Cheater's Diet Support Group

[quote]Feanor76 wrote:
Hey folks, here’s an idea. Post up any particularly clever meals you came up with (and don’t heckle people about the details … part of this diet is the freedom from details).[/quote]

Yesterday I had tuna and avocado on a low-carb tortilla. Not excessively clever but very tasty. Last night I threw a top round roast and some Brussels sprouts in the crockpot, and I’ll see how that came out at lunch time today. (I’m having to use my imagination, since my oven/stove is out of order.)

Joel,
Can the cardio be something other than running, for example, stair climbs, rowing machine, or elliptical. While i plan on doing them outside on a track there are some times when its gym only and the treadmill at my gym only goes up to 10mph which was a little too easy when i tried it yesterday.

I had a horrible dream that I accidentally drank regular pepsi. Then the damn fire alarm woke me up. Not a good start to the day, off to do my cardio now.

[quote]wfifer wrote:
I had a horrible dream that I accidentally drank regular pepsi. Then the damn fire alarm woke me up. Not a good start to the day, off to do my cardio now. [/quote]

Hahaha. I have similar dreams. I once dreamt that I went to my in-laws for Thanksgiving and ate an entire pumpkin pie. Odd thing was it wasn’t a nightmare… hmmmm…

[quote]biltritewave wrote:
Joel,
Can the cardio be something other than running, for example, stair climbs, rowing machine, or elliptical. While i plan on doing them outside on a track there are some times when its gym only and the treadmill at my gym only goes up to 10mph which was a little too easy when i tried it yesterday.
[/quote]

Yes, other modes are okay, but running is prefered if you have a treadmill that challenges you or if you are able to do it outside.

Joel

[quote]biltritewave wrote:
Joel,
Can the cardio be something other than running, for example, stair climbs, rowing machine, or elliptical. While i plan on doing them outside on a track there are some times when its gym only and the treadmill at my gym only goes up to 10mph which was a little too easy when i tried it yesterday.
[/quote]

I sure hope so. I do a kettlebell circuit that lasts for the exact amount of time that Joel recommends for the high intensity portion, then do some easy jumps on a jogging trampoline for the recovery portion. I repeat this for the required number of intervals. I don’t know if I’d call it “fun” since it’s hard work, but it definitely keeps the boredom in check since there’s some variety.

Now watch - Joel will say I’m doing wrong.

[quote]MikeTheBear wrote:
biltritewave wrote:
Joel,
Can the cardio be something other than running, for example, stair climbs, rowing machine, or elliptical. While i plan on doing them outside on a track there are some times when its gym only and the treadmill at my gym only goes up to 10mph which was a little too easy when i tried it yesterday.

I sure hope so. I do a kettlebell circuit that lasts for the exact amount of time that Joel recommends for the high intensity portion, then do some easy jumps on a jogging trampoline for the recovery portion. I repeat this for the required number of intervals. I don’t know if I’d call it “fun” since it’s hard work, but it definitely keeps the boredom in check since there’s some variety.

Now watch - Joel will say I’m doing wrong.[/quote]

Nope; that’s fine. I’d still alternate some running in there, though.

[quote]MikeTheBear wrote:
biltritewave wrote:
Joel,
Can the cardio be something other than running, for example, stair climbs, rowing machine, or elliptical. While i plan on doing them outside on a track there are some times when its gym only and the treadmill at my gym only goes up to 10mph which was a little too easy when i tried it yesterday.

I sure hope so. I do a kettlebell circuit that lasts for the exact amount of time that Joel recommends for the high intensity portion, then do some easy jumps on a jogging trampoline for the recovery portion. I repeat this for the required number of intervals. I don’t know if I’d call it “fun” since it’s hard work, but it definitely keeps the boredom in check since there’s some variety.

Now watch - Joel will say I’m doing wrong.[/quote]

Nope; that’s fine.

Thanks, Joel, and no worries - running is definitely part of the plan. The KB thing I do is too tough to use exclusively.

[quote]biltritewave wrote:
Joel,
Can the cardio be something other than running, for example, stair climbs, rowing machine, or elliptical. While i plan on doing them outside on a track there are some times when its gym only and the treadmill at my gym only goes up to 10mph which was a little too easy when i tried it yesterday.
[/quote]

If 10mph is easy, try raising the incline for the sprints.

Michelle

[quote]Bittabit wrote:
biltritewave wrote:
Joel,
Can the cardio be something other than running, for example, stair climbs, rowing machine, or elliptical. While i plan on doing them outside on a track there are some times when its gym only and the treadmill at my gym only goes up to 10mph which was a little too easy when i tried it yesterday.

If 10mph is easy, try raising the incline for the sprints.

Michelle[/quote]

Or you could take smaller steps so you work harder…

Kidding…

i am pretty sure the smaller steps you take the less you work… although i dont know…actually scratch that i have no clue…i know the smaller strides i take in distance running the less tired i feel, the longer strides i take while sprinting the less tired i feell…go figure

I think I accidentally swallowed a bug while doing my run. Do I need to count that towards my calorie total?

Are diet drinks OK? Such as diet coke or pepsi? I know their is competing research that even though they are zero calories, they still screw shit up…

[quote]biltritewave wrote:
i am pretty sure the smaller steps you take the less you work… although i dont know…actually scratch that i have no clue…i know the smaller strides i take in distance running the less tired i feel, the longer strides i take while sprinting the less tired i feell…go figure [/quote]

Sort of. Taking shorter steps is one of the principles behind the Pose running technique developed by Russian scientist Nicholai Romanov. It not only makes running more efficient but cuts down some of the wear and tear on the joints. In my experience, it works. Let’s put it this way - I weigh 240 and just got done running on a mixed dirt and concrete trail. I have no knee pain at all, although my ankles may be a little sore. In fact, my knees feel great. A good technique to use for a heavier runner. And don’t worry that the technique makes running easier. All you have to do to get in a good workout is to run faster. That’s the point - you’re not wasting energy on poor technique but transfering power to forward propulsion.

As for the treadmill question, it’s pretty easy to make it harder even if you’ve maxed out on it’s speed capacity. First, as someone suggested, crank up the incline. Second, carry a 5# DB in each hand and really swing your arms. If that’s too easy carry 10 pounders. Yes, this advice comes straight from “Heavyhands” which started in the 80s. Len Schwartz is still around, Heavyhands are still around, but they’re not that popular. Why? Because it’s hard, that’s why - which means it works. For the obese housewife looking to tone up in 6 easy minutes a day, Heavyhands doesn’t fit the bill. Heavyhands recommends going for 30 minutes and you got to really pump your arms - it ain’t easy. Not to mention all of the personal trainers out there who talk about how dangerous it is to run with weights and how it will really hurt your joints. Newsflash - we’re talking at most at 20 total pounds (2 10# DBs) to a run or walk. This isn’t the Inman mile we’re doing. Most people will do fine with just a pair of 3 or 5 pounders. And the extra weight will ultimately strengthen the joints. Running with weights works and works well.

Sorry for that mini-rant.

[quote]MTVixen wrote:
Are diet drinks OK? Such as diet coke or pepsi? I know their is competing research that even though they are zero calories, they still screw shit up…[/quote]

Yes, in moderation, they are OK. Try to use those sweetened with Splenda if possible (again, still in moderation).

[quote]MikeTheBear wrote:
Sorry for that mini-rant.[/quote]

I was totally kidding about the smaller steps thing, but you brought up some good points. One of the best, and safest, ways to increase intensity is to wear weighted ankle bracelets (if that’s what they are called) or even a weighted vest.

Shugs talks about this in all of his NEPA articles. But it should be beneficial for cardio too.

[quote]Joel Marion wrote:

Yes, in moderation, they are OK. Try to use those sweetened with Splenda if possible (again, still in moderation).

[/quote]

So what is moderation? Can I have six a day? Just joking, but seriously, one per day, or one per week type of thing? I need to be told or I am in danger of going overboard (I have a crazy sweet tooth)

[quote]JPBear wrote:
So what is moderation? Can I have six a day? Just joking, but seriously, one per day, or one per week type of thing? I need to be told or I am in danger of going overboard (I have a crazy sweet tooth)[/quote]

IMO, if it’s sweetened with Splenda you really shouldn’t need to limit it much. Water is better for you for sure, but one a day shouldn’t affect your progress. Again this is my opinion and I’m sure Joel will be more strict.

Most Coke products use Splenda now, except for Vault Zero which pisses me off. I don’t know of any others off hand.

If it’s a caffeine kick you are looking for, green tea or coffee (black, no sugar) would be better.

[quote]JPBear wrote:
Joel Marion wrote:

Yes, in moderation, they are OK. Try to use those sweetened with Splenda if possible (again, still in moderation).

So what is moderation? Can I have six a day?

I’d like to know as well. I usually drink one DT MT Dew ona maybe a DT CF Sprite. Oh, and I drink over a gallon of water, and one green tea and one coffe. Maybe I drink too much! Lee Anne