Thread: What I think and what I'm gonna do about it!!

Ok, so there has been some interesting discussions going on in a couple other threads that don't really relate to the thread topic, so I decided to start this one so those involved don't screw up the other posters threads. Hope that made sense (I ain't no good at xplainin' stuff). The discussion has come up since Gigaplex joined this forum as to what dieting programs and/or methods currently being taught and used are best. Specifically, the discussion has been Lyle Mcdonalds programs or Tom Venuto's BFFM program, but I think there are others that could easily apply here as well, so feel free to bring them up.

Now, here are my thoughts, and they mirror many that have been voiced by others here so sorry if I repeat something that one of you may have said, but just understand I'm agreeing with you not stealing your thunder. I will also repeat other things I've already said so sorry if it's redundant but it may not be sinking in to some people yet, so here goes.

1. BFFM is a good program, but really cause it's based on solid principles. Venuto does a pretty good job of making things clear that my high school health teacher couldn't (probly' cause I was too horny to care), but really there isn't anything groundbreaking in his book. EAT LESS THAN YOU BURN TO LOSE WEIGHT!! EAT MORE THAN YOU BURN TO GAIN WEIGHT!! What it did do for me was teach me how to be aware of what I eat but more importantly HOW MUCH I should eat, and even gave me some good tools to make sure I did this. Looking back, there is a lot of fluff, and many of his ideas are outdated, but the general plan FOR ME is a good one, as I achieved many of my goals and I can maintain it as a lifestyle.

2. I'm not going to comment on Lyle's programs, as I don't feel I have the experience to do so and really what I would be saying would be theory only, so I'll let others who have tried it voice their opinions.

3. This being said, it is pointless to argue what programs or techniques work best as the best program for one will not be the best for another. We are all different and so whatever works best for you and allows you to maintain the lifestyle you choose is YOUR "perfect diet".

4. So far the best way I've found of determining YOUR "perfect diet" is to try out different methods till you find what works best for you, and here's the fun part....you better be ready to change that "perfect diet" as your goals change or your body adapts to find your new "perfect diet".

So that's what I think, based largely through my interaction with people on this forum......So, now what I'm gonna do about it.

My reason for ever coming to this forum was for one purpose only. To find out if there was a way for me to cut to low BF levels (6%) without losing LBM. So far, employing the methods I've learned has allowed me to reach this desired level, but generally at the expense of about 50% of the LBM I gain during my bulks. This leads to a 2 step forward, 1 step back situation, and honestly, I can reach my goals with this approach, it will just take a while. Since coming here, I've been led to believe that my wish is possible, given the right circumstances. After much advice, I believe my problems on my previous cuts were

1. Too much volume in resistance training.
2. Too much cardio-type activities and wrong intensities at the wrong times.
3. Too little fat and not all the right fats.
4. A less effective carb-cycling program.

Starting July 27th, I will be starting a cut using the methods I've learned here, and maybe it will put some of these arguments to bed. Not gonna try UD2 just yet Gigaplex as I have one more plan I'd like to try first, but I think it's similar enough. I will start a journal here on the 27th and my goal will be to lose 3% BF in one month without LBM loss (this will put me at 6%). I have a trip to the beach planned at the end of August, so I will definetly be motivated. I will post weekly pics including the "wheels" (just for you Built) and will post my diet and workouts daily. I'll even throw in my wife's before and after (the real ones) just for you Danzick as she's hoping to hit 13% by then and is right on target so far. I have a pretty good idea of what I need to do to this time to eliminate my previous problems, but I may need some help with the details when I get closer, if you're willing Built? Wow all this after I just made fun of Gig's lengthy post.

It's like waiting for a good movie to come out

Not that you need it but I imagine it would be quite hard to give up once you get going now that there is so much attention on your cut! So maybe that's a good thing.

As for BFFM and everything else. I don't think it is a this vs that type thing. I think they fill different purposes and should each be put in their proper place. There will always be bigger and better ideas out there but it also helps to have a well established standard as sort of a baseline or milestone, a point of reference. It will be interesting to see what Venuto's take on all this new research will be when he does his update to BFFM later this year. Although his book may be outdated, Venuto is very good about analyzing research and debunking stuff and is really what I think draws a lot of people to his work.