military weight loss

[sbs1025]

Help! Currently I am deployed overseas and trying to get in better shape. I am a 5ft tall female weighing about 130. However, my Max weight is 130. I obviously don't ge to eat exactly what I want, but it is 3 meals a day. I usually run in the morning and do about 1.5 to 3 miles then at night I do arms, ABS, or legs and some cardio depending on the day. I by no means am obviously skinny...but there is only so much I can lose. Any diet tips?? I don't snakc during the day unless its fruit or something similar. Breakfast is usually cereal like cherrios or oatmeal, fruit, and peanutbutter, lunch is salad, grilled chicken, or fish and same for dinner or whatever the main healthy dish is. Anything would be appreciated! I literally have not lost a pound or gained.

[SabreOscar]

Have your NCOs taped you? Do you know what your bodyfat percentage is based off of their tape test?

Increase your protein intake, and cut back on carbs and see how you are doing after a few weeks. Obviously you are going to want to continue to push hard during PT, but with your small frame training arms are going to be a waste of time and will not help you in your goal. Also I highly recomend that your go to the Nutrition Forum here on bb.com and read the stickies. Tons of great information.

Hooah!

[sbs1025]

I actually did the body fat % test today, they weighed me took my height and weight...BMI all that. They hooked me up to these electrode things on my foot and hand. It said I had 85% muscle and 30% body fat, slightly depressing. I know that's average and bordering the above average side, but not quite sure where to go from there.

[jasongind]

You do know you can go talk to a military dietitian voluntarily right? If you are at a large FOB or COB they will have one. If you can't get to one out there you can go to your post medical center and they have one. This will become mandatory once you fail your tape, as it is the first step in the chapter process. And believe me, with the draw down in troops, if you fail weight, tape or any part of your pt test they will start chapter paperwork on you. The unit I just left chaptered out over 125 soldiers in 6 months for pt/ tape failure. Also remember, you can pass all of those, but if you don't have a "soldierly appearance" (ie. you look fat in uniform) you can also be chaptered. I seen it happen back in the day before the war kicked off and the regulations and standards were actually upheld. Good luck.

[krete77]

You do know you can go talk to a military dietitian voluntarily right? If you are at a large FOB or COB they will have one. If you can't get to one out there you can go to your post medical center and they have one. This will become mandatory once you fail your tape, as it is the first step in the chapter process. And believe me, with the draw down in troops, if you fail weight, tape or any part of your pt test they will start chapter paperwork on you. The unit I just left chaptered out over 125 soldiers in 6 months for pt/ tape failure. Also remember, you can pass all of those, but if you don't have a "soldierly appearance" (ie. you look fat in uniform) you can also be chaptered. I seen it happen back in the day before the war kicked off and the regulations and standards were actually upheld. Good luck.

They were doing the same thing back in 07' when I got out. People were getting the boot left and right because of failed tape measurement. It's right around when they were starting to downsize our Military. I can only imagine 5 years later how tough it is now.

I'd like to see them try to kick me out now though :) I'm the strongest I've ever been..they'd probably beg me to come back.

[YouMadDawg]

Wow, when I went to Afghanistan I was 291lbs and 32% bodyfat. When I came up for my promotion to PFC, it was denied and I was told unless I lost 3 pounds a month, I would be chaptered out upon return to the states. I lost ~75 pounds in 7 months and made tape at 4% under on the day we left theater.

Been back in the states 4 months now...and now that I have access to all the right food and supps, I've dropped another 15lbs and tape at 12.5% body fat (allowed 20%)

I thought the whole 'chapter you out' thing was an empty threat, but my roommate is being chaptered as we speak for failing to lose 3-5 pounds in 2 consecutive months.

Good luck and the DFACs in theater make it pretty easy to eat well...and easy to eat like crap...theres a FINE line.

[AgeIsCritical]

I am also currently overseas and eat at the chowhall every single day, 3 times a day. I have been able to see results doing so. I admit, it will take some creativity to get your nutrition right at the chowhall but it is possible. I. This is what I eat when I go.

Breakfast:
Egg white omelets with mushrooms, green peppers, onions, and tomatoes.
2 hard boiled eggs
2 grapefruits

Lunch:
1 cup of cauliflower
1 cup of broccoli
a serving of the lean meat they are serving (typically chicken)
1 cup of kidney beans
what ever greens or other cooked vegetables they might have
2 grapefruits

dinner:
same as lunch

As stated in previous replies, stay away from most carbs. I don’t eat rice, paste, or bread. I also stay away from high glycemic index foods. I work out 6 times a week combining heavy lifts with a small amount of cardio before and after lifitng.