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[BDawg]

About 4-5 years ago, I went on Atkins and lost 60 pounds and mostly kept it off since then.

I need to lose another 50+ pounds to be in a actual healthy weight range, so I'm back on the diet to get rid of the rest.

This time, I'm exercising too. For over a year now, I've been going to the gym 2-3 times a week and doing cardio and weight training. I've nearly tripled the weight I can lift (20lbs to go) and can bike or run for quite a while.

I'll be keeping this up while I'm dieting.

One question I have is how do you decide where to balance weight and muscle? Right now, I'm 6'3" and 262. If I never lost a single pound but ended up with lots of muscle mass and low body fat, I'd be estatic. I know that's not reasonable though.

I know that BMI doesn't handle larger than average muscle mass. How do I know where my goal should be? Should I play it by ear? If I get to 220 and am good weight / muscle ratio, should I just know it?

Does anyone who lifts take any suplements? I was on whey protein, but those shakes have more carbs than I want now.

Thanks!

[RitaCeleste]

Re: Back for More

Well, I was only ever thin once. At about 120 my legs looked really cut. You probably will want to measure bodyfat like bodybuilders do. And it depends entirely on the person. But when the fat comes off and you look lean and if you lost 10 more lbs a lot would be muscle, you'll know you are done. It might be 30lbs not 60lbs if you have a lot of lean muscle. I'd probably set my goal weight based on a large frame, but have the real goal be the % of bodyfat. And you don't need to go down to what bodybuilders do before a show.

[RitaCeleste]

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Oh yeah, Isopure makes a line of zero carb. protein drinks. I've only tried the chocolate flavor which has a few carbs. But it comes in lots of flavors. They even have a line that tastes like fruit juices. But a 2 scoop serving has 50grams of protein. I love this stuff, its kinda thin because its lactose free and is pure protein with some vitamins and good stuff mixed in. I hunted around and got 7.5 lbs for $80. But you might want to look for smaller sizes to try it for taste. I use one scoop to make a drink and have it about 4 times a day, 5 if I can't get to sleep without SOMETHING.