This is my first post on this forum. I started my second workout today. I have been lifting on and off for many years. I have issues with food and eating as much as the book says is really making me uncomfortable, I weigh myself at least twice a day and sometimes more. For as long as I can remember I have always been the same weight. I am looking to gain muscle mass by using this exercise program. I started drinking the protein shakes yesterday and choosing some of the meals from the book. Before, I would only have a cup of coffee for breakfast, then around 11:00am have a half of a sandwich and a piece of fruit and then have a sensible dinner. I really want to gain some muscle and I am hoping that I can actually do this without panicking when the scale says I put on some pounds.
What, exactly, is your question? Or do you just want some support, some of us to say, it's ok to gain some weight? You have to gain weight if you gain muscle mass, it's impossible not to.
Because I'm completely scared to death of putting on weight. If I can gain muscle I would be ok with that, but Im worried about it showing up on my stomach.
Yes muscle is heavier than fat but it is also smaller. May I suggest you measure yourself regularly with a tape measurer so that IF the scale goes up you can prevent panic by seeing the measurement(s) go down.
Of course ideally (imho) you would give up ALL measurements (weight, inches, etc.) and go by what you see and how you feel.
All the measuring food, body parts, weight, etc. can be crazy making!
If that is you in the picture you look fantastic and healthy and I bet you feel good too. Be kind to yourself as you are one of a kind.
Good luck and happy lifting!
__________________ Started NROL4W April 1, 2008 PR's from Stage 1
1RM Squat start of Stage 1 = 105 lbs ~ end of Stage 1 = 165 lbs 1RM Deadlift start of Stage 1 = 115 lbs ~ end of Stage 1 = 185 lbs
1RM Bench Press start of Stage 1 = 85 lbs ~ end of Stage 1 = 115 lbs More progress and other stuff here: BRATTLAND
Now doing NROL4W for a second time 'cause I love it so much!
Definitely stop weighing yourself more than once a day. Your weight can go up a few lbs just by drinking a bottle of water! But it's not real weight gain (ie fat).
I vote double for the tape measure method.
You look amazing in your picture BTW! Just relax and enjoy the program.
Yes muscle is heavier than fat but it is also smaller. May I suggest you measure yourself regularly with a tape measurer so that IF the scale goes up you can prevent panic by seeing the measurement(s) go down.
Of course ideally (imho) you would give up ALL measurements (weight, inches, etc.) and go by what you see and how you feel.
All the measuring food, body parts, weight, etc. can be crazy making!
If that is you in the picture you look fantastic and healthy and I bet you feel good too. Be kind to yourself as you are one of a kind.
Good luck and happy lifting!
Just want to make sure we don't confuse any newbies here.....a pound of fat weighs the same as a pound of muscle. A pound is a pound is a pound. Muscle is DENSER than fat, however, and takes up less room.
Thanks for all the positive feedback. I have been eating what the book has suggested for the last two days and I just keep tellling myself its going to be better than starving myself. Before starting the program two days ago I was measuring my meals and only eating 8 ounces of food for lunch and dinner and not eating breakfast at all. So needless to say this eating five times a day and drinking the protein shakes is a challenge for me. I'm striving to get my body to look like Dara Torres's picture in her "Got milk" advertisment. BTW yes that picture is me.
Thanks again.
I hope you keep in touch with us here; let us know how it's going for you. There's a lot of support here if you are having problems. Don't just give up, because it's a great program!
Thanks for all the positive feedback. I have been eating what the book has suggested for the last two days and I just keep tellling myself its going to be better than starving myself. Before starting the program two days ago I was measuring my meals and only eating 8 ounces of food for lunch and dinner and not eating breakfast at all. So needless to say this eating five times a day and drinking the protein shakes is a challenge for me. I'm striving to get my body to look like Dara Torres's picture in her "Got milk" advertisment. BTW yes that picture is me.
Thanks again.
You wanna look like Dana Torres? You best be eating A LOT!
I know there seems to be a big to do about eating 5 times a day, but the reality is that it doesn't work for everybody. If you are more comfortable eating three meals a day or four or whatever eat that way, just make sure you're eating enough for your goals. JMHO
Food issues and the scale
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