[nube]

if I want to loose my belly fat ( 5 lbs) do I follow a cutting program? I want to also add muscle ( 20 )lbs. looking for someone to guide me with a plan. I am so confused with all the products.

[ouija]

Here's a plan you could try.

Just lift your ass off in the gym, make sure you get plenty of sleep, and eat exactly the way you are eating right now just do it consistently day to day (aka pretty much same meals at the same time of day everyday).

Do this for say, 3 months. Your body will be close to what it's going to be. Figure out how much protein and carbs you are taking in. If you need to add muscle, increase your carbs and ptoein intake so that your protein:carb ratio stays the same. Might need to buy protein, or you might need weightgainer. Best to add more good foods first, and if for whatever reason you can't, then use shakes. Do that for another 2 months.

Do that until you put enough weight on to be the overall size you want, then decide if you need to cut any fat. If you do, you'll most likely end up cutting back on total carbs and increase your protein:carb intake until you achieve the look you want.

This is a highly over simplified way of doing things and hopefully you learn a lot as you do this and over time your diet will improve as well as get more detailed. Training and sleeping are easy things, diet is the most powerful tool for determining how you will look (short of doing things you don't need to be doing).

[simonjames]

So the first 3 months are crucial for everyone who is just starting.

[ouija]

Not exactly but the first 3-6 months for someone just starting is where you will see the most change in a short amount of time. All things being consistent, at the end of this time is usually where most will hit a plateau and need to make changes in their behavior before they see additional changes in their body.

[RickB]

Originally Posted by ouija

Not exactly but the first 3-6 months for someone just starting is where you will see the most change in a short amount of time. All things being consistent, at the end of this time is usually where most will hit a plateau and need to make changes in their behavior before they see additional changes in their body.

I agree 100%! Focus and dedication!

[Jaycam89]

I would also add that, if you are planning on adding muscle mass, do so before you try to lose your extra fat. Adding mass means eating more, even when eating lean, eating more will most likely prevent you from burning your fat. With more muscle mass, it will also be much easier to burn fat. Gain the muscle, burn the fat. Good luck.