First Post (i.e. HELP!)

OK, I’ve been reading this forum, and have decided to post my situation in the hopes of getting some help.

First my body type. I’m about 5’10" 190 or so. I go to the gym twice a day 5 days a week (cardio in the morning/lifting at lunch), and eat right. I’ve been doing this for over a year now.

I’ve been eating protein, and healthy foods with the occasional cheat meal. I’ve changed up my diet and workout regimen countless times, with minimal results. I’m reasonably strong, and good at lifting, I have great willpower, however I must have the most stubborn metabolism/body in the world. Here’s a sample of what I’m currently doing:

Monday/Wednesday/Friday:
7:00am - 35 minutes elliptical machine (empty stomach)
8:00am - bowl of plain instant oatmeal with blueberries in it
8-10:00am - 1 cup black coffee, 1 cup green tea
11:00am - protein shake
12:00pm - 45minute full body circuit workout
1:00pm - lunch
-a sandwich (wheat bread/turkey/mustard) or 3 skinless boneless chicken breast
-2 pieces of string cheese
-1 cup light n’ fit yogurt
3:00pm - handful of raspberries/blackberries

5:30pm - dinner
1 turkey burger or sandwich
salad on spinach greens, cucumbers, mushrooms, vinaigrette dressing

7-9:00 - snack consisting of goldfish crackers, fat free cottage cheese, or the rare spoonful of peanut butter.

Tuesday/Thursday:
7:00am - 35 minutes interval running laps + abs (empty stomach)
8:00am - bowl of plain instant oatmeal with blueberries in it
8-10:00am - 1 cup black coffee, 1 cup green tea
11:00am - protein shake
12:00pm - 45minute light workout using low weight and muscles not used MWF
1:00pm - lunch
-a sandwich (wheat bread/turkey/mustard) or 3 skinless boneless chicken breast
-2 pieces of string cheese
-1 cup light n’ fit yogurt
3:00pm - handful of raspberries/blackberries

5:30pm - dinner
1 turkey burger or sandwich
salad on spinach greens, cucumbers, mushrooms, vinaigrette dressing
7-9:00 - snack consisting of goldfish crackers, fat free cottage cheese, or the rare spoonful of peanut butter.

A few years back when I graduated college I was 220lbs and heavier (36 waist) from all that beer and ****ty dieting. I tried Atkins and in 6 months dropped down to 170lbs and 32 waist, but I had no muscle and still a little gut.

Since then I’ve had a pretty normal healthy diet, and have put on a lot of muscle, and have maintained my waist, but could still stand to loose 20lbs or so of fat. I’m not lean, and carry my weight in my gut, I always have. I was always kind of a chunky kid, and have never had defined abs.

I know my body is carb sensitive, but low-carb isn’t working anymore, and I’d like to just find a balanced diet that works for me, and allows me to burn fat, build muscle, and get lean. I’ve been struggling with this for years, and am about at my wits end. So what the hell am I doing wrong!??

Thanks in advance
-Matt

Ok, you are going to HAVE to read the ‘Are you a Beginner’ thread. That is going to help you find some articles on diet. It will really help you out.

New to T-Nation?
http://www.T-Nation.com/readTopic.do?id=817951

Are You A Beginner?
http://www.T-Nation.com/readTopic.do?id=640350

Advice From Vets for Young Bucks
http://www.T-Nation.com/readTopic.do?id=1368968

Blood on the Barbell : Thibaudeau
http://www.T-Nation.com/readTopic.do?id=1560297

Read articles from John Berardi the “doc” about nutrition.

Read carb cycling codex by Christian Thibaudeau

Can you post an example of one of your most recent total body workouts, log format. Exercises done, sets,reps, what kind of rest time your taking between sets, weight lifted ~ details!!

More details * pictures too!!

Some great advice on what to read above and then come back with direct questions. Ill add for your situation as well diet look at the seven habits article and the dont diet diet By John Berardi

Phill

[quote]kinein wrote:
New to T-Nation?
http://www.T-Nation.com/readTopic.do?id=817951

Are You A Beginner?
http://www.T-Nation.com/readTopic.do?id=640350

Advice From Vets for Young Bucks
http://www.T-Nation.com/readTopic.do?id=1368968

Blood on the Barbell : Thibaudeau
http://www.T-Nation.com/readTopic.do?id=1560297

Read articles from John Berardi the “doc” about nutrition.

Read carb cycling codex by Christian Thibaudeau

Can you post an example of one of your most recent total body workouts, log format. Exercises done, sets,reps, what kind of rest time your taking between sets, weight lifted ~ details!!

More details * pictures too!!

[/quote]