Here is the story. I've almost always been overweight, since I was little. About 5 years ago I decided to do something about it and started the Body For Life program (not the contest and crap, I just followed the workout and eating plan) for a year or so and I dropped 90lbs (went from 275 to 185). Unfortunately after that I got divorced which threw my life into a bit of a tailspin and I slowly gained most of that back. I'm currently sitting at about 260 and am finally ready to do something about it again. I'm thinking of using the same procedure this time since it worked once, but I thought I would see if there was anything wrong with it that could be slowing me down or holding me back. It worked great once, but that doesn't mean there aren't better options.
Basically, the program consists of a 6 day workout schedule. You alternate between cardio and weight training. For cardio you do a 20 minute set of intervals. I like it because it's quick and efficient. I was always pretty cooked at the end of the 20 minutes. For weight training you alternate between upper body and lower body, and you get progressively harder set by set for each exercise (sort of like interval weight training).
The eating plan is basically a 6 day plan (coincides with the 6 days or working out) where you eat one serving of carbs and one serving of protein at each meal.
Then there is the seventh day.....rest day and free day. No workout and eat whatever you want. The theory espoused is that one day of overeating helps to keep your metabolism from adapting to the days with lower caloric intake, and thereby helps in the long run. The first time I did this program I took major advantage of the free days and usually ate like absolute shit. The benefit that I know existed is that after that, I wanted to eat well for the next six days because I always felt bad on day seven. Also, if you really crave something you can always make it to that free day so it helps keep on track during the other 6 days.
Any thoughts, advice, suggestions, etc? Right now I'm planning on continuing the program, but scaling back the free day to something reasonably indulgent rather then excessive.
Basically, the program consists of a 6 day workout schedule. You alternate between cardio and weight training. For cardio you do a 20 minute set of intervals. I like it because it's quick and efficient. I was always pretty cooked at the end of the 20 minutes. For weight training you alternate between upper body and lower body, and you get progressively harder set by set for each exercise (sort of like interval weight training).
The eating plan is basically a 6 day plan (coincides with the 6 days or working out) where you eat one serving of carbs and one serving of protein at each meal.
Then there is the seventh day.....rest day and free day. No workout and eat whatever you want. The theory espoused is that one day of overeating helps to keep your metabolism from adapting to the days with lower caloric intake, and thereby helps in the long run. The first time I did this program I took major advantage of the free days and usually ate like absolute shit. The benefit that I know existed is that after that, I wanted to eat well for the next six days because I always felt bad on day seven. Also, if you really crave something you can always make it to that free day so it helps keep on track during the other 6 days.
Any thoughts, advice, suggestions, etc? Right now I'm planning on continuing the program, but scaling back the free day to something reasonably indulgent rather then excessive.
