds) when we made the choice to put on weight and become healtheir people, in which case we are more meticulous about the process than those who dont know what its like to have to detatch yourself from something you hold so dear, i.e. our weight/appearance/etc, and makethe dive into weight gain.
It makes it that much more enjoyable though with each gained lb. of muscle and each PR. It becomes a self-reckoning and you really start to become one with yourself and have a newfound appreciation for your body. This is my take anyway and not trying to sound sappy or anything its just good to hear that others are having great success as well and are happier with their current situations!

As far as it taking time. I think 95% of the developed world struggles with food. Eating too much, too little, over/under exercising. That's why it is best to think of it as fuel. It s the means for you to reach your physical as well as simply keep your body functioning. And yeah, we should enjoy it as well.

Great posts guys, I agree 100%. Im in college now as well and a lot of the reason Im choosing to study nutritional sciences as a major has to do with these types of issues. I want to be able to help those in need when it comes to eating/food because I know how hard it is to feel/be deprived.

Also another thing which i'd like to mention here.
Please don't go angry with me if i don't post every single day. Somedays i simply don't have time to even turn my pc on
I'm pretty busy as i'm trying to do the best I can at school.
THis is enough reason in itself B, stay focused on the important things in your life :)

hrdgain3r89

10-03-2010, 05:13 AM

bejetah

10-03-2010, 06:11 AM

Yeah bro, you couldve fooled me. Theres not a thing wrong with your English in fact your posts are a tad more articulate than alot of ppl who post on here lol...

And about the school situation, just study your butt off and keep doing what youre doing, sooner or later you chould definitely be eligible for a paid-in-full scholarship if you play your cards right. Alot of top schools (in the US anyway) would jump at the chance to take on a foreign exchange student....or are you hoping to attend college in Europe??

Whatever I will be able to. UK, US or other countries with international schools. Sweden, germany, ... as i said, anywhere where i could get a decent scholarship

dustinh6719

10-03-2010, 10:06 AM

Sub'd. It's threads like these that keep me motivated and help me stay on track. Much like you guys, I've went through the whole undereating/overtraining thing too. So let'z kill it fellas!

malibu2008

10-03-2010, 10:18 AM

congrats on your success! im a recovered anorexic as well...plan to follow your journey! i also recently started a weight routine with kettlebells, not cardio besides sunny walks!

congrats again i know the struggle is insane and very day-to-day encompassed

stay grounded. stay real. stay in the moment :)

bejetah

10-03-2010, 12:03 PM

as of today, JValjean724 is joining our log

JValjean724

10-03-2010, 12:13 PM

as of today, JValjean724 is joining our log
Thank you sir, hopefully three isn't a crowd :p

I had been thinking about a log for a bit and after finding out about this thread it fit perfectly with what I wanted to do: Become more sane and healthy with regards to my mind and body while improving overall body composition.

Real Name: Sean
Username: In case anyone was curious, my username is a reference to Jean Valjean, the greatest literary character of all time, as well as the biggest BA.

I'll copy my history from the ED thread: (One that is apparently all too prevalant on this site)

All throughout my childhood I was an extremely picky eater. I would only eat things like mac and cheese, cereal, pasta, pizza, fast food, and oatmeal (ironically). When my Mom would pack my lunch I would usually just give away my food because I didn't like any type of sandwiches and usually thought it tasted terrible. So even though I would not eat the most ideal foods, I maintained a scrawny body until around middle school. Once there I was introduced to soda, and the cafeteria served pizza, fries, and sweets daily so I was in heaven (lol). Needless to say I got rather chunky by Freshman year of high school, and I hated my body. I also considered it impossible for me to lose the weight because I really hated exercise and knew nothing about nutrition.

Once I hit puberty, however, I rapidly grew taller and kept around the same weight, and I began working at a movie theater. I was still in a healthy weight range but I was the dreaded "skinny fat" body type who was dreadfully ashamed of it. I thought i was the only kid in the world who looked so bad, and hated myself for it. All of the sudden, however, I noticed my weight had dropped about 5-10 pounds from normal (this was do to working excessively long hours and only being able to eat occasionally along with all the walking around). This motivated me to start caring about what I ate and actually attempt to lose weight. My first step was quitting soda cold turkey, and gradually reducing my portion sizes. This all worked great and the weight kept coming off.

However, I continued on this path and eventually began to hate food, and was obessed with seeing the scale move down. At my worst I would have dreams where I would eat fast food or an enormous amount of sweets and would wake up freaking out that I was fat again. I went from a little over 150 pounds at 5' 10.5'' to 116 pounds and just wanted to keep going. Luckily my Mom and my doctor were concerned and said if I lost anymore weight they would start doing tests and look into anorexia.

I knew I didn't want them on my back so I started to look into weight training and "bulking". I soon was back up to 124 pounds and was looking a little better (not to myself but looking back I know it now). Finally I went to college and really commited to gaining weight, and by the end of the year I was 145 pounds. This didn't last long as I had put on the weight too quickly and had gained quite a bit of fat with a mediocre routine and too much food. I reassured myself I would just cut back to 135 pounds at the least and then just keep bulking.

However, once I started, I couldn't stop and went all the way back down to 121 pounds and lost what muscle I had gained. All the obssessive thoughts came back and I was just as bad as before. Around July of this summer I realized that I was killing myself and I didn't want to feel like crap anymore nor obsess about food. Through extensively reading Alan Aragon's views, as well as Wavelength's guide and even the MEN thread, I finally was able to convince myself that I didn't have to eat 100 % bro clean all the time, and also that I needed much more fat, more carbs, and less protein. Ironically enough I began to actually right down my calorie calculations at this point and it really allowed me to stop thinking about what kind of food I was eating and just relax.

Since then I have maintained my weight and feel 100x better and I think my hormone levels are back to normal (sex drive finally came back). Now I plan on bulking up much slower throughout the year (my goal is 10-15 pounds) and overally just be healthier. I want to get my strength back up as it plummeted when I lost all that weight. I now finally believe the switch has been flipped and I am finally over the worst of my ED.

Causes of ED:
Poor self image due to years of sub par diet and little activity
Specific events (ex: one time in PE in the locker room some kid yelled out "wow this kid has rolls!")
Dad used to poke fun at my chubbiness despite his eating lifestyle was part of my problem

Current problems:
Body Image issues still sneak up on me
I am slightly anemic (not sure if this has anything to do with this but it recently showed up in a blood test)

Signs of improvement:
Have eaten ice cream, pizza, etc. since the "flip" and didn't feel guilty
Enjoyed my birthday by eating whatever I wanted
No longer freak out if there is anything unplanned with regards to food

Right Now:
I am currently at the extremely low weight of 123 pounds, but I have maintained this weight without losing for about two months. In this time I have completely revamped my view on food and have just been really enjoying life. I have actually have had moments where I just go into almost a frenzied state of happiness realizing what I escaped from and the freedom I now have. I will be doing a much slower bulk than last time (1-2 pounds a month is around my goal) because it's not a race and I feel gradual changes are optimal compared to rapid weight fluctuations.

JValjean724

10-03-2010, 12:32 PM

My Plans

Routine
I have just started Lyle McDonald's Generic Bulking Routine as follows:

Monday - Lower
Tuesday - Upper
Wednesday - Off
Thursday - Lower
Friday - Upper
Off weekends

In addition to this I walk about 5 miles a day (part of this is incosequential as I'm living on a college dorm with no car), mainly because I hate sitting on my butt all day and I like to think a lot. Also I bowl for four hours a week if that counts for anything ;)

no cardio! I seriously hate it with a passion

The two upper and lower workouts are slightly different as you will see when I post my workout.

Right now my weights are embarrassingly low, but I have spent the last month or so really working on form and they have been rising since I've started the routine.

Nutriton:
As far as calories go I am currently eating 2150 on off days and 2350 on workout days, and I suppose this is my maintenance. I will be adding to this in two weeks as I am currently in the deload/run-up period and the bulk will officially start after that is over. At that point I believe I will keep rest days the same and add to workout days do two somewhat of a carb/calorie cycle as this seems to work well for keeping my appetite up. Oh yeah and I don't IF, it just wouldn't fit my schedule.

My philosophy: I don't adhere to the standard definition of clean so expect to see some delicous foods :)

Before Pics:

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/ImportedPhotos00107.jpg

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/ImportedPhotos00104.jpg

relaxed
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/ImportedPhotos00102.jpg

determined4000

10-03-2010, 12:44 PM

Digging the communal log guys.

and bejetah, you never answered my question
What country are you from, if you dont mind my asking?

JValjean724

10-03-2010, 04:04 PM

Saturday, October 3, 2010

Workout
Today was a rest day

Food
Only took a pic of one thing I ate today, but now that I'm a part of this log I will be taking more pictures in the future

Spinach Alfredo Pizza from Papa Johns:
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0106.jpg
Pretty decent, but would probably go with something else next time

Macros Today: 148g protein/71g fat/240g carbs

Comments

Did not do much of anything today, which is fine with me after the hectic last week (Two tests and a project). I spent the entire afternoon watching the Eagles play pretty poorly against the Redskins but they are still in it at this point edit: never mind :/. Decided to just order a pizza instead of going to the dining hall and it was nice just to sit back and relax (especially considering months ago I would have run and hid from a pizza lol).

Tomorrow is back to the gym and the beginning of my first deload week as recommended by Lyle (I'm trying to do everything by the book this time), which will be around 85% of my max.

Hope everyone's having a good day
-Sean

determined4000

10-03-2010, 04:10 PM

Spinach? I thought you said you didnt adhere to clean eating?

jk

JValjean724

10-03-2010, 04:15 PM

Spinach? I thought you said you didnt adhere to clean eating?

jk

haha I have to get my greens in some way :D. But on a day to day basis I have a variety of vegatables, fruits, meats, etc. I just don't restrict myself to anything anymore

DTrulez616

10-03-2010, 06:05 PM

Nice, just more greatness added to this thread. This is really becoming one of my favorite logs on BB.com.

Scooter4

10-03-2010, 06:17 PM

Nutriton:
As far as calories go I am currently eating 2150 on off days and 2350 on workout days, and I suppose this is my maintenance.)

Seems pretty low. If you have been maintaining your weight for the last two months, maybe add a couple hundred? I know not everyone can eat like I do (lol), but I know chicks that are smaller than you that eat more calories.

Not calling you out, just trying to be helpful. :)

The Big Sleep

10-03-2010, 08:45 PM

Great to have another overcomer in on the journey :D

Very inspiring story and I like the way you laid out your current problems and how you plan to overcome them, its good to stay organized and keep pace or we just end up running circles. As far as some of the issues you have health wise (anemia, libido, etc) I will try and help you best I can because I have many of the same issues as well.

Papa J's looks good man, my favorite fast pizza joint :cool:

determined4000

10-03-2010, 08:48 PM

bejetah

10-03-2010, 08:49 PM

Hello log :)

Today is gonna be a hell of a busy day, so I decided to hit legs yesterday.

deadlifts 5x5
squats 5x5
extensions 5x8
lunges 5x10

this was already some pretty intense s*** so I took a short rest for about 10mins and then did some stability workouts on a bosu ball . Did some one-legged squats on the ball, if you haven't tried it yet you should :)

Another thing. ALWAYS check if you have to do any stairs before you train legs, esp. squats and deads on the same day lol :D After having sat down in the changing room for about 10min to get myself together, i found out that the elevator in the building where the gym is was broken. The gym is in the 2nd basement. I almost needed to ask someone to help me walk those stairs hahaha :D

PWO MEAL (sry no pics :( )
- 2 cups oats
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup sweet peas
- 1 cup beans
- 2 cans tuna

so good . Atm this is my nr.1 meal. This beast has about 1500 calories, tasty and filling as hell. I had some cottage cheese with nuts before bed, so about 2500 cals total. (no I don't count macros, no I don't count protein, I like high protein foods and i know I eat enough of it, so why count? 10g really doesn't make any difference. I'm not a BB pro.)

The Big Sleep

10-03-2010, 08:57 PM

Sunday, October 3, 2010
Words to live by

"You get the best out of others when you get the best out of yourself."-Harvey S. Firestone

Bodyweight (upon waking)=165.2lbs

Current Workout Split:
Mon-Lower Body A
Tues-Upper Body A
Wed-LISS Cardio
Thurs-Lower Body B
Fri-Upper Body B
Sat-LISS Cardio
Sun-Rest Day (No cardio, hung out with friends I hadn't seen in awhile)

Goal Macros Today: 240g protein/75g fat/205g carbs

Today's Agenda
Today is off from exercise. I spent the majority of my day hanging out with some of my close friends who I dont see often watching football and playing some cards. I finally won a poker tourney we had so now I have some money for supplements Im running low on lol :D. Its late and I couldnt get on here all day, so Ill try and get an organized post up tomorrow for the first "REAL" day of weights and progress on this journey!

PS-Food pics will start tomorrow, as will more defined goals and current issues I plan to overcome while logging on here

Sleep easy,
-Ell

The Big Sleep

10-03-2010, 09:01 PM

Big sleep what are your macros
I know Bejetah says he doesnt track and Sean listed his Check update :)

. I almost needed to ask someone to help me walk those stairs hahaha :D Thats a good sign :D

This beast has about 1500 calories, tasty and filling as hell. I had some cottage cheese with nuts before bed, so about 2500 cals total. (no I don't count macros, no I don't count protein, I like high protein foods and i know I eat enough of it, so why count? 10g really doesn't make any difference. I'm not a BB pro.)
1000 calories worth of cottage cheese and nuts? Thats at least 3-4 cups of cottage cheese unless you pack it with nuts, am I wrong?

determined4000

10-03-2010, 09:04 PM

1000 calories worth of cottage cheese and nuts? Thats at least 3-4 cups of cottage cheese unless you pack it with nuts, am I wrong?

Was thinking the same thing
He would need to eat an entire tub plus 3/4c of nuts. Maybe he did but that is an awful lot of nuts to mix in CC.

bejetah

10-03-2010, 09:05 PM

Check update :)

Thats a good sign :D

1000 calories worth of cottage cheese and nuts? Thats at least 3-4 cups of cottage cheese unless you pack it with nuts, am I wrong?

2.5 cups CC, 50g macadamias

bejetah

10-03-2010, 09:07 PM

Was thinking the same thing
He would need to eat an entire tub plus 3/4c of nuts. Maybe he did but that is an awful lot of nuts to mix in CC.

I eat some by the side
Nuts are my fav way to get the fats in. We don't use PB here like u american freaks :D :D :D

determined4000

10-03-2010, 09:08 PM

2.5 cups CC, 50g macadamias

thats about 750, but like you said, you dont do things exact

determined4000

10-03-2010, 09:08 PM

I eat some by the side
Nuts are my fav way to get the fats in. We don't use PB here like u american freaks :D :D :D

sooooo missing out
AND WHERE ARE YOU FROM????? or are you avoiding answering this question?

bejetah

10-03-2010, 09:27 PM

sooooo missing out
AND WHERE ARE YOU FROM????? or are you avoiding answering this question?

yes sir I am avoiding it :) Dunno, i don't like the taste of peanuts

750, are you sure? I'm not eating non-fat cc.

The Big Sleep

10-03-2010, 09:44 PM

yes sir I am avoiding it :) Dunno, i don't like the taste of peanuts

750, are you sure? I'm not eating non-fat cc.

Its probably around 750-850 cals, but dont sweat it if you're gaining. And you;re missing out on the peanut butter mixed in man, try macadamia nut butter mixed in CC...sooo good :D

determined4000

10-03-2010, 09:51 PM

Its probably around 750-850 cals, but dont sweat it if you're gaining. And you;re missing out on the peanut butter mixed in man, try macadamia nut butter mixed in CC...sooo good :D

x2
some type of butter to get the smoothness factor
Also was wondering what your family thinks/says about your eating patterns. I wouldnt have seen my parents ever letting me do that when I lived with them.
And no problem about the country thing. But it is cool that we live in a world where we can connect with people from across the world.

JValjean724

10-04-2010, 03:24 AM

Seems pretty low. If you have been maintaining your weight for the last two months, maybe add a couple hundred? I know not everyone can eat like I do (lol), but I know chicks that are smaller than you that eat more calories.

Not calling you out, just trying to be helpful. :)
No offense taken. I am deloading this week so I am still planning on maintaining my weight for that time, but as soon as the bulk starts I willl add 200-400 calories on workout days, so no worries.

Great to have another overcomer in on the journey :D

Very inspiring story and I like the way you laid out your current problems and how you plan to overcome them, its good to stay organized and keep pace or we just end up running circles. As far as some of the issues you have health wise (anemia, libido, etc) I will try and help you best I can because I have many of the same issues as well.

Papa J's looks good man, my favorite fast pizza joint :cool:
Thanks man, I am getting more blood work done later on this week so that will shed some light on the situation. Yeah I tend to get pretty organized at times, at least until it comes to my dorm room ;)

Hello log :)

Another thing. ALWAYS check if you have to do any stairs before you train legs, esp. squats and deads on the same day lol :D After having sat down in the changing room for about 10min to get myself together, i found out that the elevator in the building where the gym is was broken. The gym is in the 2nd basement. I almost needed to ask someone to help me walk those stairs hahaha :D

PWO MEAL (sry no pics :( )
- 2 cups oats
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup sweet peas
- 1 cup beans
- 2 cans tuna

.)

Your telling me about the stairs....I live on the sixth floor and the elevator is always broken down. Leg days are horrible.

And that's an interesting combination in oats, especially the beans. Beans are one of my all time favorite foods

bejetah

10-04-2010, 06:00 AM

x2
some type of butter to get the smoothness factor
Also was wondering what your family thinks/says about your eating patterns. I wouldnt have seen my parents ever letting me do that when I lived with them.
And no problem about the country thing. But it is cool that we live in a world where we can connect with people from across the world.

I am, what you may call, adopted . My parents pretty much don't care what I do

Yeah i do that sometimes by adding cream cheese and stuff like that but some days when i'm very busy i don't really care and just eat the CC straight out of the tub and nuts by the side.

ErickStevens

10-04-2010, 06:14 AM

Low Intensity Steady State Cardio (eg: jogging)

False. Jogging would be considered moderate intensity. Just thought I'd point this out.

bonkerzzz

10-04-2010, 06:34 AM

Definately in on this! Good luck chaps.

Also bejetah, your English seems fine :)

JValjean724

10-04-2010, 07:23 AM

False. Jogging would be considered moderate intensity. Just thought I'd point this out.

Oh my bad.

My cardio inexperience is showing

hrdgain3r89

10-04-2010, 07:41 AM

Oh my bad.

My cardio inexperience is showing

Its ok my lack of discipline was flopping around last night...

I thought of this thread as the best place to post this today in terms of empathy and good advice...

Binged out, Im talking hard-core 6k marathon-style binge.

2 servings proats, giant bowl of mutiple kids cereals w/chocolate milk, hardees + taco bell, sub sandwich, BennJerrys, chips +dip, just gorged.

Plus im sick today so Im basically stuck with light cardio after a night like that...its a headache and im STILL sick from all the food. Not sure what triggered it but I guess it was my impatience at growing that got the best of me. But im back on track today. Any of you gentlemen got a good afternoon snack that most would deem "super-healthy" yet delicious? Something with fruit, veggies, somrthing to make me feel less terrible about myself lol..

ErickStevens

10-04-2010, 08:48 AM

Its ok my lack of discipline was flopping around last night...

I thought of this thread as the best place to post this today in terms of empathy and good advice...

Binged out, Im talking hard-core 6k marathon-style binge.

2 servings proats, giant bowl of mutiple kids cereals w/chocolate milk, hardees + taco bell, sub sandwich, BennJerrys, chips +dip, just gorged.

Plus im sick today so Im basically stuck with light cardio after a night like that...its a headache and im STILL sick from all the food. Not sure what triggered it but I guess it was my impatience at growing that got the best of me. But im back on track today. Any of you gentlemen got a good afternoon snack that most would deem "super-healthy" yet delicious? Something with fruit, veggies, somrthing to make me feel less terrible about myself lol..

Connect the dots my man. Your over-restriction led to the binging. Allow yourself the foods you binged on in moderate quantities throughout your daily diet and I guarantee you that you'll be less likely to gorge.

hrdgain3r89

10-04-2010, 09:12 AM

Connect the dots my man. Your over-restriction led to the binging. Allow yourself the foods you binged on in moderate quantities throughout your daily diet and I guarantee you that you'll be less likely to gorge.

Well today is my first day starting IF...so restriction is no longer gonna be an issue =)
lol

JValjean724

10-04-2010, 09:21 AM

Binged out, Im talking hard-core 6k marathon-style binge.

.
Is this a recurring issue?

hrdgain3r89

10-04-2010, 09:25 AM

Is this a recurring issue?

No, it actually only started since I got really serious about gaining weight. I think I get frustrated while trying to get in all my cals for the day so I end up going nuts and eating everything in sight. But like I said I just started If'ing so after a few days i should be good and used to huge meals taking the idea of binging out of my head...and if i do? If kept under control SOMEWHAT ill still be good on macros..but heres to working on not lettign it happen again..

ian0789

10-04-2010, 09:31 AM

Woot for more logs =P Keep up the good work guys

JValjean724

10-04-2010, 09:47 AM

No, it actually only started since I got really serious about gaining weight. I think I get frustrated while trying to get in all my cals for the day so I end up going nuts and eating everything in sight. But like I said I just started If'ing so after a few days i should be good and used to huge meals taking the idea of binging out of my head...and if i do? If kept under control SOMEWHAT ill still be good on macros..but heres to working on not lettign it happen again..

Yeah that could be a dark path, so be careful. I've never had any experiences with binging but from what I gather it probably has to do with more than just food.

Though if you really have it under control then that's good, just don't try and brush it off like it's nothing because it could get out of hand fast.

Good luck with IF :)

The Big Sleep

10-04-2010, 11:24 AM

Allow yourself the foods you binged on in moderate quantities throughout your daily diet and I guarantee you that you'll be less likely to gorge. Good advice, take heed hardgain3r

Woot for more logs =P Keep up the good work guys

Definately in on this! Good luck chaps. Thanks guys, glad to have you in on this :cool:

Though if you really have it under control then that's good, just don't try and brush it off like it's nothing because it could get out of hand fast. x2, Binging is NOT a healthy habit regardless you're IF'ing or not. I wish I could tell you its okay that you binged and to move on, but the fact is that it ISNT okay to binge. Not trying to sound like a prick, but I went through the same thing and I dont want to see you go through it as well. I used to binge eat weekly and then I would feel like **** and go run for 2-3 hours. The best thing you can do is ease up on the restrictive eating and like Erick said, make room for treats you enjoy in your everyday macro goals

bejetah

10-04-2010, 11:37 AM

"binging" in terms of eating loads of food is quite natural, especially with IF. You restrict and then allow yourself to "gorge". However your problem is a bit different. You only binge on "binge" foods :D This is something beyond true hunger. If you are truly hungry, you will be able to enjoy large quantities of whole foods too, and therefore you will limit your calorie intake.

I do eat a lot at a time aswell but make the vast majority of it natural, whole foods. Eating twice as much as what would usually be considered as normal portions is no problem for me. But stay away from the sugary, fatty stuff as they give you even more appetite for them and as you can see you can easily do 6k calories. Try doing that with oats and chicken.

Hope you get the point.

My honest advice at this point would be: get rid of ALL the cereals, candy, chips. As you go without it for some time (how long it will take may differ, depends on the person) You also realise how unnatural and gross it actually is. I enjoy my oats now much more than any kind of cereal out there. When i'm super hungry i crave veggies (srs). Even if I would be offered to choose between those i go with clean foods because i find stuff u wrote u binged on, well, disgusting.

JValjean724

10-04-2010, 05:17 PM

Monday, October 4, 2010

Weight as of this morning: 123.2lbs

I forgot to mention earlier that my workout is from 7-8Am and I the only supplement I use is whey, which makes it easy to get my protein in for the day and is convenient before class. I usually eat six times a day (I promise I’m not a bro!), but really it’s two bigger meals with 4 “snacks”: pre/post workout, prebed, and in between dinner and lunch. On off days I just eat four times. Also I go to bed at 9 o’clock (serious).

Workout
Deload week 1

I’m almost too embarrassed to post the weight I’m using but I will because I want to be honest with myself and everyone else. Plus this just means I have that much more room to progress ;)

Squats (below parallel) – 3 x 8 45lbs
Stiff Legged Deadlifts – 3 x 8 110lbs
Leg Press – 3 x 12 Standard+10lbs (not sure how much the machine weighs without weights)
Leg Curl – 2 x 12 50lbs
Standing Calf Raise – 3 x 8 110lbs
Seated Calf Raise (on leg press machine) – 2 x 12 Standard + 40lbs
Weighted Decline Crunches – 2x8 25lbs
Wood Chops 2 x 12 36lbs

Food

Not pictured: Oatmeal with skim milk before my workout and post workout protein shake

Dark Chocolate Dreams Banana
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0111.jpg

Salmon, Portabella stuffed with Cous Cous, Irish Potato Casserole, (Squash and onions not pictured)
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0114.jpg

Cottage Cheese with Cap’n Crunch
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0117.jpg

Peas, Veggie Chili, Veggie Burger, Broccoli and Carrots, Meaty Lasagana
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0120.jpg
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0121.jpg

Chunky Monkey (Least favorite B&Js so far, but still good)
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0126.jpg
fork shot needs work

Highlight food of the day: Lasagna
Macros Today: 153g protein/69g fat/271g carbs

Comments

The first day of my deload went smoothly and it was nice to be able to really focus on form with the lighter weight but I really can’t wait to be back to trying to hit maxes. I understand the importance of it however so I continue to do it to give my body a break and to keep from plateauing.

I realized today that just the fact that I will be keeping this log is helping me to start to focus on my goals and finally begin my bulk. I feel like I’m being held accountable for what I’m doing where I probably would have been spinning my wheels for many more weeks before getting over my semi-fear of gaining weight again. In the back of my mind is the thought of how badly I failed last time and the thoughts of it happening again even though I will be following a legitimate routine and controlling my intake which is where I think I went wrong before. Hopefully as I progress these thoughts will start disappearing but for now I just have to recognize them and fight through it.

Also, I’ll probably be including lots of random thoughts and musings in here if that’s ok with everyone :). I figure that this log is just as much about my mental state of mind as well as physical so that should be a part of it.

-Sean

narcorunner

10-04-2010, 05:26 PM

Um...Chunky Monkey is the best.

You guys are doing great. Keep up the good work. There's a lot of light at the end of the tunnel.

dustinh6719

10-04-2010, 05:27 PM

Monday, October 4, 2010

Weight as of this morning: 123.2lbs

I forgot to mention earlier that my workout is from 7-8Am and I the only supplement I use is whey, which makes it easy to get my protein in for the day and is convenient before class. I usually eat six times a day (I promise I’m not a bro!), but really it’s two bigger meals with 4 “snacks”: pre/post workout, prebed, and in between dinner and lunch. On off days I just eat four times. Also I go to bed at 9 o’clock (serious).

Workout
Deload week 1

I’m almost too embarrassed to post the weight I’m using but I will because I want to be honest with myself and everyone else. Plus this just means I have that much more room to progress ;)

Squats (below parallel) – 3 x 8 45lbs
Stiff Legged Deadlifts – 3 x 8 110lbs
Leg Press – 3 x 12 Standard+10lbs (not sure how much the machine weighs without weights)
Leg Curl – 2 x 12 50lbs
Standing Calf Raise – 3 x 8 110lbs
Seated Calf Raise (on leg press machine) – 2 x 12 Standard + 40lbs
Weighted Decline Crunches – 2x8 25lbs
Wood Chops 2 x 12 36lbs

The first day of my deload went smoothly and it was nice to be able to really focus on form with the lighter weight but I really can’t wait to be back to trying to hit maxes. I understand the importance of it however so I continue to do it to give my body a break and to keep from plateauing.

I realized today that just the fact that I will be keeping this log is helping me to start to focus on my goals and finally begin my bulk. I feel like I’m being held accountable for what I’m doing where I probably would have been spinning my wheels for many more weeks before getting over my semi-fear of gaining weight again. In the back of my mind is the thought of how badly I failed last time and the thoughts of it happening again even though I will be following a legitimate routine and controlling my intake which is where I think I went wrong before. Hopefully as I progress these thoughts will start disappearing but for now I just have to recognize them and fight through it.

Also, I’ll probably be including lots of random thoughts and musings in here if that’s ok with everyone :). I figure that this log is just as much about my mental state of mind as well as physical so that should be a part of it.

-Sean

Don't sweat the weight your doing bro. I have the same problem but mine comes into play on upper body. Just keep throwin it down and the gains will come.
Eats look great, Chunky Monkey is one of the flavors I've avoided thus far but I really need to get on that soon, that fudge chunk looks hella good.

JValjean724

10-04-2010, 05:35 PM

Um...Chunky Monkey is the best.

You guys are doing great. Keep up the good work. There's a lot of light at the end of the tunnel.

Don't sweat the weight your doing bro. I have the same problem but mine comes into play on upper body. Just keep throwin it down and the gains will come.
Eats look great, Chunky Monkey is one of the flavors I've avoided thus far but I really need to get on that soon, that fudge chunk looks hella good.

Thanks for the support guys :). Yeah I can't wait to start upping the weights, it'll get my motivation to skyrocket (not that I'm lacking in that department).

As far as chunky monkey goes....you will love it if you really like the taste of bananas. It has a very strong banana taste that's spot on, but for me it was lacking enough fudge pieces and walnuts. Like I said though, definitely not a bad flavor

DTrulez616

10-04-2010, 05:57 PM

Im loving the Slayer and Cap N Crunch Berries.

The Big Sleep

10-04-2010, 07:55 PM

The first day of my deload went smoothly and it was nice to be able to really focus on form with the lighter weight but I really can’t wait to be back to trying to hit maxes. I understand the importance of it however so I continue to do it to give my body a break and to keep from plateauing.

I realized today that just the fact that I will be keeping this log is helping me to start to focus on my goals and finally begin my bulk. I feel like I’m being held accountable for what I’m doing where I probably would have been spinning my wheels for many more weeks before getting over my semi-fear of gaining weight again. In the back of my mind is the thought of how badly I failed last time and the thoughts of it happening again even though I will be following a legitimate routine and controlling my intake which is where I think I went wrong before. Hopefully as I progress these thoughts will start disappearing but for now I just have to recognize them and fight through it.

Also, I’ll probably be including lots of random thoughts and musings in here if that’s ok with everyone :). I figure that this log is just as much about my mental state of mind as well as physical so that should be a part of it.

-Sean

Looking good Sean, also, dont let your weights bother you. Everybody is different and your working your a$$ off to be your best; thats all that matters man. Just stick it out day by day and those numbers will skyrocket :cool:

Stay focused on your form and most of all, have fun when you lift. I know I take it serious as anything, but I also make sure that Im having fun when I lift because its what I love to do. Some people think it has to be nothing but a pain and torture to drag around in the gym but thats how people lose the motivation to go back for the next workout! Not saying you should be laughing and smiling the whole time, but be proud of what you accomplish every day and enjoy the benefits :)

PS-Food looks real good, your quite the culinary aficionado

-Ell

The Big Sleep

10-04-2010, 07:58 PM

As some of you know, and Im sorry to say, I decided to start a solo log in the Journal section to keep the crowding down in here. Im/We are NOT done with anything, the journey still continues and I will be in here keeping up with these guys and with my own journal as well. I hope you all continue to follow our progress to renewed health.

Heres the link to my journal: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?p=557047783&posted=1#post557047783

Hope to see some familiar faces :D
-Ell

bejetah

10-04-2010, 08:37 PM

I’m almost too embarrassed to post the weight I’m using but I will because I want to be honest with myself and everyone else. Plus this just means I have that much more room to progress ;)

Give it time bro. The improvement in strenght will come before any dramatic weight gain (if u're doing it right)
What happens to me is that guys at the gym, that are like twice as big as I am (srs) rarely lift any bigger weights than i do. Esp. when training legs, which i've always had very strong and even tho i lost all the weight and the strenght it all first came back and was noticable with leg strenght. This feels pretty good tho :D noone would've expected a guy that looks skinny and fragile (not that i'm THAT skinny) to deadlift twice their bodyweight
However when it comes to upper body it's a different story. Especially my chest and back are pure misery (lol). But as i've said, I don't care at all. Neither do I care how much anyone else lifts. The whole point of working out is to challenge yourself and feel better afterwards and slowly keep improving yourself. What I do hate are guys who load up insanely big weights to show themselves around how "strong" they are, and keep doing the exercise wrong or even get injured. God help em

determined4000

10-04-2010, 08:44 PM

x5 on the posting of weight
1. I am always the smallest guy in the gym so I know how it is
2. The bigger guys didnt start out benching 250.
3. Your progress will look that much more impressive :)

bejetah

10-04-2010, 09:06 PM

As of today, hrdgain3r89 is joining our log!
This could be interesting!

hrdgain3r89

10-04-2010, 09:44 PM

Hrdgain3r89's "Road To Adonis" Log Day 1!!

Hey all, first off thanks to Bejetah I now have a more than legit reason to keep a detailed, meticulous log of my progress, goals, diet, meals, and workouts. That in itself is a blessing because lately Ive definitely been slackin' on the trackin', so to speak.

Aside from that, its a great pleasure and privelege to be able to officially log in this thread and continue to give advice to those in need, or simply vent with others who share the same feelings/frustrations with the sport.

That being said, I suppose a little about myself would be in order.

Username: Hrdgain3r89 Real Name: Cory

Height: 5"11'

Residence: Benton, Illinois (aka podunksville, bananaland) srs...

School: Currently attending Rend Lake College for a major in Nutritional Sciences, minoring in Media Journalism

BIO: WARNING STOOLCORYBRO.JPG

Back in my adolescence, I was always a bit chunky for my size. I was never really FAT, just not even close to appealing to the opposite sex physique-wise. I still pulled girls miraculously enough, I guess my face/personality made up for my beer gut lulz. I met a girl, fell in love, and gained MORE weight due to the comfortability factor allowing me to say "eh, i can relax, got a good girl, what more is there to do but drink beer, eat, be merry...right?"

Wrong.

Around December of last year to celebrate the New Year my girlfriend and I went to a nearby night club with some friends. A black guy she knew was there this night. So, to my knowledge all was well and a good time was being had, until I realized she was missing. I scoured the club with a buddy for what felt like an hour until I stumbled on her in the middle of the crowd making out with her black "friend". Being New Years and my problem with alcoholism to boot, you can imagine my level of intoxication at this point. Top it off with utter anguish/dismay/infuriation, and you find me breaking the two of them up, calling her a slut, and calling him....well.....come on...you can imagine what ignorant crap came out. So after the incident she decided to leave with him, stranding me in the city with no ride or friends to help me. But the dude I mouthed left me a gift as he took off with my girl. Had his boy who was Warren Sapp reincarnate whoop my ass up and down the parking lot of the club. It was brutal, and needless to say my girlfriend wasted no time in taking her tryst with the guy one step further after leaving.

Long story short, one month later I find out shes pregnant. YAYYY!! Im gonna be a dad. Oh wait, your conception date was when? At or around the night you cheated on me with a black guy? Oh...........in that case......

*pause for 6 month alcoholic binge/starvation/drug abuse*

so after the dust from ^this cleared...i was 5"10...132 lbs. Zero muscle mass, whittled away to nothing, raging alcoholic, worthless.....

Then something hit me, it was like a revelation. If I was ever gonna climb out of this hole and make her regret losing me, I had to get my act together. So I slowly introduced myself to the weight room and FOOD.

I didnt hesitate for a second to jump on the bro-tard bandwagon as it served as a sufficient replacement for my losses. i had a "group" i could say i belonged to. The almighty ever-disciplined brotherhood of clean eating bodybuilders!!! (felt good man)

I clung to this like my life support for sooooo long....over a year of clean eating (my idea of eating was right at about 2000 calories and thought i was "bulking") lol...

I made no progress, saw no results, lost MORE weight, got shredded out yeah because despite my skinnyness i got very strong for my size....probably due to the fact i lifted 7 days a week and could handle at least SOME weight from the massive amounts of work i put in....

Finally, I discovered Bodybuilding.com. A no holds barred website riddled with people just like me who shared the same dream of being bodybuilders. Heck, some were just like me! It was a haven for information, advice, and a lot of constructive criticism. The criticism, however, is what brought me to reality. I got told excessively that my weight was an issue and finally i saw the light. Between this and being asked if i was on meth by friends who would see me in walmart...i knew i had to make a change.

So, here I am before you at a record weight since early 2008. Now at 153 lbs, still fairly lean, and bulking on Intermittent Fasting, I really hope to put things in overdrive before the holidays, bulk to 160, and begin my cut mid January.

so please, if anyone has any advice, questions, queries, comments, or simply wish to drop a line and chit-chat, feel free. I hope to continue my progress and hope all who are using this thread for motivation come to realize that they too can make solid progress with the right will and determination.

Think of it like this, we already know how to be skinny, so now if we can just learn how to be big, then were a step ahead of most! So lets reach our target weights, set new PR's, and for Gods sakes EAT!!!

hrdgain3r89

10-04-2010, 10:09 PM

Will begin diet/training log pwo tomorrow

The Big Sleep

10-04-2010, 11:41 PM

so please, if anyone has any advice, questions, queries, comments, or simply wish to drop a line and chit-chat, feel free. I hope to continue my progress and hope all who are using this thread for motivation come to realize that they too can make solid progress with the right will and determination.

Think of it like this, we already know how to be skinny, so now if we can just learn how to be big, then were a step ahead of most! So lets reach our target weights, set new PR's, and for Gods sakes EAT!!!

Crazy story, glad you're able to see the light now :)

Good luck with IF, enjoy it man!

doctapeppa

10-05-2010, 01:43 AM

Not sure how I missed this one. In for more pictures :) good luck guys.

ErickStevens

10-05-2010, 02:38 AM

AlwaysTryin

10-05-2010, 03:06 AM

JValjean724

10-05-2010, 03:24 AM

Looking good Sean, also, dont let your weights bother you. Everybody is different and your working your a$$ off to be your best; thats all that matters man. Just stick it out day by day and those numbers will skyrocket :cool:

Stay focused on your form and most of all, have fun when you lift. I know I take it serious as anything, but I also make sure that Im having fun when I lift because its what I love to do. Some people think it has to be nothing but a pain and torture to drag around in the gym but thats how people lose the motivation to go back for the next workout! Not saying you should be laughing and smiling the whole time, but be proud of what you accomplish every day and enjoy the benefits :)

PS-Food looks real good, your quite the culinary aficionado

-Ell
Thanks again. Yeah I definitely love lifting, that hour is simultaneously the best part of the day and the most challenging. I wouldn't have been able to stick with it so long if I didn't (which is why I dropped cardio), now I'm just ready to start being productive!

Note on the food: It's all from the dining hall :o, I don't make any of it lol though it is quite good.

Give it time bro. The improvement in strenght will come before any dramatic weight gain (if u're doing it right)

x5 on the posting of weight
1. I am always the smallest guy in the gym so I know how it is
2. The bigger guys didnt start out benching 250.
3. Your progress will look that much more impressive :)

Thanks for the advice and comments guys, I really appreciate it :). Usually at the gym I'm not too self conscious about it because the same people are there everyday in the morning an by now I feel comfortable around them and feel at least as if I belong there. Just actually telling people the number is humbling, but hey it's just a number :).

As of today, hrdgain3r89 is joining our log!
This could be interesting!

Welcome!

bonkerzzz

10-05-2010, 04:32 AM

I agree. I fear you will just binge worse on IF as you say you expect gains quicker...

I disagree, since doing IF its much easier for me to eat large quanities of clean food and not have the need to binge. Its one of the trademarks of the diet, among other reasons. I actually crave meat and veg now, rather than junk.

ErickStevens

10-05-2010, 04:40 AM

I disagree, since doing IF its much easier for me to eat large quanities of clean food and not have the need to binge. Its one of the trademarks of the diet, among other reasons. I actually crave meat and veg now, rather than junk.

IF was a big catalyst in helping me recover from my binge eating disorder as well. My concern for hrdgainer wasn't in reference to binging, I just think he's going to have a difficult time getting enough calories while using IF.

hrdgain3r89

10-05-2010, 08:21 AM

Hrdgain, I have to ask - What's your rationale behind using IF to bulk? I think for someone like yourself it would be much easier to spread your calories out. It seems to me you're just jumping on a very popular bandwagon, but feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

Its definitely not a popularity thing, and as for the binging, well, Ive come to grips with the fact that I AM gaining weight, I just have to suck it up and be patient.

I agree. I fear you will just binge worse on IF as you say you expect gains quicker...

Not at all, makes me look forward to whole foods MORE if anything because I know Im not restricted to a small amount of it in one sitting, not saying I cant do it, but its a better way for me to stay on track IMO

Welcome!
Thanks man!

I disagree, since doing IF its much easier for me to eat large quanities of clean food and not have the need to binge. Its one of the trademarks of the diet, among other reasons. I actually crave meat and veg now, rather than junk.

^ This x100. In knowing that a high amount of protein is needed in such a small window, it puts a greater focus on the calorie-dense, nutrient packed meats/proteins that will really help meet my macros.

IF was a big catalyst in helping me recover from my binge eating disorder as well. My concern for hrdgainer wasn't in reference to binging, I just think he's going to have a difficult time getting enough calories while using IF.

I gotta say, your worry is not without merit, seeing as my first night was very hard. I was very bloated but I did hit my macros perfectly, actually better than I usually would because I had to focus more in that time frame to ensure I was getting all my carbs/fats/proteins...thanks for the concern though man...

So how many days did it usually take you experienced IF'ers to get past the bloat/discomfort for it to feel more normal for your body??

bonkerzzz

10-05-2010, 09:11 AM

IF was a big catalyst in helping me recover from my binge eating disorder as well. My concern for hrdgainer wasn't in reference to binging, I just think he's going to have a difficult time getting enough calories while using IF.

Ah sorry, I see what you mean now.

bejetah

10-05-2010, 09:38 AM

So how many days did it usually take you experienced IF'ers to get past the bloat/discomfort for it to feel more normal for your body??

3 .. srs lol :D

The Big Sleep

10-05-2010, 02:41 PM

Thanks again. Yeah I definitely love lifting, that hour is simultaneously the best part of the day and the most challenging. I wouldn't have been able to stick with it so long if I didn't (which is why I dropped cardio), now I'm just ready to start being productive!

Note on the food: It's all from the dining hall :o, I don't make any of it lol though it is quite good. Right on man, definitely agree with that simultaneous statement; its heaven and hell mixed into one sometimes haha. Also, you are damned good at making that out of dining hall food :)

IF was a big catalyst in helping me recover from my binge eating disorder as well. Id agree with this, since I started IF my cravings for pigging out have only gone down. I think it has to do with the fact that IF essentially allows you to "pig out" in a sense by eating larger meals, whereas frequent feeding methods limit you to smaller portions and if you're really hungry it turns into a feasting marathon.

So how many days did it usually take you experienced IF'ers to get past the bloat/discomfort for it to feel more normal for your body??
Judging by your MEN food pics (and experiencing the same issues for my first week or so of IF), all I can suggest is to really limit your fiber intake for the first couple days. Before IF I was eating 50g fiber/day no sweat. I lowered my intake to 20g or less day and it helped me eat enough while not feeling so bloated from a 1300 calorie meal :cool:. I love green veggies, but you may have to limit them for a few days and things like beans and oats as well.

AlwaysTryin

10-05-2010, 04:05 PM

I disagree, since doing IF its much easier for me to eat large quanities of clean food and not have the need to binge. Its one of the trademarks of the diet, among other reasons. I actually crave meat and veg now, rather than junk.

I know that (I IF).

My point was his binge wasn't exactly large quantities of "clean food" as you say (some was and some wasn't - depending on what each individual classifies as "clean")

2 servings proats, giant bowl of mutiple kids cereals w/chocolate milk, hardees + taco bell, sub sandwich, BennJerrys, chips +dip, just gorged.

I do hope it works out but :) keep the updates/pics coming hrdgain3r89!

JValjean724

10-05-2010, 04:56 PM

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

“Men can starve from a lack of self-realization as much as they can from a lack of bread.” – Richard Wright

Weight as of this morning: 122.6lbs

Workout
Deload week 1 (85%)

Upper Day 1

Bench Press – 4 x 8 70lbs
T-Bar Rows – 4 x 8 57.5lbs
Military Press (Barbell) – 3 x 12 45lbs
Lat Pull Downs – 3 x 12 60lbs
Scull Crushers – 2 x 15 30lbs
Barbell Curls – 2 x 15 35lbs
Wrist Curls – 2x15 40lbs
Shrugs 1 x 15 40lb dumbells

Food

Not pictured: Oatmeal with skim milk before my workout and post workout protein shake

Apple with Peanut butter
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0129.jpg

Grilled Ham and Cheese, Red Bean Ratatouille, Garlic Mashed Potatoes
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0130.jpg

Awww yeah:
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0132.jpg

Chick-Fil-A Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0138.jpg

Pork BBQ, Green Beans, Creole (Ozro with okrah, tomatoes, etc.), and Cheddar Mashed Potatoes
Half eaten :o
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0140.jpg

Americone Dream (quite underrated if I do say so myself)
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0100.jpg

Highlight food of the day: Grilled Ham and Cheese
Macros Today: 141g protein/75g fat/270g carbs

Comments

This morning’s workout felt really good. It was lighter weights but I had a lot of energy and I focused on slowly easing out perfect reps and getting the form down pat. My body is also appreciating the rest and my legs are thanking me when I walk up the stairs :cool:

Tomorrow is a rest day so that means I get to sleep in….though for me that is only like 6:45 at the latest....if I sleep later than 7 I feel like a bum. Also, my Fall Break from school will officially start and I will be driving home for three hours in the afternoon so I most likely won’t post tomorrow’s log until Thursday. Being at home I will be able to make my own food for a few days so that will be nice, though I can’t promise if anything I make will be all that good.
.

Mental State

It’s seems that each and every day I’m getting more and more comfortable with my own body. It’s been a long process but I think I am finally able to objectively judge my own appearance and be reasonable about my expectations. This is partly because I have stopped trying to compare myself to others (and stop being more lenient on my judgment of others than myself) and partly because I got out of the mindset that any ounce of fat is unacceptable. It’s just not reasonable to hold myself to that kind of standard when I can feel much better and still look great at a reasonable body fat and weight (in the future I mean, I’m not saying I’m at that point now). I had held onto this kind of thinking ever since realizing that I was fat as a child, where I felt isolated because I saw everyone else as skinny and normal while I was the only one who had a problem. Like everything else it’s still a struggle every day, but one that I seem to be slowly winning.

Thanks for following and I’m always glad to hear comments
-Sean

DTrulez616

10-05-2010, 05:16 PM

JValjean724

10-05-2010, 05:37 PM

Its great to hear the mindset is doing well. I can speak from experience that beating an ED is tough work, harder than any workout.

Eats and workout looks great. Gotta keep the focus on form and MMC and not ego weights. Thats another thing I had to learn awhile back.

Yeah it's definitely not something you can ever really get rid of; you just have to learn to understand how your brain functions and minimize it as much as you can. At least that's my experience so far

determined4000

10-05-2010, 06:13 PM

It’s seems that each and every day I’m getting more and more comfortable with my own body. It’s been a long process but I think I am finally able to objectively judge my own appearance and be reasonable about my expectations. This is partly because I have stopped trying to compare myself to others (and stop being more lenient on my judgment of others than myself) and partly because I got out of the mindset that any ounce of fat is unacceptable. It’s just not reasonable to hold myself to that kind of standard when I can feel much better and still look great at a reasonable body fat and weight (in the future I mean, I’m not saying I’m at that point now). I had held onto this kind of thinking ever since realizing that I was fat as a child, where I felt isolated because I saw everyone else as skinny and normal while I was the only one who had a problem. Like everything else it’s still a struggle every day, but one that I seem to be slowly winning.

Thanks for following and I’m always glad to hear comments
-Sean

You are way ahead of the game then. This is something I myself struggle with as well as 99% of the population without EDs.

JValjean724

10-05-2010, 06:17 PM

You are way ahead of the game then. This is something I myself struggle with as well as 99% of the population without EDs.

I'm not saying I am completely over it, as I definitely am not, but I am starting to see the other side and the scales are starting to tip. It's definitely the central problem in all of this mess

even just being able to walk around my suite in the morning with my shirt off is a vast improvement

The Big Sleep

10-05-2010, 09:00 PM

Highlight food of the day: Grilled Ham and Cheese

Mental State

It’s seems that each and every day I’m getting more and more comfortable with my own body. It’s been a long process but I think I am finally able to objectively judge my own appearance and be reasonable about my expectations. This is partly because I have stopped trying to compare myself to others (and stop being more lenient on my judgment of others than myself) and partly because I got out of the mindset that any ounce of fat is unacceptable. It’s just not reasonable to hold myself to that kind of standard when I can feel much better and still look great at a reasonable body fat and weight (in the future I mean, I’m not saying I’m at that point now). I had held onto this kind of thinking ever since realizing that I was fat as a child, where I felt isolated because I saw everyone else as skinny and normal while I was the only one who had a problem. Like everything else it’s still a struggle every day, but one that I seem to be slowly winning.

Thanks for following and I’m always glad to hear comments
-Sean Strong Sandwich my man! Tough to beat some classic Grilled H and C.

Also, this paragraph speaks volumes to what a lot of ED people go through each day (myself included). Like you said though, thats why we're on this forum and doing what we're doing day in and day out--To OVERCOME the past struggles. Just remember everyday is step closer to a new you Sean, never give up and do your best...the rest will take care of itself :)

hrdgain3r89

10-05-2010, 09:58 PM

Sorry for the dissapointing post here guys, been a really tough day. Lots of places to run, herrands to accompish, all while watching the little one for the day so needless to say I didnt manage a workout this afternoon. =( So bummed....
On a lighter note, Im feeling great, gonna hit legs/shoulders HARD first thing in the morning and post the workout/stats when i get home.

JValean, eats and workouts are looking great brotha, gonna have to have me a messy grilled ham n cheese for some pwo goodness tomorrow lol got me cravin....

As for the "mental state", thats great that youre finally starting to compare yourself against YOURSELF...best mindset to be in. Only person you should be trying to be better than is the person you see in the mirror. Always improving, never stop. Great job man.

As for me, I suppose my log ill resemble closely to the big sleeps, workouts, macros, quote/song of the day, and maybe just a few side notes to close on. Looking forward to the feedback tomorrow fellas, cya then!

JValjean724

10-06-2010, 03:39 AM

Strong Sandwich my man! Tough to beat some classic Grilled H and C.

Also, this paragraph speaks volumes to what a lot of ED people go through each day (myself included). Like you said though, thats why we're on this forum and doing what we're doing day in and day out--To OVERCOME the past struggles. Just remember everyday is step closer to a new you Sean, never give up and do your best...the rest will take care of itself :)
I plan on it :)

I still have recurring issues with putting on fat because I feel like I already am too fat...even though, like Bejetah, Im fairly lean around 10-11% BF. I just have this dang skinny-fat look from all the muscle loss from the anorexia and over exercising.

I think this quote from you, Elliot, in your original post sums up it up quite nicely. I almost 100% sure that when I start actually gaining weight in a few weeks I will start having mini mental freak outs. It still seems ingrained in my brain that losing weight = good and gaining weight = bad, and that is still my immediate reaction to the scale. Hopefully having this log will help keep me on track

Though right now for the first time in my life I think I am actually satisfied with my body as far as BF% goes, which is one of the reasons I took a couple months to maintain so that I could get comfortable with where I'm at. The problem will arise when I start seeing it creep up again.

Sorry for the dissapointing post here guys, been a really tough day. Lots of places to run, herrands to accompish, all while watching the little one for the day so needless to say I didnt manage a workout this afternoon. =( So bummed....
On a lighter note, Im feeling great, gonna hit legs/shoulders HARD first thing in the morning and post the workout/stats when i get home.

JValean, eats and workouts are looking great brotha, gonna have to have me a messy grilled ham n cheese for some pwo goodness tomorrow lol got me cravin....

As for the "mental state", thats great that youre finally starting to compare yourself against YOURSELF...best mindset to be in. Only person you should be trying to be better than is the person you see in the mirror. Always improving, never stop. Great job man.

As for me, I suppose my log ill resemble closely to the big sleeps, workouts, macros, quote/song of the day, and maybe just a few side notes to close on. Looking forward to the feedback tomorrow fellas, cya then!

Don't worry about it, one day away from the gym is not going to do any harm and it's not like it happened form lack of will power.

How'd the second day of IF go? still hungry?

And that grilled ham and cheese was undescribably delicous (I took like five pictures on my phone to make sure I did it justice lol). Can't wait to see yours!

JValjean724

10-06-2010, 07:31 AM

I just came across this excellent blog post by fitlover about "normal eating" and thought I'd share. It exemplifies everything I've been trying to do and speaks straight to people who have been down the ED path:

http://fortheloveofcookies.wordpress.com/2010/10/04/normal-eating/

hrdgain3r89

10-06-2010, 07:53 AM

http://fortheloveofcookies.wordpress.com/2010/10/04/normal-eating/

This is by far the best description of troubling ED ive seen on here yet. It is literally the story of my previous life. The can of tuna thing? Oh yeah....especially depressing when id be making tuna next to the hot bowl of my parents cheesy mac, mashed potatoes, and steak. GAH. I love informed eating, as well as these forums. They help me realize mroe and more every day of how foolish I was being, and honestly its EASIER for me to control myself knowing that its not the end of the world to have what you enjoy. Thanks J!

And to your question the second day went great man! Had the grumbles mid-morning about an hour before class like the first day, but it asnt too bad. As for today, Ill be eating a bit earlier, so im headed to the gym in about 30 minutes, will post when i get back!!!

hrdgain3r89

10-06-2010, 10:17 AM

10-6-10
=============================================

"To give anything but your best, is to sacrifice the gift." -Steve Prefontaine

Todays weight: 153.5 lbs (lost a pound gr)

Workout: Legs, Shoulders

Warm-up: Bar Squat (12 reps)

Squats: 4 sets/6 reps (155, 185, 205, 205)

Leg Press: 3 sets/8 reps (305, 395, 395)

Barbell Lunges: 3 sets/6 reps each leg (95, 95, 105)

Seated Calf Raise: 3 sets/25 reps (105, 105, 105)

Seated DB Press: 3 sets/6 reps (35, 40, 45)

Military Press: 3 sets/4-6 reps (90, 95, 100)

Standing Side Lateral Raise: 3 sets/6 reps (30, 30, 30)
s/s
DB Front Raise: 3 sets/10 reps (20, 25, 25)

Today went well, had decent energy for not being very used to training fasted, was totallt spent by the end today though, couldnt wait to get home to my proats. The reason you dont see rear delt moves is because Ive been training them with back/lats on a different day to mix it up. Been working well for me.

Macros for today: 2900 cals, 200g protein, 250g carbs, 75g fat

Upped my cals by 100 for the week since ive only seen about a 1/4 lb gain per week lately

Seeing a bit more abdominal fat as the days go by, but thats what cuttings for right? For the most part, the fat gain has been nowhere near as extreme as I as worried about it being. Plus, the muscle gains ive experienced outweight the fat gain for me, so its no worries.

Summary: Feeling great today, IF is really giving me the energy I thought I was unable to get due to always being stuffed from feeding throughout the day. I have more time to accomplish things such as schoolwork, hanging out with the GF, baby, family, going out, shopping, chores, whatever. IF really opens up alot of doors Ive been having problems opening. Plus the large feedings are a big plus and the cravings throughout the day aer VERY minimal as long as I keep in mind that I have new amazing recipes to try when I get home later in the day HA.

I have a question to end on though for whoever has some advice. Lets say I workout at 9-10 in the morning some days but my fast doesnt end until 4. As long as I had a good meal to end the last feeding window and supplement my 10g BCAA a couple times in between, will I be ok until 4 without risking catabolism???? Really wanting to know, would make my days alot easier being able to lift early, eat late, and relax lol.

bejetah

10-06-2010, 12:19 PM

I have a question to end on though for whoever has some advice. Lets say I workout at 9-10 in the morning some days but my fast doesnt end until 4. As long as I had a good meal to end the last feeding window and supplement my 10g BCAA a couple times in between, will I be ok until 4 without risking catabolism???? Really wanting to know, would make my days alot easier being able to lift early, eat late, and relax lol.

by all means yes

bonkerzzz

10-06-2010, 01:02 PM

I read in Martins article he proposes 10g BCAA every 2 hours up until you break your fast in that situation.

Something like - 10g Post WO - 12pm - 2pm - eat at 4.

dustinh6719

10-06-2010, 01:11 PM

Macros for today: 2900 cals, 200g protein, 250g carbs, 75g fat

Upped my cals by 100 for the week since ive only seen about a 1/4 lb gain per week lately

Just pointing this out don't know if this is just a simple mistake or not but 200g protein, 250g carbs, 75g fat is 2475 cals, not 2900.

Not callin' you out
Just don't want ya shortin' yourself bro.

hrdgain3r89

10-06-2010, 01:17 PM

Just pointing this out don't know if this is just a simple mistake or not but 200g protein, 250g carbs, 75g fat is 2475 cals, not 2900.

Not callin' you out
Just don't want ya shortin' yourself bro.

Thanks for the heads up man, the 250g carbs was meant to be 350, which is pretty high but i find im very carb tolerant and when i take in excessive protein only then do i get major bloating...so atm its working well =)

dustinh6719

10-06-2010, 01:43 PM

Thanks for the heads up man, the 250g carbs was meant to be 350, which is pretty high but i find im very carb tolerant and when i take in excessive protein only then do i get major bloating...so atm its working well =)

Sounds good bro. Keep it up.

hrdgain3r89

10-06-2010, 03:12 PM

EATS FOR LOG DAY 1!

Banana Cream Proats w/pecans, peanuts, and almonds mixed in and a large banana on the side

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i107/copayne/003-3.jpg

Kashi Oatmeal flax cookies (awesome flavor)

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i107/copayne/005-3.jpg

Theres been an Uncle Joes BBQ stand on campus at my college finally decided to stop n grab something off the cart! Pork BBQ...

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i107/copayne/008-3.jpg

Yogurt

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i107/copayne/012-2.jpg

As promised to JValean, gave my ham n cheese a run, as well as my first attempt at sweet potato fries...came out aweomse if i say so myself, very crispy and flavorful!!!

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i107/copayne/013.jpg

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i107/copayne/017-3.jpg

bejetah

10-06-2010, 07:44 PM

My god man, proats sound mouthwaterin' =)

JValjean724

10-07-2010, 07:48 AM

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Workout
Deload week 1 (85%)

Rest

Food

White Chocolate Wonderful Oatmeal
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0143.jpg

Ravioli with Wild Mushroom Sauce, Veggie nuggets, Rissole Potatoes, Broccoli
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0144.jpg

Turkey, Cucumber, Tomato, Pickle, and mustard sandwich
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0146.jpg

Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese (First time going to McDonalds in 2 years)
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0148.jpg

Macros Today: 135g protein/90g fat/186g carbs

Comments
Drove home from school today with a few friends, and got back at around 9:00.
.

Mental State
On the drive back home I was freakin' starving, and the sad part is a couple months ago I would have just dealt with it until I got home for fear of eating fast food. Luckily my mindset is completely changed and I was able to relax and eat at McDonalds with my buds (I know it's not exactly the best option and trans fat should not be consumed, but once in a while is not the end of the world). It was also kind of a checkpoint in my progress that I was able to sit down and enjoy what was my favorite childhood food without any guilt whatsoever. I do remember it tasting better though ;).

Thanks for following and I’m always glad to hear comments
-Sean

JValjean724

10-07-2010, 07:52 AM

EATS FOR LOG DAY 1!

As promised to JValean, gave my ham n cheese a run, as well as my first attempt at sweet potato fries...came out aweomse if i say so myself, very crispy and flavorful!!!
IMG]

Fries look like they were really done well! Ham and cheese needs more cheese though :p

The Big Sleep

10-07-2010, 02:07 PM

10-6-10
"To give anything but your best, is to sacrifice the gift." -Steve Prefontaine

[b]Summary: Feeling great today, IF is really giving me the energy I thought I was unable to get due to always being stuffed from feeding throughout the day. I have more time to accomplish things such as schoolwork, hanging out with the GF, baby, family, going out, shopping, chores, whatever. IF really opens up alot of doors Ive been having problems opening. Plus the large feedings are a big plus and the cravings throughout the day aer VERY minimal as long as I keep in mind that I have new amazing recipes to try when I get home later in the day HA.

I have a question to end on though for whoever has some advice. Lets say I workout at 9-10 in the morning some days but my fast doesnt end until 4. As long as I had a good meal to end the last feeding window and supplement my 10g BCAA a couple times in between, will I be ok until 4 without risking catabolism???? Really wanting to know, would make my days alot easier being able to lift early, eat late, and relax lol. Have that quote hung on the wall of my home gym :)

Also, thats the beauty of IF man, getting stuff done during the fast and not worrying about "Oh noez, its been 2.5 hours since I last touched food to my tongue :p". The BCAA protocol you laid out for the morning training works fine as well, if you want to train early go ahead and just sip some BCAAs until you eat.

Mental State
On the drive back home I was freakin' starving, and the sad part is a couple months ago I would have just dealt with it until I got home for fear of eating fast food. Luckily my mindset is completely changed and I was able to relax and eat at McDonalds with my buds (I know it's not exactly the best option and trans fat should not be consumed, but once in a while is not the end of the world). It was also kind of a checkpoint in my progress that I was able to sit down and enjoy what was my favorite childhood food without any guilt whatsoever. I do remember it tasting better though ;).

Thanks for following and I’m always glad to hear comments
-Sean

Eats are very legit Sean, whats in the WC Oatmeal? Melt some white chocolate in there? Looks good :)

Props to the fast food eats without having a nervous breakdown, thats something I couldnt overcome (yet) at least :o

Wheres Bejetah? Hope he's alright

hrdgain3r89

10-07-2010, 02:52 PM

10-7-10
===========

Hrdgain3r's Log Day 2

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

^ Oldie but goodie.
----------------------------------------------------------

Current weight: 154 lbs. Macro Goals: 2900 cals, 250g protein, 300g carbs, 75g fat

Workout: Back/Lats/Traps

(Hyperextension WU/12 reps/15lb)

RDL: 4 sets/6-8 reps (135, 185, 225, 225)

Lat Pulldown: 4 sets/8-10 reps/2 sets OH Grip, 2 sets UH Grip (120, 140, 140, 140)

T-Bar Row: 4 sets/12-15 reps *1 DropSet (135, 180, 225, 250) *135

One-Arm Bent-Over DB Rows: 3 sets/10 reps each arm (50, 60, 65)

DB Shrugs: 3 sets/10 reps (70, 70, 70)
s/s
Behind-Back Barbell Shrugs: 3 sets/20 reps (110, 130, 140)

*Did a little light-ab work, been slackin on em*

Mindset: Things are lookin pretty good for me right now, grades are up, eatin n trainin like a beast, daughter just started talkin, just really feeling a lot more stress-free than i had been recently. Not sure that IF can contribute to all of that but it certainly helps. Continuing to increase my calories each week and am seeing great results.

I am definitely ready to get the ball rolling with the gf and start looking for a house/apartment soon. Tired of living apart =(

Other than that, I really feel as if feelings of paranoia, guilt, and anxiety are a thing of the past in terms of food and weight control. Ive accepted the correlation between muscles and fat, and i understand that its damn near physically impossible to have one without the other. Best way Ive found to look at is that its just a matter of fine tuning once ive achieved the gains im after. As for anyone who still has problems eating enough out of the fear of fat gain, being unhealthy etc, there most definitely is hope. Once anyone starts to become stronger, feel better, look better, and understand that all the hard work we put in is to no avail if we starve ourselves! God, I dont even wanna think back on the months and months of wasted time and energy training my ass off only to eat around 1800 calories a day MAYBE, on top of cardio each and every day. To finalize, my mind/muscle connection is getting better, just recently started ACTUALLY flexing my lats and feeling them, before it was simply the motions. Ready for the days when people ask what im taking to be big rather than what im smoking to be small. Best wishes to everyone and good luck with all of your guys' training/diet/goals/school, and everything in between!!!

hrdgain3r89

10-07-2010, 03:02 PM

Fries look like they were really done well! Ham and cheese needs more cheese though :p

I know this =( lol twas dissapointed in the sandwich, made up for it by not burning up the fries though lolz.....

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Workout
Deload week 1 (85%)

Rest

Food

White Chocolate Wonderful Oatmeal
[IMG]http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0143.jpg

Ravioli with Wild Mushroom Sauce, Veggie nuggets, Rissole Potatoes, Broccoli
[IMG]http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0144.jpg

Turkey, Cucumber, Tomato, Pickle, and mustard sandwich
[IMG]http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0146.jpg

Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese (First time going to McDonalds in 2 years)
[IMG]http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0148.jpg

Macros Today: 135g protein/90g fat/186g carbs

Comments
Drove home from school today with a few friends, and got back at around 9:00.
.

Mental State
On the drive back home I was freakin' starving, and the sad part is a couple months ago I would have just dealt with it until I got home for fear of eating fast food. Luckily my mindset is completely changed and I was able to relax and eat at McDonalds with my buds (I know it's not exactly the best option and trans fat should not be consumed, but once in a while is not the end of the world). It was also kind of a checkpoint in my progress that I was able to sit down and enjoy what was my favorite childhood food without any guilt whatsoever. I do remember it tasting better though ;).

Thanks for following and I’m always glad to hear comments
-Sean

Mannnnnnn, WCW PB&Co. is the BOMB! Im out right now kinda upsetting but i do have their Cinnamon Raisin which is a close second IMO...

Are those MorningStar Nuggets?? They look super thick! And is that a homemade sauce on the ravioli...?

Thats great that youre overcoming your fear of "dirty" foods man, not advocating mcdonalds every day but just a little something each day and before you know it youll lose the feeling that the world will stop spinning if you have a gram of trans/sat fat...trust me i remember it all too well. It does get better though man! And besdies that, im super jealous I never get a burger from McD's that looks THAT close to the picture!!!!! Lmao.

And yes, they did used to taste much, much better =P

Doraemonster

10-07-2010, 03:37 PM

This is very inspirational. I must confess that I'm not 100% comfortable about eating, but I'm slowly trying to get back into sanity too. I'm in a much healthier state both mentally and physically.
Also I like seeing other people make progress, so I'll be following this log. Good luck guys!

JValjean724

10-07-2010, 04:23 PM

Eats are very legit Sean, whats in the WC Oatmeal? Melt some white chocolate in there? Looks good :)

Props to the fast food eats without having a nervous breakdown, thats something I couldnt overcome (yet) at least :o

Wheres Bejetah? Hope he's alright

It's just regular oatmeal with White Chocolate Wonderful Peanut Butter and Company. If you haven't heard of them, google it. You will not be disappointed!

Yeah I hope he just hasn't been posting logs because of lack of time and not something else..

Mannnnnnn, WCW PB&Co. is the BOMB! Im out right now kinda upsetting but i do have their Cinnamon Raisin which is a close second IMO...

Are those MorningStar Nuggets?? They look super thick! And is that a homemade sauce on the ravioli...?

Thats great that youre overcoming your fear of "dirty" foods man, not advocating mcdonalds every day but just a little something each day and before you know it youll lose the feeling that the world will stop spinning if you have a gram of trans/sat fat...trust me i remember it all too well. It does get better though man! And besdies that, im super jealous I never get a burger from McD's that looks THAT close to the picture!!!!! Lmao.

And yes, they did used to taste much, much better =P

Both the ravioli and the nuggets were dining hall items :o. I can't understand why people at my school complain about the food, I find it delicious and varied. I guess they just prefer Taco Bell

This is very inspirational. I must confess that I'm not 100% comfortable about eating, but I'm slowly trying to get back into sanity too. I'm in a much healthier state both mentally and physically.
Also I like seeing other people make progress, so I'll be following this log. Good luck guys!

Thanks for following! Glad to have you

DTrulez616

10-07-2010, 05:26 PM

JValjean724

10-07-2010, 05:41 PM

Thursday, October 7, 2010

"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." - Albert Einstein

Weight as of this morning: 122lbs (Might be a little higher because I think my home scale is off a little bit, though I am concerned about the recent drops. Looks like I might have to raise calories more than I thought)

Workout
Deload week 1 (85%)

Lower Day 2

Deadlifts – 3 x 8 135lbs
Leg Press – 3 x 8 Unsure of the poundage, different machine and was definitely heavier than the one at college
Leg Curl – 2 x 12 50lbs
Calf Raises – 3 x 8 110lbs
Seated Calf Raises – 2 x 12
Wood Chops – 2 x 8 30lbs
Weighted Decline Crunches – 2x12 20lbs

Form Check: I wanted to make sure I was lifting with proper form on my deadlifts so I took a video in the gym. Sorry for the sideways video as well as the front angle, it was the only place I could lean up my phone.

5MBGtijYskk

Food

Not pictured: Oatmeal with skim milk before my workout and post workout protein shake

Bagel with Cream Cheese
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0149.jpg

Burrito with Lean Beef, Black Beans, Mexican Cheese Blend, and Sour Cream (not pictured: broccoli)
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0150.jpg
Need to work on my money shots:
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0156.jpg

Apple Jacks and Cottage Cheese
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0158.jpg

Whole Wheat Waffles with PB and Co. Bees Knees
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0159.jpg
All Stacked up:
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0160.jpg
English Muffin

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0161.jpg

Highlight food of the day: Burrito (Just discovered sour cream) waffles were a very close second
Macros Today: 155g protein/69g fat/270g carbs/2321 calories

Comments
Woke up at 7AM today and felt like a bum.

So today I went back to cooking for myself. It is really awesome to just be able to make anything you happen to be craving, but I don’t know if it’s just me but my kitchen looks like a bomb hit it after I’m through. It takes me like 20 minutes just to clean up. I can’t wait to get back to the dining hall where all I have to do is place my plate on a conveyor belt.
When I looked at the food stock this morning I was appalled: No veggies, no fruit, no chicken, no beef, no cottage cheese, no beans. Needless to say I went on an emergency grocery run.

Also, tomorrow I get blood work done.

Mental State

Still going strong as far as food is concerned. My parents are continually amazed at my rapid shift, as my previous diet when at home consisted of chicken breast, broccoli, oatmeal, and more chicken breast. I remember the first time I ate ice cream around them and my sister stood staring at me with her mouth open :D. I have only recently told my Mom about my past eating disorder and my Dad still doesn’t know. They thought it was a good thing I was eating so “healthy” and thought I was eating a lot of food. They weren’t completely oblivious though, as they were concerned about my weight, but they never suspected why it was dropping.

Speaking of which I may add calories next week even though it’s still the run-up/deload, I haven’t decided yet. I am thinking I will just keep my off days the same and bump up WO days and see how that goes for a few weeks. Any thoughts on this?

Bon Soir
-Sean

DTrulez616

10-07-2010, 05:44 PM

I hated it when I was coming off my ED and I was eating normal again and everybody made such a big deal out of anything 'dirty' I ate.

JValjean724

10-07-2010, 05:46 PM

Eats and workouts are looking great guys. Youre guys mental outlook on everything thus far as been great also. This log is turning out to be everything I saw it would be thus far. Keep it up guys and the future will be a bright one.

Thanks man, it really means a lot.

I'm just glad we can hold people's interest :cool:

I hated it when I was coming off my ED and I was eating normal again and everybody made such a big deal out of anything 'dirty' I ate.

I don't mind it too much, it only reminds me of how far I've come

dustinh6719

10-07-2010, 05:56 PM

Apple Jacks and Cottage Cheese

Whole Wheat Waffles with PB and Co. Bees Knees

I completly forgot Apple Jacks existed, do want now.

Waffles look good too.

hrdgain3r89

10-07-2010, 06:17 PM

I completly forgot Apple Jacks existed, do want now.

Waffles look good too.

Was thinking the same thing. However, I do remember burping them up for hours when I was a kid lol.

Waffles do look strong, I hate it when people use their waffle makers i get so jealous lol the old fashioned way is so over-rated!

As for the post:

Deadlift form is looking spot on my man, had a nice, strong, concentric and the motions were very fluid, heck i had a real problem with jerking when i started doing them so props t you. (PS that gym looks badass man makes mine look like an abandoned warehouse lol)

KEEP EATING! Youre doing great with the food but if the pounds are dropping that can only mean one of only a few things. Look at the bright side at least you know now you can have MORE waffles and MORE friggin Quarter Pounders if you wish, youve got a lotta room to work with man and once you do start packin it on youre gonna be straight ripped and muscular since you have such a low BF...stick with it!

And yes i also hated it when ppl dogged me for "dirty eating" after i dropped the ED for a number of reasons, one being because id worked my ass off in the past and never touched food like that even if it was right under my nose just wafting delcious smells from it, then to have someone give me crap for actually eating something above 300 calories, psh.

Forget em man, like you said its just a reminder that youre moving past the dysfunctional feelings you had with food and whether it come from the dining hall, your kitchen, or mcdonalds its food for growth man that will only help you improve each day in the weight room and in life. Great progress brah.

(and its not you my kitchen looks like a crime scene every morning as well =P)

bejetah

10-07-2010, 07:28 PM

Wheres Bejetah? Hope he's alright

Besides being busy i am quite well, thanks for your concern :D

Yesterday's workout

Leg day came around again :) yay. gotta love it

- Deadlifts 3x8 @ 220, 250, 250
- Lunges 3x10 @ 100, 100, 100
- Legpress 3x8 @ 440, 460, 460
- Calf raises (machine) 3x15 @ 250, 250, 250 (inner, mid, outer)

felt a slight pain in my knee at the time and also quite nauseaus from the LP, so that was it. Somehow I wonder why doesn't any1 do lunges? Such a wonderful exercise

Jvaljean, is it just me or does it really seem like you're sligtly bending your lower back at your deadlift? Make sure it's just me tho, i've seen people that got seriously injured that way

About the mental state: If you feel comfortable with the stuff you're currently eating, that's cool. It's not healthy for your mind to feel deprived of anything. On the other hand, once you realise you aren't really "depriving" yourself of anything that important you're good. You know what I mean. I'm not afraid of eating ice cream or waffles or whatever. I might have a piece of it now and then, but eating oats and chicken and veggies everyday itself does not mean ED. Most people, once they get used to it, realise it's way tastier and better overall , so they mostly stick to it. However, it's all in the head, if you keep telling yourself that's the ONLY thing you can have, you will start to hate it.

keep up the good work guys :) turning into an epic log

hrdgain3r89

10-07-2010, 07:44 PM

Besides being busy i am quite well, thanks for your concern :D

Yesterday's workout

Leg day came around again :) yay. gotta love it

- Deadlifts 3x8 @ 220, 250, 250
- Lunges 3x10 @ 100, 100, 100
- Legpress 3x8 @ 440, 460, 460
- Calf raises (machine) 3x15 @ 250, 250, 250 (inner, mid, outer)

felt a slight pain in my knee at the time and also quite nauseaus from the LP, so that was it. Somehow I wonder why doesn't any1 do lunges? Such a wonderful exercise

Jvaljean, is it just me or does it really seem like you're sligtly bending your lower back at your deadlift? Make sure it's just me tho, i've seen people that got seriously injured that way

About the mental state: If you feel comfortable with the stuff you're currently eating, that's cool. It's not healthy for your mind to feel deprived of anything. On the other hand, once you realise you aren't really "depriving" yourself of anything that important you're good. You know what I mean. I'm not afraid of eating ice cream or waffles or whatever. I might have a piece of it now and then, but eating oats and chicken and veggies everyday itself does not mean ED. Most people, once they get used to it, realise it's way tastier and better overall , so they mostly stick to it. However, it's all in the head, if you keep telling yourself that's the ONLY thing you can have, you will start to hate it.

keep up the good work guys :) turning into an epic log

*Shudders at 460 leg press*

Im just peaking 405 for a 4RM atm and i wanna DIE a couple sets in, great numbers tho!

I feel the same about the log...great work everyone!!!!!!!

bejetah

10-07-2010, 07:58 PM

*Shudders at 460 leg press*

Im just peaking 405 for a 4RM atm and i wanna DIE a couple sets in, great numbers tho!

Give it time bro. The results will come
As i mentioned before i have pretty strong legs for my size. One more proof that size/strenght isn't that much related. However I'm having issues with my upper body, esp. chest and shoulders (long limbs and I'm also pretty tall). But TBH, the legpress makes me wanna go puke sometimes at the end too. Already feeling sore as hell just 12h later :)

JValjean724

10-08-2010, 04:01 AM

I completly forgot Apple Jacks existed, do want now.

Waffles look good too.
Thanks...And How did you forget about Apple Jacks!? lol

Was thinking the same thing. However, I do remember burping them up for hours when I was a kid lol.

Waffles do look strong, I hate it when people use their waffle makers i get so jealous lol the old fashioned way is so over-rated!

As for the post:

Deadlift form is looking spot on my man, had a nice, strong, concentric and the motions were very fluid, heck i had a real problem with jerking when i started doing them so props t you. (PS that gym looks badass man makes mine look like an abandoned warehouse lol)

KEEP EATING! Youre doing great with the food but if the pounds are dropping that can only mean one of only a few things. Look at the bright side at least you know now you can have MORE waffles and MORE friggin Quarter Pounders if you wish, youve got a lotta room to work with man and once you do start packin it on youre gonna be straight ripped and muscular since you have such a low BF...stick with it!

And yes i also hated it when ppl dogged me for "dirty eating" after i dropped the ED for a number of reasons, one being because id worked my ass off in the past and never touched food like that even if it was right under my nose just wafting delcious smells from it, then to have someone give me crap for actually eating something above 300 calories, psh.

Forget em man, like you said its just a reminder that youre moving past the dysfunctional feelings you had with food and whether it come from the dining hall, your kitchen, or mcdonalds its food for growth man that will only help you improve each day in the weight room and in life. Great progress brah.

(and its not you my kitchen looks like a crime scene every morning as well =P)
Yes I am definitely going to enjoy the increase in calories :D

Yeah it was worse before. I had people trying to shove cake in my mouth at certain points...now I can just make them shut up

Oh and thanks for the comment on the Deadlift, I wasn't sure if I was doing anything wrong because I know my squatting form sucked until someone came to me in the gym and told me how to do it properly. (Very grateful to him btw)

Besides being busy i am quite well, thanks for your concern :D

Yesterday's workout

Leg day came around again :) yay. gotta love it

- Deadlifts 3x8 @ 220, 250, 250
- Lunges 3x10 @ 100, 100, 100
- Legpress 3x8 @ 440, 460, 460
- Calf raises (machine) 3x15 @ 250, 250, 250 (inner, mid, outer)

felt a slight pain in my knee at the time and also quite nauseaus from the LP, so that was it. Somehow I wonder why doesn't any1 do lunges? Such a wonderful exercise

Jvaljean, is it just me or does it really seem like you're sligtly bending your lower back at your deadlift? Make sure it's just me tho, i've seen people that got seriously injured that way

About the mental state: If you feel comfortable with the stuff you're currently eating, that's cool. It's not healthy for your mind to feel deprived of anything. On the other hand, once you realise you aren't really "depriving" yourself of anything that important you're good. You know what I mean. I'm not afraid of eating ice cream or waffles or whatever. I might have a piece of it now and then, but eating oats and chicken and veggies everyday itself does not mean ED. Most people, once they get used to it, realise it's way tastier and better overall , so they mostly stick to it. However, it's all in the head, if you keep telling yourself that's the ONLY thing you can have, you will start to hate it.

keep up the good work guys :) turning into an epic log

Glad to hear your still going strong

I'll have to pay attention to that next time I deadlift..I can't really tell from the video. Should my lower back feel like it's being worked at all or is that just for SL Deadlifts?

As far as food goes: I find almost all food delicious. Properly cooked chicken is still one of my favorite foods, and I find every veggie delicous except for cauliflower. With that said I also don't find anything wrong with having sugar, saturated fat, etc. on a daily basis, as they all can fit into a healthy lifestyle without any ill effects and have their own important functions in the body. The only thing I try to limit is trans fat for obvious reasons

bonkerzzz

10-08-2010, 04:09 AM

I'll have to pay attention to that next time I deadlift..I can't really tell from the video. Should my lower back feel like it's being worked at all or is that just for SL Deadlifts?

You should feel it a little, but it shouldnt really be uncomfortable once you have finished your sets. Most of the strain should be felt in your hammies when your doing it right. The way I look at it is like this - with the initial pull off the floor, pretend your driving your heels through the floor rather than pulling with your back, once you get the bar around the knees, the rest of the pull should be finished by driving your hips forward to activate the glutes, not by pulling up with your lower back.

Since i've been concentrating on using my hams and keeping everything tight then my deadlift has improve dramatically. check out this article, if you apply it to your lifts then with a bit of practice it makes all the difference;

http://www.dragondoor.com/articler/mode3/575/

Hope this helps :)

JValjean724

10-08-2010, 04:29 AM

You should feel it a little, but it shouldnt really be uncomfortable once you have finished your sets. Most of the strain should be felt in your hammies when your doing it right. The way I look at it is like this - with the initial pull off the floor, pretend your driving your heels through the floor rather than pulling with your back, once you get the bar around the knees, the rest of the pull should be finished by driving your hips forward to activate the glutes, not by pulling up with your lower back.

Since i've been concentrating on using my hams and keeping everything tight then my deadlift has improve dramatically. check out this article, if you apply it to your lifts then with a bit of practice it makes all the difference;

http://www.dragondoor.com/articler/mode3/575/

Hope this helps :)

Thanks for the advice and the link! I will definitely apply some of that next week

JValjean724

10-08-2010, 05:04 PM

Friday, October 8, 2010

“A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval.” - Mark Twain

Weight as of this morning: NA Didn’t weigh myself today
Weekly Average: 122.6 This will be how I determine weekly weight change

Workout
Deload week 1 (85%)

Upper Day 2

Incline Bench Press – 3 x 8 60lbs
Pull Ups – 3 x 8
Bench Press – 2 x 12 65lbs
T-Bar Rows – 3 x 12 45lbs
Dips – 2 x 15
Arm Curls – 2 x 15 15lb dumbells
Lateral Raises– 1x15 15lbs

Food

Not pictured: Oatmeal with skim milk, whey protein, black beans, broccoli, more broccoli, apple

Sorry for crappy lighting…for some reason I can’t take a good picture in my house

Peanut Butter Burger (took three pics because I wanted to do this bad boy justice lol)
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0165-1.jpg
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0167-1.jpg
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0166-1.jpg

Pork, Prosciutto, and Parmesan Tortellini served with a Cinnamon Raisin Bagel
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0170.jpg
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0171.jpg

Edy’s Rocky Road (My precious B&Js pints are back up in my dorm)
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0172.jpg

Highlight food of the day: Tortellini is bomb
Macros Today: 138g protein/57g fat/317g carbs/2325 calories

Comments

So it turned out I ended up kind of intermittent fasting today. I had to get blood work done at 8:30 and in order to do that I had to be fasted. Since I wake up at 6, I was pretty starving at first but my hunger kind of went away after a little while. I almost worked out fasted but ended up eating just a little pre-workout snack and then having a rather large PWO. I only ended up eating two large meals for the day with a two snacks, and it was pretty awesome. I honestly would IF if it was allowed by my college schedule….maybe next semester.

So the trip to the doctor was interesting….Following up from my last test, in which my liver tests were elevated, the doctor has told me I can no longer take whey protein. I am not sure if he actually knew what I was talking about though and he might just be wary of all “supplements.” He sure convinced my Mom though so now I might have to get more protein through whole foods which will be annoying. Does anyone know if this is a legitimate concern? I still have a ton of protein and might still use it just not tell my Mom.

Not only that, but the Dr. actually said it was a bad idea to try and gain muscle through an increased caloric intake. That’s pretty much where he lost me, as he was telling a 5’ 10.5’’ 123lb male that he shouldn’t try to get to a healthy weight (keep in mind they weighed me there so they weren’t oblivious to the fact). Also I kind of blew up at my Mom because of her lack of understanding with my previous ED, but I know she was only trying to help.

Mental State
Psyching myself up for the coming weight gain….Increased calories will come as soon as I finish the deload.

-Sean

The Big Sleep

10-08-2010, 09:07 PM

Besides being busy i am quite well, thanks for your concern :D

About the mental state: If you feel comfortable with the stuff you're currently eating, that's cool. It's not healthy for your mind to feel deprived of anything. On the other hand, once you realise you aren't really "depriving" yourself of anything that important you're good. You know what I mean. I'm not afraid of eating ice cream or waffles or whatever. I might have a piece of it now and then, but eating oats and chicken and veggies everyday itself does not mean ED. Most people, once they get used to it, realise it's way tastier and better overall , so they mostly stick to it. However, it's all in the head, if you keep telling yourself that's the ONLY thing you can have, you will start to hate it.

keep up the good work guys :) turning into an epic log Glad to hear from ya man! I completely agree with your statement as well, Im the same way; eat mostly "clean" and the same foods but work in little "treats" as well to keep it fun.

So the trip to the doctor was interesting….Following up from my last test, in which my liver tests were elevated, the doctor has told me I can no longer take whey protein. I am not sure if he actually knew what I was talking about though and he might just be wary of all “supplements.” He sure convinced my Mom though so now I might have to get more protein through whole foods which will be annoying. Does anyone know if this is a legitimate concern? I still have a ton of protein and might still use it just not tell my Mom.

Not only that, but the Dr. actually said it was a bad idea to try and gain muscle through an increased caloric intake. That’s pretty much where he lost me, as he was telling a 5’ 10.5’’ 123lb male that he shouldn’t try to get to a healthy weight (keep in mind they weighed me there so they weren’t oblivious to the fact). Also I kind of blew up at my Mom because of her lack of understanding with my previous ED, but I know she was only trying to help.

-Sean I had elevated liver enzymes as well and my doc didnt say any of what your doc said, but I completely would have lost touch with your doc the minute he said increasing calories to gain muscle is a "bad idea" :confused:. What the heck does he expect to happen, you magically gain weight for no apparent reason?

determined4000

10-08-2010, 09:19 PM

1. Your doc is a moron for telling someone your size not to eat in a calorie surplus.
How the heck does he expect you to get to a healthy weight? Magic???
2. Lots of people with EDs (malnourished) end up with elevated liver enzymes. Eating a balanced healthy diet and weight gain should correct it.
3. Getting more protein in food vs supps probably wouldnt effect any blood work. Protein is protein. Telling you to get off supps but eating mroe protein for food is not going to change anything so I think he was just suggesting that assuming you wouldnt be compensating.
4. You are just over 1g/lb in protein so I doubt you are too high. Issue probably had more to do with overall malnourishment.

bejetah

10-08-2010, 09:24 PM

Weekly Average: 122.6 This will be how I determine weekly weight change

So the trip to the doctor was interesting….Following up from my last test, in which my liver tests were elevated, the doctor has told me I can no longer take whey protein. I am not sure if he actually knew what I was talking about though and he might just be wary of all “supplements.” He sure convinced my Mom though so now I might have to get more protein through whole foods which will be annoying. Does anyone know if this is a legitimate concern? I still have a ton of protein and might still use it just not tell my Mom.

Not only that, but the Dr. actually said it was a bad idea to try and gain muscle through an increased caloric intake. That’s pretty much where he lost me, as he was telling a 5’ 10.5’’ 123lb male that he shouldn’t try to get to a healthy weight (keep in mind they weighed me there so they weren’t oblivious to the fact). Also I kind of blew up at my Mom because of her lack of understanding with my previous ED, but I know she was only trying to help.

Great idea. Weighing yourself every day is completely pointless

Personally i rarely take whey protein. Use whole food sources as much as possible. As for the elevated liver enzymes, it's pure horse****. If you would have been eating too much protein, which i seriously doubt, it does not matter at all where the protein is coming from. If the doc is saying that whey works any different than any other kind of protein, get a new doc (srs)
I've heard doctors say so much bull**** in my life I only take their advice half seriously.

About a year ago I had serious problems with low libido / low T . They told me i'm alredy infertile (!!!) and that i would need HRT for the rest of my life. They started the treatment, however this bugged me so hard that I studied the whole thing, did some research and decided to refuse the therapy (this was very hard mentally, i suppose u understand how no libido feels) They tried to convince me I was doing more damage to myself , so I left and didn't go to the doc anymore. 10 months later the same doc who talked to me last was absolutely stunned by how much my T levels have increased since they last got my blood work done. He still thinks i'm doing T shots on my own . What a fu***** dumbass.

Another interesting story is the one about my grandma. She's obese so I talked to her and convinced her into trying a low carb diet. Not keto style, but only zero starchy carbs. When she told the doc (another one) he was going crazy about her cholesterol and her "killing herself" . Well she did everything by the plan and lost about 50lbs in a pretty short space of time. Her BP and chol. levels went down (due to the weight loss of course). The doc was amazed again and after she told him that she was eating 5 eggs and bacon every day he went crazy again. He even somehow managed to convince her to stop. So she regained all the weight and some more by stuffing herself with low fat muffins again. This is where i stopped trying but I still get a headache just by thinking about going to the doc

A little about this, so you might get a better picture of who to / not to trust. Try reading this to your mom, perhaps it might work.

JValjean724

10-09-2010, 04:43 AM

I had elevated liver enzymes as well and my doc didnt say any of what your doc said, but I completely would have lost touch with your doc the minute he said increasing calories to gain muscle is a "bad idea" :confused:. What the heck does he expect to happen, you magically gain weight for no apparent reason?

I almost laughed in the office right there. For some reason I guess he is against a large amount of calories :confused:. He also seemed to be generally against working out too....maybe hes just seen too many meatheads with crappy diets

1. Your doc is a moron for telling someone your size not to eat in a calorie surplus.
How the heck does he expect you to get to a healthy weight? Magic???
2. Lots of people with EDs (malnourished) end up with elevated liver enzymes. Eating a balanced healthy diet and weight gain should correct it.
3. Getting more protein in food vs supps probably wouldnt effect any blood work. Protein is protein. Telling you to get off supps but eating mroe protein for food is not going to change anything so I think he was just suggesting that assuming you wouldnt be compensating.
4. You are just over 1g/lb in protein so I doubt you are too high. Issue probably had more to do with overall malnourishment.
Thanks for the information D. Extremely Helpful as always!

Yeah I didn't think it would make a difference...its just protein extracted from milk right? (Tryed to convince my Mom but no go lol)

So it's good to know that I can keep using whey, it's super convenient

Great idea. Weighing yourself every day is completely pointless

Personally i rarely take whey protein. Use whole food sources as much as possible. As for the elevated liver enzymes, it's pure horse****. If you would have been eating too much protein, which i seriously doubt, it does not matter at all where the protein is coming from. If the doc is saying that whey works any different than any other kind of protein, get a new doc (srs)
I've heard doctors say so much bull**** in my life I only take their advice half seriously.

About a year ago I had serious problems with low libido / low T . They told me i'm alredy infertile (!!!) and that i would need HRT for the rest of my life. They started the treatment, however this bugged me so hard that I studied the whole thing, did some research and decided to refuse the therapy (this was very hard mentally, i suppose u understand how no libido feels) They tried to convince me I was doing more damage to myself , so I left and didn't go to the doc anymore. 10 months later the same doc who talked to me last was absolutely stunned by how much my T levels have increased since they last got my blood work done. He still thinks i'm doing T shots on my own . What a fu***** dumbass.

Another interesting story is the one about my grandma. She's obese so I talked to her and convinced her into trying a low carb diet. Not keto style, but only zero starchy carbs. When she told the doc (another one) he was going crazy about her cholesterol and her "killing herself" . Well she did everything by the plan and lost about 50lbs in a pretty short space of time. Her BP and chol. levels went down (due to the weight loss of course). The doc was amazed again and after she told him that she was eating 5 eggs and bacon every day he went crazy again. He even somehow managed to convince her to stop. So she regained all the weight and some more by stuffing herself with low fat muffins again. This is where i stopped trying but I still get a headache just by thinking about going to the doc

A little about this, so you might get a better picture of who to / not to trust. Try reading this to your mom, perhaps it might work.

That gives me a good perspective. I was hesitant to call him an idiot because, well he is a doctor and went through med school, but if this is more of a general thing than I feel much better.

bejetah

10-09-2010, 04:55 AM

That gives me a good perspective. I was hesitant to call him an idiot because, well he is a doctor and went through med school, but if this is more of a general thing than I feel much better.

they don't learn much about nutrition there. too little, i'm afraid.

brendbro

10-09-2010, 06:15 AM

hrdgain3r89

10-09-2010, 06:24 AM

great log guys, my story is practically identical to everyones here in that I have struggled with an ED in the past (binging, purging, over exercising, under eating, deep depression, suicidal, would sometimes go days without food...) blah blah blah this aint the place to come out :) my point is I understand where you guys are coming from and wish everyone the best of luck! I am still recovering, I definetely still have some ED mind sets which I'd rather not get into now and will take awhile to surpass but have made some huge improvements (for example i now have ice cream almost everyday! OMG!! :) - check out aussie ice cream thread for some reviews lol), libido is slowly coming back (FINALLY). I'm bulking at 3200 calories atm which is about 2000 more than what I used to be on, best of luck guys, reps all around and will definetely keep track of the log!!

hey bro, thanks for the kind words, and although i feel that most feelings ive had in the past are just that...in the past....i still appreciate hearing other ppl speak of having the same problems it helps me realize that its surmountable and lol i dont think its the best place to "come out" as you said ;-) but its definitely the place to let some things out and share similarities with others about our past or present situations!!
And wow! Im jealous, I NEED to be bulking on more calories, Im just at this 3k sticking point where i cant seem to eat more than 2900...kinda the same way i couldnt eat more than 2k back in my ED days....gr lol...good job though man and thanks again!

JValjean724

10-09-2010, 06:42 AM

Saintly

10-09-2010, 06:48 AM

great log guys, my story is practically identical to everyones here in that I have struggled with an ED in the past (binging, purging, over exercising, under eating, deep depression, suicidal, would sometimes go days without food...) blah blah blah this aint the place to come out :) my point is I understand where you guys are coming from and wish everyone the best of luck! I am still recovering, I definetely still have some ED mind sets which I'd rather not get into now and will take awhile to surpass but have made some huge improvements (for example i now have ice cream almost everyday! OMG!! :) - check out aussie ice cream thread for some reviews lol), libido is slowly coming back (FINALLY). I'm bulking at 3200 calories atm which is about 2000 more than what I used to be on, best of luck guys, reps all around and will definetely keep track of the log!!

My libido is slowly increasing as well from months of undereating and overtraining on a cut. How long did it take for you to notice an increase in libido and test. after steering away from the ED?

All the best to you with your recovery! Keep it up!

brendbro

10-09-2010, 06:53 AM

hey bro, thanks for the kind words, and although i feel that most feelings ive had in the past are just that...in the past....i still appreciate hearing other ppl speak of having the same problems it helps me realize that its surmountable and lol i dont think its the best place to "come out" as you said ;-) but its definitely the place to let some things out and share similarities with others about our past or present situations!!
And wow! Im jealous, I NEED to be bulking on more calories, Im just at this 3k sticking point where i cant seem to eat more than 2900...kinda the same way i couldnt eat more than 2k back in my ED days....gr lol...good job though man and thanks again!

for me I just kept telling myself how food is fuel and if I ever want to truly feel better I need to fuel myself properly, so I worked out a decent lifting routine and began eating more and more until I started gaining which fell at 3200, and even though I'm only just beginning I've noticed significant strength increases and have honestly never felt better about myself :)

Sounds like you are doing great! We are always glad to have another follower

I'm with you on the ice cream everyday...it's like medicine isn't it? ;)

hells yeah, i honestly don't see how I could live without it :D

brendbro

10-09-2010, 06:57 AM

My libido is slowly increasing as well from months of undereating and overtraining on a cut. How long did it take for you to notice an increase in libido and test. after steering away from the ED?

All the best to you with your recovery! Keep it up!

well it is a VERY slow process as I'm sure you're aware. My libido was f*cked from the same thing and am only now noticing very small increases in libido, but it is increasing nevertheless which for me is definetely a positive, overall I'd say it's taken me about 2 months to start seeing improvement

and thanks man, you too!

hrdgain3r89

10-09-2010, 06:59 AM

Hrdgain3r's BULK Log Day 3 -- 10/8/10
=================================

“To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art.” ~ La Rochefoucauld

Current Weight: 153 lbs.

Workout: Chest/Triceps

Flat Bench WU (95 x15)

Flat Bench Press: 4 sets/135 x8, 155 x8, 185 x5, 200 x1!!!!! (PR FTW)

EZ-Bar Lying Skullcrusher: 3 sets/50 x10, 60 x8, 70 x6

Incline Bench Press: 3 sets/115 x8, 120 x6, 120 x6 (weak upper chest)

s/s

V-Bar Pressdown: 3 sets/120 x12, 140 x8, 150 x6

Pec-Dec Flyes: 3 sets/150 x8, 150 x8, 150 x6

s/s

DB Kickbacks: 3 sets/30 x6, 25 x8, 20 x8

Bar Dips: 2 sets/fail

Hanging Leg Raise: 3 sets/12 reps
s/s
Weighted Reverse Crunch: 3 sets/12-15 reps
s/s
Decline Weighted Sit-Up: 3 sets/10 reps (10 lbs.)

Mental State:
========================

Whew...yesterday really tore me up although it doesnt seem like much, I maxed out on bench and finally broke through and got 200 lbs!! As excited as I was about that, and the fact that im learning more and more each day adds the cherry on top. I feel like ive found my sweet spot atm and i like where things are and where theyre headed so far.
Unfortunately, despite my great day, I got into it hard with the gf later last night, resulting in her coming over for only a short time, waking the whole house up from the argument, and leaving in a rage resulting in us not being together this morning. Not together as in "relationship-wise". Ugh, as impossible as she is I try to make things right for the baby because shes one of those "well if you dont want me then you shouldnt get to see the kid" chicks....using her as more of a pawn than anything else. I was so frustrated I didnt eat anything else the rest of the night...leaving me JUST at maintenance, so hopefully i pick it up today.
On a lighter note, Im going to Missouri today to watch a good buddy of mine compete. It will be my first time attending a competition so it should be a great experience and i hope to meet some cool people and learn a thing or two, should be a blast will take pics of the eats/show for those interested =)

FOOD:
================================

PWO Meals:

San Platinum Isolate vanilla whey shake and a cinnamon raisin toast w/grape jelly snadwich
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i107/copayne/008-4.jpg

New York Strip topped w/sauteed mushroom, onion, and Country Bobs, w/Steamed Broc and Sweet Potato w/the "fixins" oooh yeah....
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i107/copayne/009-4.jpg

das mooooooney...
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i107/copayne/012-3.jpg

To end, I thought Id break this logs progress pic virginity lol..maybe i can get some good feedback on what may need some extra work or how im coming along from previous pics!
(no homo on the boxer briefs lol)

Note: the last pic is from the very beginning of my bulk (140 lbs)

Saintly

10-09-2010, 09:07 AM

well it is a VERY slow process as I'm sure you're aware. My libido was f*cked from the same thing and am only now noticing very small increases in libido, but it is increasing nevertheless which for me is definetely a positive, overall I'd say it's taken me about 2 months to start seeing improvement

and thanks man, you too!

I don't think my issue was quite as severe, but ASGT definitely helped. You might take a look at it.

ErickStevens

10-09-2010, 09:53 AM

hrdgain3r89

10-09-2010, 10:10 AM

So the trip to the doctor was interesting….Following up from my last test, in which my liver tests were elevated, the doctor has told me I can no longer take whey protein. I am not sure if he actually knew what I was talking about though and he might just be wary of all “supplements.” He sure convinced my Mom though so now I might have to get more protein through whole foods which will be annoying. Does anyone know if this is a legitimate concern? I still have a ton of protein and might still use it just not tell my Mom.

Not only that, but the Dr. actually said it was a bad idea to try and gain muscle through an increased caloric intake. That’s pretty much where he lost me, as he was telling a 5’ 10.5’’ 123lb male that he shouldn’t try to get to a healthy weight (keep in mind they weighed me there so they weren’t oblivious to the fact). Also I kind of blew up at my Mom because of her lack of understanding with my previous ED, but I know she was only trying to help.

So are you saying your doc told you to NOT gain weight in general or to not gain weight through putting on muscle masS??

Sounds to me (not too educated on the subject), that he possibly was weighing the concerns of putting on muscle and its effect on your already low BF%. Since obviously the more muscle you have the more calories you burn, his implication may have been that by putting on SOLELY muscle mass you may end up with a drop in what BF you have...but from the looks of the eats thats not the case. I dont think its a major concern, just eat and train bro dont let it get to your head.

JValjean724

10-09-2010, 10:25 AM

My doc told me the same thing about my liver levels. Most doctors are completely clueless about nutrition, let alone sports nutrition.

That's good to hear (well not in general but in regards to my situation). I now feel better about discounting everything he said with regards to my diet, thanks

So are you saying your doc told you to NOT gain weight in general or to not gain weight through putting on muscle masS??

Sounds to me (not too educated on the subject), that he possibly was weighing the concerns of putting on muscle and its effect on your already low BF%. Since obviously the more muscle you have the more calories you burn, his implication may have been that by putting on SOLELY muscle mass you may end up with a drop in what BF you have...but from the looks of the eats thats not the case. I dont think its a major concern, just eat and train bro dont let it get to your head.

He was just saying eating more calories was a bad idea....I'm obviously not going to follow his advice

determined4000

10-09-2010, 10:32 AM

Dumb Dr. is Dumb

JValjean724

10-09-2010, 05:00 PM

Saturday, October 9, 2010

“I want to stay as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all kinds of things you can't see from the center.” – Kurt Vonnegut

Workout
Rest

Food

Breakfast Burrito (Eggs and Monterrey Jack Cheese)
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0173.jpg

Bleu Cheese Burger, Black Beans, Peas
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0179.jpg

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0178.jpg

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0180-1.jpg

Cottage Cheese with Fruity Pebbles
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0182-1.jpg

Spicy Tunacado Roll with Spicy Shrimp Roll (Earth Fare)
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0183-1.jpg

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0184.jpg

Highlight food of the day: Sushi…need I say more?

Macros Today: 149g protein/227g carbs/64g fat/2100 calories

Comments

Not much going on today other than my Dad’s birthday. I did get to stock up on PB and Co products and books before going back to school tomorrow morning. So other than tomorrow’s breakfast, today was the last you’ll see of my cooking for a while.

On a completely unrelated note, I am having bowling withdrawal. I haven’t bowled a game in 5 days and it’s killing me :rollseyes:

Mentality

One of my remaining issues sprang up today when presented with the chance of eating out for dinner, which I turned down. This was because I am still wary of eating out and not knowing what’s in the food I’m eating as far as macros are concerned and I know this is not normal. I am much better than before with this, but it still is definitely a problem and something that I have to consciously work on.

-Sean

hrdgain3r89

10-09-2010, 05:44 PM

Sushi looks amazing! Had a chance to have my first experience today but they were closed at 2:30???? I was crushed lol. As for the eating out trust me it takes a while to really NOT think about it when youre there once you actually bring yourself to actually going. The best way I have learned to deal with the anxiety is to remember the miniscule difference it will make to simply guesstimate ONE meal out of all the others i calculate. In retrospect, it all "comes out in the wash", so to speak. Obviously, its not as simple as it sounds, but eventually it will all be second nature to us to simply enjoy going out, and busting ass in the gym later. =)

Side note: your burgers look mouthwatering that PB burger had me bertstaring the computer screen hahahaha (with my mouth open of course) (no homo)...ill just stop now lolz

JValjean724

10-09-2010, 05:50 PM

JValjean724

10-10-2010, 03:59 PM

Sunday, October 10, 2010

“Each man should frame life so that at some future hour fact and his dreaming meet.” – Victor Hugo

Workout
Rest

Food

“Cheeseburger Wrap” (Lean ground beef with American Cheese and ketchup)
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0187.jpg

Subway Footlong Oven Roasted chicken breast on Italian Herb and Cheese Bread
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0191-1.jpg

Mighty Maple Oatmeal
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0197.jpg

Thought I’d also post my stash: (I think my roommate thinks I’m nuts….no pun intended)
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0195-1.jpg

Sausage Pizza, Oriental Veggies, Vegetarian Sub thing
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0199.jpg

Highlight food of the day: Cheeseburger Wrap

Not Pictured: Apple

Macros Today: 141g protein/243g carbs/69g fat/2160 calories

Comments

Dad drove me back up to school today, so as you can see nothing special as far as food goes.

At one point while bowling later in the day I started feeling really weak/dizzy and it felt like every muscle in my body was shaking. It was the weirdest feeling. I should have sat down and recomposed myself but instead I just kept bowling…ending up having to cut the session short and spent the rest of the day resting. (Oddly enough I still got a 190). I think it may have been dehydration or something, but I don’t think I had any less water than usual…Any thoughts?

Tomorrow will start that last week of my deload at 95% of my previous maxes, and then it will be on to bulking time.

Mental State

No problems to note as of today….No news is good news

-Sean

determined4000

10-10-2010, 08:26 PM

At one point while bowling later in the day I started feeling really weak/dizzy and it felt like every muscle in my body was shaking. It was the weirdest feeling. I should have sat down and recomposed myself but instead I just kept bowling…ending up having to cut the session short and spent the rest of the day resting. (Oddly enough I still got a 190). I think it may have been dehydration or something, but I don’t think I had any less water than usual…Any thoughts?

well dizziness is common among people with ED's as a result of low blood pressure. Although you are eating well now, there is still a good chance that given your previous intake and still low weight that your blood pressure is still regularly low.
As you said dehydration can also do it, which also happens to be a symptom of undereating. So unless you hadn't eaten in awhile, I would say it could be the former reason I mentioned.
Constantly getting up and down can cause orthstatic hypertension. Which is why if you are ever hospitalized they will take your blood pressure in bed and then have you sit up, take it again and then stand and take it again. Most of time you will see a malnourished patient have bp drop, heart rate jump and experience dizziness.

bejetah

10-10-2010, 09:02 PM

determined4000

10-10-2010, 09:16 PM

exactly

At my lowest point i blacked out several times cuz of this. BP at my lowest weight was about 55/80 or something like that. Get yours checked. Other than that, it could be caused by light hypoglycemia. I get that sometimes during my workouts too, esp. when going really intense. I sit down for 5 minutes and just wait. If it doesn't go away i leave the gym

I am guessing its not hypoglycemia. It is normally more of a chronic thing and something he would have experienced in childhood before an ED (if it is real). Plus bowling isnt exactly an intense workout. (No offense Sean, lol)

The Big Sleep

10-10-2010, 09:29 PM

Not much going on today other than my Dad’s birthday. I did get to stock up on PB and Co products and books before going back to school tomorrow morning. So other than tomorrow’s breakfast, today was the last you’ll see of my cooking for a while. PB&Co is so legit, got some yesterday per your recommendation and loved it :D

What books did you get? Im a reader myself, just curious.

One of my remaining issues sprang up today when presented with the chance of eating out for dinner, which I turned down. This was because I am still wary of eating out and not knowing what’s in the food I’m eating as far as macros are concerned and I know this is not normal. I am much better than before with this, but it still is definitely a problem and something that I have to consciously work on. Sounds like someone I know :rolleyes:

I am guessing its not hypoglycemia. It is normally more of a chronic thing and something he would have experienced in childhood before an ED (if it is real). Plus bowling isnt exactly an intense workout. (No offense Sean, lol) I wouldnt discount hypoglycemia as this happened to me all the time after I ate a high carb meal with low fat. It can also be a BP issue like you said, but hypoglycemia can come on acutely in almost anyone depending on the circumstances.

determined4000

10-10-2010, 09:34 PM

I wouldnt discount hypoglycemia as this happened to me all the time after I ate a high carb meal with low fat. It can also be a BP issue like you said, but hypoglycemia can come on acutely in almost anyone depending on the circumstances.

I have severe hypoglycemia and have had it since age 3. My point is, if he didnt experience it in the past, he wouldnt all of a sudden start experiencing it for no reason. It would be directly from having a low body mass and possible liver, pancreas or kidney damage.

The Big Sleep

10-10-2010, 09:56 PM

I have severe hypoglycemia and have had it since age 3. My point is, if he didnt experience it in the past, he wouldnt all of a sudden start experiencing it for no reason. It would be directly from having a low body mass and possible liver, pancreas or kidney damage.

i would agree, just saying that hypoglycemia is a state of condition not a disease/illness, and thus can be induced actuely in most anybody if they overeat and cause a rapid blood glucose spike that may be over-compensated for by the pancreas. Not saying IT WILL ALWAYS happen, just saying Ive had those bouts and it can happen.

JValjean724

10-11-2010, 03:22 AM

well dizziness is common among people with ED's as a result of low blood pressure. Although you are eating well now, there is still a good chance that given your previous intake and still low weight that your blood pressure is still regularly low.
As you said dehydration can also do it, which also happens to be a symptom of undereating. So unless you hadn't eaten in awhile, I would say it could be the former reason I mentioned.
Constantly getting up and down can cause orthstatic hypertension. Which is why if you are ever hospitalized they will take your blood pressure in bed and then have you sit up, take it again and then stand and take it again. Most of time you will see a malnourished patient have bp drop, heart rate jump and experience dizziness.

Yeah that's most likely the case. I had just gotten back from a three hour car ride so that might have been a contributing factor.

Thanks again!

I also experience that dizziness from getting up quickly, I thought that was normal but I guess not. It's good to know that when I start gaining weight that could go away because it is really uncomfortable

I am guessing its not hypoglycemia. It is normally more of a chronic thing and something he would have experienced in childhood before an ED (if it is real). Plus bowling isnt exactly an intense workout. (No offense Sean, lol)
Yeah I haven't had any memorable issues with this in my past so I don't think it's hypoglycemia.

And hey bowling can get pretty intense after 6 games....:rolleyes: lol
You do get a pretty good arm pump going though

PB&Co is so legit, got some yesterday per your recommendation and loved it :D

Glad to hear it! which flavors have you tried?

What books did you get? Im a reader myself, just curious.

Sounds like someone I know :rolleyes:

.

I got Native Son by Richard Wright, Black Boy also by Richard Wright, and David Copperfield by Charles Dickens. Reading Black Boy right now and it is excellent. (Would highly recommend it)

What kind of books/authors are you into?

hrdgain3r89

10-11-2010, 05:29 AM

ErickStevens

10-11-2010, 05:58 AM

Mighty Maple is my third favorite behind Cinnamon Raisin Swirl and Dark Chocolate Dreams.

BTW, to the sushi rookies - Don't worry about impressing MEN with your AYCE accomplishments. It's always quality over quantity and no JVal - That stuff you're eating is not quality. ;)

Stick to maki without cream cheese and make sure to try some sashimi and nigiri.

hrdgain3r89

10-11-2010, 06:37 AM

Hows this???

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i107/copayne/021-4.jpg

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i107/copayne/022-3.jpg

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i107/copayne/024-3.jpg

hrdgain3r89

10-11-2010, 06:42 AM

EDIT: Erick already flamed/showed the error in my ways lol, better luck next week!

JValjean724

10-11-2010, 07:35 AM

I think ED in some taps into their inner bowler lol i used to be a freakishly good bowler myself lol avg. of like 218-223 i believe...no way im worth a crap anymore tho lol. As for the feeling you were getting, im oh too familiar. Low BP + unhealthy doses of caffeine = dizzy spells and headrushes all day. Of course i never blamed it on the right things i awlays said "oh i just didnt get alot of sleep" or something of that nature.

But to the peanut butter....MIGHT MAPLE!?!??? When did this happen??? do want!

I thought i was on top of PB&Co.'s products guess ill have to go lurk walmart later today!
how is it??
That's a ridiculous average...mines at about 165 now. I'm kind of at a plateau in the sense that I need to finally break 200 and to do that I have to consistently get doubles and turkeys

I finally found Mighty Maple at Fresh Market after looking in a couple stores that carry PB & Co.

I like them all a lot but this one is definitely good...it has a nice grainy texture and the maple really shines through. I know Dark Chocolate Dreams is my favorite but other than that I can't really say.

Mighty Maple is my third favorite behind Cinnamon Raisin Swirl and Dark Chocolate Dreams.

BTW, to the sushi rookies - Don't worry about impressing MEN with your AYCE accomplishments. It's always quality over quantity and no JVal - That stuff you're eating is not quality. ;)

Stick to maki without cream cheese and make sure to try some sashimi and nigiri.

Yeah I know :o. It was from a grocery store and cheap, but it was sushi nonetheless!

ErickStevens

10-11-2010, 07:54 AM

Even though I'm kind of a sushi snob, my local Publix has great sushi. I think it has more to do with the fact that the chef is very talented and makes it in-store, but it's good stuff. Every time I go in to shop we have the same convo...

"Today?"
"Nah, four more weeks my man."
"Okay!"

Dude makes me custom packages ahead of time and everything because I went there so much. I think he assumes I'm cheating on him. ;)

JValjean724

10-11-2010, 08:01 AM

Even though I'm kind of a snushi snob, my local Publix has great sushi. I think it has more to do with the fact that the chef is very talented and makes it in-store, but it's good stuff. Every time I go in to shop we have the same convo...

"Today?"
"Nah, four more weeks my man."
"Okay!"

Dude makes me custom packages ahead of time and everything because I went there so much. I think he assumes I'm cheating on him. ;)

Wow it sounds like you really have the hook-up!

The last time I had some good stuff was on my birthday when the tab was upwards of $100. It was amazing though and totally worth it (I might not have said so if I was paying :rolleyes:

The Big Sleep

10-11-2010, 12:44 PM

Glad to hear it! which flavors have you tried?

I got Native Son by Richard Wright, Black Boy also by Richard Wright, and David Copperfield by Charles Dickens. Reading Black Boy right now and it is excellent. (Would highly recommend it)

What kind of books/authors are you into? Only white chocolate so far...im a newb :D.

Ive been reading Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist" lately, good read but a bit over-hyped. Im into books that are either motivational/inspiring or any kind of fiction really. Love me some Charles Dickens, gonna have to check out some of Wrights stuff soon ;)

That stuff you're eating is not quality. ;) lol I was gonna say the same thing...there's much better sushi than the store-bought stuff out there, you just have to pay a bit more for it.

Saintly

10-11-2010, 01:49 PM

Ive been reading Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist" lately, good read but a bit over-hyped. Im into books that are either motivational/inspiring or any kind of fiction really. Love me some Charles Dickens, gonna have to check out some of Wrights stuff soon ;)

I loved "The Alchemist" when I read it with the book club during sophomore year of high school. It was definitely an intense change from the more typical genres for that age group.

Have you read "Ishmael" by Daniel Quinn? It absolutely blew my mind. I'm not sure if it'll be motivational or inspiring, but it'll definitely make you think.

JValjean724

10-11-2010, 05:21 PM

Monday, October 11, 2010

“Life is to be lived, not controlled, and humanity is won by continuing to play in face of certain defeat. “- Ralph Ellison

Weight as of this morning: 123lbs

Workout
Deload Week 2 95%
Squat - 3x8 50 lbs
Straight Legged Deadlift- 3x8 120 lbs
Leg Press- 2x12 20lbs + the standard
Leg Curl- 2x12 55lbs
Seated Calf Raise - 3x8 60lbs + the standard
Standing Calf Raise- 2x12 115lbs
Weighted Decline Crunches- 2x8 30lbs
Wood Chops- 1x12 36lbs

Food

Not pictured: Oatmeal with skim milk, whey

Dark Chocolate Dreams Banana…never gets old
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0200-1.jpg

Beef Yakisoba, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Mixed Veggies, Broccoli, Veggie Burger
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0201-1.jpg

Lucky Charms and Cottage Cheese
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0204-1.jpg

BBQ Pork, Mushroom Stroganoff, veggies, veggie burger
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0207-1.jpg

Chunky Monkey (repeat pic)
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0126.jpg

Highlight food of the day: Beef Yakisoba

Macros Today: 143g protein/244g carbs/86g fat/2330 calories

Comments
Felt pretty darn good in the gym today…weights were heavy enough to feel the workout but still light enough to not have to worry about hitting the rep ranges.

Mental State
I have started to notice more fatigue as of late as well as an increase of hunger. These symptoms, as well as my very gradual downward trend in weight, has led me to believe I am still eating slightly under my maintenance, and that needs to stop. I am still hesitant to add calories because I’m still in my deload week and my head is messing with me in that regard, but nonetheless I have eaten about 100 more calories per day for the past three days (it was after logging and a split decision so it’s not reflected in my calorie totals). I know it’s just a number, but my tendency is to adhere to whatever guidelines I have set up for myself rather strictly, no matter what my level of hunger (I have largely grown accustomed to suppressing hunger with my past).

If I don’t get over this by the end of this week, you can rest assured that I will 100% be adding calories next week when I start pushing the weights again.

Also I’d like to say that I am very glad I decided to join this log, it has been a very positive experience so far and appreciate all the tremendously helpful information and support.
Thanks all,
-Sean

JValjean724

10-11-2010, 05:29 PM

Only white chocolate so far...im a newb :D.

Ive been reading Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist" lately, good read but a bit over-hyped. Im into books that are either motivational/inspiring or any kind of fiction really. Love me some Charles Dickens, gonna have to check out some of Wrights stuff soon ;)

lol I was gonna say the same thing...there's much better sushi than the store-bought stuff out there, you just have to pay a bit more for it.
Can't really say I remember much about the Alchemist, it's been too long, though I did like it.

If you want something inspirational, you should try "Les Miserables" by Victor Hugo (just barely surpassing "Catch-22". It is my all time favorite book and is totally worth the 1400 pages...no book has ever affected me so emotionally and Jean Vajean is seriously my hero.

Oh and you've got to try the other flavors....as you can see I am quite the fan ;)

I loved "The Alchemist" when I read it with the book club during sophomore year of high school. It was definitely an intense change from the more typical genres for that age group.

Have you read "Ishmael" by Daniel Quinn? It absolutely blew my mind. I'm not sure if it'll be motivational or inspiring, but it'll definitely make you think.

Just googled it...sounds interesting

determined4000

10-11-2010, 05:29 PM

JValjean724

10-11-2010, 05:37 PM

Even if you are deloading, at your weight, you should not (strike that) CAN NOT eat under maintenance at your weight. Increase TOMORROW not next week. That is your ED talking.

Side note: your 50lb squat.
What are you using for weights because a bar is 45lbs, so how are you squatting 50?
To my knowledge most gyms dont have 2.5lb plates.
Or are you using 25lbs DBs or something?

That is something that I needed to hear. As of just now I'm planning on adding to my intake tomorrow, and will report back

My gym actually has 2.5 pound plates..so I just used the bar plus that. I kind of felt stupid :rolleyes:

Saintly

10-11-2010, 05:40 PM

[center]
Also I’d like to say that I am very glad I decided to join this log, it has been a very positive experience so far and appreciate all the tremendously helpful information and support.
Thanks all,
-Sean

It's awesome to get to follow along! Keep it up!

Even if you are deloading, at your weight, you should not (strike that) CAN NOT eat under maintenance at your weight. Increase TOMORROW not next week. That is your ED talking.

Side note: your 50lb squat.
What are you using for weights because a bar is 45lbs, so how are you squatting 50?
To my knowledge most gyms dont have 2.5lb plates.
Or are you using 25lbs DBs or something?

Have you made any progress in deciding the grad school applications? There are plenty of 2.5s here at the Penn gym, if that's any enticement to apply.

dustinh6719

10-11-2010, 05:45 PM

Mental State
I have started to notice more fatigue as of late as well as an increase of hunger. These symptoms, as well as my very gradual downward trend in weight, has led me to believe I am still eating slightly under my maintenance, and that needs to stop. I am still hesitant to add calories because I’m still in my deload week and my head is messing with me in that regard, but nonetheless I have eaten about 100 more calories per day for the past three days (it was after logging and a split decision so it’s not reflected in my calorie totals). I know it’s just a number, but my tendency is to adhere to whatever guidelines I have set up for myself rather strictly, no matter what my level of hunger (I have largely grown accustomed to suppressing hunger with my past).

If I don’t get over this by the end of this week, you can rest assured that I will 100% be adding calories next week when I start pushing the weights again.

Also I’d like to say that I am very glad I decided to join this log, it has been a very positive experience so far and appreciate all the tremendously helpful information and support.
Thanks all,
-Sean

I've been in the same situation lately, feeling fatigued lately toward the end of the week. I too have been eating 2300 cals and roughly the same macros, and my weight has stayed the same for a month on that. Still it's that thought of gaining the weight back that gives me a hard time bumping calories but it's something we gotta do to get over this. I started getting on the right track back in July bumping calories up 200 every two weeks (starting at around 1000 calories) and have been maintaining ever since. Every time I bump calories I feel great, so much more energy, better recovery but It's like my metabolism adapts to it (not complaining as I can down the food)
Alright life's history rant over..

Great log you guys got going here, great motivation and inspiration keep it up.

hrdgain3r89

10-11-2010, 05:49 PM

Diggin the festive header brah! lol lifts are lookin pretty solid bet youre ready for your deload phase to finally be over theres alot of ppl on here who i know are full of sheeeeet but for some reason i just know you can back what you say. Hopefully that proves itself true with your diet and i think you have a very positive outlook on the situation which is great.

Just remember that another day above maintenance is another day closer to an ideal, healthy weight. And of course with each added calorie youre just gonna grow that much more and help YOURSELF get stronger in that sense as well.

As for the food, that stroganoff is MY highlight ha, all looks nom though.

And yes, with the added calories, your metabolism may be working more efficiently and actually burning more calories from the extra intake. Just keep stoking the fire, slow and steady. Glad youre finding motivation and support from the thread man. I, myself, am glad I joined as well. Great place to sort of solidify the day in log-form and the feedback helps significantly.

JValjean724

10-11-2010, 05:49 PM

It's awesome to get to follow along! Keep it up!

Have you made any progress in deciding the grad school applications? There are plenty of 2.5s here at the Penn gym, if that's any enticement to apply.
Will do!

oh and I could here it now..."why'd you choose Penn over ______" "Well they both were great schools, it's just that Penn has got those 2.5lb weights you know? Can't pass an opportunity like that up." lol

I've been in the same situation lately, feeling fatigued lately toward the end of the week. I too have been eating 2300 cals and roughly the same macros, and my weight has stayed the same for a month on that. Still it's that thought of gaining the weight back that gives me a hard time bumping calories but it's something we gotta do to get over this. I started getting on the right track back in July bumping calories up 200 every two weeks (starting at around 1000 calories) and have been maintaining ever since. Every time I bump calories I feel great, so much more energy, better recovery but It's like my metabolism adapts to it (not complaining as I can down the food)
Alright life's history rant over..

Great log you guys got going here, great motivation and inspiration keep it up.

That is literally almost my exact situation. Like word for word I could repost that and not have to edit it as to how the last few months have progressed.

determined4000

10-11-2010, 05:55 PM

That is something that I needed to hear. As of just now I'm planning on adding to my intake tomorrow, and will report back

My gym actually has 2.5 pound plates..so I just used the bar plus that. I kind of felt stupid :rolleyes:

Glad 2 provide the words
And my bad on the weights. I guess my gym (school) needs to get some because I often get stuck between weights, having to add 5lbs per side. Sucks.

Have you made any progress in deciding the grad school applications? There are plenty of 2.5s here at the Penn gym, if that's any enticement to apply.

Penn App is done minus the all important essay. Trying to figure out what to write to set myself apart.
You all will be the first to know(after my family) of the decision (denied) when it comes in march/april.

JValjean724

10-11-2010, 05:56 PM

hrdgain3r89

10-11-2010, 06:51 PM

Hrdgain3r's Log October 11th, 2010
================================
"The last three or four reps is what makes the muscle grow. This area of pain divides the champion from someone else who is not a champion. That's what most people lack, having the guts to go on and just say they'll go through the pain no matter what happens."

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Never gets old....
------------------------------------------
Current weight: 154 lbs. (1 lb. gain from Thursday)
Current Macros: 2900 cals, 250g protein, 300g carbs, 78g fat

Today was SUPPOSED to be legs, but some old douchebag decided to pull the seniority card and bench press in the squat rack and given that I was trying to get in and get out, I decided to swap out and make it bis/tris....

WORKOUT: BIS/TRIS
------------------------
Barbell Curl: 3 sets/90 x8, 95 x6, 95 x4
s/s
Rope Pressdown: 3 sets/120 x12, 130 x10, 140 x8

Machine Preacher Curls: 2 sets/130 x8, 140 x6
s/s
One-Arm Reverse Grip Extension: 2 sets/40 x10, 60 x8

Standing Alt. DB Curl: 2 sets/40 x8, 40 x6
s/s
Weighted Bench Dips: 2 sets/90 x15, 115 x12

Two-Arm High Pulley D-Bar Cable Curl: 2 sets/60 x12, 70 x8
s/s
Machine Dip: 2 sets/315 x10, 315 x10 (drop-set 150 x10)
----------------------------------------------------------------

Another killer workout, loving food right now honestly. YES, im developing a little abdominal jiggle, and yes im surprisingly complacent about it. Yeah, it sucks ballls because in your head you think that for all your hard work you should be able to keep your abs throughout the process but its just not in the cards for some of us. But ya know what? Its WINTER!! BULKING SEASON! haha....finally able to actually join the crowd and make some decent gains and not be over-analytical about a little belly fat. My lifts have gone up exponentially, and id like to think for 153, im pretty strong for my size. Plus, it helps when bros from the gym tell you youre looking healthier, bigger, and impressed that youre actually lifting some weight. I do, however, keep having these lapses in my day where ill flashback to ED mode and only have eaten half my calories for the day and only have about an hour left to eat. Its still somewhat second nature I guess to feel at home in a caloric deficit, almost comforting if you will. But that safety net has to disappear and progress has to remain the priority.

FOOD:
=============================
Was so on the run today I only managed to snag a pic of one meal, but I made it count ;-)

Mirin Erick's Shroom Sammich lol...wasnt everything I expected, but hey, it was something different....portabella caps, turkey burger, chipotle cheddar cheese, spinach, spicy mayo

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i107/copayne/035-1.jpg

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i107/copayne/038.jpg

determined4000

10-11-2010, 06:56 PM

Favorite part of your post was the quote...until I saw the burger.

hrdgain3r89

10-11-2010, 06:59 PM

Glad 2 provide the words
And my bad on the weights. I guess my gym (school) needs to get some because I often get stuck between weights, having to add 5lbs per side. Sucks.

Penn App is done minus the all important essay. Trying to figure out what to write to set myself apart.
You all will be the first to know(after my family) of the decision (denied) when it comes in march/april.

My gym has 2.5's also lol....guess its a matter of location nevr thought anything of it but it would kinda suck not havin em when tryin to bump up weight on things like military press or bench....good luck with the app man

hrdgain3r89

10-11-2010, 07:03 PM

Favorite part of your post was the quote...until I saw the burger.

hahahahhaa it was between arnolds quote or Ferrigno saying "What are ya, crazy!?" lolol

Saintly

10-11-2010, 07:04 PM

Penn App is done minus the all important essay. Trying to figure out what to write to set myself apart.
You all will be the first to know(after my family) of the decision (accepted) when it comes in march/april.

Awesome! Looking forward to it!

I'm kind of skeptical as to whether or not setting yourself apart should be such a central aim of the essay. In the midst of the entire applicant pool, it's highly unlikely that someone can maintain uniqueness. It might be the case that the admissions officials are merely looking for writing that is genuine and reflects who are you are, but that's my take on it. You do have much more experience with applications and the sort, so you'll be fine!

Flyin Ryan

10-11-2010, 07:16 PM

Hmmmm well this log seems to have taken off much better than my new one has! =P

That being said, you fellas are all doing a great job and I hope you all keep it up for a long, long time.

determined4000

10-11-2010, 07:46 PM

Awesome! Looking forward to it!

I'm kind of skeptical as to whether or not setting yourself apart should be such a central aim of the essay. In the midst of the entire applicant pool, it's highly unlikely that someone can maintain uniqueness. It might be the case that the admissions officials are merely looking for writing that is genuine and reflects who are you are, but that's my take on it. You do have much more experience with applications and the sort, so you'll be fine!

yes but you got in
what'd you write about? lol

Saintly

10-11-2010, 07:59 PM

yes but you got in
what'd you write about? lol

Common app : Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.

If you wanna read it, I can send it to you, but just bear in mind that it'll be nowhere near the level that you write at, being a college senior heading into grad school.

determined4000

10-11-2010, 08:11 PM

Common app : Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.

If you wanna read it, I can send it to you, but just bear in mind that it'll be nowhere near the level that you write at, being a college senior heading into grad school.

Yeah and mine is gona be geared towards economics
Writing about my area of interest and why I want I PhD
Im sure yours was impressive though

The Big Sleep

10-11-2010, 08:47 PM

Can't really say I remember much about the Alchemist, it's been too long, though I did like it.

If you want something inspirational, you should try "Les Miserables" by Victor Hugo (just barely surpassing "Catch-22". It is my all time favorite book and is totally worth the 1400 pages...no book has ever affected me so emotionally and Jean Vajean is seriously my hero.

Oh and you've got to try the other flavors....as you can see I am quite the fan ;)

Just googled it...sounds interesting Hitting up Barnes and Noble real soon man :D thanks for the recommendations! Also, I plan on gettin around to ALL the PB&Co no worries ;)

Another killer workout, loving food right now honestly. YES, im developing a little abdominal jiggle, and yes im surprisingly complacent about it. Yeah, it sucks ballls because in your head you think that for all your hard work you should be able to keep your abs throughout the process but its just not in the cards for some of us. But ya know what? Its WINTER!! BULKING SEASON! haha....finally able to actually join the crowd and make some decent gains and not be over-analytical about a little belly fat. My lifts have gone up exponentially, and id like to think for 153, im pretty strong for my size. Plus, it helps when bros from the gym tell you youre looking healthier, bigger, and impressed that youre actually lifting some weight. I do, however, keep having these lapses in my day where ill flashback to ED mode and only have eaten half my calories for the day and only have about an hour left to eat. Its still somewhat second nature I guess to feel at home in a caloric deficit, almost comforting if you will. But that safety net has to disappear and progress has to remain the priority. Thank you sir, we're in the same boat and these words will now be repeated in my head daily :D

Hmmmm well this log seems to have taken off much better than my new one has! =P

That being said, you fellas are all doing a great job and I hope you all keep it up for a long, long time. Spot on, keep it up bros!

determined4000

10-11-2010, 08:56 PM

Hitting up Barnes and Noble real soon man :D thanks for the recommendations! Also, I plan on gettin around to ALL the PB&Co no worries ;)

As an econ man, I feel obligated to plug Freakonomics (better than the new one "superfreakonomics) and the Tipping Point. Very good.

ErickStevens

10-11-2010, 11:59 PM

hrdgain3r, are you cutting? If not - Use a real bun for fuk's sake.

JValjean724

10-12-2010, 05:17 AM

[b]Hrdgain3r's Log October 11th, 2010
================================
"The last three or four reps is what makes the muscle grow. This area of pain divides the champion from someone else who is not a champion. That's what most people lack, having the guts to go on and just say they'll go through the pain no matter what happens."

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Never gets old....
------------------------------------------
Current weight: 154 lbs. (1 lb. gain from Thursday)
Current Macros: 2900 cals, 250g protein, 300g carbs, 78g fat

Today was SUPPOSED to be legs, but some old douchebag decided to pull the seniority card and bench press in the squat rack and given that I was trying to get in and get out, I decided to swap out and make it bis/tris....

WORKOUT: BIS/TRIS
------------------------
Barbell Curl: 3 sets/90 x8, 95 x6, 95 x4
s/s
Rope Pressdown: 3 sets/120 x12, 130 x10, 140 x8

Machine Preacher Curls: 2 sets/130 x8, 140 x6
s/s
One-Arm Reverse Grip Extension: 2 sets/40 x10, 60 x8

Standing Alt. DB Curl: 2 sets/40 x8, 40 x6
s/s
Weighted Bench Dips: 2 sets/90 x15, 115 x12

Two-Arm High Pulley D-Bar Cable Curl: 2 sets/60 x12, 70 x8
s/s
Machine Dip: 2 sets/315 x10, 315 x10 (drop-set 150 x10)
----------------------------------------------------------------

IMG]
I can't stand when slow/annoying people get in the way of my workout....especially since there is only one free weight squat rack in the section of my gym that I use.

By the way, what does your workout split look like? I can't remember if you posted it already

Hmmmm well this log seems to have taken off much better than my new one has! =P

That being said, you fellas are all doing a great job and I hope you all keep it up for a long, long time.
Thanks! I plan on it

Hitting up Barnes and Noble real soon man :D thanks for the recommendations! Also, I plan on gettin around to ALL the PB&Co no worries ;)

Spot on, keep it up bros!
No problem, I might as well put my extensive reading to use :p

hrdgain3r89

10-12-2010, 08:53 AM

hrdgain3r, are you cutting? If not - Use a real bun for fuk's sake.

But it was after 8 PM???????

lol no man definitely bulking and i hit my cals/carbs just fine that day felt like trying something different thats all...

I can't stand when slow/annoying people get in the way of my workout....especially since there is only one free weight squat rack in the section of my gym that I use.

By the way, what does your workout split look like? I can't remember if you posted it already

Same here so if that happens my workouts pretty much ruined for the day unless i have time to sit around and wait til theyre done but most of the time thats not the case..

and nah never posted it but i rotate splits every week between 2 different routines working well so far...

Monday: Bis/Tris/Abs
Tuesday: Legs/Shoulders
WEdnesday: Off
Thursday: Chest/Abs
Friday: Back
Saturday: Cardio/Abs
Sunday: Off

Monday: Legs
Tuesday: Back/Bis
Wednesday: Chest/Tris/Abs
Thursday: Off
Friday: Shoulders/Abs
Saturday: Off
Sunday: Cardio/Abs

this spilt keeps things interesting and im always on my toes...basically a way of not letting things get stale...

hrdgain3r89

10-12-2010, 11:43 AM

LMFAO.....sorry if this is a bit vulgar for some but I thought this was one of the funniest vids ive ever watched hahahahahhaa hilarious and motivational cuz dude can put up some weight and make you crack up at the same time hahahaha

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSeVKCtprs

EDIT: Just watched all his others and theyre just as hilarious...Frank Yang FTMFW hahahahahahahahaha

JValjean724

10-12-2010, 04:49 PM

Tuesday, October 12,2010

“A person who doubts himself is like a man who would enlist in the ranks of his enemies and bear arms against himself. He makes his failure certain by himself being the first person to be convinced of it.” – Alexandre Dumas

Weight as of this morning: 123.8lbs

Workout

Deload Week 2 95%

Upper Day 1

Bench Press - 4x8 75 lbs
TBar Rows- 3x8 65 lbs
Barbell Military Press- 2x12 50lbs
Lat Pull Downs- 2x12 65lbs
Scull Crushers- 2x15 30lbs
Barbell Curls- 2x15 40 lbs
Wrist Curls- 1x13 50lbs
Shrugs- 1x19 45lbs

Food

Not pictured: Oatmeal with skim milk, whey, apple with cinnamon raisin swirl peanut butter

Breaded Pork chop, Red Bean Ratatouille, Potatoes, Veggies
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0209-1.jpg

Chic-Fil-A Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0210-1.jpg

Baked Ziti, Chili, Green Beans
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0212-1.jpg

Americone Dream
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0142.jpg

Highlight food of the day: Baked Ziti….mmm

Macros Today: 157g protein/280g carbs/76g fat/2435 calories

Comments

As you can see I raised calories a bit…only by about 100, but it’s a start. Tomorrow is an off day so I’ll see how I feel but will at least be at 2200 for the day.

Bowling Rant

feel free to disregard this section

So I have bowling as a PE class and this is the second time taking it (auditing this time around for fun). And if you haven’t picked up on it yet, I have fallen in love with the game.

In short, without going through all the details and without using bowling terminology, it has been my goal this semester to finally break 200, and this morning I completely choked. I had 9 frames of strikes and spares only, and the last frame I missed a three pin spare (Which are rather easy) by one pin and ended up with a 197. I was literally off by one board and as soon as it left my hand I raged. That single pin would have netted me approximately 7-10 more points and I would have finally reached my goal and it has been haunting me all day.http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-angry008.gif

Ahh ok I feel better ;). I apologize for the digression; I had to get that off my chest…lol

Mental State

Appetite has been going strong recently and I am loving it. There is nothing I hate more than having my appetite drop for a few days which causes me to second guess how much I’m eating. I got a feeling this will happen when I raise calories even further, but I should be able to push through it, especially with all your help :).

-Sean

AlwaysTryin

10-12-2010, 04:54 PM

Workout

Deload Week 2 95%

Upper Day 1

Lol we are basically both at the exact same stage (Upper Day 2 Deload Week 2 here), just different weights/exercises

JValjean724

10-12-2010, 04:59 PM

Lol we are basically both at the exact same stage (Upper Day 2 Deload Week 2 here), just different weights/exercises

How do you feel about the deload? I know it's important but I just want it to be over lol

So are you doing Lyle's routine too or just something similar?

oh and I would hope you'd be doing different weight :p

AlwaysTryin

10-12-2010, 05:03 PM

I felt funny on the 80-85% week as people would look at me thinking it was funny I wasn't doing as much weight as they expect (of course not knowing I was only doing 80-85%)

The Big Sleep

10-13-2010, 10:28 AM

As an econ man, I feel obligated to plug Freakonomics (better than the new one "superfreakonomics) and the Tipping Point. Very good. Cool, ill look into those as well :D

LMFAO.....sorry if this is a bit vulgar for some but I thought this was one of the funniest vids ive ever watched hahahahahhaa hilarious and motivational cuz dude can put up some weight and make you crack up at the same time hahahaha

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSeVKCtprs

EDIT: Just watched all his others and theyre just as hilarious...Frank Yang FTMFW hahahahahahahahaha Ahhh the YouTube legend that is Frank Yang...I remember watching all his vids a few years ago and then he disappeared.

You might want to checkout James Henderson Bench Pressing, that is some funny/epic stuff.

JValjean724

10-13-2010, 04:42 PM

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

“I can't go back to yesterday - because I was a different person then. “ – Lewis Carroll

Workout

Rest

Food

Not pictured: Dark Chocolate Dreams Oatmeal, Dark Chocolate Dreams Banana

Roasted Red Pepper Ziti, Potato Medley, Sugar Snap Peas, Veggie Nuggets
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0217-1.jpg

Turkey Sandwich with tomato, cucumber, pickle, and mustard
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0219-1.jpg

Chicken Marsala, Veggies, Vegetarian Chili, Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0221-1.jpg

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0222-1.jpg

Highlight food of the day: Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

Macros Today: 137g protein/267g carbs/65g fat/2200 calories

Comments

Nothing much of note today…..mind and time were occupied with Physics homework (which I demolished by the way) and planning courses for next semester so as to not screw myself over.

My calories are up again today (only by 100) and I’m feeling good. Did notice I had a little more energy which is always a good thing. My current plan for my bulk starting Monday is going to be 2600 calories on workout days and 2200 on off days for an average of a little over 2400 calories a day. I think this should be enough for me to be seeing gains but not enough to be overdoing it. I’ll spend a couple weeks and see where I’m at after that and determine if I will have to raise calories further.

Mental State

Staying optimistic and motivated! I feel like I am mentally and physically prepared to start putting on some decent weight…so stay tuned

As always, thanks for following

-Sean

determined4000

10-13-2010, 05:19 PM

Love the quote
Good food selection
Do you have a meal plan? How are you calculating macros?

JValjean724

10-13-2010, 05:24 PM

Love the quote
Good food selection
Do you have a meal plan? How are you calculating macros?
Thanks

Yeah I have the unlimited meal plan (best idea ever). I count macros using University Dining's nutrition page which thankfully lists every item on the menu very conveniently. Once at the dining hall I eyeball servings using two separate bowls that they have that I stole to measure out 1 cup and 1/2 cup. It's not 100% accurate but it gets the job done.

Though it does mess with my head sometimes because I am not sure how accurate the information is to begin with.

determined4000

10-13-2010, 05:32 PM

Thanks

Yeah I have the unlimited meal plan (best idea ever). I count macros using University Dining's nutrition page which thankfully lists every item on the menu very conveniently. Once at the dining hall I eyeball servings using two separate bowls that they have that I stole to measure out 1 cup and 1/2 cup. It's not 100% accurate but it gets the job done.

Though it does mess with my head sometimes because I am not sure how accurate the information is to begin with.
Well if you are consistent it doesnt really matter. If it is less than stated, you will not be gaining weight and just eat more servings. If it is more than stated and you gain too fast (unlikely lol) then you would just dial servings back.
Same thing when people always ask if you should include condiments, spices, drink mix in macros. If you count/dont count it the same every day, it all evens out.

JValjean724

10-13-2010, 05:42 PM

Well if you are consistent it doesnt really matter. If it is less than stated, you will not be gaining weight and just eat more servings. If it is more than stated and you gain too fast (unlikely lol) then you would just dial servings back.
Same thing when people always ask if you should include condiments, spices, drink mix in macros. If you count/dont count it the same every day, it all evens out.

That's what I tell myself and most of the time it works. The only time I really run into problems is when I am not hungry for the next meal or feel unusually full, then I end up thinking I have to compensate later. This happens only occasionally though and I usually just suck it up and eat.

I'll try not to let it get to me ;)

Flyin Ryan

10-13-2010, 06:06 PM

JValjean724

10-13-2010, 06:10 PM

JVal:

Great food selections and macro totals, dude!
Gotta work on that spoon shot though. ;-]

Diggin' the workout too!
How long have you been lifting weights for?
Sorry if you mentioned this before lol.
Thanks!

Yeah I need a camera with a macro setting...or at least a camera that isn't my phone lol

I have been lifting for about a year, but with minimal progress for obvious reasons. Also wasn't doing a free weight squat until this year, and wasn't doing deadlifts at all until earlier this year. Now I am finally lifting with a legitimate routine and solid form and hoping to make good gains for the first time in my life

The Big Sleep

10-13-2010, 06:16 PM

I have been lifting for about a year, but with minimal progress for obvious reasons. Also wasn't doing a free weight squat until this year, and wasn't doing deadlifts at all until earlier this year. Now I am finally lifting with a legitimate routine and solid form and hoping to make good gains for the first time in my life

With those two lifts alone you could put on 30lbs of solid lean body mass, no joke. Just a matter of eating and being consistent now Sean :cool:

hrdgain3r89

10-13-2010, 06:53 PM

Hrdgain3r's Log 10-12-2010
========================

“You don’t drown by falling in the water; you drown by staying there."

Current weight: 155 lbs. (i think i definitely have an issue with water retention)

Workout: Legs

Barbell Squat: 4 sets/135 x6, 185 x6, 205 x4, 225 x4

SLDL: 3 sets/135 x6, 185 x6, 205 x6

Hip Adduction: 3 sets/120 x15, 120 x15, 120 x15
s/s
Hack Squat: 2 sets/155 x10, 155 x10

Standing Calf Raise: 3 sets/200 x20, 200 x20, 200 x20

First time using the Hip Adduction machine....im ridiculously sore from it i hit msucles i didnt even know i had lol...i like it...

hrdgain3r89

10-13-2010, 07:14 PM

Hrdgain3r's Log 10-13-2010
==========================

“Why am I a bodybuilder? What’s a football player do? What’s a wrestler
do, huh? You can’t go tackling people in the street. You can’t just go
in the store and put someone in a half nelson and get two points. But
bodybuilders are bodybuilders- eating, sleeping, ****ing, training,
going to the store, getting a haircut, taking a ****- all the time. I
am what I do, and that’s the best thing of all."

Current weight: 156 lbs.? (either im hitting a late-pubescent noob gain phase or im holding gallons of water at a time lol) still pretty lean though???

Workout: Shoulders/Forearms

Military Press: 4 sets/95 x8, 105 x6, 115 x4 PR, 115 x5 PR!!!

DB Front Raise: 3 sets/35's x6, 35's x6, 30's x8

Leaning Side Laterals: 2 sets/25 x8, 25 x8
s/s
Bent-Over Lateral Cable Raise: 2 sets/20 x12, 20 x12

Seated Bent-Over Croc Rows: 2 sets/30's x12, 30's x12
s/s
Reverse One-Arm Pec-Deck Flyes: 2 sets/120 x10, 120 x10

Bench-Assisted EZ-Bar Forearm Curls: 3 sets/12 reps (60)

2 sets Wrist Rolls: (10lb)

Mentality:
------------------------
Pretty excited about the military PR shoulders had been lagging these last few weeks looks like things are starting to balance out so im diggin that aspect. As for the rapid weight gain i cant explain it really. Im eating slightly more lately but not to the point of adding on 2 1/2 lbs in a week I wouldnt imagine? Hmmm.. who knows but im not complaining im at 156 now only 4 lbs from my original goal but as lean as im still looking im gonna bulk all the way to 170 screw it!!! Im having way too much fun getting stronger each week and looking thicker and fuller as well.

This in my eyes should give alot of ppl the inspiration to just dive in, zero in on their diets and make the choice to stay above maintenance and grow, grow, grow. As much as people, (myself included), worry about the fat gain, it all balances out very well once you begin to pack on REAL MASS along with it. If your training is on point you will hold on to a good level of tone as well if thats what youre after.

I, am, however, as i just realized last night, still a bit weary of eating out. Despite the recent binges a month ago I drew back in obviously and swore off anything "dirty" for a while. Last night the fam went to pizza hut and i felt the old anxiety taking over. You know, body gets hot and tingly, heart starts beating fast, irritability, impatience, a feeling of almost hyperactivity. Yeah, that one. I felt inclined to eat pizza but i didnt have much room to work with macro-wise that late in the day, otherwise i may not have worried so much. I ended up having a personal pan, and i didnt explode lol. I ordered a veggie lovers with added chicken and "light" cheese. Meh. Still somehow made macros only 350 above maintenance so all is well. Just wish I could drop those lingering feelings of guilt.

All in all, its been one of my best weeks ever as far as diet/training go. Lifts + weight + mood + grades going up = profit. =)

hrdgain3r89

10-13-2010, 07:23 PM

Thanks

Yeah I have the unlimited meal plan (best idea ever). I count macros using University Dining's nutrition page which thankfully lists every item on the menu very conveniently. Once at the dining hall I eyeball servings using two separate bowls that they have that I stole to measure out 1 cup and 1/2 cup. It's not 100% accurate but it gets the job done.

Though it does mess with my head sometimes because I am not sure how accurate the information is to begin with.

The beauty of this is that while measuring out your portions in the hall, youre simultaneously learning how to manage without having to measure down to the gram what youre eating....meaning youre already moving forard in that aspect. Little by little, keep loosening up, get good with eyeballing, and soon you wont need to measure at all. Little bit longer, you may find yourself serving up a meal fast and efficiently without fretting over the macros too much, freeing yourself from the headache and restrictions allowing you to enjoy your food ALOT more and make more time for the fun i know youre probably having!

Logs looking great man good to see youre sticking with the added calories, and do want the recipe for that ziti mayne!!

determined4000

10-13-2010, 07:28 PM

Current weight: 156 lbs.? (either im hitting a late-pubescent noob gain phase or im holding gallons of water at a time lol) still pretty lean though???

You just started bulking and IFing right?
Lets say I am not surprised.
Same thing happened to Elliot.

Plus, you said you look lean and Lifts are up.
So if someone could have told you, you could A. Be stronger B. Have added Mass and C. look just as lean...
wouldn't you take that in a millisecond?
Pretty sure thats what everyone dreams of.

hrdgain3r89

10-13-2010, 07:42 PM

You just started bulking and IFing right?
Lets say I am not surprised.
Same thing happened to Elliot.

Plus, you said you look lean and Lifts are up.
So if someone could have told you, you could A. Be stronger B. Have added Mass and C. look just as lean...
wouldn't you take that in a millisecond?
Pretty sure thats what everyone dreams of.

Warrior Diet?? Pfft, IF = Superman Diet lol...

I am certain that I have not gained much noticeable visceral, and my arms are FINALLY thickening out. I feel like this literally was the missing link to my routine (srs).

determined4000

10-13-2010, 07:54 PM

Warrior Diet?? Pfft, IF = Superman Diet lol...

I am certain that I have not gained much noticeable visceral, and my arms are FINALLY thickening out. I feel like this literally was the missing link to my routine (srs).

Well lifting weights doesnt make you stronger. It rips your muscles apart. Then your body will attempt to repair itself at rest. It will try to overcompensate by building up bigger than it was before. Only way it can do that is with more energy.
It doesnt matter what your routine is, if you eat too little, you will never grow.
Conversely, you can have 1,000 different routines and see great results if you have the proper nutrition.

The Big Sleep

10-13-2010, 07:59 PM

Warrior Diet?? Pfft, IF = Superman Diet lol...

I am certain that I have not gained much noticeable visceral, and my arms are FINALLY thickening out. I feel like this literally was the missing link to my routine (srs).

Listen to D4000 man,
I dont know if you follow my log but my weight shot up 3lbs-4lbs in like a 5-day span last week and still hasnt come back down but I can care less because Im hitting PRs in the gym this week, I feel great, Im eating like a horse (compared to what I used to eat), and even if I put on a little bad weight (which I dont even think I have tbh) who cares? Bulking time man, you gotta have a little fluff to get those muscles growing and poundages increasing :D

Flyin Ryan

10-13-2010, 08:01 PM

hrdgain3r89

10-13-2010, 09:00 PM

Listen to D4000 man,
I dont know if you follow my log but my weight shot up 3lbs-4lbs in like a 5-day span last week and still hasnt come back down but I can care less because Im hitting PRs in the gym this week, I feel great, Im eating like a horse (compared to what I used to eat), and even if I put on a little bad weight (which I dont even think I have tbh) who cares? Bulking time man, you gotta have a little fluff to get those muscles growing and poundages increasing :D

Yeah, D definitely knows the ins and outs of the game as well as the rest of you brahs and im more than appreciative of your guys' feedback. Its nice to be able to come home at the end of the day and have a group you can relate to and vent on certain issues. Work, school, gf, baby, im sure you all know how most of that can take up soooo much of your time. And while trying to make lifting and dieting an important part of it all, it can be hard to really get out there and meet peeps with the same interests and dedication as you. Thats why I love this site. =)

People like Sleep and D really help with the confidence factor in knowing what you can come up from and what you can achieve. Rosemeck is the guru of making things FUN (i.e. Ice Cream Chronicles) lol....all these factors come together to form an awesome mindset to take with in all walks of BB'ing. And seeing JVal, Bejetah, and all others making great progress puts everything in retrospect.

Please excuse the rant, Im just at that breaking point in my "career" where I feel like this really is what i want to do for as long as I can and id love to make it a lifelong hobby. Guess you could say im infatuated with the sport and all it has to offer.

So thanks again guys, keep up the great work on the forums anddddddd if you guys wouldnt mind, ive got some current progress pics attached that need some solid, honest critiquing. Just to gauge where im at thus far!

/coolstorybro rant =P

EDIT: also excuse the tard-mo "flex face" lol...

determined4000

10-13-2010, 09:09 PM

Got Veins?

JValjean724

10-14-2010, 03:26 AM

The beauty of this is that while measuring out your portions in the hall, youre simultaneously learning how to manage without having to measure down to the gram what youre eating....meaning youre already moving forard in that aspect. Little by little, keep loosening up, get good with eyeballing, and soon you wont need to measure at all. Little bit longer, you may find yourself serving up a meal fast and efficiently without fretting over the macros too much, freeing yourself from the headache and restrictions allowing you to enjoy your food ALOT more and make more time for the fun i know youre probably having!

Logs looking great man good to see youre sticking with the added calories, and do want the recipe for that ziti mayne!!

Yeah it is pretty good mental exercise..

Sorry I don't have a recipe :p
I can tell you it was delicious though

The Big Sleep

10-14-2010, 10:33 AM

Got Veins?

Yea what the heck is your arm?! Veiny as hell lol :D

You're lean man, keep eating :)

JValjean724

10-14-2010, 01:41 PM

Yea what the heck is your arm?! Veiny as hell lol :D

You're lean man, keep eating :)

I think veins are more impressive than abs....that's just me though

JValjean724

10-14-2010, 05:01 PM

Thursday, October 14, 2010

“It is a mistake to think you can solve any major problems just with potatoes. “ – Douglas Adams

Weight as of this morning: 122.8lbs

Workout

Deload Week 2 95%

Lower Day 2

Deadlift – 3x8 150 lbs
Leg Press- 3x8 65 lbs + the standard
Leg Curl- 2x12 55lbs
Seated Calf Raises- 3x8 60lbs + the standard
Standing Calf Raises- 2x12 115lbs
Wood Chops- 2x8 48 lbs
Weighted Decline Crunches- 2x12 25lbs

Food

Not pictured: Oatmeal with skim milk, whey, Apple with White Chocolate Wonderful

Tuna Noodle Casserole, Mac and Cheese, Cous Cous with Vegetables
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0226-1.jpg

Chic-Fil-A Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0228-1.jpg

Turkey ALA King Pasta, Cheddar Mashed Potatoes, Black Beans, Veggie
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0231-1-1.jpg

Chunky Monkey (Practicing my fork shot)
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0232-1.jpg

Highlight food of the day: Mac and Cheese…a childhood favorite. (And by childhood favorite I mean I ate it twice a day :o)

Macros Today: 147g protein/270g carbs/80g fat/2400 calories

Comments

I honestly have noticed a difference with just the 100 calorie increase…I’m feeling better and going to bed satisfied instead of slightly hungry.

Also, fantastic food today, everything was delicious

Deadlifts are by far my favorite lift...just thought I would mention that. It’s a very empowering movement and just kicks ass in general.

Mental State

Had a really good day today. I had another moment of realization of how far I come and I was just hit by a wave of optimism and sense of freedom. The fact that I can sit down and eat delicious food at every meal, while eating it slowly and enjoying the experience is just such a relaxer and makes this all the more enjoyable. I can honestly say I am never going back to where I came from, no matter what happens, and knowing that is such a great feeling of itself.

Feels awesome man!!! :D
-Sean

determined4000

10-14-2010, 05:37 PM

JValjean724

10-14-2010, 05:45 PM

Glad to see you feeling so good in "Mental State"
If things are going so well in that area, why have you been going to bed hungry?
That is your body telling you it needs more, even if you have added recently.
It's not as if your have been putting on the lbs at a high rate with the added calories.

And I thought my Dad was the only person who ate ice cream with a fork--> fork marks were always evidence he had some night time cravings :)
Thanks!

It's not really hungry per se, but it was just the feeling like I could be eating more on some days...I'm not starving or anything. The feeling good is mostly the variety and type of food I'm eating, as well as the vast increase over the sub 1500 days, but the fear of going to quickly is still there. With each increase I feel even better, though I do agree I'm taking it a little slow.

I do understand that I need more food in me....and don't worry it will be sure to come :).

Oh and my Dad's the one who taught me to eat ice cream with a fork lol

edit: There's also a part of me that likes being a little hungry...it allows me to eat a lot without feeling that I'm stuffing myself

determined4000

10-14-2010, 05:51 PM

Thanks!

It's not really hungry per se, but it was just the feeling like I could be eating more on some days...I'm not starving or anything. The feeling good is mostly the variety and type of food I'm eating, as well as the vast increase over the sub 1500 days, but the fear of going to quickly is still there. With each increase I feel even better, though I do agree I'm taking it a little slow.

I do understand that I need more food in me....and don't worry it will be sure to come :).

Oh and my Dad's the one who taught me to eat ice cream with a fork lol

edit: There's also a part of me that likes being a little hungry...it allows me to eat a lot without feeling that I'm stuffing myself
Sounds good. Glad you seem to be progressing so well.
Feeling strong, healthy, energetic, enjoying food > feeling weak, sick, fatigued, starving

JValjean724

10-14-2010, 05:51 PM

Sounds good. Glad you seem to be progressing so well.
Feeling strong, healthy, energetic, enjoying food > feeling weak, sick, fatigued, starving

Amen to that

dimasso69

10-14-2010, 06:00 PM

DTrulez616

10-14-2010, 06:07 PM

Mindset is great my friend. Im surprised a 100 calorie increase would make that much of a difference. Anytime I would increase by just a bit I really wouldn't notice a tremendous difference.

JValjean724

10-14-2010, 06:10 PM

Mindset is great my friend. Im surprised a 100 calorie increase would make that much of a difference. Anytime I would increase by just a bit I really wouldn't notice a tremendous difference.

Me too...but I think I was just at the tipping point of being at a deficit and maintenance.

The Mindset has been going really strong lately...thanks :)

bejetah

10-14-2010, 07:52 PM

hrdgain3r89

10-14-2010, 08:24 PM

' been having some problems lately :(
Got a pretty damn busy week behind me (today is gonna be a long day, too) so I just couldn't find enough time to workout. I can't seem to stick to my routine because my work is getting in the way. I'm starting to feel frustrated and miserable because of it, because it's like I have enough energy but how the hell can I go to the gym when I leave at 5.30am and come back home at 6pm . Then i have to prepare my food and go to bed so I can get up early next morning again. I'm feeling almost hyperactive at the end of the day, like I can just feel all the excess energy sitting there :( Really frustrating, damn it. Hope I can get a decent leg workout in on sunday

I'm thinking to do a 2 days / week whole body routine for a few months until I get my own car so I can save up sime time by not having to take a bus anywhere I go. I would do bodyweight strenght training 1 or 2 days a week on non training days. On training days I would do whole body, main ex. only - deadlifts, squats, bench, MP, rows etc.

The other possibility i'm thinking about is getting myself a set of weights. That means no squat rack unfortunately, but I'd be going to the gym once a week to do squats and bp. At least I have a garage where I could throw around the weights a little :)

I do know a guy who only works out at home. The only weighted stuff he does are shoulder presses, bicep curls and rows. He uses some kind of elastic bands which he fixes at the wall and does amazing exercises with the stuff. I couldn't believe how intense it can get. He also knows thousands of different bodyweight exercises u can do for any body part. To finish, he's pretty lean and way much stronger than I am (ex. martial artist, but that's a long time ago)

So comments and opinions would be really appreciated. Note that i'm not BULKING in means of putting on a whole lot of weight - so perhaps I don't need heavy compund moves only. I'm just aiming to get strong, lean and healthy. If I can get stronger with the weight I currently have, I am by all means fine with it.

I feel your pain, my man. Rough schedules can be a killer when youre trying to find time to stay on top of nutrition and training.

It sucks having to suck it up and get things done all day and being on edge from it all yet left with no time to let it out on some weights. As for the car issue, I havent had a drivers license for 2 years. Bumming rides to and from the gym is something im familiar with as well as work, to the gf's house to help with my daughter, etc...all i can rly say is try not to let it overwhelm you. Once you start to become spiteful over it, things only get harder. Just take a step back, breathe deep, and do your very best to prioritize. Dont get upset if you cant squeeze everything in all in one day, instead just tell yourself what the bulk of your priorities are for the next day the night before. With goals set the day prior, youre more prepared to accomplish them when the time is right.

Home workouts are great too, man. A good pair of dumbbells, a cheap bench with some loading weights, and maybe a kettlebell or two. Powerblocks are also very effective for home workouts, if you can find some for a good price. Since youre not really bulking up, you dont need all the specialized equipment to put on some quality muscle. Simple FTW.

A way you could do this while staying sane is this.

Work out at home for say all of your workouts but 1 or 2. Save your favorite bodyparts for the gym. Stick with your schedule, take care of your responsibilites, but always make those gym days a priority. This way, you can make time for all your activites, and you can reward yourself so to speak by taking time to hit the gym for, say, legs once a week, back the next, and so on and so on. Same with cooking. Start buying your meats, rice, etc, in bulk. Make some time once a week to cook up a crapload of it for the week and packing food for the go can be a piece of cake! :) Also, pick a couple nights out of the week to sit down and have a nice home-cooked meal to relax a bit. By rewarding yourself frequently yet not excessively, you can feel better about sticking to your schedule, while at the same time keeping focus on important aspects of your weekly agenda.

Hope I helped you out a little bit my man, youre doing great keep it up, sounds like youve got things under control just fine! :)

JValjean724

10-15-2010, 03:30 AM

JValjean724

10-15-2010, 05:27 AM

Can't believe i just found this thread, i went through a similar thing to you OP, great post owe u reps :). Any questions you've got if you have any id be happy to answer. i've gone through it and beat it, i'd be happy to answer! Best of luck! ill be checking in often, and loving the progress.

Glad to have another follower!

The make up of the log has changed a bit since the first page though..now it's HrdGainer and I along with Bejetah

The Big Sleep

10-15-2010, 02:49 PM

Had a really good day today. I had another moment of realization of how far I come and I was just hit by a wave of optimism and sense of freedom. The fact that I can sit down and eat delicious food at every meal, while eating it slowly and enjoying the experience is just such a relaxer and makes this all the more enjoyable. I can honestly say I am never going back to where I came from, no matter what happens, and knowing that is such a great feeling of itself.

Feels awesome man!!! :D
-Sean Reading this puts me in a good mood :)

So comments and opinions would be really appreciated. Note that i'm not BULKING in means of putting on a whole lot of weight - so perhaps I don't need heavy compund moves only. I'm just aiming to get strong, lean and healthy. If I can get stronger with the weight I currently have, I am by all means fine with it. I faced the same exact issue as you Bejetah this summer with 12 hour shifts and thats why I decided to invest in a home gym (that and driving to the gym in the winter in MN sucks lol). Honestly, if you have the funds, invest in some weights, barbells, dumbbells, etc. and just get soemthing going in the garage. I have resistance bands, chains, stability balls as well like your friend and you can get very creative with those as well and they're dirt cheap if you look hard enough. Heck you could home make a lot of contraptions to use for some high-intensity workouts. Get some sandbags and throw em in a wheelbarrow, seriously you'll be dead from pushing that 100 yards; get a little crazy :D

JValjean724

10-15-2010, 06:37 PM

Reading this puts me in a good mood :)

Glad to hear it! :D

JValjean724

10-15-2010, 06:49 PM

Friday, October 15, 2010

“A man's errors are his portals of discovery.” – James Joyce

Weight as of this morning: 122.6lbs
Weekly Average: 123.05 lbs up ~.4 from last week but that’s just normal fluctuation

Workout

Deload Week 2 95%

Upper Day 2

Incline Bench – 4x8 70 lbs
Pull Ups- 3x8
Bench Press- 2x12 70lbs
T-Bar Rows- 3x12 50lbs
Bench Dips- 1x15 1x10
Dumbell Curls- 1x15 15lbs 1x10 20lbs
Wrist Curls- 1x13 50lbs
Lateral Raises- 1x15 10lbs

Food

Not pictured: Oatmeal with skim milk, whey, Banana with Dark Chocolate Dreams

Pierogies with Spinach Alfredo Sauce, Sweet Potato Waffle Fries, Mussels, Italian Green Beans Note: this meal was BA
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0238-1.jpg

Cinnamon Toast Crunch with Cottage Cheese
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0243-1.jpg

Shrimp and Sausage Creole, Jambalaya, Carrots, Rice
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0246-1.jpg

Boston Cream Pie
(interesting….will have to wait until after I have it again to decide how much I like it)
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa180/Dawkins4ever/Photo0249-1.jpg

Highlight food of the day: Pierogies…wish I had heard of these things sooner :D

Macros Today: 131g protein/285g carbs/84g fat/2421 calories

Comments

Deload week is OVER.

You know what that means….Monday will be the start of the first cycle of my bulk. I am pretty pumped

Mental State

As you may or may not have noticed I have been very chillax (can’t believe I just used that word lol) about my week to week weight fluctuations as of late, and this is mainly because I am positive I am maintaining. It’s easy to be comfortable knowing that you’re not in a caloric surplus and that the laws of physics prevent you from “getting fat”. However, I don’t expect this relaxed feeling to last when the scale starts legitimately moving, so be prepared for some possible unnecessary concerns in that respect. I will try to not worry about it as much as possible, but as a lot of you already know that is easier said than done.

Stay tuned…
-Sean

determined4000

10-15-2010, 06:59 PM

Im not much of a seafood eater but pics looked good.
Ever try whey as a milk replacement for cereal? Really livens it up with flavor, although Cin. Tst Crunch probably doesnt need it.

JValjean724

10-15-2010, 07:03 PM

Im not much of a seafood eater but pics looked good.
Ever try whey as a milk replacement for cereal? Really livens it up with flavor, although Cin. Tst Crunch probably doesnt need it.

Yeah today was definitely a very good day for the dining hall.

I have not tried whey with cereal yet....I will have to try that sometime, though I don't have any good flavors that would mesh well with cereal at the moment and I bought enough whey to last me for a while. Thanks for the idea!

determined4000

10-15-2010, 07:06 PM

Yeah today was definitely a very good day for the dining hall.

I have not tried whey with cereal yet....I will have to try that sometime, though I don't have any good flavors that would mesh well with cereal at the moment and I bought enough whey to last me for a while. Thanks for the idea!

what flavors do you have?

spak

10-15-2010, 07:14 PM

HOW did I miss this thread. Subbed. In for support, food porn, muscle gain, and all that jazz

http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/5866/2gt40hk.gif

Flyin Ryan

10-15-2010, 07:20 PM

Ooooh JVal, solid choice with the BnJ's Boston Creme Pie.
Very good flavor indeed.

Any particular reason you do the wrist curls?
That's a forearm lift, am I right?

hrdgain3r89

10-15-2010, 07:49 PM

Another great post jval. Must try Boston Cream.

The "safety net" of eating at maintenace or below is definitely a place thats hard to leave. The comfortability factor of knowing that you can still eat good and stay the same weight i strong. Although as you said, only with a surplus is gaining weight possible. But im not telling you anything you dont already know. Props to you for being patient though, and doing it the right way. Slow and steady. Just stick with what you feel right in doing, may it be a 100 calorie surplus, so be it. Its progress. :)

Its been a treat to be a part of this log and watching you guys make decisions for the better and get closer each to day to achieving your goals, unfortunately I have a bit of bad news.

I think Im going to discontinue my log posts in this thread, as I feel although im bulking up from a previously dangerous weight, im in a confortable place now and i feel were on different pages in our journey. Id hate to take away from your logs by taking up space in the thread, so Ive decided to allow Bejetah and yourself take it from here. Ill still be posting and checking in regularly to give my two cents and reps of course. :)

Best of luck to you guys and as always, stay resiliant, youre on the right track guys!

dustinh6719

10-15-2010, 08:16 PM

Mental State

As you may or may not have noticed I have been very chillax (can’t believe I just used that word lol) about my week to week weight fluctuations as of late, and this is mainly because I am positive I am maintaining. It’s easy to be comfortable knowing that you’re not in a caloric surplus and that the laws of physics prevent you from “getting fat”. However, I don’t expect this relaxed feeling to last when the scale starts legitimately moving, so be prepared for some possible unnecessary concerns in that respect. I will try to not worry about it as much as possible, but as a lot of you already know that is easier said than done.

Stay tuned…
-Sean

You and I are in the same situation here, I'm completely relaxed at maintenence but once that scale budges even the slightest bit, It makes me feel a bit uneasy, even though I know it's for the best. I'm counting on ya bro, keep it up, I've said it once before but I'll say it again, what you guys are doing is an inspiration to many.

Boston creme pie was one of my favorites, but I think instead of fudge chunks, a chocolate frosting swirl like that in cake batter would have made it a definite top 5 for me.

Saintly

10-15-2010, 08:36 PM

Its been a treat to be a part of this log and watching you guys make decisions for the better and get closer each to day to achieving your goals, unfortunately I have a bit of bad news.

I think Im going to discontinue my log posts in this thread, as I feel although im bulking up from a previously dangerous weight, im in a confortable place now and i feel were on different pages in our journey. Id hate to take away from your logs by taking up space in the thread, so Ive decided to allow Bejetah and yourself take it from here. Ill still be posting and checking in regularly to give my two cents and reps of course. :)

Best of luck to you guys and as always, stay resiliant, youre on the right track guys!

It's been a pleasure following along on your journey. Keep up the progress and keep us updated periodically. Best of luck!

bejetah

10-15-2010, 10:02 PM

determined4000

10-15-2010, 10:06 PM

I feel the same as you, but you don't need to leave the log for it :) You can log whatever goals you have. I don't plan on bulking much further either, just tryin to make a good log :) Whatever you do, it's cool, your eat look cool and keep the log alive . I'm asking you politely to think about that decision once more :) Wish u decide to keep loggin'

x2
The title of the log is "Our way to health and Sanity"
It doesnt have to be a "bulking" log
You can continue to post pics, workotus, mental state
I assume you will still be working towards some sort of goal

hrdgain3r89

10-15-2010, 10:33 PM

x2
The title of the log is "Our way to health and Sanity"
It doesnt have to be a "bulking" log
You can continue to post pics, workotus, mental state
I assume you will still be working towards some sort of goal

You guyyyyyyyyyyyys lol...
maybe i will reconsider. Im still very much trying to "bulk" but mainly my focus is being put mostly on just getting stronger than life right now. I wanna PR every week and continue to grow and enjoy my food/training as much as i am right now! This log does very much keep me grounded and on target, so i belive ive reconsidered. Thanks for the kind words brosephs n ill be sure to keep the eats and updates comin.

Speaking of which!

Decided to make oats lol..dont have a fancy name its just a bunch of amazingness crammed into one bowl...

CC, vanilla whey, oats, BnJ Pumpkin Cheesecake, cocoa, jelo pumpkin spice, WF pancake syrup, and Cadbury chocolate caramel pieces :) vey much noms...

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i107/copayne/001-11.jpg

Money shot (added FF cool whip)

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i107/copayne/006-7.jpg

Pollock filet on a bed of steamed asparagus w/brown rice and diced peppers

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i107/copayne/002-9.jpg

Tuna and Chicken Wrap w/spicy mustard, Franks RedHot, and FF mayo, side of broc

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i107/copayne/018-5.jpg

still hard at it of course pretty tired right now will post up the last workout in the morning :)
thanks again for the positive feedback bros...

AlwaysTryin

10-16-2010, 02:51 AM

I tried to imagine those oats being nice :( can't do it

ErickStevens

10-16-2010, 02:54 AM

lol @ the irony of eating full fat ice cream, chocolate and... WF Syrup. :-/

JValjean724

10-16-2010, 03:59 AM

what flavors do you have?
Strawberry, Fruit Punch (this flavor kind of sucks), and cookies and Cream

HOW did I miss this thread. Subbed. In for support, food porn, muscle gain, and all that jazz

img]http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/5866/2gt40hk.gif[/img]
Noice

Ooooh JVal, solid choice with the BnJ's Boston Creme Pie.
Very good flavor indeed.

Any particular reason you do the wrist curls?
That's a forearm lift, am I right?
Yeah it's a forearm lift and I've kind of just always done them. I feel like I should be working them, so I through in one set just to finish off the workout though it probably makes little difference

You and I are in the same situation here, I'm completely relaxed at maintenence but once that scale budges even the slightest bit, It makes me feel a bit uneasy, even though I know it's for the best. I'm counting on ya bro, keep it up, I've said it once before but I'll say it again, what you guys are doing is an inspiration to many.

Boston creme pie was one of my favorites, but I think instead of fudge chunks, a chocolate frosting swirl like that in cake batter would have made it a definite top 5 for me.

Took the words right out of my mouth. It's almost feels like we are losing control all over again even though to gain weight is our goal. I'll keep trucking along though and get through it

Yeah the flavor was weird at first, but it wasn't bad after a few a bites. It was almost like it was missing something...probably the frosting swirl like you mentioned

lol @ the irony of eating full fat ice cream, chocolate and... WF Syrup. :-/

Is it worse than the irony of having the meat and vegetarian options side by side on your plate? :o