Post: #301

Irenicus, you can bulk on IF, just make sure you calculate your macros right, and that you are on a caloric surplus... If you can eat the amout of food you need to eat on the 8 hour period you'll be good.

But, you are aiming for a 22 kg mark bulk ? Man, that's a lot and can end up demotivating you in the long run, especially if you're natural, even if you're not, try to make smaller goals like 20 pound in x time, with goals that big even on roids it would take you at least a year to put that amout of MUSCLE (because if you're aiming to be fat as fuck it can be done au natural ..) and since a lot can happen in a year, a lot can happen to you motivation..

Break down your goal, on 15-20 lb goals for smaller periods of time and you'll keep yourself motivated by always achieving something..

Good luck.

Post: #302

Thanks for your advice Mjolnir!

Basically, my aim was to reach 120 kg (the time frame would be like two years, give or take, no TRT), and then I would try to slim down to between 100 -110 kg. I knew that it will not be easy!

If IF works, I will not have to bulk as much as I originally thought (reaching 100 - 110 kg would be ideal, and not too hard).



In any case, I will post monthly updates, IF might be a game changer!

Post: #303

I have been on IF for almost a month now.

What happened:


- People say that I got bigger, although my bodywight is the same (88kg).

- BF went down. Not much though because 1 month is...nothing. Abs can be seen if I "push".

- Gym stats did not suffer. I lift heavier than I did before.

- When I started IF, during my first days, I had a feeling that I have been touched by the spirit hand of Jeb Bush. But, once my body got used to this regiment, it went well.


All in all, I am satisfied with the results. Yes, it will be very hard in the first few days, but you will manage

Post: #304

Almost 4 months in.

The benefits of intermittent fasting biologically speaking are plentiful and well covered.

So, in this four months i've experienced:

- 10 kg weight drop, about 1, maximum 2 kg of muscle (that's a great ratio for a cut)

- I look and feel great. I love being low bf %,

- The pump on the fasted workouts is insane, you get some good adrenaline rush. Plus, being low bf, you can see veins everywhere.

- My testosterone levels are clearly high, i'm libidinous all the time and feel the need to go after chicks.

- I can eat lots of carbohydrates and 2-3 meals during the feeding window, and never feel hungry, even on a caloric deficit.

- It's easier to eat less, because you don't have much time to eat

- It fits my schedule, I don't lose time carrying food to places/eating.

Finally, IF is a great tool all around. You just have to try it and see if it's the best way for YOU. We're all different and there are different paths to follow when trying to achieve a better body.

Some people (like me) will love it, other people will hate it.

But if you're a typical hardgainer be mindful of what you eat, because you'll have to eat some good amount of calories, and will still drop weight.

I'm trying to do a lean bulk right now, and with the increase in carbs/calories, I've been able to fill out more. I look bigger, and I dare say my Body Fat went down even further, but if I want to get serious about bulking, I'll have to get out of IF, there is simply not enough time for me to eat all the food I have to in order to put on size.

But it's awesome if you want to maintain what you have/cut or if your genetics allow you, slow bulk.

Post: #305

I put on weight during the holidays. I was eating every sweet thing that I saw including cookies, chocolates and pies. I was around 240 lbs around new years eve. I also developed high blood pressure last year.

I just started on the IF program two weeks ago. So far, I am down to about 227 lbs. I have started running and weight lifting on top of the IF.

I have also cut my meals down to one meal a day(OMAD)(usually lunch) and will go without solid food one day a week. I just checked my blood pressure and it has returned to a normal level (120/80).

I didn't read the entire thread yet but I will over the next few days and pull as much helpful information as possible.

Post: #306

I forgot to make an update.


I was on IF until the New Year. I have lost some stubborn fat, and gained more muscle (due to gym, of course). I look slightly bigger because of that. I did not regain lost fat since dropping IF.


Now, when I was making a fitness New Year resolution, I checked my body in detail. I still have a little bit of fat left on my hip area. Because I have a large hip bone, that makes things a little bit worse (I look fatter in that area).


What I am doing now is focusing on adding more muscle (I still did not reach intermediate fitness standards). If I add more muscle, I believe that this will increase the speed of my metabolism, which will likely cause further drop in fat. If some fat remains, I will do IF again.

Post: #307

(02-12-2017 09:02 PM)BigTony Wrote:  I put on weight during the holidays. I was eating every sweet thing that I saw including cookies, chocolates and pies. I was around 240 lbs around new years eve. I also developed high blood pressure last year.

I just started on the IF program two weeks ago. So far, I am down to about 227 lbs. I have started running and weight lifting on top of the IF.

I have also cut my meals down to one meal a day(OMAD)(usually lunch) and will go without solid food one day a week. I just checked my blood pressure and it has returned to a normal level (120/80).

I didn't read the entire thread yet but I will over the next few days and pull as much helpful information as possible.

One meal a day! Thats interesting. Do share more..

Post: #308

Stopped fasting about 6 months ago. Gonna restart soon to loose some BF for summer.

Post: #309

I just went back on the Intermittent Fasting. But I'm looking to take it farther. I plan on a 24 hour fast at least once a week. and I want to do a 72 hour fast every few months.

I'm a listener to The Fasting Talk podcast with Jimmie Moore, and Dr. Jason Fung.

HERE

And I just got the book The Complete Guide To Fasting by the same guys.

HERE

Post: #310

(02-14-2017 02:08 PM)xmlenigma Wrote:  

(02-12-2017 09:02 PM)BigTony Wrote:  I put on weight during the holidays. I was eating every sweet thing that I saw including cookies, chocolates and pies. I was around 240 lbs around new years eve. I also developed high blood pressure last year.

I just started on the IF program two weeks ago. So far, I am down to about 227 lbs. I have started running and weight lifting on top of the IF.

I have also cut my meals down to one meal a day(OMAD)(usually lunch) and will go without solid food one day a week. I just checked my blood pressure and it has returned to a normal level (120/80).

I didn't read the entire thread yet but I will over the next few days and pull as much helpful information as possible.

One meal a day! Thats interesting. Do share more..

I do love to eat so I had to limit myself to one nice meal a day. I find it hard to reduce my portion sizes because I am tempted to go back and eat more. OMAD allows me to eat what I want in one nice meal.

My week looks like this:

Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sunday:

Breakfast- Coffee, water and protein shake

Apple before Gym at 10:30

Lunch- Turkey/chicken breast, spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, Cucumbers, apple and mixed nuts

Dinner: water

TUES: FAST- No food, just water

So instead of two or three heavy meals, I consolidate everything into one. I also reduced my carbs like bread to once a week.

I am coming off of a fast yesterday so I should be down another pound or so now.

Post: #311

(02-14-2017 03:35 PM)AtyourCervix Wrote:  Stopped fasting about 6 months ago. Gonna restart soon to loose some BF for summer.

I didn't eat yesterday (Tuesday) and just drank water. My last solid meal was roughly 40 hours ago. My body is getting used to IF and OMAD.

I can now see my abs for the first time in about a year

I will be going on vacation soon so I need to drop another 5-10 pounds.

Post: #312

BT - Interesting - Flag shows you're in Kuwait .. How come? From there?

So as per ancient scriptures around Yoga & Ayurveda, the DIGESTIVE FIRE is connected to the SUN and hence highest at Noon (not by clock but by Natural time).

There's a lot of wisdom on that subject but one of pieces is that typically 10am-2pm is typically the Zone of best digestion & absorption ability.. as the Sun Peaks..

So, the biggest meal(s) should be within this zone and closer to High Noon.

Now, why did I ask about your OMAD thing.. I was reading a book by an American who has been researching and following the above principles and applying it to himself and sports performance.. And in his Book he pretty much said to "eat as much as possible at lunch" take a 10-15 min nap on your left side (digestion) take a mild walk and .. if you've eaten enough.. you wont be hungry come evening..

Body, Mind, and Sport -

- John Douillard

(02-14-2017 08:04 PM)BigTony Wrote:  

(02-14-2017 02:08 PM)xmlenigma Wrote:  

(02-12-2017 09:02 PM)BigTony Wrote:  I put on weight during the holidays. I was eating every sweet thing that I saw including cookies, chocolates and pies. I was around 240 lbs around new years eve. I also developed high blood pressure last year.

I just started on the IF program two weeks ago. So far, I am down to about 227 lbs. I have started running and weight lifting on top of the IF.

I have also cut my meals down to one meal a day(OMAD)(usually lunch) and will go without solid food one day a week. I just checked my blood pressure and it has returned to a normal level (120/80).

I didn't read the entire thread yet but I will over the next few days and pull as much helpful information as possible.

One meal a day! Thats interesting. Do share more..

I do love to eat so I had to limit myself to one nice meal a day. I find it hard to reduce my portion sizes because I am tempted to go back and eat more. OMAD allows me to eat what I want in one nice meal.

My week looks like this:

Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sunday:

Breakfast- Coffee, water and protein shake

Apple before Gym at 10:30

Lunch- Turkey/chicken breast, spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, Cucumbers, apple and mixed nuts

Dinner: water

TUES: FAST- No food, just water

So instead of two or three heavy meals, I consolidate everything into one. I also reduced my carbs like bread to once a week.

I am coming off of a fast yesterday so I should be down another pound or so now.

Post: #313

xmlenigma - Yes, I currently live and work in Kuwait as a contractor. I am from the States but I have no desire to return anytime soon.

I never heard about the Digestive Fire theory but it makes a lot of sense. I usually go to the gym before lunch so that I get the blood flowing and my metabolism is high when I eat. I read somewhere that it is ok to eat big right after a good workout.

Anyway, the most interesting thing about IF and OMAD for me is that I do not feel hungry in the morning. Even after not having a meal in well over 12-15 hours, my body is used to waiting for that one nice meal. I don't know whether coffee also plays a factor in it but I just don't desire any food in the morning.

Post: #314

(02-19-2017 09:17 PM)BigTony Wrote:  xmlenigma - Yes, I currently live and work in Kuwait as a contractor. I am from the States but I have no desire to return anytime soon.

I never heard about the Digestive Fire theory but it makes a lot of sense. I usually go to the gym before lunch so that I get the blood flowing and my metabolism is high when I eat. I read somewhere that it is ok to eat big right after a good workout.

Anyway, the most interesting thing about IF and OMAD for me is that I do not feel hungry in the morning. Even after not having a meal in well over 12-15 hours, my body is used to waiting for that one nice meal. I don't know whether coffee also plays a factor in it but I just don't desire any food in the morning.

If look at "nature", everything operates as part of a cycle; the seasons (another book by him.. 3 Seasons Diet ), the weather, plants/ fruits..., animals etc - when not "disturbed" by modern man, they operate in rhythm with nature..

So, there is an inherent natural cycle for human beings as well.. if we sync up with nature.. One aspect of that is "digestive fire"..
..Rise with the sun, eat with the sun.. wind down with the sun..

I am also leaning in a direction similar to yours.. So I am curious.. how are you SIZING this BIG meal? Quantity/ Calories, Quality/ Ratio/ Macros, etc?

Are you under/ near/ over your Lead Body Mass requirements etc? Do share more. Thanks.

PS: I'm not a big fan of calories etc.. but it seems the only crappy Unit of Measure we have to work with..

Post: #315

(02-20-2017 12:42 AM)xmlenigma Wrote:  I am also leaning in a direction similar to yours.. So I am curious.. how are you SIZING this BIG meal? Quantity/ Calories, Quality/ Ratio/ Macros, etc?

Are you under/ near/ over your Lead Body Mass requirements etc? Do share more. Thanks.

I eat lunch in a cafeteria with many food choices.
I make sure that my plate is 1/3 lean meat(Chicken or Turkey) and 2/3 veggies (sliced carrots, broccoli, cucumber, celery, corn, spinach. Everything would be able to fit on one plate but it does feel heavy.

Some days, like today, I cheated and had some sweet potato fries on top of everything else.

I tend to never count calories but if I stick to eating tons of veggies, then I should not have to.

I have been hitting the weights pretty good lately. I will admit that I am about 20 pounds heavier than what I should be. I actually gained two pounds in the last few days but I attribute that to the weight training. 200-215 pound range would be ideal for me.

I am still testing things to see what works and what doesn't. The best news so far is that my stomach is smaller and I am not over eating.

Post: #316

I've tried intermittent fasting for a few months and the fat loss was slightly better than traditional dieting methods. The main issue I've had was extreme fatigue, even with lots of caffeine and vitamin supplements. If I didn't such extreme fatigue I would give it a try again.

Post: #317

^ Hmm.. Not sure if we can gauge the "size" of the plate and the relevant Calories/ Macros.. Any ballpark numbers in total calories?

Post: #318

Xmlenigma- I will research it and get back with you within a few days.

Post: #319

Based on a bit of research, I will say that my lunch is around 1000-1200 calories.

Two small grilled chicken breast are about 165 calories a piece.

Post: #320

Darn, I'll start doing this on Saturdays and sundays, when I am not training....

Post: #321

Also having great results with IF. 3 weeks in and shedding fat like no-one's business. My eating window is 1pm - 9pm, which I find works well for my lifestyle. Combined with a fairly basic compound lifting workout routine, I've been really impressed with the results so far.

Just got to crack on with losing the stubborn fat (lower stomach/back).

Does anyone know if massaging these areas daily will help with fat loss, through increasing blood flow? Or does it not work that way?

Post: #322

Fat storage is hormonally related. Hence why men and women store fat in different areas.

Your best bet is just to diet it off like the rest of your fat. Massage will not help.

Post: #323

(03-14-2017 02:55 PM)Steelex Wrote:  Fat storage is hormonally related. Hence why men and women store fat in different areas.

Your best bet is just to diet it off like the rest of your fat. Massage will not help.

Cheers for the info; was hoping a little massage might speed up the process. The fasting continues. I'm amazed at the different speeds that fat is processed around the body; within a few days of starting the fast my face became noticeably slimmer, but the stomach and lower back fat is clinging on for dear life

Post: #324

Anyone here tried One-Meal-A-Day fasting? It seems very appealing, because you can save mountains of money and time by doing so. This morning, I was close to having fasted for 24 hours, when I found myself at a Subway. I ended up getting a 6" sub, because food just did not seem appealing. I think I that caffeine and a stimulant medication might have been suppressing my hunger somewhat, as well.

In any case, the 6" sub was absolutely an optimal amount of food and after I finished it, I knew that a footlong would have placed me in a food coma. However, I will surely be hungry by the end of the day, because 600 calories isn't enough for a grown man for 36 hours. I wonder if my body can easily get used to having a single massive meal a day. If anyone has experience with this, please chime in.

Post: #325

Does it sound ok to do 20 h fasting on Mon Tues wed , and walk and then on Thur Fri sat heavy weight workout eating protein every 3 hours after them?