What am I lacking?

[lilchicky]

hey im new to this forum

anyway im a 17 year old gal and after a few months off and the drinking has finally caught on my waist and belly im wanting to tone up and get back into shape again and gain some muscle.

Ive been working out 5-6 days a week, mainly Tae Bo boot camp for strenthening and toning, and cardio like fast paced step up areobics etc. Ive gained muscle so far on my arms and legs, i dont want to get bulky though but im finding my energy is running out. Im getting more hungry the more i work out and it doent help working (work as in job) and feeling not so energetic.

Am i lacking something? Should i take some supplements or shakes? Any healthy foods that can boost my energy? any help so much appreciated

p.s oh im also vegetarian, so TOFU and beans are my main protein

 

[Namo]

Complex carbs (brown rice, sweet potatoes, oatmeal, whole grains).

What do you currently take for supplements?

Just a heads up, your gonna be told to post your diet, macros, and routines before anyone will attempt to help you. You will also want to read the stickies.

 

[Merkaba]

First off...You've already made two pet peeves for most of us.
1. Toning doesn't exist. Its a marketing word. "Toning means building muscle" in my book, just not alot of muscle.

2. And youre a female and females always say "I don't want to get bulky" like this is something easy to do.

Vegetarian, doing cardio 5 times a weak (I'm sure to lose weight, which is the wrong path to take) and no energy....??
Drinking??? alcohol???

Generally we will tell you you can't build muscle and lose fat at the same time because you need extra calories to rebuild muscle, and fat loss is an issue of caloric intake being less than whats needed. If you want to lose fat it can't be targeted to a certain body area, or "spot reduced". You have to put your body into a caloric deficit so you start using stored fat to live, while not cutting calories low enough to put your body into starvation mode...so...yes...we want to see your diet. Go ahead and go to FitDay - Free Weight Loss and Diet Journal it will show you what youre eating in grams, and break down the macros. Your diet is the most important aspect. Tae bo, toning and other marketing money related words are unnecessary. Trust me.

 

[Built]

Okay, this is tremendously cool - a young woman who is on a bodybuilding board and wants to get this right, right from the start.

lilchicky, please drop me a PM if you would like to chat a bit offline. I'd love the opportunity to help direct you toward your goals - I've always wondered what I could have done myself had I started at your age.

Meanwhile, read the link in my sig and also this to get some background information.

PS I am very familiar with the nutritional requirements and limitations of vegetarian athletes - I also moderate a vegetarian board.

 

[Merkaba]

Ok an invitation from Built. Youre golden now Lilchicky!

 

[lilchicky]

Complex carbs (brown rice, sweet potatoes, oatmeal, whole grains).

What do you currently take for supplements?

Just a heads up, your gonna be told to post your diet, macros, and routines before anyone will attempt to help you. You will also want to read the stickies.

I currently dont take any supplements at all. Oh ok lol well my excersise routine is this:

mon-Tae Bo (boot camp)
Tue-Step up Areobics
Wed-Tae bo
Thur-Step up Areobics
Fri-Tae Bo

And the sometimes a jog in some days and other cardio workouts like salsa...yes i know...salsa..but gets your heart rate going! We also have weights and and a home Gym that i actually never use..

diet!

i eat 5-6 times a day

6:00am just right cereal OR w/m toast with cottage cheese and banana
9:00am 1 fruit
12:00noon TOFU/100-150g vegetables/ 100g carbs like cous cous or bread or pasta and sometimes bake beans
3:00pm Muesli bar OR 1 fruit
6:00pm TOFU along with vegetables, carbs etc simular to lunch
8:00pm DIET mousse OR custard OR 1 fruit

 

[Built]

Okay, this is good, you're investigating your diet.

Can you please go to FitDay - Free Weight Loss and Diet Journal and enter what you eat? I need to see the macronutrient breakdown.

What protein sources WILL you eat - eggs okay? I see dairy. Will you eat cottage cheese?
How about fish, or at least fish oil supplements?