Hmmm... not to sure about this one.

[NeoOsiris]

Just a little bit over 2 months ago I decided to get into shape. Started at about 240 pounds at 6' 1/2 tall, down to 223 now. I have just been doing strength training and focused on doing elliptical to burn fat, and have noticed a lot more muscle definition and some fat loss. I did a lot of research reading on lifting but not that much on cardio and how to lower body fat %. Would it be better to first focus on burning the fat away and doing like circuit training and muscle endurance, then work on building strength. I don't care for abs or being ripped, I just want to be athletically in shape because I am moving around Sept-Oct. and there are a number of MMA gyms in that area that I will look at and being training. Any advice or help would be appreciated if not, then I'll just hafta do some more research and hopefully find something that "everyone" generally agrees on that works best.

Oh and my diet is a lot better than it was 3-4 years ago, no more fast food, junk food, etc. Though there are places I am still trying to improve, overall its fairly a healthy diet.

[Murdock4]

to be "in shpae" cardio would be the best. Anything cardio get ur heart used to beating and get some endurance. Once u have cardio down then start tone or strength training. But still do at least 1-2 days of cardio.

[AgentCooper]

Oh and my diet is a lot better than it was 3-4 years ago, no more fast food, junk food, etc. Though there are places I am still trying to improve, overall its fairly a healthy diet.

A proper diet is still one of the first things you need to get dialed in. So many overlook it and assume they are eating good.....but they are typically not.

What is your diet? What is a typical day of eating like?

[NeoOsiris]

Originally Posted by AgentCooper

A proper diet is still one of the first things you need to get dialed in. So many overlook it and assume they are eating good.....but they are typically not.

What is your diet? What is a typical day of eating like?

Yeah I know a lot of people overlook it and it was one of the first things I decided to change.

Typically I have cereal for breakfast, something with fibre pretty much or I will have toast and an egg. Lunch time I usually have a sandwhich or rice with veggies and meat. Dinner I usually have whatever really, nothing unhealthy, chicken, beef or whatever with salad, or pasta once in a while, fish etc. Only cook with olive oil also. I drink juice once in a while, obviously not the processed crap like fruitopia. I drink like anywhere form 1500-3000 mL of water, sometimes more (don't really gauge how much I drink, I just drink whatever whenever I'm thirsty). I have snakcs in between meals or what not, like fruit or yogurt. I try not to eat past 8 if I can.

[AgentCooper]

Well....if you really want to trim down you might tweak the diet a bit.

For example. I would consider cutting out all the grains...ie. cereals/sandwhich breads etc.
I would also consider eliminating or reducing any dairy you might have in your diet.
Pasta too.
No juices as well.

Stick to water.....chicken, lean meats, fish and lots of veggies (raw if possible), fruits, nuts/seeds are also a staple in any good clean diet.

Seriously you would be surprised at what you body will do when you cut out the grains and dairy at least. Try it out for a while and see what happens.

[NeoOsiris]

Alright will do, might be hard because I'm asian and eating rice is like a part of my life just as much as sleeping is lol. But I can do it if I really want to, however isn't cutting ALL grain out bad? Doesn't your body need carbs when you go running or what not for energy?

[AgentCooper]

Get your carbs from veggies and some fruit.

I still eat bread but I eat whole grain bread made from sprouted wheat and not flour. That one of the better choice of a dense high carb bread out there. You can get it in the freezer section at your grocery store.