Need some sound advice- from a NooB
 

Hey guys,
I am just starting to get into shape again after a relatively unhealthy few years in college. I started this summer at about 215, and now im down to about 200. I am 5'11", what weight should be adequate for me? As of now, my routine has been essentially cardio (cycling/ellyptical/jogging) 5-6 days a week, 60 min workout. The real kicker is that I just found out my cholesterol isn't so hot, so I have to lower that asap. Should i start up some weights every once in awhile in addition to cardio? or just continue on my routine to drop fat? ANY ADVICE at all or input would be helpful- i'm sincerely committed to gettin in shape by around xmas time. Thanks!!

What % is your bf I can picture you better than cause if you got some muscle on you lifting weights should be good but 60 min cardio will eat what muscle you got away eventually.

well bf% varies according to a few different sites, but generally it is around 20-25%. Most of the extra weight I have is on the belly and chest, not so much on legs n arms. Should I alternate days? cardio 3 days a week, lifting 3 days, one day off?

Thats not bad whats your diet like also?

You will lose weight lifting weights so I would go for it. I'm sure your muscles could use some stimulation. Also more muscle mass burns more calories. Main thing is how is your diet? Fill us in on what you eat. You can do cardio all day long but if your diet is crap then you have issues.

Congratulations on making the first step. Looking to get info...

I agree with X. I would also check with your doc before doing anything, just because I am not a professional or anything... Start out with 3 workouts or so a week. Learn the proper movements. Lifting weights is a great way to burn calories, and burn the fat. more muscle mass burns more calories. 60 min of Cardio is a lot. If you cut it down to 30 min, 3 times a week, work out the other 3 days.

Like X said, You can do cardio all day long but if your diet is crap then you have issues.

Write down your diet for 1 week. or just a few days.

Here is a list of different eating topics, Check out a few, then read them again in a few days.
http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=629609

I havent yet counted calories, so I assume I should start keeping track. From what I eat though, I'm relatively sure that it wont top 2k per day. My usual diet is basically vegetarian. No sodas, chips, cookies, etc. Rarely pizza or pasta. I dont eat any red meats (just chicken and turkey). Usually have a yogurt daily, and 2-3 liters of ice water daily. Fast food is also a rarity. Usually 2-3 servings fruits and 2-3 of veggies daily. Any suggestions for alterations?

Just write everything down. do you like fish. Looks like we are going to have to incorporate some good fats. that will help get that colesterol down. Low fat is a myth my man when it come to health.

Helpful Advise
 

I have many opinions on training techniques as well as diet. You did not state your age but since you just finished or seperated from the college scene I will guess you are between 25 and 30. Weight is a very relative subject matter. Muscle is much more dense than fat and weighs more than fat. With that being said, body composition is vital when one determines appropiate weight. I always say, "The mirror never lies." How do you look? Do you like your apperance, or is there room for improvement? Genetically some people are more muscular than others, but most have to utilize some form of strength training to keep from looking soft. Also, the more lean muscle mass you have, or acquire, the more calories your body burns even at rest so having more lean muscle mass is a good thing!