Raw Dawgin' it;1366054 wrote:Hmm...maybe it's this type of logic that leads to so many people being obese.

That's a narrow-minded thought.

Raw Dawgin' it;1366054 wrote:So there is zero reason to increase strength and the amount of weight you can lift unless you're a professional athlete? Hmm...maybe it's this type of logic that leads to so many people being obese.

If you are lifting enough weight that you need straps and other aids, you probably are lifting too much weight. Sorry! Reality sucks and you aren't that tough.

sleeper;1366063 wrote:If you are lifting enough weight that you need straps and other aids, you probably are lifting too much weight. Sorry! Reality sucks and you aren't that tough.

I don't know about that. However, progression of grip strength is just as important as progression of other lifts. IMO, you should be able to pull (or other variations requiring grip strength...hanging, pull-ups, etc...) enough to do your max potential or effort without assistance. If this means you can keep your grip strength by doing only 25% of your regular lifting without straps, fine. Other people start with much weaker grips and need to really practice it more often.

I know myself, I have a really weak grip and struggle to even do 80% of my max without straps. Ideally, I'd like to say I can at least do maxed singles without grip, but it's just a matter of other areas of strength have progressed faster. For others, it's the exact opposite. Because of a certain job that requires constant gripping and carrying, they may have no issues at all and naturally maintain grip strength with very little assistance.

As for belts, I can't fault someone with previous injuries or issues to use them. Bench shirts on the other hand are a different story.

Down 6 from beginning of the year. Would like to get down 14 more by June. Pure Cardio in a few, that shit is bananas yo!

Azubuike24;1366136 wrote:I don't know about that. However, progression of grip strength is just as important as progression of other lifts. IMO, you should be able to pull (or other variations requiring grip strength...hanging, pull-ups, etc...) enough to do your max potential or effort without assistance. If this means you can keep your grip strength by doing only 25% of your regular lifting without straps, fine. Other people start with much weaker grips and need to really practice it more often.

I know myself, I have a really weak grip and struggle to even do 80% of my max without straps. Ideally, I'd like to say I can at least do maxed singles without grip, but it's just a matter of other areas of strength have progressed faster. For others, it's the exact opposite. Because of a certain job that requires constant gripping and carrying, they may have no issues at all and naturally maintain grip strength with very little assistance.

As for belts, I can't fault someone with previous injuries or issues to use them. Bench shirts on the other hand are a different story.

the straps allow me to keep and overhand grip on deadlifts for my final heavy sets. I could do a pronated grip without the straps. But if the straps allow me to get an extra couple reps, i'm all for it. It's not like wrist straps are magically making me able to lift hundreds more pounds here lol. Just sleeper looking for something to troll on.

For those who do leangains, does it matter when you work out? For instance, my window frame to eat is 1-9, so do I need to get my workout in before 1 or is it ok to eat at 1, then get my workout in the evening around 5ish?

like_that;1376150 wrote:For those who do leangains, does it matter when you work out? For instance, my window frame to eat is 1-9, so do I need to get my workout in before 1 or is it ok to eat at 1, then get my workout in the evening around 5ish?

From what I've read - isn't the purpose to workout fasted? I thought eating before the workout negates the benefits of the fast?

Raw Dawgin' it;1376162 wrote:From what I've read - isn't the purpose to workout fasted? I thought eating before the workout negates the benefits of the fast?

They say working out "fasted" is preferred, but eating before you workout definitely doesn't negate the fasting.

The only way I could do this is to workout in in the early AM, which I can't/won't do. I've tried.....not for me. My feeding window is 2-10, so I workout after my first meal. On weekends I always aim to workout early and on an empty stomach.

I think that eating after workout is best, for both replenishing your muscles and to not cramp or feel bloated during. I know that the Iroqois and Cherokee tribes would always perform their activities (battles, lacrosse, etc) prior to eating on an empty stomach early in the morning.

I think he was referring to eating at all before working out while sticking to IF, not necessarily right before the workout.

I roughly stick to this schedule.

2pm - eat
6pm - workout
7-7:30pm - eat
10pm - eat

I sometimes just eat a bigger 2nd meal and won't eat the smaller one before bed.

Automatik;1376207 wrote:I think he was referring to eating at all before working out while sticking to IF, not necessarily right before the workout.

I roughly stick to this schedule.

2pm - eat
6pm - workout
7-7:30pm - eat
10pm - eat

I sometimes just eat a bigger 2nd meal and won't eat the smaller one before bed.

Yeah, pretty much. Also from what I understand you don't have to break it down into 3 miles in the eating frame, correct?

I'm sure you can change it up as long as you are hitting your set macros in the 8 hours. Hell, I know one guy who basically eats 1 HUGE meal and one small one before bed...that's it.

Depending on my schedule, sometimes I'll move my meals around, in terms of what I'm eating and what is available. For example, meal one protein is rather low, so I'll load up on the next 2nd or 3rd meal.

Protein prior to a workout actually doesn't inhibit fat burning like many think. Fasted workouts are a tactic, but if someone has to eat, eating protein or even just EAA's won't be a negative.

Automatik;1376220 wrote:I'm sure you can change it up as long as you are hitting your set macros in the 8 hours. Hell, I know one guy who basically eats 1 HUGE meal and one small one before bed...that's it.

That's usually what I do.

I've focusing a lot lately on getting all of my protein via real food, no shakes/bars.

F that. I'm back on the powdaaaaa. Just ordered 2 cans of Syntha 6.

Automatik;1377805 wrote:I've focusing a lot lately on getting all of my protein via real food, no shakes/bars.

F that. I'm back on the powdaaaaa. Just ordered 2 cans of Syntha 6.

It's addicting. I've found some great Whey Isolate and find myself eating it with a spoon. Usually doing 4+ servings a day.

Luckily I train, otherwise I'd have a massive gut. The Insulin response from Whey is crazy high.

I do laugh at how popular Whey protein is, yet how few people actually lift hard and train heavy.

Ever tried making "protein fluff" with casein? It's pretty damn good if you get the right kind, also very satiating and good for a sweet fix.

Automatik;1378170 wrote:Ever tried making "protein fluff" with casein? It's pretty damn good if you get the right kind, also very satiating and good for a sweet fix.

Berkhan's cheesecake is the shit.

Automatik;1378170 wrote:Ever tried making "protein fluff" with casein? It's pretty damn good if you get the right kind, also very satiating and good for a sweet fix.

That sounds delicious.

BR1986FB;1378174 wrote:Berkhan's cheesecake is the shit.

Dammit, I'm making one of these soon. I've put it off several times. Any suggestions on a recipe to start off with?

I have the first LG meals .pdf from site.

Automatik;1378231 wrote:Dammit, I'm making one of these soon. I've put it off several times. Any suggestions on a recipe to start off with?

I have the first LG meals .pdf from site.

Here is a link to a pumpkin cheesecake recipe below. I usually replace the yogurt & cottage cheese with cream cheese & sour cream and the Splenda with Stevia. I've made this pumpkin recipe (w/cream cheese & sour cream) and it was ridiculous. Mine had about 1000 calories in it for the whole cheesecake. I will often just eat the cheesecake for my first meal after the fast and am still starving...:laugh:

http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=1890881

EDIT: Have also used this recipe with sugar free cherry pie filling and fresh blueberries. Ridonkulous.

BR1986FB;1378243 wrote:Here is a link to a pumpkin cheesecake recipe below. I usually replace the yogurt & cottage cheese with cream cheese & sour cream and the Splenda with Stevia. I've made this pumpkin recipe (w/cream cheese & sour cream) and it was ridiculous. Mine had about 1000 calories in it for the whole cheesecake. I will often just eat the cheesecake for my first meal after the fast and am still starving...:laugh:

http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=1890881

EDIT: Have also used this recipe with sugar free cherry pie filling and fresh blueberries. Ridonkulous.

Looks rather easy. I might try it this weekend.

Automatik;1378516 wrote:Looks rather easy. I might try it this weekend.

Extremely easy. About 2 minutes to whip it up, throw it in a pan & throw in the oven.

like_that;1378182 wrote:That sounds delicious.

The kind of protein and mixer used is key. It only works w/ casein. I recommend ON Gold Standard. I use vanilla the most.

I've tried it with a hand whisk and it didn't turn out too great. An electric mixer was solid. I've used a friends Kitchen Aid also, obviously the best, but I'm not dropping the coin on one of those anytime soon.

Vanilla casein, skim, fresh blackberries is my fav.


I have that pumpkin cheesecake in the oven right now. I only have a pyrex glass dish. It should be ok... I think lol. Also, I had no idea granulated Splenda was so damn expensive.

Automatik;1378889 wrote:The kind of protein and mixer used is key. It only works w/ casein. I recommend ON Gold Standard. I use vanilla the most.

I've tried it with a hand whisk and it didn't turn out too great. An electric mixer was solid. I've used a friends Kitchen Aid also, obviously the best, but I'm not dropping the coin on one of those anytime soon.

Vanilla casein, skim, fresh blackberries is my fav.


I have that pumpkin cheesecake in the oven right now. I only have a pyrex glass dish. It should be ok... I think lol. Also, I had no idea granulated Splenda was so damn expensive.

Props to you for taking the time to all this. If there is one thing I am lazy with, it is cooking.

Just curious, what do you normally eat for lunch at work?