Is all this strictness of diet worth it for you?

[Mystic79]

Not to challenge you guys, but more to understand your perspective. I know that our world, especially the United States is known for excess., especially in food. We have super sized meals, all you can eat buffets, and super tasty and fattening candies and chocolates. These are extremes of a negative lifestyle. However, fitness/bodybuilding is taken the other extreme sometimes.

Basically you guys deprive yourself of tasty and sometimes natural foods which are meant to be enjoyed. Having a few Oreos now and then, alright. Having a nice slice or two of pumpkin pie with whipped creme for Thanksgiving, alright... but I see so many of you crave and really seem to freak out because you can't eat sweets. I understand during a bulking cycle you can loosen up a little bit., but basically you are tearing your bodies down through working out, and building them up with quality weight through low carbs/low sat. fats, and extremely high protein diets. Where does it end for you?

Ultimately we all grow all and come 60, 70, or 80 years old and lose all the muscle, all the definition we worked hard for, for so many decades, and in that process depriving ourselves of many tasty and satisfying meals and EVEN social situations (some bodybuilders social life suffers because they can't get their meals. etc), but at the same time not going OVERboard of course, and becoming obese. I KNOW that there are a few exceptions and some people look great and keep some of their muscle in their later years, but you don't see it too often. The body, like the mind gets old, and we all eventually die,, nobody is immortal.

I've always been a big supporter of balance and moderation, but it almost seems as most people involved in fitness/bodybuilding take things to the extreme: extreme amounts of protein, water, tryin to eat half a dozen small meals in a day. eating a carton of eggs (white) for one meal, etc. In bodybuilding it's even worse, especially "professional", with the contestants taking an incredible amount of steroids to get that thick freaky look, as well as the superior vascularity which helps bring out their cuts. I know not ALL bodybuilders are like this, but it could be classified as an extreme sport.

I understand the lifestyle promotes healthy living through diet and exercise, of course as long as you dont use anabolic enhancements (steroids, GH), but I see people get to extremely low levels of bodyfat purely for asthetic purposes.

Consider this thread more of a sociological inquiry than an attempt to start an argument. After all, I do the same thing often times, especially if I have to cut down or bulk, etc. But, sometimes I wonder if all the work is truly worth it. I mean, if health is a priority you could very well:

- eat 3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner), and have them be well rounded with grains, protein, veggies, fruit, etc.
- drink .5 gallon of water a day. this should provide sufficient fluids to flush out the kidneys and promote hydration
- having a dessert after lunch and dinner (I think as long as you are physically active and keep the metabolism high, these 2 treats won't have a tremendous effect on health)
- doing 20-30 mins of some sort of cardio activity a day to promote good respitatory circulation.


Maybe fitness/bodybuilding is a very extreme sport and it's very purpose is to make people extraordinary so when people look at him/her they say to themselves, "wow he must workout!" (lol I know this is from Dumb & Dumber). So I was wondering if you all agreed with this, or does this just become an obession where you aren't ever satisfied with the amount of weight you can lift, or the % of bodyfat you are. After all, if you want to be healthy you don't necessarily have to take these sort of extreme measures.


For me? I do this because it keeps me on the right track, I am less likely to start drinking/smoking and using drugs again if I am working out. It also makes me more aware of what I am consuming and how my body reacts to different stimuli (workouts, diet changes). Lastly it builds discipline and helps set goals. I would definately love to get 5% bodyfat, or the other extreme and bench 500lbs, but I think I'd be content being strong and healthy in my own way, and not measure myself against others to where it becomes an obsession.

[RUBICON19]

We all have goals and we do what we have to do to get there. Some thrive off of being the best they can, not eating the best tasting foods they can. This is what makes them happy. On the other hand alot of BBers and fitness competitors are over the top. I mean year round. A bit obsessive. There is no need for that nonsense.

You can ask why Tiger Woods does some of the things he does that differs from the general public. I will tell you why. Being the best is what make shim happy.

I do agree with you though. Some make their lives miserable for no good reason..

[mrbeefy]

Very nice answer.
Very nice thread.
I commend you for this pursuit in understanding, and your well thought out inquiry.

AND...like you stated, not to be argumentative...here's my 2 cents.

Give it up.
My opinion, is that IF you wish to pursue this lifestyle, it requires 110 % commitment, not a once in awhile half hearted effort.
Live it. Breathe it. This is not just for this thread, but in any pursuit in life. If your going to do it, do it all the way...or don't do it at all.
You don't follow your nutrition plan "sometimes". You follow it ALL the time.
You don't go to the gym "when you feel like it", you go because it "calls to you".
I could ramble on, but I am curious of your response. So I'll end this here, with one final thought:
I didn't go to the gym tonight to check out the girls, or talk on my cell phone as I peddled leisurely on the bike. I went to sweat. And I did...buckets. I went to train. AND I did. Like a Beast. And you know something...I enjoyed every ounce of sweat, and tomorrow, I'll enjoy every sore muscle...I have a goal. I have a mission. I have a plan. If yours is to keep healthy, that is a mature and smart goal. And I commend you. But DON'T get in my way in the gym....

[RUBICON19]

mrbeefy said:

Very nice answer.
Very nice thread.
I commend you for this pursuit in understanding, and your well thought out inquiry.

AND...like you stated, not to be argumentative...here's my 2 cents.

Give it up.
My opinion, is that IF you wish to pursue this lifestyle, it requires 110 % commitment, not a once in awhile half hearted effort.
Live it. Breathe it. This is not just for this thread, but in any pursuit in life. If your going to do it, do it all the way...or don't do it at all.
You don't follow your nutrition plan "sometimes". You follow it ALL the time.
You don't go to the gym "when you feel like it", you go because it "calls to you".
I could ramble on, but I am curious of your response. So I'll end this here, with one final thought:
I didn't go to the gym tonight to check out the girls, or talk on my cell phone as I peddled leisurely on the bike. I went to sweat. And I did...buckets. I went to train. AND I did. Like a Beast. And you know something...I enjoyed every ounce of sweat, and tomorrow, I'll enjoy every sore muscle...I have a goal. I have a mission. I have a plan. If yours is to keep healthy, that is a mature and smart goal. And I commend you. But DON'T get in my way in the gym....

#smileygreatpost0av#

[Mystic79]

Great responses! Just what I was looking for. It's almost like the Lexus slogan, "relentless pursuit for perfection". True we will never reach perfection, but setting our goals super high will naturally yield a higher result.

Also I think we have an innate as well as an environemental need to COMPETE with others, as well as ourselves. Competition is exciting, exhilarating, and helps us reach new peaks.

It seems it is an obession, but it's a good one of course. It's just that too many take it to the extremes where it actually hurts your health (anabolics), as well as social life because it can consume who you are.

But, I think being on this forum I have noticed that you guys seem to have balanced life pretty well., you are hardcore in your nutrition and training, but still have jobs, families etc. I commend you all.

[mrbeefy]

Thanks Rubicon19!

I commend this young man. It is wisdom which seeks wisdom.
I look at this the way you should look at love and marriage.
Love and marriage is unconditional.
So is MY training.
BY the way...I've been married for 29 years, and "dated" my wife for about 8 years before that...so this is coming from someone who "walks the walk".

Mystic79:
Keeping on learning Bro....you'll go far!

[Mystic79]

Thanks man The day I stop learning from others is the day I am dead. We all chose our path in life; career, leisure,etc., so it's interesting for me to learn and understand why people chose to partake in the activities that they do.

The reason I asked these questions was because I know this to be a board of very dedicated, serious, yet balanced group of individuals who strive for a better body.

I am a person who lives life in extremes., and more times than I would like, I chose the bad things which leads me in the wrong direction.

I think hearing the opinions and perspectives of you guys as to why you lift, diet, and train is good motivation for me, as well as strengthening the motivation in your own lifes to keep doing what you are doing!

That said, I am eager to get back in the gym next Monday and train hard and try to watch my diet., I am recovering from the flu at the moment.

[mrbeefy]

Mystic79
I am truly impressed. You have some great perspectives.
My wife tell me that one of my attrributes/downfalls is that whenever I do something, I do it 110% Always! I never just play around with something, but jump in with both feet. Type A personality? Perhaps. But it has taken me a long way.

Choices:
That is what it all comes down to.
You choose to go, or not go to the gym.
You choose to follow your diet/ or cheat on it.
You choose to be faithful to a partner/or cheat on them.
You choose the HARD right, from the EASY wrong.

You sound well grounded. Go with your heart. Choose correctly.

[beckie]

Well i'm a bit different! I come from a background of excessive perfectionism which led me into a cycle of anxiety and depression because I felt I did not measure up in many areas of my life-much of this came from my father. My lecturers at uni told me I was so far ahead of the class that it was not necessary to push myself to the point of nervous exhaustion and even today I struggle with wanting to 'work' all the time.
the gym has been my sanctuary and sanity because for me,physical perfection is not something that is desirable for someone with my personality type. Yes,I strive for improvements but not at a level that sacrifices my family,friends and mental health. If I was to go into bodybuilding 150% I KNOW I would fall into an eating disorder because the all or nothing approach is inbuilt in my genetics. I have learnt my limitations and I like myself the way I am. I do not aspire to be a pro or even the best in my class,that may be difficult for many other competitors to understand but as long as I am happy and healthy,thats all that matters. If I do a show I will give it 100% but at other times of the year I seek balance.

[RUBICON19]

To be a great bodybuilder you must first have one of two things, Genetics or OCD..... ;D J/K

I will get back to this on a more serioys note later.

[Tim Wescott]

I could go into a longwided tirade on this subject but instead,I`ll just list some reasons why I do the things I do.

I will add that during the off-season, for me, it`s still strictly business as usual,but my diet, though regimented, is a little more lax than at pre-contest....I do enjoy some treats as I know that soon enough,I will be in for a very long ardurous diet for competing.

My reasons:

1.-I`m getting older and I refuse to look like an old couch potato.

2.-I love and need regimentation in my life,or I stray to bad habits.

3.-I compete, so I must keep up with or stay ahead of my competition.

4.-As an older guy,I tend to get fatter more esasily these days,and who needs that?

5.-It`s my lifestyle.

6.-After being a drunk for 33 years not counting my drug abuse,I can honestly say that I have ingested worse things than chicken and rice 6 times a day!! LOL

7.-I like looking good and being able to train much younger people into the ground.

8.-You come into the world small and weak,and you go out the same way,why be small and weak during the time in between?

9.-Chicks like my body,and I like looking better than the average slob.

10.-Why be normal.....anybody can blend right into a crowd,but I was always one that differentiated from the accepted norms.

11.-I like to challenge myself and see how much discipline I can take......I think this lifestyle carries over into other areas of your life as well making you more focused and determined to succeeed.

12.-I have a bad case of OCD as most bodybuildrs do!!

13.-I love it.

14.-I`ve done worse things to my body!!

15.-WHY BE NORMAL?


TRAIN HARD!!!!

[sicario]

Time to add my two cents here, and what I have to say will probably be a "re-hash" of some of the other posts here, but I think that a lot of "bodybuilders" have a very similar personality. I started when I was 15 and haven't stopped yet (I hit 40 this year). I often ask my self the same question if all this disciple is really worth it, but it's become such a part of me now, that I couldn't do it "half ass" even if I tried. It's not "what I do" anymore, it's "who I am." When I diet I get into a mental "zone" that can last for up to 8 months or more, where I won't eat anything sweet. In fact, if I'm "out and about" I'll go hungry before eating anything that even resembles "junk food." Several people have mentioned the word "obsession" and OCD in this thread, and I really think that that is hitting the "nail on the head." I think true bodybuilders are obsessive people. What I don't know is if bodybuilding turns us into "obsessive" people, or we already have that personality trait, and that is why we are drawn to bodybuilding?? I can tell you that PERSONALLY, I don't do it to be healthy, I do it to look good. I'll tell you that I know when I'm in my 70's I will probably look like all the rest of the Senior Citizens, but right now that doesn't bother me. I want to look the best I can today and I'll let tomorrow take care of itself. Is bodybuilding an extreme sport, I'd say 100% yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do we go over the egde to get into extreme shape, I'd say 100% yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do I miss all the pie's, cakes, ice cream, cookies, pizza, candy bars, ect that I don't eat 11 and a half months a year??? HELL NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I honestly don't know how to do anything else but try and be a bodybuilder, Vin.

[mrbeefy]

OUTSTANDING replies!

TIM..I echo every word you said. RIGHT ON BROTHER!

Sometimes in the gym, I see people working out, and I try to give them some encouragement. Whatever it takes to get you through your workout. That means anything!

Once, one of my sons girlfriends stopped by to see him. I was on my way to the basement to get a shirt out of the dryer, and all I had on was spandex shorts. There was a knock on the door.
When I opened it, there stood a seriously hot (17 years old ) girl. What she meant to come out of her mouth was, "HI!, Is Nick Home?" But as I opened the door, there was a pause....and what she said, as she stuttered, was, "Hi, is Ni......"DAMN, YOU LOOK HOT!" ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Yes... I have flash backs of that...remember....I'm pushing 50 years old! AND YES....it gets me though many a workout!

Yes, TIM.............WHY be normal?

[chanman83]

Time to add my thoughts?
All your points are excellent and are very true. However, with america being wayyy overweight I choose to be different. The key word I just used was "choose". Why be normal? All the greats are great because they did things that wasn't normal or "everyday" . That is why I do what I do. Yes, it does suck and I do bit*h and moan from time to time but the fact is simple. If I never lifted a single weight or even decided to be an athlete I'd fall into that category of oh typical fat american.
Now, I'm not saying we are but I've had many friends who live in europe who say that all the time. I will be honest, weight training brought qualities within me I never thought I had. Determination, Willpower, the drive to succeed, the prove everyone wrong thoughts are a few that come to mind.
I was that small short sorta chubby kid who was alwasy picked last in sports. Yes, I did play sports but it was because my dad was a soccer nut and basically made me do it.

Don't get me wrong , I'd LOVEEEE to have all those great tasting foods but the saying goes, you are what you eat and when I see a ton of people at a resturant who are vastly overweight and eat like crap I smile because I know i'm different.

Also, If I never lifted a weight I'd probably be a thug or in jail because that's also what kept me away from all the gangs in my neighborhood growing up. Rather than go out with them, I'd stay in because I had a game to prepare for or I was too tired because of working out. Today, after college many of my friends went a total opposite direction. Many are now fat and out of shape but me, I choose bodybuilding because it kept me in shape and seriously made me IN MUCH better shape.

In final, I choose to do it because I know it's worth it and I'll hopefully live a longer and healthier life doing so. Also, LIFE is boring if your the same as the masses, being different is great and I love it. ;D

[Karrie]

AWESOME POSTING SO FAR!!!!! #smileycool2ks#

I think all of us, as thus far proven by the above posts, are all into this for our own reasons. There are many on this board who love competing and that is their passion...others of us are unsure what we are gonna do and then a few that just lift to lift!!!! So, I think the strictness of the "diet" varies for each of us!

For myself, when I joined this board I had my sights on a comp next year, but now due to life and a reality check I am not going to be ready for that, quite yet. Therefore, I diet during the day and then enjoy a HEALTHY meal with my kids in the evening b/c I do not need to be "that strict" right now.

I work out for several reasons: One, as I have said in numerous threads......with my kid's, lifting is a HUGE way for me to relieve my stress!!! I lift heavy to get it all out! The second reason, which I do not have a problem admitting is, I like it when men and women cannot believe that I have 2 kids 2 1/2 and 4 yrs old! Also I am actually smaller in the waist now and I like the way I look! The last reason is b/c I like being strong! I look petite but watch out...ha! Ha!

I also agree with what most everyone has said so far.....to just work out alone....not even a strict diet included....we all have OCD to a certain degree!!!!! This is a lifestyle with or without the strict diet that many people do not understand, it is looked upon, by some, as being vain.

[RUBICON19]

Such great replies. I think its all pretty much covered.

I also believe that BBing is an addictive habit and at least its a good habit. Most will trade a bad habit for BBing and that will usually make them a stronger person physically as well as mentally

[Tim Wescott]

Good thread,and great question Jay.

I would also like to add that bodybuilding for me has given me an identity that I like.

I used to be known as a guy who lifted,quit,and was now just a drunk/ bum.

For some reason,bodybuilder sounds a lot better than drunk to me!!

I`ve had a lot of personal problems in my life as we all have/do,but when times got too tough,I knew I could hit the gym, as it was, and still is, my sanctuary and my domain.....I forget all the non-essential bullsh*t and get lost in the pain zone,and I love it.

Bodybuilding defines who I am!!

I know that we are not curing cancer or inventing anything of use to the free world,but then again,not many people are........we train, and we are dedicated to that training,it`s positive mental sickness at it`s best!! #ainsane1rk#

I am proud of what I have accomplished in this sport and I will never stop.

I do have to disagree with Vin on one thing.......at 70,guys like us will look awesome.....I`ll still be competing personally.

When I die,they will have to pry a barbell out of my cold dead hands!!

[chanman83]

admin said:

When I die,they will have to pry a barbell out of my cold dead hands!!

I'll steal one from animalpak.
"I don't cre if i die, as long as they bury me in a big F'in box" ;D

[Intensity]

Wow… this is an awesome thread! I read every reply and dont know what else i can add! Maybe i can say that in my mind, the way we do things (obsessive or not) depends of our own objective. So in bodybuilding it could be: To be healty, to win a regional contest, to be the best in the world, etc. I dont think one objective is better than the others, we should only determine which one would be better for us… and makes us happy!

[mrbeefy]

All you guys/girls are absolutely great!
Tim, you always seem to hit it on the head too.
There is a local gentleman still competing here. His name is Moses (real name). He is 80 years old and still on stage competing. I know people in there 40's in walkers, complaining about every little thing in life. And here is Moses. 80 years young!

Somebody asked me once, "why do you do that?" What are all those muscles gonna do for you?" I could have gotten smug, or given a long educated disertation on bodybuilding. But instead, when they asked Why do you do That? I smiled, flexed my Bi's a little and said, "because I CAN!

Call it a guy ego thing, but I enjoy it when I walk through the mall, and and people half my age are staring, doing double takes over their shoulders.

And my next contest goal is to step out, and not have the judges compare me with ANYONE. When I step out, all I want to hear is...the hush of the crowd as the judges stare and whisper, " Holy Sh__!" Do you believe this guy!"

Will it happen? I'm trying, and that's half the battle!