I F'ed up, now let's fix it

[figurebre]

Anyone who has read my journal will know I am trying to get my metabolism back on track. It is clearly damaged from overdieting over the years. I have researched 'til my eyeballs bleed but I still want to hear everyone's opinion.
Obviously, taking time off and teaching my body to eat more are solutions. But how much time off? I took 5 weeks off from cardio, still lifting. I increased my calories to maintenace.
When can I start cardio? If I start cardio how much is too much? I don't want to gain weight, can I get my metabolism on track without gaining weight?
Does cardio stimulate the metabolism? Just wanting everyone's input.

[The Big Sexy]

I would think 20-30 minutes of cardio 5x a week would be sufficient... that is just what I would do, however.

Also, you might want to read about T(x) on our website - not a shameless plug - but it can help your thyroid work at its most optimum levels - unlike t3 which stimulates it to beyond it's optimum level... T(x) is more like vitamin C for your thyroid... it helps it work and function as it SHOULD.

If you are going low low carbs - I would probably avoid it for a certain amount of time... Carb cycling is a better way without sacrificing your metabolism... 4 days low, one day high and repeat.

Again, there is more than one way to do this - but it is probably something I would do.

[chucksm00th]

Did you get any bloodwork done? I know you dont want gain weight but and off season is a "sure" way to get your body to respond. 12 wks is a good start, try to follow a clean offseason and force yourself to eat as you would while dieting for a competition or to get in shape. My wife went thru this before the same as you, not wanting to gain weight etc and its a problem for most athletes especially in female athletes. Dieting causes body dismorphia for everyone so your not alone.
If you do take time off and gain your body will respond once again as it did before but it needs a break. Sometimes you have to take a step backwards to move fowards in life otherwise your going to kill yourself trying to stay lean and you wont be able to make progress.
You can still do cardio in the offseason but it doesnt tend to be very effective if your eating alot. I hope this helps somewhat.

[natron]

Anyone who has read my journal will know I am trying to get my metabolism back on track. It is clearly damaged from overdieting over the years. I have researched 'til my eyeballs bleed but I still want to hear everyone's opinion.
Obviously, taking time off and teaching my body to eat more are solutions. But how much time off? I took 5 weeks off from cardio, still lifting. I increased my calories to maintenace.
When can I start cardio? If I start cardio how much is too much? I don't want to gain weight, can I get my metabolism on track without gaining weight?
Does cardio stimulate the metabolism? Just wanting everyone's input.

What exactly is the "problem" with your metabolism?

[figurebre]

I have already put on 30lbs from my contest weight. There is a real issue here, not a mental one. I had my bloodwork done. my protein count is 30% lower than it should be, which wouldnt make sense because i eat PLENTY of protein. 1.5x my bodyweight at least.

[figurebre]

[ame="http://forums.rxmuscle.com/showthread.php?p=663488#post663488"]Bre's Offseason: Learning to make it a lifestyle! - Page 34 - RX Muscle Forums[/ame]

[natron]

If you care to explain more in depth, I'm sure we can help

[natron]

Wow! You are taking dieting/cardio way too far.

What supplements are you using, or were using.

We'll get to the bottom of it, but I must say, there is no reason one should ever have to do "marathon" sessions of cardio like that.

I'd be willing to bet leptin is not your friend

[natron]

I would think 20-30 minutes of cardio 5x a week would be sufficient... that is just what I would do, however.

Also, you might want to read about T(x) on our website - not a shameless plug - but it can help your thyroid work at its most optimum levels - unlike t3 which stimulates it to beyond it's optimum level... T(x) is more like vitamin C for your thyroid... it helps it work and function as it SHOULD.

If you are going low low carbs - I would probably avoid it for a certain amount of time... Carb cycling is a better way without sacrificing your metabolism... 4 days low, one day high and repeat.

Again, there is more than one way to do this - but it is probably something I would do.

Link to product?

[GENESIS]

you were doing alot of yo-yo dieting... i would get back to a good solid eating regemin. fruits vegetabales and all the other good stuff.

[natron]

This is going to be a quite sizeable puzzle.

Leptin, ghrelin, insulin sensitivety, thyroid levels, kidney function and immune system are all being effected negatively here.

You need to look at the big picture here, seriously.

[natron]

This would be a general recommendation on my part...

Take at least two weeks off heavy cardio. Do low intensity cardio 2 times per week, like walking, and keep the time around 20 minutes.

Alter your weight training to 2-3 workouts per week, using an upperbody/lower body split. Keep the workouts at 30 minutes, and fairly low intensity, for a few weeks as well.

Get plenty of sleep, and keep hydrated. Refrain from any drug use or alcohol

Supplements.
-undenatured whey isolate, 20-25 grams, 3-4 times per day, on empty stomach
-fish oil, 10 grams per day, in divided doses with food.
-vitamin B-complex(50mg), 1 capsule 3 times/day with food
-vitamin c (calcium ascorbate) 3 grams per day, in divided doses with food
-leucine, 5 grams 2 times per day, with whey protein

refrain from any and all stimulants for at least two weeks, including caffeine.

Do this for 2 weeks, then re-asses

[The Big Sexy]

Link to product?

http://alrindustries.com/ver2/index....energy/tx.html

[Ninja Loco]

Totaly uncalled for. She is asking for help and exposing herself with what she feels is a serious problem, not looking for positive attention from it. She is not instigating anything with you, nor has she ever with anyone.

[natron]

totaly uncalled for. She is asking for help and exposing herself with what she feels is a serious problem, not looking for positive attention from it. She is not instigating anything with you, nor has she ever with anyone.

wtf?