Joined a gym!

[AllYourGame Nick]

That is a crapton of protein. How do you get 200+ grams of protein without chugging shakes all day?

It's tough.

• I have a protein shake with milk first thing in the morning (33 grams)
  
• Breakfast - 6 eggs (36 grams) and 1/2 cup of oats (5 grams)
  
• Post workout shake (33 grams)
  
• Lunch - varies, but usually eat some sort of protein source like chicken breast, beef, or tuna - (average approximately 30 grams or more)
  
• Snack - Almonds - (15 grams)
  
• Dinner - varies (approximately 30 grams or more)
  
• Pre-sleep casein shake - (33 grams)
  
• TOTAL = ~215 grams of protein
  

That doesn't take into account the fruits, veggies, and carbs I eat throughout the day. Also, this is my diet during my leaning out periods.....you wouldn't want to see what it looks like during my bulking up periods.

 

EDIT: Keep in mind that I have a very high metabolism because of my level of activity and muscle mass - If I were to just sit around all day, my body would still burn around 3,000 calories just to maintain itself. The diet I showed you would not be recommended for every body type.

Edited September 14, 2011 by AllYourGame Nick

[Yantelope]

Yeah, I have a desk job so I should probably not consume that much food. That diet also sounds expensive.

Edited September 14, 2011 by Yantelope

[AllYourGame Nick]

Yeah, I have a desk job so I should probably not consume that much food. That diet also sounds expensive.

At the quantities I eat, it can be, but the individual items themselves are not all that expensive. I generally try to buy in bulk to save money. To be honest, if you eat substantial meals (ie. not ramen), the foods that I eat are on the more inexpensive side. Eggs, milk, chicken breast, brown rice, and raw oats are all decently priced.

 

As for the desk job, fear not - I spend 90% of my non-sleeping hours in front of a computer (programming and mechanical engineer stuff). Sticking with exercise and eating clean (those foods I mentioned are all healthy) can help negate an otherwise sedentary lifestyle with regards to body composition.

[Saturnine Tenshi]

Likewise to the 90% of non-sleeping hours in front of a computer. Though it may be closer to 95% >.> If you can't afford it, just work around it and be mindful of when and what you eat. A full regimen would be optimal, but if it's not something you can achieve, do what you can.

 

Though I've a proclivity for eating way more sweets than I should.

[Yantelope]

So you just buy a box of quaker oats and eat them raw?

[AllYourGame Nick]

do what you can.

Quoted for emphasis. Strive to do your best, but never give up just because you can't do everything at once. If you can't lift X amount of weight or eat X amount of protein/calories, don't sweat it. It'll take time (I'm talking months or years) to really be able to perform optimally in either respect. As long as you keep making effort, you'll be on the right track.

 

 

So you just buy a box of quaker oats and eat them raw?

Haha, while I have done that, I generally try not to (it's gross). What I meant by raw is that I buy regular oats and not the ones that come sweetened or with fruits in it. I'm actually just about to finish off this 10lb. box:

 

Typically I'll mix it with milk and microwave it for about 1.5 - 2 minutes. After that you can put some honey in there to sweeten it. Oats are a great source of complex carbs which give you energy for the gym. On top of that, they're very healthy.

[excel_excel]

Christ that's some great info Nick!

I've been going to the gym consistently for the past 4 weeks now, mainly going in the evening. I have a protein whey drink before and after the gym, and I've lost a bit of weight but am a bit frustrated about the lack of muscle growth.....I have to eat more protien!

[Saturnine Tenshi]

Really getting sick of my workout. I've tried every pushup variation I can friggin' find.