Idiot's Guide to Getting Big (or: how to stop s***ting up this forum, skinny whiners)

[jakejake]

Originally Posted by Vernon-Dozier

How the **** does anyone get in 6-8 meals a day anyway? Are you retired or what? I get one lunch break, not 3 and my boss would not allow me to be stuffing my face all day. Eat however works best with your schedule, for me that's 3 meals with a couple small snacks in between. Works for me and it's not rocket science.

In regards to buying food cheap, go to the grocery store and ask the meat guy if he has anything nearing expiration and tell him you'll buy it all for a discount. Sometimes you can get stuff at or below their cost then freeze it.

In regards to "Getting big" one thing that a noob should consider is how it makes you feel. When I was serious about bodybuilding eating all those calories made me feel like **** - sluggish, bloated and farting all day. And before anyone responds stating "I feel fine" I don't really care. I'm just telling you it made me feel like **** and a noob should take this into consideration.

I now eat less (mostly natural healthy foods) and do exercise that interests me - biking, tennis and also hit the weights but am not all psycho-serious about it. I'm fit, feel better than ever and look just fine without gobs of muscle and I have a hot girlfriend. If I were a kid I'd be so confused reading threads like this with nobody able to agree on anything. Just clear your mind and make things simple. Eat healthy when you want, exercise in a manner that interests you and don't get wrapped up in the nonsense, it's that simple.

Is that a good thing?

 

[Vernon-Dozier]

Just looking out for those wanting to save money. It's safe to eat as long as it's cooked or frozen right away unless it has a funny odor. My butcher is good about not selling me crap, just have to establish that relationship. Also, I have two big dogs that consume a good portion of that meat. With that said, I normally buy meat at Costco or the local fresh fish market next to the beach. However, when I'm at the grocery store to buy smaller items I always check out the meat section for potential deals.

 

[Gradstudent78]

Sounds like a bad idea to me, but I've gotten food poisoning a couple times so I tend to err on the side of caution.

 

[ms244]

How do you keep motivated ?

Especially when everyone around you seems to have a solid six pack and I got the 20 pound gut that came with my engineering degree.

 

[db_ggmm]

Newbie programs emphasize that getting to go out to your garage and add 5 lbs to the squat you did 48 hrs ago is a great feeling. It is nice.

 

[KBW]

Originally Posted by thekunk07

seriously, if you eat half decent and lift with some effort, you will get results. everyone can;t have such **** genetics that they don;t make some kind of progress.

I agree with this...all of my friends that have claimed they can't get stronger or gain weight end up doing well when they actually decide to stick to lifting for several months. I've always been able to pack on muscle quickly but diet is important for me as I also pack on fat easily.

 

[KBW]

Originally Posted by ms244

How do you keep motivated ?

Especially when everyone around you seems to have a solid six pack and I got the 20 pound gut that came with my engineering degree.

Use what you just wrote as motivation

 

[alebrady]

so, ive got a stupid newbie question...

in trying to use daily intake monitoring (as the OP suggests) I assume that any pre/post workout whey shakes need to be included in this? I ask because those shakes are almost the equivalent of a snack/meal for me, yet dont feel very satisfying or filling? almost feels like I am getting short changed out of my food!

any confirmation would be great!

 

[thekunk07]

if you ate it or drank it, it counts.

 

[alebrady]

Originally Posted by thekunk07

if you ate it or drank it, it counts.

yeah, figured....thanks

 

[Jumbie]

Originally Posted by alebrady

so, ive got a stupid newbie question...

in trying to use daily intake monitoring (as the OP suggests) I assume that any pre/post workout whey shakes need to be included in this? I ask because those shakes are almost the equivalent of a snack/meal for me, yet dont feel very satisfying or filling? almost feels like I am getting short changed out of my food!

any confirmation would be great!

Yes, that was a stupid question.

Cheers.

 

[alebrady]

just trying to rationalize my way to a plate of nachos

 

[Jumbie]

Damnit!! Even when I try to be an asshole, I still fail.

Enjoy the nachos.

 

[CDFS]

^Asshole!* Hope this helps

 

[ryaanism]

Starting Strength is a really good book.. something like Dinosaur Training is pretty good as well... all the old 'strongmen' manuals are cool as well.