A Little (or a lot) of Help-please!

[RPG1212]

Here's a little background first- About a year ago I weighed 290-300lbs(yeah yeah, I know). The week before Easter I was down to about 188 and I decided I need some muscle so I started adding the good kind of weight on (4-5 meals a day-fish, chicken, turkey, lean meats etc with 2-4 snacks-fruits, cashews, protein bars) and started lifting more heavy. I get 6 lifts a day in and do a body part for each of the 5 days I workout(Chest, Back, Shoulders, Bi's/Tri's/, Legs/Missed Lifts) and I do 1 hr 30 min of Cardio (45 min run/45 min elliptical) along with abs.

Now, I've read the "Cutting, Maintenance, Bulking" guide and I understand about zero of it. I understand that I have to put on weight(the right kind) before I start cutting, which I have been doing since Easter. I feel like I have been eating very well and doing my lifts properly since I have noticed strength gains. I also noticed some very good definition when I was at about 195, but that is now since gone with the added weight. I don't think I'm ready to cut yet, but I am just interested in knowing more about it. I am currently 206 and wanted to get at about 215 before I cut down to about 190-195. What should my eating habits be like when I cut? What types of food and cardio should I do? Caloric intake? What's this whole P/C/F ratio about?

Also, on the flip side - should I cut back on the cardio for the remaining time of bulking?

I'm just basically looking for that last little bit of help. I've come so far from the 300lbs I used to be and I just want to get to that final step of being able to be 190-195 and cut. Any help would be greatly appreciated guys.

[Scorcher2005]

Well, first, switch to DFT 5x5. You'll most likely see a lot better gains than your current 5 day split. Separate your cardio and weight lifting. More about cardio, 1.5 hours is WAAAY to much, even if separated. Your throwing your body into catabolism (opposite of anabolic). Cut it down to 20-40min, first thing in the morning if possible. Or replace your 2 lifting days (5x5 only does 3 workouts a week, opposed to your current 5) for the cardio. You can read all about the 40/20/40 P/F/C ratio in the nutrition forum.