A few quick questions

[jackw]

Hey guys I am new to the forum, I have visited it quite a few times but never joined. I found it through bfc

Anywho, I am trying to lose a few pounds and get into a little better shape in general and I have a few questions.
Right now I have weight training every monday and wednesday morning for 1.5 hours, followed by soccer for 1.5 hours.

I was reading the How to melt off fat and maintain low body fat thread, and it said I should do cardio on an empty stomach. Here is my main question.
At the beginning of every weight training class I do 30-45 minutes of cardio. I usually do between 7-9 miles on the bike, and about a mile on the treadmill(I know it's not much, but the treadmill makes me a little motion sick :(). I then proceed to do bench, curls, ect. After this class is through, I have about 20 or so minutes until soccer. I do a lot of running during the soccer, and usually a number of push ups and sit ups. And I almost forgot, it's a 1.8 mile walk to and from school, both ways have up/downhill stretches.

When would be the optimal time to eat breakfast? Should I do the cardio and weight lifting on an empty stomach, then immediately eat after class? Or should I do it before I do anything? I usually eat a PB&J or a Ham and Cheese sandwhich, both on whole wheat, for breakfast. I also drink between 2-3 liters of water during the two classes.

Also, I am on a budget here (student, very little money) what should I be buying? I have been buying whole wheat bread, ham, cheddar cheese, baby carrots, and juice mostly to eat. With fruit when I can. My real problem is protein. I sometimes buy tysen frozen chicken nuggets, but I really doubt those are good for me. Should I start making protein shakes? I am lost on this one.

Lastly, do you think I am excercising enough? I spend the rest of my week mostly sitting infront of the computer since I just moved here from 1300 miles away and I don't know anyone. I do crunches and use my barbells at home, but should I still join a gym?

Thanks for reading this, sorry it so long. I would really appreciate any and all advice.

I am around 5'10" 160lbs if that helps at all.

Thanks again!

[Sportsmedjosh]

The amount of exercise seems good from what you're saying. It's a lot more than most individuals. I personally think you should eat something when you first wake up, or at least after you are doing with your cardio. You are actually doing a lot of cardio before weight training, while everyone has a different protocol they like to follow. I strongly believe that a small warm up should be done first 5 minutes followed by your weight training ending with your cardio.

For lunch meats I personally find turkey and chicken to be the best a lot more leaner that anything else that I've found. I've also found buying the meats at the deli to be a little bit healthier also and if not those than the cuts that are low in sodium.

Tyson also makes grilled chicken breast strips which might be a better alternative.

[cabezon]

Welcome.

I would think that being new to the area, joining a gym would be a great way to meet people. At USF the school gym was always packed with interesting people.

I used to get a little dizzy on the treadmill, and I still pause before I get off after a run. It feels like the whole world is moving. I did not get that using an elliptical machine. you might want to try that one.

[E36Guy]

Welcome! Sounds like you have a great routine going.

I understand what you're saying with the budget thing, I have a hard time buying a bunch of good foods and stuff too (Im also a college guy). I usually end up buyin the same kind of stuff (those chicken tenders/nuggets, and frozen things of that nature). Not the healthiest stuff Im sure, but decent anyhow.

Anyway, hopefully the people here can answer some questions and help you out. Good luck.

[jackw]

Originally Posted by E36Guy

Welcome! Sounds like you have a great routine going.

I understand what you're saying with the budget thing, I have a hard time buying a bunch of good foods and stuff too (Im also a college guy). I usually end up buyin the same kind of stuff (those chicken tenders/nuggets, and frozen things of that nature). Not the healthiest stuff Im sure, but decent anyhow.

Anyway, hopefully the people here can answer some questions and help you out. Good luck.

Thanks man.
Yeah its kind of a pain. I usually buy whatever they are having a special on at Safeway. The other day they had these bags of dried fruit for $2 each. Very tastey. Pretty much impossible to afford any meat though :(

Originally Posted by cabezon

Welcome.

I would think that being new to the area, joining a gym would be a great way to meet people. At USF the school gym was always packed with interesting people.

I used to get a little dizzy on the treadmill, and I still pause before I get off after a run. It feels like the whole world is moving. I did not get that using an elliptical machine. you might want to try that one.

I want to join a gym, but they are little pricey. I am going to try and get into one soon though.

[cancersurvivor]

Hello friends, I would like to find out more about the kosher diet. Is it based strictly on food laws derived from the Old Testament or Torah? Or has the strict Kosher diet had other rules and regulations added to it? If someone followed this diet, would they gained or loose weight? Overall, how healthy is it in terms of cholesterol, fat intake, salt, preservatives, etc. Is there a website which outlines what is considered acceptable foods to eat on this diet? Thank you in advance for these answers.

[cabezon]

hey Survivor, what made you think of eating Kosher? are you converting to Judaism? Eating Kosher has nothing to do with losing weight. Eating Kosher means that the areas of preparation and the animals were blessed by a Rabbai. There are also some restrictions on mixing animals and milk, and there cannot be blood present AFAIK.

Since there is nothing about portion size or proportions, Kosher is not a weight loss diet.

and hot dogs are allowed, so that can't be good. Welcome