Will "after" pics look like "before" pics? [Forum Archive]

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Will "after" pics look like "before" pics?

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Posted by: DaMayor

Can anyone explain to me why the metabolism of an ex-smoker is so d@!>+*%~@=<?m{!!??%$#@f**%$! POKEY ASS SLOW!!!!!

Posted by: Twin Peak

I have hear that nicotine increases lipolysis, perhaps through increased metabolism, but Chicken Daddy can discuss this far more knowledgably than I. I know it supresses appetite, so that could be all.

So, in sum, I have no idea why being an ex-smoker would screw up your metabolism, and doubt that this is the cause.

More likely its dietary (based on the way you have been eating) or physiological (perhaps a thyroid or other hormonal problem that has only recently manifested itself).

Posted by: Robboe

Do a quick search on nicotine with leptin, NPY and maybe dopamine on these forums. It's on here somewhere.

And what does the topic title have to do with this?

Posted by: Twin Peak

I was wondering the same thing! C'mon Rob, whats the short answer for us lazy asses?

Posted by: DaMayor

The title is Brain Flatulence.
Actually, I am questioning my less than spectacular 'results' (or lack thereof) over the past two months. Seems like my diet is under control, I've made some changes based on advice received here...Work-outs are getting better and better....Supplimentation is good...I just don't get it. I have never had such a hard time dropping fat. Has to be my metabolism!

Posted by: P-funk

Maybe you are not consuming enough calories to improve your metabolism to drop the weight?

Posted by: DaMayor

Actually, my first post addressed this very subject. I have, as advised by yourself, TP and a few of the other vets, cautiously increased my caloric intake. (~2200-2500) Question is, how long does it take the ol' bod to get the message? For some reason, it seems that I had very little trouble manipulating my weight when I was smoking.
Now, unfortunately, I think I could chop off an appendage, get on the scale and weigh five lbs. more! If I had only known....

For the youngsters:

DaMayor General's Warning: Cigarettes suck. If I see or hear of you lighting up, I will hunt you down and beat you to a bloody pulp. Go ahead, light up..punk!

Posted by: Twin Peak

Patience. Your goal now isn't to lose weight. Your goal is to reset you metabolism. Continue to up your cals a few hundred each week. Take measurements of your waist and neck and other areas where you store fat.

You'll notice a slight increase as you up cals. That is water and perhaps a bit o'fat. When you gain more than say1/2 to 3/4 of an inch around the waist, you are ready to start to maintain for a few weeks and then "diet."

Assuming you were patient and upped cals slowly, you should adjust and not gain and appreciable BF until you get to above true maint cals.

I would advise keeping it at that level for a few weeks. Your BF should stay level, then drop cals back by a few hundred and you will be eating more than before, but BELOW maintanence. After a few weeks more you can start to add cardio in.

Posted by: DaMayor

Ahh...I may have increased calories too soon, based on what you've said here. My goal is to level out @ ~2500 just to see how things go. (versus the 1800max I was taking in two or so weeks ago) What I have tried to do recently is allow additional servings of protein suppliment to account for at least 40-50% if the overall increase, and lean meats and vegi's to fill in the rest. I am still fairly nervous about taking in too many carbs, or sugars via fruits. The second factor here is cardio. For the past month, I would do ~30 minutes of med.impact cardio, work the weights for 45 minutes then follow up w/ 15-20 minutes of cardio. (3 days/wk.)This week, I've decreased the pre-workout cardio, and worked a little harder w/ the weights (15min.cardio/1-1.25hr.weights/5-10min. post workout warm-down) and have begun some sta. biking in the a.m. (about 15 minutes) on off days. BUT, I have read many comments here calling for decreased cardio. So which is it for fat boy? (Based on some of the pics I've seen here, I'm not that fat.......well, yeah I am.)

Posted by: w8lifter

Quote:

Originally posted by Twin Peak
Patience. Your goal now isn't to lose weight. Your goal is to reset you metabolism. Continue to up your cals a few hundred each week. Take measurements of your waist and neck and other areas where you store fat.

You'll notice a slight increase as you up cals. That is water and perhaps a bit o'fat. When you gain more than say1/2 to 3/4 of an inch around the waist, you are ready to start to maintain for a few weeks and then "diet."

Assuming you were patient and upped cals slowly, you should adjust and not gain and appreciable BF until you get to above true maint cals.

I would advise keeping it at that level for a few weeks. Your BF should stay level, then drop cals back by a few hundred and you will be eating more than before, but BELOW maintanence. After a few weeks more you can start to add cardio in.

DaMayor....you'll have to be patient....the excess cardio and the low calorie diet took it's toll and screwed your metabolism...as TP said, you need to reset...even if it means gaining a little bit of fat on the way. It'll be easier to cut the fat off in the long run w/o a compromised metabolism.

I would axe the am biking...stick to 5-8 minutes of light cardio for a warm up, same at the end if you need a cool down. If you do do any cardio, make sure it's HIIT, as that, along w/ intense weight training will help to increase your metabolism.

Posted by: Twin Peak

What she said. Except save the HIIT for when you start cutting.

P.S. Check out Britney's CUTTING journal. She is getting ripped up for a show AND eating in excess of 2000 cals.

Posted by: DaMayor

Gain? More fat? Jeeze, w8, I feel like I already look like one of those Cybergenics "before" pictures. (hence the title)
Okay, while I have your attention...what's your take on ECA stacks in conjunction w/ dietary change? I can't take the full dosage @ work, but they seem to help during workouts. Detrimental to (long term) metabolic increase?

Posted by: Britney

Howdie
First and foremost- PATIENCE is key. Whether increasing or decreasing calories or cardio, you need to do it slowly, not abruptly. With fitness and diet, one needs to play around and find out what range and types of macros work for oneself. Everyone is different. The most important thing is to keep your Protein at least 1-1.5 grams per pound of BW. The fat and carbs need to be played with as some do well on low carbs, while others don’t. Cardio should be used to get over “the plateau”. Your body should not be cardio dependent to be lean. Do you want to run on the treadmill the rest of your life? Weight training is key, muscles require more calories, therefore a muscular body will burn significantly more calories than a “soft” body. HIIT works well since it requires much output, but is short in duration, sparing yourself from using your muscle for energy. Hope this helps

Posted by: Britney

ECA- is another "trick" and should be used once that "plateau" is reached. DOnt' use all your tricks (eca, cardio ect) now! PATIENCE!

Posted by: Twin Peak

Quote:

Originally posted by DaMayor
Gain? More fat? Jeeze, w8, I feel like I already look like one of those Cybergenics "before" pictures. (hence the title)
Okay, while I have your attention...what's your take on ECA stacks in conjunction w/ dietary change? I can't take the full dosage @ work, but they seem to help during workouts. Detrimental to (long term) metabolic increase?

Read her and DP's recent article if you want her take on EC.

In my opinion, however, it can be quite useful in upping the metabolism. From some stuff I have read recently though, I'd be careful taking it before carb meals, as some articles/studies I have seen/heard about show that caffiene can make low GI foods act like hi-GI foods.

Posted by: Twin Peak

Quote:

Originally posted by Britney
The fat and carbs need to be played with as some do well on low carbs, while others don’t.

One of the best quotes I have read in a long time.

Quote:

Originally posted by Britney Cardio should be used to get over “the plateau”. Your body should not be cardio dependent to be lean.

One of the most ironic quotes I have read in a long time.

Posted by: DaMayor

Okay. So, what I'm hearing here is:

1-1.5 g per lb. protein daily...(Let's see, @ 236lbs. , that's ~354 grams=small bovine, 50 chickens, 75 cans of cadillac dog food, etc.-How much before your kidneys shut down?)
Increase Caloric intake gradually/"re-set" metabolic bmr
ECA stacks=my choice, as long as I don't go into orbit.
Utilize cardio as warm-up, not work-out.....COOL! Cardio Sucks!!
Be Patient.
Be Patient.
Be Patient.

There's only one problem....I'm not very Patient.
Guess I'll have to be, eh? Man!, I was hoping to wear that thong this summer too! (Not)
Thanks for the input guys and gals!

Posted by: Britney

Quote:

Originally posted by Twin Peak
One of the best quotes I have read in a long time.

Thanks

One of the most ironic quotes I have read in a long time.

Quit picking on me! What is so ironc about this?

and DeMayor, You are welcome

Posted by: Twin Peak

One more thing. Try and be patient!

Posted by: Twin Peak

Quote:

Originally posted by Britney
Quit picking on me! What is so ironc about this?

Guess you only post in your journal, huh? Never bother to READ it?

Plus, you are fun to pick on.

Posted by: Britney

Quote:

Originally posted by Twin Peak
Guess you only post in your journal, huh? Never bother to READ it?

I post AND read my journal You must be refering to the fact I am doing uphill walking 3 x week. This is because I have no patience and want to do the MAY show. I am stubborn, and once I want something, I do everything to get it. (a good and bad trait )In order to be ready, I need to put the pedal to the metal in effort to lose my winter ‘coat” in time. Uphill walking is not what I personally would consider “cardio.” It’s merely a lil boost for my metabolism, certainly not as vigorous as HIIT or running the treadmill. That will come in time.

Plus, you are fun to pick on.
Gee thanks LOL

Posted by: Twin Peak

Actually, that is not what I was referring to, but please, go on....

Posted by: DaMayor

WAIT! WAIT WAIT WAIT! I want to do the May show too! So, you're doing 'cardio' and its cool, but if DaMayor does cardio, its catabolism? (More like, repair the treadmill)

Posted by: Britney

Quote:

Originally posted by Twin Peak
Actually, that is not what I was referring to, but please, go on....

DOUBLE GRR! Please elaborate on what you WERE refering to.

And DM, NO CARDIO!!!

Posted by: Twin Peak

Dude, you are a 235 pound male with the metabolism of a barn mouse. She is a competition level athlete who weighs half what you do and eats more, and loses weight.

Course if you tanned up and wore a bikini you might be able to get away with uphill walking.

Posted by: Twin Peak

Quote:

Originally posted by Britney

DOUBLE GRR! Please elaborate on what you WERE refering to.

And DM, NO CARDIO!!!

Thank you for brightening my day!

I was referring to your first journal and my and W8's plea that you stop cardio. Quite simple really.

The "messie became the messer", so to speak.

Posted by: Britney

Where did W8 say no cardio in my 1st journal? I was not doing cardio then. I started doing this uphill walking thing after DP saw my pics. And NO, I will not be posting for the world to see

Posted by: DaMayor

My wife disagrees with the 'no cardio' approach.....................
I would give a lengthy response (amidst the chaos) but I'm eating a tuna and tofu stuffed turkey right now. Leg work-out tomorrow, y'know. OOOOOOOOWEEEE!! Can't wait!!!
By the way, does anyone want to buy a stationary bike?

Posted by: Britney

Quote:

Originally posted by DaMayor
My wife disagrees with the 'no cardio' approach.....................
I would give a lengthy response (amidst the chaos) but I'm eating a tuna and tofu stuffed turkey right now.

Absolutely no offense meant when I ask: What kind of shape is she in?

Leg work-out tomorrow, y'know. OOOOOOOOWEEEE!! Can't wait!!!
Wish I was that excited bout my leg workout!

By the way, does anyone want to buy a stationary bike?

Um, noI am glad to see you are giving up your cardio though

Posted by: DaMayor

OOoooooboy. Can I take the 5th on that one? If I respond to question #1, I might need to sell more than a stationary bike.
As for the other two comments, I was being sarcastic. Leg work, is painful, risky and painful......did I say painful? God I love it!
And if I sold the bike we wouldn't have anywhere to hang stuff! It adds a sort of industrial/modern art touch to our decor, y'know.

As far as the cardio goes....no great loss. HOWEVER, if I end up looking like Jabba the Hut in a couple of months, I'll sick AlBob on you people!!!

Posted by: w8lifter

Quote:

Originally posted by DaMayor
WAIT! WAIT WAIT WAIT! I want to do the May show too! So, you're doing 'cardio' and its cool, but if DaMayor does cardio, its catabolism? (More like, repair the treadmill)

My wife disagrees with the 'no cardio' approach.....................

Ditto to what TP and Brit said....first...no disrespect, but does your wife look like or have to knowledge to guide someone to a stage to compete at 4% bodyfat? Brit, TP, DP and I have all competed (and coached other to compete)....when it comes to dropping bodyfat in the most efficient manner possible...we know what we're talking about

The difference between you and Brit is that Brit spent a couple of months feeding her face w/ all sorts of goodies so her metabolism hasn't been compromised in the least, only her bodyfat level

...whereas you haven't been eating enough...so your results from that = a slowed metabolism.

See the difference?

Posted by: DaMayor

Easy, girl! First of all, we just met. (There's trust to be developed here...although there is little doubt that this will happen)
I am in agreement, all be it somewhat hesitant, with you guys. However, you have to realize that I, as have many, have been conditioned to believe certain fitness 'ideologies'. Less Calories or More Cardio=weightloss, etc. . Yes, I know,weightloss could mean lean muscle mass loss as well.
Secondly, I am shocked and severely disappointed with the physical state I find myself in, as I have always been in decent/good shape, even though I smoked in the past. (yeah, I know, the horse is dead re: the smoking issue)
Thirdly, I tend to be a fairly, okay, very analytical person....This, at least at present, is a quality that may be more detrimental than helpful.
Finally, (this might be long...go figure) I am a guy who is accustomed to a certain level of success, who has always pushed it harder when some would quit, and usually got results...SOME kind of results. At this very moment, however, after two months of hard work, I'm a 36 year old with 'good ol' boy syndrome' who has to contend with a very sedentary job, who has to preach the benefits of healthy diet to and audience consisting of a 3 yr. old who lives on chicken nuggets and french fries (we won't even go there), a wife who isn't a dyed in the wool weight training and/or bodybuilding fan (God bless her anyway) and a chocolate lab who could care less.... a guy who, has gained weight in places that only his great aunt might know about, and, in an attempt to keep this short (too late) a guy who is psyched out instead of up because he has seen ABSOLUTELY NO RESULTS IN MONTHS!!!!

so be nice, eh?

Posted by: Twin Peak

Quote:

Originally posted by DaMayor
Easy, girl! First of all, we just met. (There's trust to be developed here...although there is little doubt that this will happen)
I am in agreement, all be it somewhat hesitant, with you guys. However, you have to realize that I, as have many, have been conditioned to believe certain fitness 'ideologies'. Less Calories or More Cardio=weightloss, etc. . Yes, I know,weightloss could mean lean muscle mass loss as well.
Secondly, I am shocked and severely disappointed with the physical state I find myself in, as I have always been in decent/good shape, even though I smoked in the past. (yeah, I know, the horse is dead re: the smoking issue)
Thirdly, I tend to be a fairly, okay, very analytical person....This, at least at present, is a quality that may be more detrimental than helpful.
Finally, (this might be long...go figure) I am a guy who is accustomed to a certain level of success, who has always pushed it harder when some would quit, and usually got results...SOME kind of results. At this very moment, however, after two months of hard work, I'm a 36 year old with 'good ol' boy syndrome' who has to contend with a very sedentary job, who has to preach the benefits of healthy diet to and audience consisting of a 3 yr. old who lives on chicken nuggets and french fries (we won't even go there), a wife who isn't a dyed in the wool weight training and/or bodybuilding fan (God bless her anyway) and a chocolate lab who could care less.... a guy who, has gained weight in places that only his great aunt might know about, and, in an attempt to keep this short (too late) a guy who is psyched out instead of up because he has seen ABSOLUTELY NO RESULTS IN MONTHS!!!!

so be nice, eh?

Dude, I get ya. Your job is no more sedentiary than mine, trust me. My wife could give a rats ass about fitness/working out, but she puts up with me, usually. And I have two small children. I get you.

If you are so analytical, as you say, that should aid you in your quest. At this point, your quest IS NOT a better body. It is knowledge. You lack it, since you are relatively new to this, at least at this level. And you need to be reprogramed.

Your analystical nature SHOULD aid this. How? Because everything you previously knew to be true AIN'T working.

We, the collective group here, have been providing you the WHYS, which eluded you. We, or at least I, don't expect you to trust us. Analysis our input. Does it make sense? Research on your own elsewhere. (BUT IF YOU EVER SITE SOMETHING OUT OF A BODYBUILDING MAGAZINE WE ARE THROUGH!). Question us. Ask analytic based questions and challenge our views if something doesn't make sense.

More likely than not we can provide you further WHYS or at least reference something/someone.

If I don't know something, I'll say so. If the knowledge came only from trial and error I'll say so.

So be analytical. Gain the knowledge, and then you will be empowered to get in the shape you want. Until then, since what you know to be true (that the world is flat) ain't working, trust us and try our approach (that the world is round). What do you have to lose except that belly?

P.S. I think Leah's tone comes from a bit a frustration. She spends way too much time helping people like you. It gets frustrating when input is asked for, good advice is given, and then ignored because "my wife said so". Damn man, if your wife knew so much you wouldn't need our input!

Posted by: Twin Peak

P.S. As most people here know, I am at the ready to question the "experts" when something doesn't make sense. If it can't be justified, explained, or cited to, I wouldn't buy it. Regardless, if it makes me curious, I may just try it for myself and see. I do like to experiment.

Posted by: w8lifter

I apologize for my "tone"....I did say I meant no disrespect, and I understand the trust issue...and the fact that it sucks to realize or even consider at this point, that everything you've learned (that "they've" told you) is or could be wrong. I understand all that. I didn't mean to come across as being "not nice"....I was just trying to help.

Posted by: Twin Peak

Quote:

Originally posted by w8lifter
I apologize for my "tone"....I did say I meant no disrespect, and I understand the trust issue...and the fact that it sucks to realize or even consider at this point, that everything you've learned (that "they've" told you) is or could be wrong. I understand all that. I didn't mean to come across as being "not nice"....I was just trying to help.

In context, you were fine. See above. And we all know you are not nice.

Posted by: w8lifter

Quote:

Originally posted by Twin Peak
In context, you were fine. See above. And we all know you are not nice.

You're lucky you're learning how to use smilies

...or else I'd either be

Posted by: DaMayor

Yes, dealing with hard-heads must be a pain.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not disputing any of this information, it is just very difficult to 're-program'. In the past, my main objective was to maintain a certain overall size or weight ...getting into those size 34 pants, losing the beer gut....whatever. I never felt the need to concern myself with the more in-depth issues or scientific aspects of the sport. Why? I was ~190lbs and looked good in a suit.
Now..oh boy, now, I have done two things differently. The goal I have set for myself involves a degree of fitness and/or definition well beyond those results considered acceptable in the past. Not only this, but this goal has been determined at a time in my life when I am both the heaviest I've ever been, as well as the oldest. (And no, while it may sound like tubby is having a mid-life crisis, I'm not.) Do I expect to reach competition form? Maybe not, we'll play that by ear. I am intelligent enough to know that that level of conditioning doesn't happen over night...even with anabolic assitance. (Not an option for DaMayor.) I'm just off balance from my recent lack of success. Yeah yeah, be patient.

Posted by: Twin Peak

Quote:

Originally posted by w8lifter
You're lucky you're learning how to use smilies

...or else I'd either be

Well, I still try and avoid them, but I know how sensitive you can be!

Posted by: DaMayor

Did I mention that I'm not happy with myself? Wah Wah Wah? No results? Sniffle sniffle? Well guess what?
Its DaMayor's turn, Baby!

TIME TO GO TO WAR

Posted by: w8lifter

Good....kick ass!

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Will "after" pics look like "before" pics?

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