Erroneous Fitness Progress?

[thor1n]

I've been working out >ignorantly< for the past 7 months or so and I am somewhat satisfied with my results; however, as of late, especially since I've been becoming "more aware" of the do's/don'ts involved in training, I haven't noticed any real progress... Strength wise I'm improving, but as for muscle shape or development it looks the same.

My question:
Is an insufficient amount of protein intake the reason why my muscles aren't building as I want them to?

or

Is it my natural physique that restricts me from achieving a certain type of "bigness" without the use of supplements?

Note that I am about 5'9'' @ 160+/- lbs and my protein intake is "average" at best.

Thanks for the replies guys!

[meat12]

Normally it takes about 8 weeks to see a difference, you have to build up a base. Thats why alot of people fall off after a month or so with no visable results. Give it some time keep your protien intake at about 15- 20% of your daily intake or go by the 1.5kg per lb.

Nothing comes easy, patience a good diet and hard work will get you the results your looking for.

[believer]

Too little info...What's your diet? How are you training?

[GearTripper]

genetics will have the ultimate role in how your body develops, but yes your dietary intake is of most importance.

[bonebreaker]

You need more than 20% protein in your diet, IMO, at least 30%. At 1.5 grams/lb. at 160 pounds, you need at least 240 grams/day, high quality protein. This is about 1000 calories/day from protein. I think you need to add about 2500 more calories/day, at least, between fats and complex carbohydrates before you will start to put on any real size. How you split the fats ands carbs depends on many things, mainly personal preference. Conventional wisdom says mostly from fats, I lean more toward complex carbs, as it has always worked for me. Good luck. BB

[thor1n]

Thanks for the replies guys.

To answer some of your questions:

I have no idea what my "diet" consists of... basically, if I'm hungry I'll eat whatever I can get my hands on - even fast food.

As for my protein/carolie intake is concerned, I have >NO< idea. :\

Should I just take protein bars to assure the sufficient amount of protein intake? Or should I just look for foods that have a certain percentage of proteins in them...

I'm open to any recommendations you may have regarding the food or protein products I should look into.

Thanks guys.

[meat12]

start reading up on some of these nutrition posts, maybe get a book or 2 on it

[tony big balls]

get some protein powder and get at leadt 150 grams per day through shakes.

[hlcn8]

meat12, 1.5kg/lb?!? hehehehe, i knew what you meant, but it still made me do a double take....
thor1n, you've made some greaet choices, and recognizing that you have a lot to learn and have decided to do so is the best one yet, i'm reminded on a daily basis that i have much to learn as well.
that said, i think you'll begin noticing some great changes if you just start being AWARE of what you're eating. if you're really serious about it, get a small notebook and record everything you eat & drink. read all the nutritional info you can, become label literate, and start learning the difference between good carbs (whole weats, yams, longer lasting sources of fuel), bad carbs (white breads, sweets etc), good fats (mixed nuts, omega3's from salmon and fatty fish, avocado) and bad fats (especially trans fats) once you have a good grasp of these things, begin implementing them in your diet at a pace you are comfortable with. 1-2g's of protein per pound of body weight, almost twice that in HEALTHY carbs. we have many ways of breaking things down on these boards, by percentage of total consumed calories, grams, etc... all under different contexts. in all, it sounds like you're a hardgainer, and as such need to eat a lot more, like its your job. increase your caloric intake slowly or it'll all go to fat, increase it with healthy calories too, and don't drink your calories. avoid empty carbs like sodas, and drink at least a gallon of water a day. as you learn more about your body and nutrition in general, you will find what path you and your body can coincide with, what works best with your physiology, mindset, and determination. best of luck bro.

[meat12]

i know my bad....realized it after the point.. good points there hlcn8

yeah i write my workouts on a calendar, helps me know when to change it up, definately keep track of what your intakes are

[meat12]

Here's a link i found on protein: kinda why I myself try not too over do it..either way it's good reading


http://www.thedoctorwillseeyounow.co...ion/protein_2/

[hlcn8]

great link meat12! I hear people flipflopping on whether or not too much protein is bad for you all the time... & haven't ever gotten a clear answer. i noticed many of the sources are a bit old though, so i'm taking it w/ a grain of salt. i figure as long as i'm drinking enough water and am still young and dumb, i'll take gains over a little bodily stress. hell, others do it w/ alcohol, at least our vices are more productive : )

[meat12]

Yeah me and a friend go back and fourth arguing about it, overall i just say go by your own preference, cause there is good arguments to both sides. Glad to help, talk to all ya later