joeyq911’s BodyBlog

For anyone that is into bodybuilding or wants to start, the key to losing weight or gaining mass is all about eating and working out.  I’ve been going to the gym now for a year, see the same people day in and day out and they never change - same size, same workouts, same shape, absolutely no change in their physique.  60-70% of weight loss and body building is strictly about what you put in your mouth.  I’ve seen people work their butts off at the gym and later that week see them at BW3’s watching UFC fights and downing a dozen hot wings and a pitcher of beer.  LOL!!  For the ones that do that… Real nice!!  But that’s not the way to go.  If you’re reading this, I’m under the impression that you want to lose weight, gain muscle or just firm up and get back into those high school jeans that you still have in your closet!  HAA!!  Good for you if that’s what you want to accomplish.    Like I said in my previous writings, I’m willing to help anyone that asks.  I’m not a trainer or a doctor, but I’ve gotten this far with what I’ve researched and everything seems to be going very well.  My goal now is to stay lean, maybe leaner and gain about 20-30lbs of muscle.  Losing weight was the easy part; that only took 6months, gaining 20-30lbs of muscle will take 2-3 years. 

When I decided to lose weight, I was just hoping to get under 200lbs.  After the first month I was down to 195lbs.  My goal then changed to 175lbs (high school weight).  When I hit 172lbs my goals changed again.  I started seeing slight definition in my arms, legs and stomach.  If I remember correctly, I measured in at 11-13% body fat compared to 31%  when I started.  At this moment (Sept. 13^th) I’m currently at 8.4% body fat and am working on getting even more cut.  Ok, what was my point… oh yea… so when I started working out I not only wanted to lose the weight, gain muscle but I wanted to eat right.  It was easy for me because I knew it was the right thing to do at this stage.  I’m not talking about the stage of working out, but the stage of my life.  33 and my eating habits have not changed since high school.  We all know we need to change our habits as we get older. Why not start young so when you hit 50 or 60 it won’t be such a big deal and your scale, your spouse, your doctor, your kids, yourself will thank you for being alive and healthy. 

Why did I make the change?  Hmmm!  A sequence of things happened but most of all I have always taken an interest in bodybuilding.  My father’s heart attack back in 2003 also had a big part on my decision to getting fit and eating well.  I saw that he changed his whole life and I could only imagine how difficult it was.  Having to deal with a heart attack, and then completely change your lifestyle the following day.   Think about it… Papa Johns on Saturday, heart attack on Monday then salads, diet and exercise on Wednesday and from that point on.  He’s still going strong and eating right and I’m glad to see that.  I know there’s a high percentage of people that would of given up on dieting and exercise after a year.  Statistics show that within five years after a heart attack, victims refrain from dieting and a second and even more drastic heart attack occurs.

If that doesn’t change your aspect in life then feel free to continue living the life you live and in 30 years when you’re your chowin down James Coney dogs and start wondering what that sharp pain is in your left arm and chest, you’ll look back and wished you would of paid more attention to these readings. 

Your body is your temple.  Ask yourself: How clean and healthy is my temple?

Live, Learn and be Healthy!

 
- Joey

I’ve researched several books, articles, magazines and found one book that is by far the best resource yet.  "Power Eating" 3^rd Edition By: Susan Kleiner.  This is where I get all the information that you’re about to read.

  Not eating enough carbohydrates can lower your calorie intake, and when calories are restricted, your body will use protein from the diet to meet its energy demands.  This leaves a reduced amount of protein available for physiological functions that only proteins can perform.

  Without enough protein, more muscle will be lost during weight loss, resulting in the undesirable effect of reduced metabolic rate.

  You need carbohydrates along with protein to maintain muscle mass.

  High protein diets are high in fat.  The protein in animal foods is often coupled with large amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol.  Excess dietary fat can make you gain body fat and can damage your heart.

  Most protein diets are often low in fiber too.  Without enough bulk to move things along, your whole digestive system slows down to a crawl, which can lead to constipation and other internal disorders.

  Most protein diets are dehydrating.  3lbs of water weight loss can make you feel draggy and hurt your work out performance.

  The minute you get off this diet and eat some carbohydrates, water surges back into your tissues and you regain the lost water weight.

Isn’t that a great way to picture how life could and should be?  Every time I read it, it just wows me.  So my point: take control of life.  Take control of what you want out of life and don’t just settle.  We may be in a difficult situation in our lives at the moment but the key to that statement is “at the moment”.  Troubles shall pass.  When you’re in the “raging waters of life”, don’t just grab on to the closest branch; wait for the waters to calm; emotions to settle and then make a clear, thought out decision without making a decision based on your emotions. 

Take this to heart and you’ll find it to be true.

Much love,
-JQ

Well, I’m still out of commission due to my hand surgery.  I have a gimp ass right hand that I can’t do much with.  The doctor says I’ll be ok to use in another 2-3 weeks but the way it feels, it’s very limited to motion.  I can’t type, make a fist, push or pull heavy weights so…. instead of getting all down about losing what I’ve worked so hard for I’ve decided to run and cycle.  I’m running two 5k marathons in October and one half marathon (13.6miles)in January.  I ran 10 miles this past Saturday (9/15) for the first time in my life.  It was painful at first but I didn’t give up and kept pushing myself till the pain went away. The way I’m running now I feel like I can run till my shoes gave out!!  Really!!  I’ve never experienced this type of pleasure before.  It’s great and I love it!!  I’m really considering the cycle tours (MS150) next year.  There’s one from Houston to Austin and another from San Antonio to Corpus Christi.  I’ve been cycling at the gym every now and then, about 15-20 miles, but I’d really like to get out and ride it.  No better feeling then the outdoors!  I just gotta invest in a good bike and some good gear.

So for now, heavy weight lifting is on hold.  I lift moderate weights and sometimes push myself to heavier weights or until it hurts.  I’m also working on getting leaner.  I want my abs to be more defined.  I get some compliments but I just don’t think I’m cut enough.  I’m looking into a different diet also.  It all boils down to cuttin tha carbs & fat!!