More cardio when not eating well?

[Novyman]

Hello,

I'm new to weight training and diet, but I've been reading lots of stuff on here, and starting to understand what I need to do. My diet still isn't great, and it's going to take some time to perfect it. In the mean time I was wondering if I can step up my cardio in place of my poor diet. I mean I dont eat junk food, or ice cream but I do enjoy wings and steaks, and beer once and a while. Would this work? If so how much cardio should I be doing, and how often? I don't want to loose the muscle I've gained as of late.

[auslifta]

In the most simplistic terms. Energy in>energy out=fat. Energy in<energy out= weight loss. Other things come into play like correct macros. If your macros are about 40/40/20 and your are getting right amount of protein you should hold onto muscle pretty well. Depends how much you want your goals and what your goals are. If you want to be in outstanding condition, top 1% you have to be 100% dedicated. That means strict diet. How bad do you want it? If you really need wings and beer more than you want a great body, you'll need to do cardio alot.

[gbrice75]

Technically, it could work, however it's a counter-productive unhealthy (mentally and physically) approach IMO. If you want a great body, it takes great discipline, plain and simple.

I also feel the approach is unrealistic and not sustainable for any appreciable amount of time. A crappy meal (wings, beer, etc) can EASILY be 1000+ calories. A typical 30 minute cardio session (depending on intensity of course) can burn anywhere from 200-400 calories. How much cardio can one do in a day? I believe you'd get sick of it really fast.

If you want to change your body, accept the fact you will need to make sacrifices. Then, make the commitment and stick with it! Consistency and dedication are key in this lifestyle.

[Novyman]

Thanks guys, I'm going grocery shopping and getting a scale stat, and using the suggestions on this forum. I will post my diet when I make it up and look forward to your advice.

[calstate23]

Hello,

I'm new to weight training and diet, but I've been reading lots of stuff on here, and starting to understand what I need to do. My diet still isn't great, and it's going to take some time to perfect it. In the mean time I was wondering if I can step up my cardio in place of my poor diet. I mean I dont eat junk food, or ice cream but I do enjoy wings and steaks, and beer once and a while. Would this work? If so how much cardio should I be doing, and how often? I don't want to loose the muscle I've gained as of late.

Yes, you can lose weight but it's all relative. Let's say you are eating 4,000 calories a day and your body only needs 3,000 calories to sustain it's current weight...You then do 30 minutes of cardio and burn around 400 calories, that still puts 600 calories over your body's limit which means you are still going to gain weight...

But yes, you will lose weight or should I say gain less then you normally would. All depends and as gb says, if you want it put in the time and you will be much happier. It not as hard as it seems to eat right..Prepare your meals early and make the commitment

[jpowell]

Technically, it could work, however it's a counter-productive unhealthy (mentally and physically) approach IMO. If you want a great body, it takes great discipline, plain and simple.

I also feel the approach is unrealistic and not sustainable for any appreciable amount of time. A crappy meal (wings, beer, etc) can EASILY be 1000+ calories. A typical 30 minute cardio session (depending on intensity of course) can burn anywhere from 200-400 calories. How much cardio can one do in a day? I believe you'd get sick of it really fast.

If you want to change your body, accept the fact you will need to make sacrifices. Then, make the commitment and stick with it! Consistency and dedication are key in this lifestyle.

very well said. this is not a phase- its a lifestyle as i am becoming more open and committed to it daily.