A couple quotes from Brak in the other thread (Monster's thread):
[b said:
Quote[/b] ]Dang, that is a lot of calories for that shake, you sure about that?
I'm pretty sure the shakes are close. Lets add things up and find out. 69g protein = 276cals, 60g carbs = 240cals, and 21g fat = 189cals. The total = 705cals a shake. That's not including the bananas and cottage cheese I sometimes put in them as well. So I was close.
[b said:
Quote[/b] ]When figuring out your BMR (That’s Base Metabolic Rate, Monster, or rather the amount of calories he needs to eat to maintain his current weight) you made a mistake. You wrote that you weigh 185lbs. So your BMR is either 2018 or as high as 2220 depending on which method you use and which numbers you choose. So unless you made some mistake when calculating your calorie intake per day you are getting way more than enough calories in your diet. So perhaps it has to do with the workout.
When I initially figured my BMR I was 190 or 195lbs. So it was a bit higher at the time. I am, however, still eating for the 190 or 195 BMR which is almost 3000cals ED. So even with all the extra, I manage to lose. Its the strangest thing -- most frustrating for sure. The only thing I can come up with is the energy in -- the energy out factor as DKM suggested, however, I'm in SD at the moment and still losing. My activity level isn't all that high. So go figure.
[b said:
Quote[/b] ]You say you worked out in the past with traditional methods…maybe this excerpt from the “how many sets” FAQ will shed some light:
“Obviously, a guy who is used to doing something like 12 sets for back once per week, is not going to gain much by dropping to doing only 1 set for back even if it is 3 times per week. He went from 12 sets to 3 sets per week. Not only that, but HST would have him use submax weights most of the time where he is obviously plateaued and used to doing 100% max weights (Not true 100%, but 100% with the fatigue that inevitably accumulates by the 3rd set). This is just too great a reduction in training to provide him with significant gains.”
So, based on that paragraph, if you were hitting a muscle group real hard with lots of volume once per week and you went to the base HST (1 set 3 times a week at submaximal weights) that could be your problem. For your second cycle, you might try what some of the more experienced lifters end up doing on HST - more sets.
Its funny you mention this; its exactly what I have been thinking. I realized this during my first HST cycle and bumped up all 2wk blocks (15x2, 10x3, and 5x4). So I was, initially, trying to counter attack this problem before I even knew it was going to be a problem. Turns out, we don't even know if this is the problem. Problems, problems, problems....
I think what it does show, however, is that my body is readjusting itself to a HST style training (i.e., less volume more frequency). Because I obviously made gains. I lost 9lbs, yes, but most of my measurements stayed the same, with the exception of chest and legs (where I probably stored more fat verses arms and shoulder for instance). This could be the mechanical adjustment I initially spoke of in monsters thread -- if that is even feasible. Is a mechanical adjustment possible?
[b said:
Quote[/b] ]Then again, maybe your gear (that’s steroids, Monster) had more of an impact on your gains than you are willing to give it credit for. There is a reason other than it being dangerous that it is banned from professional sports…it gives those who use it a huge advantage over those who do not.
This too is very likely in my situation. Usually, once stopping gear, as I have, the bodies growth response to any stimulus is decreased. It takes a while for the body to learn how to grow again, on its own (so to speak). I don't know the mechanics behind it, but I have talked this issue over with many Pros and knowledgeable BBers. They too have experienced this side. It often causes many users to stay ON permanently -- they cant handle losing size and become obsessed in one way or another. Year round cycling seems the only solution.
Aside from all that, I may have some Hormonal problems due to my previous use. This could also effect my gains. I'm not really certain, because I haven't yet gotten blood work done.
I think Brak hit two very important issues right on the head, ones I had been pondering, but not really addressing. Thanks brak for your time. I appreciate it.
Now to the thread at hand:
[b said:
Quote[/b] ]“To be a Viking you have to eat like a Viking.”
Forget about all this Low Cal/FAT food and start eating Regular foods. You diet looks great for someone who is ‘Cutting’ but not Bulking”. You just may need more fat in your diet.
You maybe like me (or maybe not). I can suck up pig fat all day and have cholesterol levels in and around 175 +-.
Lets try eating whatever the hell you want (with a few exceptions).
Not far from where I live is a slaughter house/butchery where I go and stock up
On some fine cuts of beef.
Here is what I had last night ………
Large t-bone ,green beans w/ mushrooms, sweet potato, macaroni with cheese and a beer to wash it down . burrrrp
I’m 51yo 6’1” 210 lb and can work circles around people ½ my age.
Do you have a goal on what/where you want to be in a given time period?
Let me give you an example of how easy it is to deprive yourself from the necessary caloric intake to lose
A pound of muscle contains 600 cal.
That being true… To gain 1 pound of muscle a month, and to make a total gain of 12 pounds of muscle a year you would you have to increase your caloric intake by 600 cal’s a month then multiply by 12(one year) or 7200 additional cal’s in one year over and above your maintenance caloric intake just to gain one pound of muscle a month.
That’s only 19 additional cals a day.
But the opposite holds true as well.
To Lose 1lb of muscle a month all you got to do in deprive yourself that 600 cals a month or 19 cal’s a day and your gonna lose that hard earned muscle.
Starting eating like a Viking and Hit the weights like Thor!
First, let me thank you for moving my hijack. I was not at all planning or meaning to steel from Monster. I'm sure everyone understands. It happens sometimes.
Now let me explain to you why I cant eat like I viking.
1) I'll turn into a giant, over grown, pig beast.
2) I'm more of a endo/meso (but more endo) body type. I must watch myself/diet.
3) I don't believe in cutting/bulking and I don't believe one should use a particular diet over another. A diet, as I described -- even though not perfect, should be kept year around, IMO. It is important to eat healthy, period. I don't believe a diet should be dictated by ones goals. I've I'm going to fill my face, I want it to be of the things that count. In other words, I prefer I healthier life style over bulking/cutting/body building or what have you.
4) I dont know what four is, I'll get back to you.
Basically, in a nut shell, I'm not fortunate enough to have the luxury of eating what I want, when I want. I'm very sensitive to fat gains. So my diet is what it is, and that's how I eat. If it takes eating more of the foods I already eat to make gains, then so be it -- but I cannot eat like a Viking. Only in my dreams.
