A Change in Scenery II: The diet and exercise uncertainty

[CharlotteVictoria]

The second volume in my ever-long list of questions is here, forgive me if this is already getting annoying.

I'm pretty sure it's common knowledge that when exercising, having a good diet is key to seeing results when trying to build muscle. Especially one that has protein in it. Which brings me to my question, what sort of protein dense foods should i be incorporating into my meals? What sort of dishes would help me do so? What food is considered this "creme de la creme"? essentially, what should i be stuffing into my mouth that will yield the best results? I know i should probably be asking body builders this question, but i know of none, so i bring my question to all of you (or to whoever is reading this). I'd love to hear your suggestions.

On a more serious note that goes in tandem with exercise. I'm not quite sure if this fits this topic of the forum, but i thought to put it here since it's in relation.

Recently during my routine, i begin giving up due to questioning whether or not it's worth it. I'm afraid of trying so hard and nothing coming of it. Once i begin questioning it all, my depression ends up being triggered. This mental wall of mine has been holding me back as of late and i don't know what to do. If anyone has any suggestions, i'd love to hear them. I can't be the only person who's had this problem. I want to continue doing what it is that i'm doing and finally reach my goal..but it feels like i just can't. So..here i am, stuck.

I know the two topics are sorta of different in a sense and probably don't belong in the same part of the site...i just..i'm unsure of where to place them.

 

[tracy_j]

I won't go too much into diet as it is not something I would consider myself expert in, particularly when it comes to rigid exercise routines. Just to say that I follow a good balanced diet. Personally I just make sure I get protein in meat and fish, with nuts and things thrown in, but I am not attempting to build up muscle.

 

The point I would make though is that, in my opinion, it is easy to try too hard and stress about your progress. My view on life is to make things you want a way of life. That is to say that your routines should not really be just a means to an end but a daily hobby which you enjoy. I don't often exercise as such much at all but like to walk miles across the coutryside seeing nature first hand and I also tend to walk rather than ride wherever practical. I just use practical physical occurances for exercise rather than the sterility of a gym.

 

Forgive me if I am a bit shallow in this as I am not in your position, but I do find a relaxed attitude does make things easier, particularly with the ups and downs of things. I say this, not as an expert for the things that you are doing, but just trying to give another view.

 

Tracy

[DrumbeatAlex]

Hi,

 

so I'm no expert but I am interested in muscle building and am studying an exercise science degree (so I know a tinsy bit). The important thing with protein is to try to get whole protein (this means it has all the important amino acids in it) or if you can't get whole protein try to at least eat a variety of protein rich foods so that overall in your diet you get all the important amino acids. Amino acids are the "building blocks" of protein (they are what make up protein) and your body uses different amino acids to make different things (so you need all of them in order to make everything the body wants to make- including muscle). Some good protein foods are: lean meat, milk, yoghurt and eggs. Beans are also good. Nuts are good but also contain a lot of fat. 

 

I would say creme de la creme is lean red meat.  Heaps of protein, plus its got iron which is good for exercise ability too.

 

Overall, I do agree with Tracy though- just following a good balanced diet should provide you with sufficient protein unless you're working super intensely. (also what counts as a "good balanced diet" is a bit subjective so make sure yours is actually good). Most meat-eating westerners get plenty of protein for their needs.

 

In terms of pushing yourself in your workouts (or to workout), I've found exercising with a friend really helpful. I often get unmotivated like you and think "whats the point, I'm not going to get the results i want anyway, why bother" but when my workout buddy comes over expecting to workout its hard to say no. You could also introduce a bit of healthy competition and use each other to push yourselves further (even if you're competing against your own PBs not each other).

Changing your routine might also help, if you're not enjoying it (changing it to something you want to do would increase motivation perhaps). 

 

Goodluck!

[CharlotteVictoria]

On 6/14/2019 at 4:18 AM, tracy_j said:

I won't go too much into diet as it is not something I would consider myself expert in, particularly when it comes to rigid exercise routines. Just to say that I follow a good balanced diet. Personally I just make sure I get protein in meat and fish, with nuts and things thrown in, but I am not attempting to build up muscle.

 

The point I would make though is that, in my opinion, it is easy to try too hard and stress about your progress. My view on life is to make things you want a way of life. That is to say that your routines should not really be just a means to an end but a daily hobby which you enjoy. I don't often exercise as such much at all but like to walk miles across the coutryside seeing nature first hand and I also tend to walk rather than ride wherever practical. I just use practical physical occurances for exercise rather than the sterility of a gym.

 

Forgive me if I am a bit shallow in this as I am not in your position, but I do find a relaxed attitude does make things easier, particularly with the ups and downs of things. I say this, not as an expert for the things that you are doing, but just trying to give another view.

 

Tracy

 forgive me for responding so late, life hasn't exactly been kind when it comes to time management. It's a good thing i like both meat and fish :D! makes things easier!!

I'd honestly started seeing it as a hobby when i initially began, believe it or not :o! I'm glad i'm not the only one who prefers to walk places that are close rather than ride to places (unless it's on a bike), It saves money/gas too!

i do appreciate your inisght, to be honest. I guess since the lines of hobby vs must do started blurring, it all got demoralizing. However, i just keep seeing it as a hobby like gaming and such, i should be ok!!! Thank you!

On 6/21/2019 at 9:09 AM, DrumbeatAlex said:

Hi,

 

so I'm no expert but I am interested in muscle building and am studying an exercise science degree (so I know a tinsy bit). The important thing with protein is to try to get whole protein (this means it has all the important amino acids in it) or if you can't get whole protein try to at least eat a variety of protein rich foods so that overall in your diet you get all the important amino acids. Amino acids are the "building blocks" of protein (they are what make up protein) and your body uses different amino acids to make different things (so you need all of them in order to make everything the body wants to make- including muscle). Some good protein foods are: lean meat, milk, yoghurt and eggs. Beans are also good. Nuts are good but also contain a lot of fat. 

 

I would say creme de la creme is lean red meat.  Heaps of protein, plus its got iron which is good for exercise ability too.

 

Overall, I do agree with Tracy though- just following a good balanced diet should provide you with sufficient protein unless you're working super intensely. (also what counts as a "good balanced diet" is a bit subjective so make sure yours is actually good). Most meat-eating westerners get plenty of protein for their needs.

 

In terms of pushing yourself in your workouts (or to workout), I've found exercising with a friend really helpful. I often get unmotivated like you and think "whats the point, I'm not going to get the results i want anyway, why bother" but when my workout buddy comes over expecting to workout its hard to say no. You could also introduce a bit of healthy competition and use each other to push yourselves further (even if you're competing against your own PBs not each other).

Changing your routine might also help, if you're not enjoying it (changing it to something you want to do would increase motivation perhaps). 

 

Goodluck!

I tend to eat eggs and drink milk before every workout (also, have to drink milk in general cause the household tends to not use i all too often, so i try to use it before it goes bad. We don't really get cereal too often xD! Kidney beans is something i quite enjoy as well, so i tend to just eat them normally.

Lean red meats huh?..guess i'll have to do some research and start buying them all xD!!

The only issue with getting a friend to go with me, is that one of my roommates is extremely lazy and puts it off all the time, the other doesn't ever go in general even though they know they should. Outside of that, i have no one other friends that live near me, so it's always a solo trip. I'm actually changing up my routine today and going half leg and half tummy to ease myself into doing tummy exercise. Squats to Leg Presses, into abdominal crunches to Plank hip dips, and ending with Leg Lifts (i forgot to do leg lifts last time >_>). 

Thank you both for your insight...i really do appreciate it ^_^!