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Honestly after having a six pack for 2 years, that shite gets old. frick having such a strict diet, frick feeling like shite in the gym.

I started just eating what ever I wanted and how much I wanted, but kept up the gym habits and my overall strength and size exploded.

Much happier with where I am now, and I still look good.

I think there's a good balance between calorie tracking and willy nilly eating.

10-15 years ago I too was very anal about getting the exact macros and such.

But I've learned that it's really noy necessary to go that far. Just eat a healthy balance and stay away from alcohol, donuts, pizza, etc. and the fat will come off and the muscle on.

I actually found it's easier to gain muscle as I get older. Probably a combo of metabolism and muscle memory.

Well I don’t know what you consider big or ripped but without gear you aren’t going to be big and ripped at 5-10% bodyfat. Sure I could increase my calories above maintenance and put on significant muscle but with that muscle I’ll also gain fat no matter what I eat. Calories are calories. Yes Protein helps build muscle but you can still get fat eating excessive amounts of chicken, fish, or beef. You can get fat eating excessive amounts of carbs. You can get fat eating excessive amounts of fats. You can even get fat eating excessive amounts of fruit and vegetables although it would have to be a TON.

Each macro has different amounts of calories per gram but just as 100 lbs of feathers weighs the same as 100 lbs of bricks, 100 calories of chicken will have the same effect weight wise as 100 calories of potatoes. Calories in vs calories out is basic science and that determines how much weight you gain or lose not what types of calories you eat.

The reason low carb works for people is not because it’s low carb. It’s because the majority of the average Americans diet consists of carbohydrates. Cut out your largest source of calories and of course you’re gonna lose weight.

You could do low fat, or low protein and lose weight. It’s not because you decreased a macro group it’s because you cut out a good chunk of your calories.

People can do what they want and I’m not condemning anyone but I personally don’t believe it’s healthy to cut out an entire macronutrient(fat,carbs,protein) because your body needs all of them to function efficiently.

Stats? Pics?

I’m just curious.

How’s your SWCC training going?

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Much happier with where I am now, and I still look good.

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I’m the same way. I’m 40 now, and if I’m staying in the 12-15% range, I’m happy. I at least still look like I lift when in clothes.

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Calories in vs calories out is basic science and that determines how much weight you gain or lose not what types of calories you eat.

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More science is showing this just isn't true.

That is because the whole processing of food by the body is different for each thing and I don't mean the thermal effect. Different resources compete for different things in the bodies requiring more or less of something. Efficiencies matter. Turns out it is far more complex than calories.

This 20 minute video goes into this subject at times and can give you a good jump off point into the subject matter.
Carnivore Diet: Why would it work? What about Nutrients and Fiber?

I have been 205 lbs. and totally shredded. I prefer being around 225-230 with a bit of body fat. I'm 6'3. I just look too skinny when I'm below 220 lbs.

So you are obsessive about counting calories and actually felt your best 20lbs heavier. Can wear anything without a single fat roll even when sitting but miss your strength?

Maybe body dysmorphic disorder?

Yea be careful and take care of yourself. Looking great at the cost of your sanity and comfort just isn’t worth it imho.