Keto and Cardarine (noob post)

[Guit-fit]

Hello everyone. I'm new to the forum and new to fitness in general. I started trying to get in shape in January after finding out about some stomach issues I had. I started off at 211 lbs and as of about 2 weeks ago I was down to 189. A few days ago the scale read 197 first thing in the morning, which is when I usually weigh. I'm getting a little frustrated as I started off at around 25%bf and it's now still about the same. I want to try the keto diet but I'm having trouble figuring out where to start. I first learned about this lifestyle after joining the Evo forum (until I figured out it was mostly garbage and found this place). Can someone direct me to a thread or website that can give me the best info on keto and making meal plans and such. Also I want to use a fat burner and I was going to order some cardarine and run that for 12 weeks with a ton of cardio and try to get rid of this belly. I really want to start bulking but I have to get rid of this gut first. Does that stuff actually work? Anyone have an unbiased opinion on what would help me the most as far as a fat burner goes?

Just some info about me:
28 y/o male, first time working out that's worth speaking of.

5' 9"
197lbs


Been in the gym pretty consistently since January minus the months of feb and march where I got a little discouraged.

I've gained some mass and had good strength gains but I'm still fat. I hit the weights pretty hard but I know I don't do enough cardio, this will change. The majority of my body fat is in my abdomen and it's mostly sub-muscular. Basically I have a "beer belly".

I would like to eventually compete in men's physique on the local amature scale in a few years. This is just a goal I set because I've been fat my whole life and would like to be able to say I did it. I have no intentions of even thinking about going pro. Lol. Just something to work for. I'll post pics later tonight if need be. Thanks a lot for reading and thanks in advance for the help.

 

[Docd187123]

If you've gone from 211 to 197 or 189 then you have to have lost some fat. The only way you'd be the same body fat still is if you also lost LBM. How have you been measuring your body fat %?

Keto is pretty simple. There are several types of keto: strict keto where you go months without carbs, keto where you keep carbs to before and after workouts, etc. the one you choose is up to you and your lifestyle. its pretty easy to make up meal plans. You should aim for about 60% of your daily calories to come from dietary fats, 1-1.5g/lb BW protein and minimal carbs < about 50g a day. Just choose animal protein sources such as steak, chicken, pork, turkey, etc. it'll make you're diet easier if you pick fatty meats as that way you can kill two birds with one stone and get your fats and protein in. Get veggies in also and those will be your primary carb source.

If you plan on competing a good coach can help tremendously.

I'd save your money on the cardarine

 

[Guit-fit]

I actually measured bf% the first time on my friends handheld device. Now I'm using a weight watchers scale that has the metal strips for your feet. I'm guessing it's not as accurate. This morning it actually read 28% which I'm not buying. Lol.

I know of a coach whom I'll probably use once I get close to competing. It'll be years before I'm even in the ballpark.

So the Cardarine is no good, huh? Dang. The way those other forums really talk up the Sarms, I really had my heart set on it. Lol. Are there Any GOOD fat burners that actually work? I've even thought about a Clen cycle but I was told for a fat guy like me that would be a dumb idea. Lol. I know that diet and cardio will get it done, but I was just hoping there would be something out there to give me a boost and help me get it done quicker.

 

[Docd187123]

I actually measured bf% the first time on my friends handheld device. Now I'm using a weight watchers scale that has the metal strips for your feet. I'm guessing it's not as accurate. This morning it actually read 28% which I'm not buying. Lol.

Those are electrical impedence devices and, yes they're pretty inaccurate. Your water retention can drastically affect the readings. Heck, even a shower can lol. Having said that if you are a stickler for ritual and have the same routine, food, water intake etc, they can help plot changes. The actual number will be off but the changes can help you.

I know of a coach whom I'll probably use once I get close to competing. It'll be years before I'm even in the ballpark.

Make sure he's competent. It won't be years if you work your ass off.

So the Cardarine is no good, huh? Dang. The way those other forums really talk up the Sarms, I really had my heart set on it. Lol. Are there Any GOOD fat burners that actually work? I've even thought about a Clen cycle but I was told for a fat guy like me that would be a dumb idea. Lol. I know that diet and cardio will get it done, but I was just hoping there would be something out there to give me a boost and help me get it done quicker.

ECA can help with fat mobilization and appetite suppression but if you're not in the mid to low teens it's really not going to help all that much imo. Dnp works but it can have serious side effects including death. I use it but don't recommend it to others. It's up to them to make their minds up after doing research on it

 

[Guit-fit]

Make sure he's competent. It won't be years if you work your ass off.

He's a nutritionist/trainer and a competitor that wins so I guess I'm ok. Lol. I just won't be able to afford him for a while. Lol.

I think I'm gonna stay away from ECA and DNP because I do scaffolding work in a Chem plant and I'll probably die of dehydration. Lol. I'll just have to do it the old fashioned way.

Thanks for all the help. I'm going to start the keto diet this weekend. I may do carb cycling and have a refeed day once a week or so. I may post a log to keep me motivated.

 

[Docd187123]

He's a nutritionist/trainer and a competitor that wins so I guess I'm ok. Lol. I just won't be able to afford him for a while. Lol.

I think I'm gonna stay away from ECA and DNP because I do scaffolding work in a Chem plant and I'll probably die of dehydration. Lol. I'll just have to do it the old fashioned way.

Thanks for all the help. I'm going to start the keto diet this weekend. I may do carb cycling and have a refeed day once a week or so. I may post a log to keep me motivated.

You're welcome and keep that positive attitude. It'll help you when shit gets hard.

Refeeds are a good idea now and then to upregulate your thyroid, ghrelin, and leptin levels.

 

[RodgerThat]

The keto thread!

Some stuff you may like in this thread

 

[Guit-fit]

The keto thread!

Some stuff you may like in this thread

Thanks! Yeah I saw this one already. I was still having trouble figuring it all out. I'll go back and read it again now that I know the numbers I need to hit.

I'm stoked now. At the gym now after a long 12 hour shift. Let's get it!