Question and Answer: Part 1
Something big is coming to a Calorie Counter pretty soon. And yeah, you’re going to like it… a lot.
Until it’s all ready to go though, I came up with a fun little idea. See, I get a bunch of emails daily from people asking me a variety of stuff. I then try to answer as many of those people as I can. While doing this I always kind of think “hey, I bet other people would like to know the answer to this question too.”
That’s right, I begin all of my thoughts with the word “hey.”
So, I figured now would be the perfect time to try out the first ever round of a Calorie Counter’s Question And Answer Blog Post o’ Fun!
…or something like that.
Think up your best diet, nutrition, weight loss, weight gain, weight training, muscle building, product, supplement, food or aCalorieCounter.com related questions… and uhhhh… ask me them in the comments below.
I’ll then answer as many of them as I can in either one giant post or possibly separate posts if my answers are too long.
Feel free to ask more than one question. If you do though, just remember to do it in separate comments.
So um, get on your mark, get set, ask stuff.
**EDIT** Wow, ok… 71 questions have now been asked. I think that’s enough to keep me busy for a little while. Comments are now closed. Answers are coming soon.
71 Responses to “Question and Answer: Part 1”
Hello! Thanks for making such a great site!
I used to be 155 pounds, with a 34 waist, at 5′6.
I found your site and followed a lot of the advice (I came up with some for myself in the process!) and am now sporting a 29 inch waist, and have gone up 3 coat sizes (I wear a lot of suits). THANKS!
On to the question:
My Fiancé is about 6 weeks along in a pregnancy. She’s about 30 pounds overweight and was hoping to drop it. We had been to the gym only once before she found out she was pregnant. My question is (and we’ll obviously consult with her OBGYN about this as well), do you have any particular recommendations for her and I with regards to helping her lose weight as her pregnancy continues? Is it a bad idea to try?
Thanks,
Expectant Father.
By Joe on Jun 24, 2008
What exercises or muslce groups can I focus on to improve my posture?
Let’s assume I have the worst posture standing or sitting…hunch back, shoulders rolling forward, curved neck etc.
By Paul on Jun 24, 2008
When is it a good time to switch a workout routine? Is there a period of time where a workout is effectine, and then should be switched up? Your thoughts?
By the way… the newsletter and blog kick ass.
F
By Fredrick C on Jun 24, 2008
What is the best fat burner to use when training?
By Jerome Bacon on Jun 24, 2008
Growing up, I was always very athletic and trained daily as I was a member of National Karate team. That being said, today at the age of 29, I find that no matter what type of excercise I do (cardio, weight training, circuts) that my legs always bulk up. Although this may sound great (building muscle) as a female, I prefer to have muscular, but toned, thin legs…any ideas what I can do differetnly to avoid bulking?
By Kay on Jun 24, 2008
I’ve read “The Supplements And Products I Use And Recommend” and ordered the Fish Capsules, Whey Protein and Dextrose. My question is how much Dextrose do you add to the Whey Protein Drink? Also, the protein drinks says to add 3 oz water to one scoop. Does it matter if you add more water? THANKS for your time.
By Marie on Jun 24, 2008
what are your thoughts on kre-alkalyn?
By mike on Jun 24, 2008
I just have a very broad question. I am looking into getting into Personal Training and wanted to know if anyone that reads this site has gotten certified and what certificate they have chosen? After doing a lot of research I sort of have decided on ACE but didn’t know if anyone has that certificate or anything. Any information is helpful!
By Melissa on Jun 24, 2008
Is there a good low calorie substitute for Gatorade to replace electrolytes? Is there a suplement that helps keep them in balance?
When I am in really hot weather for a few days, I start to suffer electrolyte depletion (and heat illness) even if I do not overheat myself. I want to stay ahead of the problem, but I hate to bloat up on calories from Gatorade if I don’t have to.
By Kim on Jun 24, 2008
What’s the best way, in terms of diet /exercise, for a 52 year old man to build serious muscle without packing inches on the waistline? I’m in good health, relatively fit and have been lifting for a few years.
By joe on Jun 24, 2008
Hi, you probably get this a lot, but I’ll ask the question anyway.
What food consists within your daily diet. I have followed the formula posted on your bodybuilding website and have tried to get an even balance between protein carbs and fat.
I have a very busy schedule and sometimes it’s hard to know exactly what to choose for my 6 meals so I’d like to see how you cope.
I wonder if you could outline a typical day of food for you e.g. Meal 1, Oats, Meal 2 etc..
By Matt on Jun 24, 2008
I would like to know what your opinion is regarding free weights vs Bowflex machines and how they differ as far as muscle building is concerned.
By Diana on Jun 24, 2008
I have never gotten into doing cardio, but have done a lot of weight training. Recently, I have had problems with my ankles and I am thinking that all the weight training and no cardio is what is affecting them. Also, I seem to gain weight specifically at my lower back and sides, and while I do understand proper dieting is what makes me lose this weight (which is not a problem for me), I am thinking cardio might help with this as well. I would like to maintain lifting for about 5 days per week, and I also want to incorporate cardio but I am not sure how. I am in my early forties and have maintained some form of moderate weight training for the past 15 - 20 years. My question is two-fold; will doing cardio help with both the ankle strength problem and weight gain distribution, and then how much cardio is enough - per session, and per week?
By Roger on Jun 24, 2008
Is there any truth in:
Breakfast like a king,
Lunch like a prince,
Dinner like a pauper.
By Barry on Jun 24, 2008
So I know you’ve said before it’s impossible to build muscle and lose weight at the same time. In fact you always addressed these 2 issues separately. But my problem is this is exactly what I need to do
Is there a program or a mix of cardio and weight training that would give me, and others like me the best chance of achieving this?
By Rob on Jun 24, 2008
Love the site!!! Very helpful!!
I was wondering what you thought about taking Glutamine after a workout or in the a.m. & p.m. for that matter. Do you find this is helpful for your body? Also, how many grams of sugar would be considered “safe” to eat without gaining any weight, fat… per day?
By Natalie on Jun 24, 2008
Is it ok to work the abs everyday or should they get a days rest like the rest of the muscles in the body?
By Stephanie on Jun 24, 2008
Same Question as “Rob” :
Is it possible to build muscle and lose weight at the same time? I am now building muscle but I cannot stand the added weight.
Is there a program or a mix of cardio and weight training that would give me, and others like me the best chance of achieving this?
By Richard on Jun 24, 2008
How many times should a person work each muscle per week to build the most muscle the fastest?
Thanks!
By aaron on Jun 24, 2008
Oops! Just thought of another question, I think I’m going to like this new idea of yours…..
I’ve heard that if you do more than 55 minutes of cardio at one time you’ll start to lose muscle, is this true?
Thanks and looking forward to reading the replies.
By Natalie on Jun 24, 2008
I read something once that said you should take a week off from working out every 8 weeks to let your body recover. Do you agree with this? If not, how often should you take a week off from working out?
By aaron on Jun 24, 2008
I have the same question as Rob, I’ve lost more than 100 lbs. over the last 10 months with good diet, cardio and lifting workouts. I still need to lose about 20 more lbs. but I’m really wanting to build good muscle for the summer months. Do I have to stop the weight loss regimen to maintain my muscle gain or can I still “diet” AND build larger muscles?
I feel as long as I’m taking in the protein and carbs that my body needs to replenish the muscle fibers after I workout, I should still be able to follow my healthy eating habits to lose weight.
Thoughts?
By Ben on Jun 24, 2008
Ok I got a good one. but this first question is going to be a side question. No matter which protien shake I take after my work out I get sick to my stomach after drinking it. I burp and almost get to the point where I want to vomit, In my shake I have creatine, L-glutimite, and currently drinking muscle milk….any ideas?
Ok now for my diet
in the morning I have a slim fast shake with a scope of muscile milk (doesn’t make me sick)
late morning I have a protien bar
I go work out at lunch doing cardio, then come back in and have a lean cusince sandwich
around 3 I have a protien bar
take NO explode around 5 and go work out for about an hour and half
then I have my protien shake
go home and go to sleep
By Barbeito on Jun 24, 2008
I’m very tall, skinny, and underweight. However I have a bit of a belly. How do I get rid of that? I am very active, but I avoid cardio for fear of losing weight all over except my gut. If I eat less, my face looks gaunt.
By ken on Jun 24, 2008
How do you feel about HIIT regarding cardio? I have been doing it now for 3 weeks and much prefer it over steady state.
Thanks in advance,
Swayze
By Swayze on Jun 24, 2008
i love your site!
i read a lot of different sites and magazines like this and try out the workouts that are within, but i’m finding most of them are geared towards skinny guys who want to bulk up. if you look for workouts for fat guys who want to slim down, all you ever get is cardio cardio cardio. can you outline a lifting routine for us fat guys who want to get rid of our guts without so much boring, annoying cardio? if not a whole outline, maybe just some tips and tricks to modify our current routines that will help us get the weight off?
By Jay on Jun 24, 2008
Is it better to loose the weight before building muscle. Having lost 20pounds 6 months ago, I have observed a weight gain of 10 pounds recently. My weights at the gym has since increased.
By Glenda on Jun 24, 2008
My TDEE is 2500 calories, generally to lose the extra fat, I successfully average about 1500 calorie intake a day, however there are times, my fat loss is not that great and I’m wondering if I need to increase calories to compensate for the workouts. I burn approximately 500 calories a work out combining cardio with weight training, should I increase my calories?
Thanks for any advice,
MaryAlice in Cleveland
By MaryAlice on Jun 24, 2008
I’ve recently had an injury that appears to be related to muscle imbalances. What advice can you give on how to determine whether you have a muscle imbalance and how to build a workout routine to correct them. For example, should my triceps be able to lift the same amount of weight that my biceps do?
By Steve on Jun 24, 2008
What is the best way to build up your endurance? When I go mountain biking I always have to stop and take more breaks than the other people that I go with. I work out with free weights and I do cardio and I do pilates, and I have lost some weight and am much more toned but I still tire quickly.
By Tonya on Jun 24, 2008
I am interested in gaining an extra 5 pounds. What health snacks should I chose?
By Alma Cox on Jun 24, 2008
1. Do you feel women have to exercise differently than men?
2. What exercises would you suggest for women who are menopausal (metabolism has slowed down) to both tone up & lose weight?
3. I have about 100 lbs. to lose. Along with eating a healthy diet, watching my portions & drinking enough water daily, do you recommend cardio, weights, or a combo of both to get results?
By Jacquie N on Jun 24, 2008
I am 64 years old and have tried to stay in shape over the years. I work out pretty heavily 4-6 times a week in my garage gym with mostly free weights. I can’t get rid of the outer layer of bady fat. That may be because I have yo-yoed with my weight over the years from 180 (current) to 237. I watch my diet intake, i.e., chicken, fish, oatmeal, lots of veggies and an occasional fat free ice cream or low fat popcorn. I do lots of waist and ab exercises but still have the veil of fat over the distant 4-6 pack. Help me, pal. I really like your honest and forthright approach to nutrition and body building. You are indeed the man!
By Bo Baker on Jun 24, 2008
I’m a 64 year old man who once had 18 inch arms and can’t get them back. I work out 4-6 days a week and use two bicep and tricep exercises per week. I pack it on and exhaust myself but the arms aren’t coming back. My diet is about 2300 calories a day of all the good stuff including whey and glutamine. I want my arms (currently about 13.5 inches) back to around 16 or 17. I hang on every word you say because you are the best and certainly the most informative out there in cyber space. Thanks
By Bo Baker on Jun 24, 2008
How often should I do a leg workout? I am most concerned with the lower half of my body, so would like to do a leg routine as often as possible without overtraining. In other words, what is the smallest amount of time I can safely leave between workouts?
By Casey on Jun 24, 2008
I’ve been working out 5 days weight training/6 days cardio 45min per day. Usually after 6-8 weeks I hit a burn out point, were I end up taking a week or so off and then I go back. I usually don’t find myself eating 100% clean either. My question is: Is this good to take time off and am I completing messing everything up I have worked on?
By Angie on Jun 24, 2008
I’m 6′1 and currently weigh 205lbs. I’m trying to lose this beer belly of mine while at the same time gain muscle. How should I balance weight loss and muscle gain. I read your articles, but as far as the diets it appears that it’s either or. Can you provide any suggestions?? Thanks!!
By Shaleek on Jun 24, 2008
Hi,
Im doing fine with calorie intake and watching what i eat. I need help with the sugar in my diet though. About how many grams of sugar per day is too much or too little? What should I definitely cut out of my diet if Im trying to loose all the fat around my belly so that i can get some great abs?
By Hector on Jun 24, 2008
Hey! (my turn!)
To me, the answer is OBVIOUS. It’s the best pill - PILPOM - Put in Less Put out MORE.
And you have said it heaps. And heaps. For all you people struggling, I have a friend who halved her weight over 12 months. NO GIMMICKS. She still loves her wine, and her 3 chocolate biscuits a day. But she WALKS. Up to 3 hours a day some days. I’m not as committed as her, but my weight is coming down steadily, and I’m happy with that. And for me, it’s walking.
Keep up the great work, you have inspired so many. I keep passing on your website, and pass on to you a medal, for your honesty and sincerity.
By Karen on Jun 24, 2008
What do you suggest for the 51 year old menopausal female. I’ve worked out for 15 years - cardio and weight training, but now, the middle is getting thick even though nothing much has changed. Can you comment? You must know some older women..
By Jamie on Jun 24, 2008
i been on vacation for 2 weeks, finding it hard to get back TO MY WORK OUT AND CALORIE PLAN. DID NOT GAIN MUCH WEIGHT ON VACATION ABOUT 3 LBS BUT MY MEALS ARE VERY DISTORTED
By jose on Jun 24, 2008
Hi!! I’d like to know why or what is the cause of that heartburn when working out? What would be advised to prevented? Every time I’m working out, after ten or fifteen mns I start feelling a kind of heartburn. I drink a lot of water when I work out. I also got a little pill for acid control (ranitidine 75 mg), but I’m not confortable using it only to have a confortable work out. Thanks for you help!!!!
By Hugo E Contreras on Jun 24, 2008
Supplement question: The liver is vital to metabolism and food digestion. I have read some articles regarding Milk Thistle and how it aids the liver in it’s tasks. Do have any comments on Milk Thistle as a supplement during weight loss?
By Shawn Marie on Jun 24, 2008
I have been working out my upper body for about two years and want to get into doing leg workouts, but I am totally clueless how to go about it. I have started my mixing machine squats into my arm workout. Should I have one day just dedicated to lower body? What exercises for legs do you recommend? Thanks!
By JAke on Jun 24, 2008
I am trying to gain muscle.
I work outside, year-round, in a very active job with no guaranteed lunch breaks (don’t ask).
Creating a calorie-surplus has proven to be quite a challenge. Any advice?
By Joe R on Jun 24, 2008
Great questions! Can’t wait to read all the answers!
By elaine on Jun 24, 2008
Hi I so want to gain weight but its very hard to can you please tell some ways to do so. I eat normal but my weight just doesnt go up.
Thanks
By Fauzana on Jun 24, 2008
What are your thoughts on using creatine/pre-workout supps?
By Matty on Jun 24, 2008
Sometimes we ALL get caught up in the moment, of work or vacation etc. What are some simple excercises, that we can do to maintain what we have all worked so hard for. I follow the your routine of 2 days on 1 day off 2 days on 2 days off. But sometimes I just get pressed hard at work an dfind myself with little to no time to hit the gym. Any recommendations?
By Andy on Jun 24, 2008
I have been training at home recently as I’m over going to the gym. Would like a good weights workout (free weights) or a good DVD to guide me as I’ve always had someone telling me what to do at the gym.
I’m a 53 year pretty fit woman.
By Teresa Young on Jun 24, 2008
I recently discovered Orovo Detox on the internet and would like to know your thoughts. I myself would like to lose a little weight, more for toning, but my sister is very overweight and she also has bad skin conditions including acne, stretch marks and rashes where her skin rubs.
By Kristi on Jun 24, 2008
Hi,
I have been working out for around 6 months and I am not getting the growth results I am after. I work hard in the gym and my strenght gains have been great. I just want to get bigger quicker.
I am eating well and taking Whey proten and Creatine. I am pretty strict on when and the amount I take before and after workouts, before bed and when I wake. Do you recommend any other suppliments or tricks to start seeing better results?
By Jamie on Jun 24, 2008
After reading and learning from your websites I have gained almost 30 pounds in the past 4-5 months and have seen significant strength gains.I just graduated from Grade 12 and plan to continue building muscle until the end of summer. I am leaving for school in September and I can already tell I will not have as much time to work out and will probably lose a bit of weight. I am wondering if L-glutamine will help me in keeping most of my muscle and have most of my weight loss due to fat loss, not muscle loss. Or does L-Glutamine only prevent muscle breakdown during cardio activity? I am not sure.
By Thomas on Jun 24, 2008
In your “The Ultimate Guide To Building Muscle” blog, you mentioned in the “Frequency” section that:
“An upper/lower split (upper body on Monday and Thursday, lower body on Tuesday and Friday, for example) where each body part is hit in some form twice per week seems to be the most often recommended training split among the really smart people whose recommendations I value…”
Can you cite who these people are and perhaps some articles/books for reference?
Thanks!
By ds on Jun 24, 2008
Would you say the the best way to gain muscle mass would be to completely not worry about fat gain? I ask because I’m not making the type of gains I would like, prolly cause I’m stuggling to maintain a caloric surplus due to working outside. Anyways, I’m doing your suggested workout. Is it an OK idea to just eat everything in site and worry about it next Feb?
By Gino on Jun 24, 2008
I was pretty used to working out regularly: 5 days a week, always with cardio and lifting. I’ve recently switched jobs however, and I’m working the midnight shift. I can’t get a handle on how I should be eating to avoid my morning “carb” meltdown, or how I should adjust my routine to best benefit my new schedule. Any advice would be more than welcome!
By Stephanie Verdu on Jun 24, 2008
I have been dieting for about a month now. I eat 5-6 meals per day each containing 2 eggs, small piece of meat, and 5-10 baby carrots. I will also have one protien shake pre workout and one post workout.
I am not loosing any weight at all!! My muscle mass is staying the same, but the fat isn’t dropping!
What do I need to do/change to get the results I want. (no stomach fat!)
Thank you soooo much!
By Mike W. on Jun 24, 2008
pros and cons hvt vs hit weight lifting . is one better than another ?
By greg camden on Jun 24, 2008
I’ve been going to the gym for three months now: 6 days a week and do cardio (30 minutes each time) and lift a different muscle group each day (shoulders, back one day arms, chest next day..etc) I lost 30 pounds in 2 months and have been at a stand still for 1 month. I still have a long way to go…about 80 more pounds. I’m pretty regimented/balanced about my diet (in a healthy way). I’m wondering what I need to do to get back to losing weight…I’m wondering if more cardio and less weights might be the answer?
By Alicia on Jun 24, 2008
hi tnx for ur wonderful posts iv been reading them they hve been helpful in many ways.
i want to know that if i want to start with creatine what should i do coz iv got my self one of ON should i load it or 5gms every day which one will show me results quickly iv been asking my trainers about dis but each has a different story some say u should load it some say 5gms per day and some say u shold take it post workout some say pre workout and with what sauld i take it with grape juice or glucose
By arp on Jun 25, 2008
Elloo..I have a friend who is a vegetarian but who wants to gain weight through body building..huuh..Wat r the routine meals u suggest??? Thx
By Jeffrey on Jun 25, 2008
i’ve been trying to get ripped in my mid section but its proving a major task. i’d even tried cutting down my sugar intake…please advice
By Nick on Jun 25, 2008
1) Would you recommend the use of a steam room after workout? Why?…
2) Would you recommend the CKD Diet for someone who is trying to lose fat and not muscle?
By Gaston on Jun 25, 2008
At 5′8 and 145lbs (give or take) I’m looking to gain weight. I’m excercising 6 times a week now and need to eat more to keep up with my workout program, but I just can’t seem to eat enough. Any suggestions on what I can buy from the store to help with proper weight gain?
By Krouse on Jun 25, 2008
I wanto design weight traning program that has me working out 4 days/week. I was looking to stick to ur upper/lower split with ON, ON, OFF, ON, ON, OFF, OFF layout through the week.
Question: wouldn’t the legs get more training than the upper body using this layout? eg:
Day1. chest/triceps
Day2. legs
Day3. off
Day4. back/biceps/shoulders
Day5. legs
Day6/7. off
As you can see the legs get worked twice throughout the week where as the upper muscle groups only get worked once. Also this layout forces me to have a day where i have to work 3 upper muscle groups (back/biceps/shoulders) and a day where i only work 2 (chest/triceps).
My concern is with working the legs too much and the upper body not enough. And also working 2 upper muscels one day and 3 the next. Are any of these things bad??? should i be worrying???
Also I came up with a workout plan to try and avoid the concerns i have-
Day1. chest/triceps
Day2. legs
Day3. off
Day4. back/biceps
Day5. legs/shoulders
Day6/7. off
would this qualify as a “non-idioic” weight training program?
Any help, comments, info, suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated.
Also great site, great info and very well put together!!
By Blake on Jun 25, 2008
like what they keep on asking regarding the weights training the same time with the loosing weight program should be keep separate training, so what is the schedule or program for this problem? is 30 minutes staionary bike everyday good for my diet? how about the weights training?
By ctvrtlik on Jun 25, 2008
Question:
I have an slipped disc in L5-S1. Which exercises can I do to get the lower back muscles strong?
Would deadlifting with light weights work?
Thanks,
By Ricardo on Jun 25, 2008
how does it work ? if you eat 6 meals a day you will always have glucose ready for fuel in your blood for when you do your cardio so when is fat getting burned ? muscle is easier for your bodie to burn to get energy from so if you run out of glucose in your blood while doing cardio is the bodie going to get it’s energy from muscle or fat ?
By Patrick on Jun 25, 2008
HELP ME!!!! I need some guidelines to help lose weight. I am 5′6″ and 240 lbs I am woman, I have been working out for 5 years now and just in the last 2 months I have been working out EVERY MORNING a mix of cardio and weights for about 1/2 an hour to 45 min for cardio and 1/2 an hour for weights, but I keep gaining weight!!!! what should I be eating? NOT EATING? I really need to lose at least 50 lbs (more obviously but 50 seems like an attainable goal) what can I do to CONTROL appetite? PLEASE HELP. I feel out of control.
Jamie.
By Jamie on Jun 25, 2008
Hi,
I have followed the advices you provided in the Ultimate Weight Loss Guide, and it has worked great for me. I focussed on calorie-in Vs calorie out ratio to loose weight and I have lost 1Kg per week for six weeks on a row, then without changing anything, I have experieced a plateau. It’s two weeks now that I am stagnating @68 Kg.
My question is: Is it possible that our body adapts to lower calorie input? and if so, Is there a way to break this plateau and go back to loosing weight.
Thank you!
By Houeida on Jun 25, 2008
hello,
i found a protein powder that i can actually enjoy. the only drawback is that it is high in cholesterol. shalli use it less frequently than 2x’s a week because of this?
i will add that i have gastric problems with most of the powders…either the soy (which i’m very allergic to) or the high sugar content.
i would love to hear your feedback!
(the type i love the flavor of is hank’s)
thanks
By saundra on Jun 25, 2008