Amount of Fat

[Barrett]

What is a good amount of fat in grams should someone like me be taking in? I am 150 lbs or so +/- 2 lbs. My fit day is attached.

[Ian Kay]

My friend, you have asked some version of the same question many, many times now. How many calories, how many carbs, how many carbs for a runner, etc. etc.

You should really take the time to study the "big picture", and that way the smaller things will fall into place. Nobody can give a blanket "x grams" per day on any nutrient. It all depends on your body, your goals, your activity levels, and on and on.

I don't mean to be rude, but it does feel like you aren't absorbing what has been written to you in the past. Do a google search for these guys, and read their articles (or even better, buy their books): Alan Aragon, Jamie Hale, Mike Roussell and John Berardi. Likely, with those guys, you'll have most of your answers covered.

[Lost Dog]

19% fat is fairly low. You can go higher if you want to. There's no magic number that's too low, high, or just right. Although, 20% is pushing the limits of what a healthy male needs to insure the hormones are working for you.

You seem very unsure of yourself, as far as your diet and exercise plans go. If I remember correctly, you're in school with a fitness or nutrition major, right? What kind of studying do you do in school on the subject?

What books have you read (not school related) on nutrition? In an earlier thread, you asked about nutrition books. I think the Paleo Diet for Athletes is a good read, even if you don't follow it. Also, TNT, Metabolism Advantage, Testosterone Advantage Plan, Alan Aragon's book, etc. These are all very readable books that will answer many of your questions about your own nutrition. All of these books/plans, even ones that are wildly different, offer solid nutritional strategies. They will show you how many options and variables there are and allow you to try, then pick, the strategy that works best for you.

Over the last few years, I've tried most of these strategies. I use what I learned from each of them even now (TNT (when I'm being good )).

BTW, skip that Nutrient Timing book for now. It ONLY covers workout nutrition.

I'd start with TAP (Testosterone Advantage Plan), as it's carb friendly and you seem to be, as well. Also, order The Paleo Diet For Athletes (not the standard Paleo Diet). I think the Paleo Diet is extreme, but I believe that most of it is actually valid. It's just not worth the trouble to eat quite like that. But, it's a good read, and gives you a lot to think about. Then, to bump your order over $25 and get the free Super Saver Shipping, add TNT into the order.

TAP and TNT are very useable and liveable diets, both books are very educational. The Paleo Diet is mostly educational, but it's a good education, assuming you believe in the ancient existance of the caveman, of course.