The body's "modes"?

Timetravel_0 · 02-03-2009, 08:05 PM

I tried this thread in D&S but didnt get much response so I'm trying it here.

I have been trying to lose some body fat. It seems like the consensus around here is that simply calories burned > calories intake = weight loss and vice versa which makes complete sense. However, I'm wondering if it's a little more complex than this concerning the body's so called ****bolic "modes" and what are your guys' opinions concerning them? I dont know whether to believe that they exist or not and if so how to utilize them.

For example, I've always heard that the body goes into "sleep mode" and ****bolism slows to its slowest when you go to sleep at night. I've also heard about "starvation mode" when you eat infrequently and your body then tries to store fat because it thinks there's a famine. On the contrary is the "accelerated mode" when your ****bolism is faster due to frequent meals. I'm sure there's many other supposed "modes" but I'm not sure what to make of it.

**XTrainer** · 02-03-2009, 08:13 PM

It's not like flipping a light switch. Eating and exercise increases your ****bolic rate (though meal frequency >3 meals per day may not be a factor). Conversely, starving yourself and not moving slows your ****bolism. Not eating enough calories also triggers the release of hormones, such as cortisol, that lead to more fat storage.

I could go on and on about this but bottom line is that there are no hard and fast "modes." Eat lots of healthy food, lift some heavy stuff, do some GPP, and get enough rest. Unless you have a thyroid problem or something, your ****bolism will be fine.

Timetravel_0 · 02-04-2009, 03:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XTrainer

It's not like flipping a light switch. Eating and exercise increases your ****bolic rate (though meal frequency >3 meals per day may not be a factor). Conversely, starving yourself and not moving slows your ****bolism. Not eating enough calories also triggers the release of hormones, such as cortisol, that lead to more fat storage.

I could go on and on about this but bottom line is that there are no hard and fast "modes." Eat lots of healthy food, lift some heavy stuff, do some GPP, and get enough rest. Unless you have a thyroid problem or something, your ****bolism will be fine.

Thanks for the reply, the eating 5 or 6 meals a day plan was one thing I was really wondering about and if it really factors in as much as people say. I have been lifting weights regularly for the past ten years but put on some weight in the past few years (I blame it on getting married

). About six months ago I found out that I do have hypothyroidism and now take medication for it. I was hoping that once I started the medication that the pounds would disappear which didnt happen. I have started losing weight due to better eating habits but I think I just need to increase the cardio and perhaps work on my diet some more.

**XTrainer** · 02-05-2009, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ocean size

The frequent meals thing is due to something called post prandial thermogenesis- basically animals (including humans) ****bolism increases around 25% after a meal, so frequent meals will speed your ****bolism a little more than than just a few.

Cardio is still definitely the most important thing- however-

One study on males showed that a group that started a jogging routine vs. a control group weighed the same after a few weeks- the joggers were in better shape and had lower body fat but no real weight loss. So diet has to go along with cardio to get you in shape.

This has been largely debunked.

Cardio is NEVER the most important thing.

ocean size · 02-06-2009, 12:53 AM

The frequent meals thing is due to something called post prandial thermogenesis- basically animals (including humans) ****bolism increases around 25% after a meal, so frequent meals will speed your ****bolism a little more than than just a few.

Cardio is still definitely the most important thing- however-

One study on males showed that a group that started a jogging routine vs. a control group weighed the same after a few weeks- the joggers were in better shape and had lower body fat but no real weight loss. So diet has to go along with cardio to get you in shape.

shredfighter1 · 02-06-2009, 02:39 AM

Burning fat is a long process! Got to eat clean and exercise. Don't over complicate it, you'll just burn yourself out. Being lean is a lifestyle. Change around your lifestyle, and you'll see changes gradually. They'll be long lasting gains too.

On another note, real quick can someone tell me why ****bolic got starred out?

JinKazama · 02-06-2009, 09:21 PM

eat every 2-3 hours, stoke that fire

JinKazama · 02-06-2009, 09:22 PM

eat every 2-3 hours, stoke that fire

Timetravel_0 · 02-08-2009, 07:20 AM

Here's an interesting article talking about how meal frequency isnt a factor in weight loss and that "starvation mode" and "accelerated mode" do not exist as well as "breakfast mode"

Meal Frequency and Energy Balance | BodyRecomposition - The Home of Lyle McDonald

IronMaidenfan#1 · 02-08-2009, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timetravel_0

Here's an interesting article talking about how meal frequency isnt a factor in weight loss and that "starvation mode" and "accelerated mode" do not exist as well as "breakfast mode"

Meal Frequency and Energy Balance | BodyRecomposition - The Home of Lyle McDonald

You beat me to it, I was just gonna post that. To be honest, I'm undecided over whether or not the frequency of meals makes a significant difference to ****bolism or not. The types of foods you eat (fats/proteins/carbs) make a huge difference with weight loss, all calories aren't the same.

I'd take a look at this link from the FAQ, it may give you a few ideas.

http://www.sherdog.net/forums/f15/**...-there-291187/

BTW, the thread was written a while back before the Lyle McDonald article was posted, so if there's anything that conflicts then you know why.