Intro post...questions

[widdoes2504]

I agree that for most people single digit BF % are not healthy although I would not mind too much if mine were that low for at least a little bit......God I hate cardio.......

[EricT]

Yeah who wouldn't huh? I think the main point for me is that when you're preparing to enter the Marines it's probalby not the time to be worrying about vanity pounds

[FlyUSMC]

On the other hand, my weight right now isn't bad and I am running well and maxing out pullups, so here's the next idea, if you think it sounds probable:
If I were to eat maintenence calories every day and keep lifting/doing cardio, what would happen? I'm going to assume that I would maintain weight, but increase muscle size and strength while decreasing fat. Is this correct? It would seem logical to me to perhaps do that instead, can't argue with more strength for the same weight. If I were to do that, I would want to be eating a 40/20/40 ratio pro/fat/carbs, correct? Finally, I'm working with Rippetoe's Starting Strength right now, that's probably the best program for me at this point, correct?

[widdoes2504]

Agreed Eric, that is not the time to worry about a couple of pounds.

Fly, the last thing you really need to worry about is total weight. I would be more concerned with how you feel and look in the mirror. A diet like you suggest could definitely help to maintain energy and slowly bring down body fat %. All else being equal if diet stays the same and workout intensity changes more calories are burned and bodyfat comes down.

[FlyUSMC]

That sounds like a better plan...seeing as my weight is good enough right now, might as well just try to transform some of it into something more useful. How can I calculate how many grams of pro/fat/carbs I need? According to the Harris-Benedict formula my maintenance intake should be about 2400, but I can only find amounts in grams for cutting and bulking. How can I determine what I need?

[The IronBull]

Originally Posted by FlyUSMC

On the other hand, my weight right now isn't bad and I am running well and maxing out pullups, so here's the next idea, if you think it sounds probable:
If I were to eat maintenence calories every day and keep lifting/doing cardio, what would happen? I'm going to assume that I would maintain weight, but increase muscle size and strength while decreasing fat.

So, you do agree with me after all ;)

If you just eat maintence calories, you will not increase your muscle mass.

Bro, you really need to stop worrying about your fat.
For a 6 foot guy you are really small. You must have a fast metabolism to begin with.

Once you add some muscle mass, the body fat will work its self out as you grow bigger.

More muscle mass = faster metabolism.

[FlyUSMC]

It makes sense However, I don't want to gain too much more weight if it is avoidable, I really should be lighter than I am. Oh yeah, if it matters, I think I'm actually around 5'10 maybe 5'11, I just rounded for simplicity but I'm not sure if that's significant... Out of curiosity, how would that relate to a fast metabolism? Kane has said the same thing, but I think it's pretty average.. The H-B formula suggests about 2100 for maintenance, which seems to be about right. Like I said I am not the biggest guy around, I can weigh less than 145 with 8%BF and lower muscle mass. One more thought before a few questions: It would seem logical that, if I were to eat to maintain (with the correct ratio of pro/fat/carbs) and lift, that I would remain that the same weight but increase muscle mass and lose fat. I've heard conflicting views on this, can anyone say for sure? It really doesn't matter a whole lot, but out of curiosity... Alright, few questions and I'm done for now
- I'm currently on Rippetoe's Starting Strength, that is the best program for me with this goal, correct?
- I want to be eating 40/20/40 pro/fat/carbs, unless I'm mistaken
- Anything else I should know/be doing?