Posts Tagged ‘bodyfat’

A Child Can Ask Questions That a Wise Man Cannot Answer…


30 Oct

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in fat loss podcast, q&A health and fitness, weight loss podcast | 15 Comments »

When I was little, until around 10 years old or so, I had nose bleeds almost everyday. I had a birth defect that made my nose do something strange. The truth is I never knew why, the doctors never knew why. I am not talking a little blood on the tip of a tissue here. I am talking massive soaking on multiple tissues. The docs said that I had to “let it come out”, that it was so much and that “something” was draining so I couldn’t “clog” it. So every day I would usually sit at a toilet for a hour and just let it drain, drip by drip, until done.

My teachers understood the “let it drain” aspect of it, however, every once in a while a “new adult” would come around and be in the presence of these gushers. They would proceed to try and tilt my head back to stop it from flowing out. I would fight them and tell them, while almost dying and choking, that “it has to drain!” They would never believe me until another adult came along and said that what I was saying was correct. By that time my Punky Brewster shoes were covered and I was a pissed off little kid.

I believe this was one of the beginning reasons as to why I grew up thinking that adults were stupid and that I was smarter than they were. It also instilled to me that authority and social proof were more important that the common sense teachings of a child. It was then I knew that I was on my own and left to fend for myself. When I would get a nose bleed around strangers I would take off running, not out of embarrassment like they must have thought, but out of protection of their stupidity.

Fast forward to now…

Now when I go to the doctor office for something (rare and only if really really needed) they hurt me, usually don’t know what they are doing, and still will not listen to the common sense of the person who “lacks a clear authority.” Let me state here and now, that this is why I am who I am and I do what I do. I do not like to think that I have to depend on uneducated person to help me help myself. When at all possible I try to answer my own questions. When at all possible I “run” from the stranger that is trying to fix a problem the wrong way that I know how to fix the right way. It is NOT being cocky, it is self preservation. It is NOT being paranoid, it is being educated. With that being said, not everyone has the time or the ability to do that.

No problem, allow me please.

I will do the best I can to be an “authority” that listens to what you have to say. I will do the best I can to be a “leader” that guides you to the answer and how to find it, not just expect you to believe me. I will do the best I can to not be that stupid substitute teacher that tried to hold my head upside down as I was telling her the answer to my problem. Keep sending in your questions, the “doctor” is in.

Episode 16: I Found Leigh On the Fitcast

1- Hila

Hi Leigh!

I had visited your website after hearing you on the FitCast podcasts, I love listening to you. You talk so clearly and to the point, and obviously know what you’re doing. You have a fan from Israel :)

I have a question for you, I’m a female, 23 years old, and after a ~100 pound lost. (If you want to check me out these are my progress pics: http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/Hilush/more.php?section=progresspics)
I’ve read Alan’s Girth Control, Tom’s Burn the fat, endless articles and forums and I’ve never read anything related to the hormonal aspect of weight loss for women, it has been mostly about deficits and other thermodynamics laws. My period has been very unstable since the weight loss, and tends to disappear for months then suddenly come back. According to my blood tests only, my doctor said I have PCOS (or PCO) and I should take birth control pills. She said this has nothing to do with my weight loss and that it is a born syndrome with no real cure. I am very concerned about this issue since I’m afraid I somehow messed up with my female hormones!

Do you know of any relation between PCO appearing after a big weight loss? Could the loss of period be caused by anything else besides PCO? I’m not a doctor but my blood test kind of seems alright to me and I suspect it is just the doctor’s default answer to period being irregular… My weight loss was done through a pretty drastic deficit, combined with resistance training and cardio.

Do any of your books talk about hormones issues? I’d definitely buy a book that’d shed some light over this topic I really agree with your realistic approach to fat loss and how you emphasize the body & mind connection in the process, oh and your videos are priceless, you always make me laugh :)

Waiting to hear your advice,
Thanks!
Hila.

2- Fred

Hi,

I have been listening to the fitcast and you seem to be up on nutrition, duhh, I have a question that has been bugging me.

Although I am not vegetarian I have been interested in varying my protein sources but combining protein chains for veggie sources is perplexing me, as you will see below.

I am looking into combining grain/nut/legume into full branch chains for protein. I have found loads of combinations (lentils and oats is my favorite at the moment, ends up like a savory pottage). However vegetarian websites don’t seem to mention if you sum the protein from each source or divide. To clarify here’s an example:

Total Protein (read from nutritional info on packets):

(A)
100g lentils + 50g oats = 26g + 6g = 32g protein

(B)
100g lentils + 50g oats = 6 + 6 = 12g protein

(C)
100g lentils + 50g oats = 6/2 + 6/2 = 6g protein

As you can see option (A) assumes that the amino acids to combine to create a larger more complete chain so you get more protein. Option (B) assumes that since the Oats only have 6g protein only 6g of protein can be utilized from the lentils to create a larger chain. Option (C) assumes that rather summation the aminos “interweave” so in fact you only get 6g of “full” protein.

I am not a veggie. I normally have 1-2 scopes of whey, 1 fish, and 1 chicken/mince portion a day so I am getting full branch chains elsewhere. I was just wondering how to process vegetarian combinations.

Thanks

(Edit for Fred-Check out Lyle’s Protein Book Here, If Desire to Order Click on Book To Purchase)

3- Diana

Hi Leigh,

It’s possible I may need some modifications during the re-feed (diabetes). I can handle insulin adjustments and sugars just fine but would prefer to set it up in such a way as to avoid wild swings if possible as then I just feel like crap. Anyway I would love your thoughts on that rather than me just winging it myself. On the other hand it’s just one day so maybe just leave well enough alone. And I perfectly understand just fine if you don’t want to get into it being as this is a medical condition we’re talking about here.

Thanks
Diana

4- Hot Rox

Good Morning Leigh,

Just want to say first and foremost keep up the great work! I finally bought your book The Fat Loss Troubleshoot and have already skimmed over most of it :) An audio version would be a great compliment to it. It would be great for people such as myself who have the attention span of a circus monkey and would benefit from listening either on the job or at the gym. Your awesome personality during your audio works make it enjoyable to listen to, and learn a great deal at the same time, you sound like a person that would be fun to throw back some beers with.

But this message isn’t entirely intended to kiss your ass, but you do deserve some major kudos.

Quick update
Male
27 years
5′6″
130.8 lbs lost since 3/5/07
Currently about 174 lbs
Omron handheld bf% mid 16’s through October measured first thing in morning

Not happy with the way the skin situation looking.

Yes I feel great, and I’m doing all kinds of nifty little things I couldn’t do before such as a pull up and now 20 push ups! I really love the physical aspect, and new found confidence in my physical abilities and I look good in clothes

Alas…Seeing myself naked is something that happens on a daily basis, and it is something I think about every day, as I slowly run out of bodyfat to train off.

Frankly the thought of invasive surgery and anesthesia scare the shit out of me. I briefly recall heard something about the anti-aging crowd using HGH to look younger or something along those lines, maybe even Testosterone. Maybe you know someone via your connections that might have experience with this taboo subject?

I want to reinforce that I’m not looking for a quick fix. Diet and exercise has been my staple and I pride myself and transforming with hard work, and the couple uses of Hot Rox extreme. I’m just a pussy when it comes to having pieces of me cut off and removed :)

The Four Steps to Six Pack Abs and the One Secret Exercise


02 Sep

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in model six pack, shedding fat, six pack training | 3 Comments »

Going from that left picture to the right isn’t that complicated. I have and will do it time and time again. I am one of the few trainers to admit that there is a difference between training men and women. Some may not like it, but the truth is that it is a real thing, and my ability to help women achieve things they never thought possible made my touch to men, well, their biggest fantasy.

I have said it once, and I will say it again. If you can get women to lose fat with ease and maintain or gain muscle, then there isn’t much you can’t do with a guy. So guys, this one is for you.

Step 1: Understand the base you are working with.

If you are dealing with nothing but a bunch of tub underneath tub then you aren’t likely going to shed into a magnificent six pack. It takes muscle to achieve a six pack of abs and shedding the fat on top of it may not be enough.

Step 2: Understand that shedding fat, a lot of it, has to happen.

For some of you a six pack may very well be there, but you aren’t understanding how low in bodyfat and sometimes weight you are going to need to get.  For example, if you are a newbie jumping into the game you are going to have to get really lean to see a six pack or to build your starting point to build one. The first picture is a build of six pack not a cut into one. The average male model with a six pack weighs 149-169 pounds and are 6′0.

Step 3: Understand you have to eat to put on muscle

Men get just as caught in the cycle of dieting down/bulk cycle and just like women can cheapen the “bulk” part. To put on muscle you are going to have to eat for it. You can’t skimp a bulk. This doesn’t mean you have to eat yourself out of house and home, no but you need to feed the muscle.

Step 4: You will likely have to train your abs

I know, I am waiting for a picture of the powerlifter that doesn’t directly train his abs to pop up. Here is the thing, unless you have been training and lifting with extreme intensity for years and years then that non-direct ab work isn’t going to cut it. You are going to need to directly train your abs to add on muscle.

Remember some guys started out life at 15 lifting and benching with their buddies. They have many years behind them just at the age of 21. If you are starting out late then you need to remember that you have time to make up for. The older you are the harder that gets. Don’t neglect the importance of good ole fashion ab work.

Bonus: The One Secret Exercise

I am going to come clean with you, this exercise isn’t exactly “secret.” It is just a fantastic and easy way to train at percentage of max with your ab work, which is a big reason that adding size to your abdominals can become a problem. I present to you the Kneeling Cable Crunch.

http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/RectusAbdominis/CBKneelingCrunch.html

Bodyfat, pants size, scale weight…what defines “done” ?


16 Jul

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Fat Loss, goal, questions | 6 Comments »

The post title was an actual question sent to me. And I have the ultimate and definitive test for ending body composition and it takes very little time.

What you will need:

  • Little clothing, usually a bathing suit or swim trunks works
  • Good Lighting
  • Mirror or Camera (ideally both)

What you will need to do:

  1. Get dressed
  2. Turn on the good lighting
  3. Stand in front of the camera/mirror and take pictures of yourself from multiple angles and sides.

Do you like what you see? If “Yes,” don’t lose it and enjoy your hard earned work.

Do you not like what you see? If “No,” either work harder or determine if your personal demands and criteria are starting to be unhealthy or unrealistic.

How do you determine that? That’s another blog post for another day.

What is the measure of good health? What does healthy really mean?


26 Jun

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in bodyfat, health, joints | 4 Comments »

Question: When it comes to fat loss and ultimately your health what would you say is the best measurement/check/value over and above the rest that determines the make up of a person and their ability to lose weight and their overall heath. e.g blood glucose levels, one or more hormones, BMI, % bodyfat.

I saw a recent article on this but can’t now find it. It could have been on your website but I don’t know for a fact.

Thanks

Mike

Answer: I like this question, Mike, because you didn’t just mention body composition as a sign of good health but the value of blood levels and hormones.

I hear a lot of people say “Well, I’m overweight but my levels are good so I don’t see a problem.” OR some people say that they’re healthy just because they’re “skinny”. Who is right, what are the factors?

Here are three things that I take into account when determining where you land on a healthy scale. Think of it as a Health “Credit Score” if you will:

1-Blood Work-

You can be as lean as all but if your hormones and levels are all out of whack that isn’t exactly the picture of health. Have you ever seen footage of starving people in other countries? I don’t think they really care about the BMI chart, do you? That doesn’t mean that this is a ticket to be obese. I’m just saying being skinny isn’t a ticket to the good life either.

Every 6 months you should get a full check up and blood work done. I’m not just talking about the standard cholesterol test either. There is so much a GOOD blood check up can tell you about where you are with your health. Male or Female get a full sexual hormone panel, thyroid, electrolytes, lipids, glucose - the works. Look at everything and if you don’t know what it means then there are plenty of online resources that can help explain it. I have to say, the Metabolic Repair is a good place to tune up on that.

2-Joint/Bone Health-

Animals aren’t the only species whose lives are cut short by bad bone and joint health. The frustrating thing is that the majority of bone and joint problems are completely preventable. And a lot of them are reversible or highly treatable with a little effort and focus on proper training and nutrition.

This is where being leaner and carrying less body fat does play a huge role: for every 10 pounds overweight (starting above 20% men, 25% women) that is added stress to the body and in particular, the joints. The more added weight stress means more pain, more physical stress, less function, and the start of bigger problems.

A good place to look at taking your movement to that next level is Mike Robertson and Eric Cressey’s Magnificent Mobility. It’s a nice, simple start. And if you’re wanting to take it further then let me know. I may not have more recommendations, but I find a video makes things easier for a lot of people.

3-Strength-

Now I am not talking about the ability to bench press a VW Bug. Still, having physical weakness usually means that you either aren’t working hard enough to keep your body functioning on a optimal level or that something is wrong, physically-speaking.

How many sick people do you know who can get in a lot of workout? Why do we think it’s so amazing that Armstrong achieves what he does recovering from the illness he has? Because in sickness we are weak.

Also this isn’t just physical strength, mental strength counts as well. Strength of the mind, feeling happy and good, and having a positive outlook affects our performance. All these things stand for being healthy and happy.

I would recommend Mark Ripptoe’s Starting Strength if you’re really wanting to get serious on a lifting front, but remember strong doesn’t always have to be lifting weights, but it’s just good education anyway.

 

So that is my top three. If you nail all of these then you’re in pretty good shape. If not then get started!

The Fat Loss Troubleshooter – Leigh Peele

Common Sense Meets Advanced Knowledge