http://www.t-nation.com/category.jsp?categoryID=225 T-Nation: Velocity Life en-us Thu, 23 May 2013 22:21:44 GMT Thu, 23 May 2013 22:21:44 GMT http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss T-Nation via P-APP-13 webmaster@biotest.net webmaster@biotest.net 225 60 http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4379894
Any one out there who can match this? Not being cocky or anything i mean i shouldn't of got fat in this 1st place, but i'm just astounded by how much has gone in such little time! ]]> Thu, 17 Jan 2013 15:27:00 GMT http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4379894 http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=5344014
I think most people going into the V-Diet are strictly looking for the "quick" physical gains, or rather losses, that are associated with the V-Diet. Everyone sees the before and after pictures and immediately wants "That body", or what ever.

Then there are those that realize that there is more and read how the diet also helps re-program your eating habits and helps re-start you down that "Healthy" lifestyle by retraining your eating habits along with cutting tons of fat from your body.

I am a firm believer that the biggest gain from the V-Diet is the mental aspect in regards to whatever "Inner Demons" you may have. For most people, one of these inner demons will be food related. But for others this will be their doubt of their worth, their strength, their "Beauty" and so on. It will be their belief that they are "done," and should just give up and continue down their path. I'm pretty sure we could write a book about these "Inner Demons." But NO MATTER WHAT this demon might be, you WILL be faced with it during your V-Diet experience. There really is no way around it. And it is at this point where people either Face their demons and Keep on through the diet OR give in to those insecurities and "quit"/"cheat" or whatever. And it is this point where you make the biggest strides with this diet in my opinion. At these moments, you make gains far superior to the physical ones.

I'm hope others will chime in and tell me their thoughts on this. And possibly their experience with this. Also chime in if you think I'm wrong. Always open for good discussion.

]]> Tue, 27 Nov 2012 19:06:00 GMT http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=5344014 http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4460193 Thu, 22 Nov 2012 16:05:00 GMT http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4460193 http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=5372656
Has anyone done this diet that is around my age? Should they? I've tried several different diets and low carb always work the best for me, but now its just not working. My plan is to do the V-Diet to cut, then transition to the ABS diet long term. Does anyone have a better program/idea? ]]> Wed, 19 Sep 2012 03:24:00 GMT http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=5372656 http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4519542
I'm thinking
no-pasta lasagna with ground Italian sausage
gluten-free pizza crust made from almond flour so that I can make 1) garlic bread sticks for the lasagna and 2) some type of pizza
rutabaga faux-tato salad
stuffed bell peppers

Then what ever random things pop up. What are you cooking? ]]> Wed, 01 Aug 2012 02:11:00 GMT http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4519542 http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=5269252
Nick ]]> Thu, 28 Jun 2012 23:37:00 GMT http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=5269252 http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=5217907
My question is, since I am on day on of the V-Diet and psyched to do it, if I can just substitute exercises for the ones that cause pain. I am able to do the bench press, incline bench press, shoulder press, one-armed rows (as long as I can support my back on the bench), the planks and the lat pull-downs. This means I just need alternative exercises for squats and deadlifts. Any suggestions?

Alternatively, I could stop the diet and wait for my back to heal, but that seems like a pansy thing to do. I was always taught to train around injuries, and not through them or by quitting.

Suggestions?

EDIT: Doctor said he thinks I may have a herniated disc. Steroids and muscle relaxers for 7 days, then try lifting again. Guess I postpone the diet. ]]> Wed, 16 May 2012 08:03:00 GMT http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=5217907 http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=5197392
On my 2nd week of the V-Diet and it's been going great. I've come from 219 to 207 in that time so I am beyond psyched and I have noticeable loses in my belly and chest which are my fat zones. So this is awesome overall and I am a believer (which is hard for me as I am the biggest skeptic of diets being in the medical field).

So the first 2 weeks were beyond hell. I was hungry all the time, in a super irritable mood and I couldn't concentrate on work at all and felt lethargic. However, about two days ago that all changed and I noticed my hunger is completely gone (to the extent that more than 4 shakes a day is very tough to put down), my mind is clear and I'm all of a sudden fat sensitive (meaning I get an energy boost shortly after eating fish oil or other fats).

I've felt this before and that was when I was on a ketogenic diet and my body got keto adapted so I was wondering if the V-Diet is ketogenic and if it is then could I start cutting some protein out and adding more fat to keep the caloric count the same for the day and keeping my shakes at 3 - 4. Also would adding some coconut oil to my shakes help?

I don't want to mess with the formula but I'm really having trouble putting the shakes down - never thought I'd say that if my life depended on it in the first 2 weeks.

Thanks ]]> Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:44:00 GMT http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=5197392 http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=5133774 I'm sorry if this ends in an angry rant, but...

Sometimes it seems that the people closest to me are the ones who are most judgmental of my lifestyle. For example:

me: "For dinner, I would like to have tuna steaks and broccoli."
boyfriend: "Why don't we go to the bar and then see how we feel from there..."
me: "I don't know....I'd rather just eat at home."
boyfriend: "......oh........I guess we can eat in......again............."

GAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

I'm SOOOO sorry, boyfriend of over a year....I'd rather be lean and confident and look smokin' hot for you when I'm naked than be drunk and bloated/fat at the bar!

Another example when my mother is in town:

Mom: Let's go to olive garden.
Me: Nah...I don't wanna eat breadsticks.
Mom: Ok.....then let's go where you want to go.
Me: Let me cook for you! I can make chicken breasts and a really good salad.
Mom: Yeah, but what about bread? You need to learn to serve bread with dinner.

(No joke....this conversation actually occurred with my mother. She LOVES bread and thinks it should occur with every meal.)

I'm just frustrated with the way my lifestyle/diet is viewed by the rest of the world. SINCE WHEN IS WALKING OR JOGGING CONSIDERED A "WORK OUT"?!?!?!?! I know that my boyfriend supports me MOST of the time and my mom wants me to be fit and lean, but it seems they're missing the point where diet meets effort at the gym.

Are these people toxic or should I just learn to accept our differences? At what point do I draw the line between my lifestyle and my loved ones? ]]> Sat, 31 Mar 2012 17:16:00 GMT http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=5133774 http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4333916
Now the V-Diet as I used it was more in terms of "I have a big event on this date and want to be at most very best physically then". So that is where I will be coming at this from, but I hope everyone else who came from a different angle (such as using it to jump start larger fat-loss) would pitch in their ideas too.

From my last experience this is the wish-list I came up with:

1) 3 weeks instead of 4

This comes from the fact that in my experience I got to where I wanted to be in terms of body comp at the end of week 3. This would also have the nice side effect of lowering the actual cost (less protein needed). I guess this is where what you are shooting for comes into play, for jump starting a larger fat-loss maybe 4 weeks is better...perhaps separate protocols?

2) Implementing a Pulse Fast

I figure this would be implemented right around the HSM, either before or after. Again this might also bring cost down due to less protein, or it might be a wash because of the new supplements it introduces...not sure. This one is interesting to me because as I mentioned before I was happy after 3 weeks, but I wonder what would have happened with some IF.

3) New training template

Ok, there is nothing wrong with the current one. I especially loved seeing my Challenge time come way down.

any other thoughts
]]> Sat, 11 Feb 2012 16:30:00 GMT http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4333916 http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4848328
This isn't easy for me. Help! ]]> Mon, 31 Oct 2011 07:43:00 GMT http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4848328 http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4795728 Wed, 28 Sep 2011 23:22:00 GMT http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4795728 http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4456702
Just to brush people up on who I am:
I'm Ron, 24 years old. I attempted to do the V-Diet but failed due to some extreme gut issues ( lasted a solid week ). I wasn't about to give in and simply switched to HSMs and ditched grains and sugar. In 7 months I had lost 100 pounds.

I've continued the V-life since then, however I wasn't being very velocity. I didn't work out nearly as much or as often as I should. It's okay to say I am very weak in terms of strength, going from a couch potato to a skinny couch potato is no better.

I've started a simple strength 12 week program, 3 days a week of TBT. I'm going to eat the way I have been but simply add in 3 scoops of MD every day and a potato, then on work out days take half a FINiBAR pre workout and Surge after.

I'll also be using Rhodiola and Alpha Male. I take 15,000 IU of Vitamin D3, though since it is being so nice and sunny out I will drop to 10k during the week ( work indoors ) and then 5k on the weekends since I hope to be spending most of my time outside.

I will also remove "OFF" days. I will do "something" every day.

after my 12 weeks I will re-evaluate what I want to do, there is residual fat, so hopefully I will have the strength to do what ever it is I need to do. ]]> Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:33:00 GMT http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4456702 http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4540383
Back in the fall, Chris encouraged V-Diet vets to wabbit things a little bit with the V-Diet. I had done the V-Diet a few times very success fully and managed to keep the weight of for a while, but then usually after an injury that kept me out of the weight room for a while the weight would creep back on. This happened to me last summer when I tore a hip flexor playing softball. I couldn't run, squat or deadlift for a couple of months.

Weight gain started slowly and then increased at an alarming rate even when I returned to the gym. In December, I was going on a two-week trip to China, so I didn't want to be on a V-Diet during that time. I had never been and may never get the chance to go back so I wanted experience China including trying as many different types of new foods as I could, with a plan to do a V-Diet with Pulse fast to remove the weight.

When I returned home, I had ballooned up to 276 pounds with a 48-inch waist. Technically, I was too heavy to do the V-Diet, and I wanted to lose 50 pounds before softball season started. I knew from experience that I could expect to lose between 20 and 30 on a V-Diet, but what would I do after that. I decided to save a strict V-Diet until I'd lost 25 pounds or so. My goal was to lose 50 pounds in less than 4 months. About this time I was getting started, Lonny Lowery came out with an article on fasted morning cardio, and spot fat reduction.

I went to work wabbiting, and in a few weeks short of 4 months I reached my goal losing 50 pounds. I lost 11 inches around my waist, while all my lifts either went up or stayed the same. As I wabitted this I tried things like two or three HSMs, and a day of all soild meals. What would happen if I ate buffalo wings, or went out for beers with my friends. Some of these set me back a few days, but gaining back weight allowed me to try more wabbiting. One of the things I came up with was using a dumbbell on the treadmill with the fasted cardio walks, to replace the daily Nepa walks. I feel this was one of the keys to the success of my program. The goal was strengthen the core while walking on the treadmill while increasing calorie expenditure without having a negative effect on my workouts later in the day. On top of that, my traps, arms, and lats were trained with high frequency, being slow twitch dominant muscle this was very effective. I used waiter's carries and something I call a walking plank.

By consuming MAG-10 during this walk I was able to come away drenched in sweat, but feeling full of energy at the end of the hour. I love the Waterbury workouts, but I had done all three levels already so I decided to use High Performance Mass this time around. In order to get the volume up and allow me to recover from the back-to-back days of lifting, I went with Anaconda and Surge Workout Fuel. I also went with 2 Pulse fasts each week.

]]> Fri, 08 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4540383 http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4425653
How many people are getting lots of comments on their body composition changes while living the V-Life? How do you respond when asked how you did it?

I think somebody just noticed the other day that I lost some girth. I just told them I eat less and exercise more, rather than try to explain things. ]]> Thu, 26 May 2011 21:08:00 GMT http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4425653 http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4426532
1. Your training and nutrition plan
2. Goals (could be low/single-digit BF, adding mass "smartly", training for a race/Tough Mudder, etc)
3. Challenges to reach your goals

I know people take before/after pics for the VD; maybe we could start a little contest to see who makes the biggest improvement. It would be cool for people to post updates throughout their program or until they've reached their goals (between now and June 1st (about 9 weeks).

Nate ]]> Mon, 23 May 2011 12:27:00 GMT http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4426532 http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4333356 Fri, 20 May 2011 18:01:00 GMT http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4333356 http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4480376 http://tnation.T-Nation.com/...max_and_hot_rox

Basically, I'm a FFB (or, former Obese boy) who successfully lost 130 pounds in a little over a year, with 2 V-Diets in there. I'd pretty much adopted a great low calorie, low-to-no-carb lifestyle with regular lifting and other recreational fitness things (I love me some bike riding).

But, reaching about 200 lbs at about 15-18% bodyfat, I had totally stopped progressing, for months (I want to be 10-12% at like 185ish). Even when continuing to drop the calories, down to like 1600 a day, even when raising the amount of activity, I still wasn't losing any weight anymore. So in the thread above, Chris suggested I try Carb Cycling. Corstijeir also asked to be kept up on how it went, so I figured I'd make a little log to keep me on track, and get some feedback/accountability from the crew here.

Consider it an experiment in carbs, coming from someone who was utterly terrified of carbs, and terrified of ever going above 2000 calories.

So I found CT's Carb Cycling Codex and did the calculations for myself, finding to my shock that my "low" days called for more calories than my current daily calories--and by quite a bit. Also, the high carb days? It's absurd. Absolutely absurd how many carbs I was supposed to take in.

So, having only done 2 high carb days so far, let me report: On both days of high carbing it, I immediately set PRs in the weightroom. In EVERY SINGLE LIFT. That's right, on Day 1 of this program I was immediately, squatting and benching more than I had before, and the second high carb day had me out-deadlifting myself, doing more pullups than ever, and begging for more while I was doing it. These are the best workouts I've ever had.

But the post workout meals are almost too much to handle. In addition to a full serving of Surge Recovery, I needed 25g of additional protein, and 90g of additional carbs--right after lifting. CT says to get that from rice. Do you know how much rice that is? Let me tell you. You do not own a bowl that can contain that much rice. It's an entire pot of rice. An entire pot! With a can of chicken or tuna thrown in. Thats right after lifting, right after chugging down 2 scoops of surge. Even my fat-prone, chronically over-eating self could barely get it down. It takes me like 30-45 minutes to eat all that, and I almost feel sick having crammed that much food down so fast.

Then, I'm supposed to have another meal 60 minutes post workout. Thats not long after I finish the rice-a-palooza. This also a heavy carb meal--to the tune of more than double what a usual meal is for me. So, I down the surge, chew through all that rice, then not long after that, down 50g more protein and 2 sweet potatoes and some blueberries.

Don't get me wrong, this is kindof awesome, and I love eating. I'm not complaining. I just have trouble thinking I can lose weight like this. It's against everything I've come to believe.

Of course, there's also the no-carb days, which was yesterday, but even those are more food than I'm used to getting, so it's not like I'm struggling there either.

We'll see what happens. I'm only really tracking scale weight (at the start, it was 207) and looking at the mirror, and I think it'll take atleast 2-3 weeks before I start reaching some equilibrium and seeing any measurable progress, so, I guess, tune in to see what happens. ]]> Sat, 30 Apr 2011 02:44:00 GMT http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4480376 http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4339811
"Oh Nate you're looking very skinny, I could never do so much running"

-Ha! I don't run, I lift heavy things and occasionally sprint, so when I'm your age I won't be out of breath dragging my fat ass up the stairs, let alone wish my knees didn't collapse as I gasp for air helplessly watching my kid's tricycle careen toward the street.

"So what you don't eat carbs? Did you check with your doctor? Won't that eventually catch up to you?"

-Now that is laughable. Sure, let's go see a guy who will tell me to eat 10-12 servings of whole grains a day, and then perscribe me tons of meds when I get high cholesterol, diabetes or any other "normal everyday illness". You're right, grains may destroy my digestive system, but at least they don't have any of that scary fat in them. Do you think that cake you're inhaling will eventually catch up with you?

"Oh I could get in shape but I could never eat like that"
-You're right, this chicken stuffed with pork and wrapped in bacon is so bland and tasteless. These vegetables I stir-fryed in butter? You're right if only I had some nice dry bread and slice of deli "meat"

"I could never count calories and measure and weight my food like you do"
L-O-L I eat real food when I'm hungry, I stop when I get full. I listen to my body, I'm sure yours is trying to say it's too fat but you're probably ignoring it, or cant' hear it over the sounds of the pizza you're slurping down. Pizza? Sure I have that whenever I want, I just make it out of real food.

and finally "I could never spend so much time working out"
You're right princess. Let's see we leave work at the same time, I hit the gym. I do a few hard and heavy strenght sets. Yesterday it was the deadlift. Why would someone want strong functional full body strenght? we shouldn't have to be expected to work hard for anything anymore?! Then I'll do a few accessory type movements, you know so my joints and muscles remain healthy and yeah I'll say it again, functional. Let's see in about an hour I'm stronger, healthier, and ready to rock. I'm energized and ready to tackle whatever the night has in store for me. You? Well when I was lifting a bar loaded with well over my own bodyweight, you were probably getting home, hitting the couch and a six-pack. In the same hour I spend on myself and my health you got in 2, that's right 2! episodes of your favourite reality show. Oh your kids want to play? well that's tough you must be tired after a long day sitting on your ass. They shouldn't be outside anyways that new xbox downstairs was expensive dammit.




Anyways, I got the idea for this thread from the Brotherhood of Iron group. They have a thread where they post workouts, rants etc all in one (or 8 I think they're at by now) thread. I say we do the same. ]]> Fri, 29 Apr 2011 23:40:00 GMT http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4339811 http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4447890 I'm starting my 5th V-Diet tomorrow. I have found great success with it and am hoping to set new personal records with this one. I have decided to stay with the beginner program and really push my weights and intensity rather then go to the intermediate program. I have done the intermediate program once without the diet and I feel that the beginner one is better for me.

My question is this: Should I try Chad W's PLP 60 day challange to the V-Diet, starting with one pushup/lunge/chin and adding one each day?
Ken ]]> Sat, 23 Apr 2011 04:10:00 GMT http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4447890 http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4325092 Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:49:00 GMT http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4325092 http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4436985 Wed, 13 Apr 2011 16:04:00 GMT http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4436985 http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4334850
I'm Nate, I'm 24, I did three V-Diets, plus one of my own experimentation. Since my first V-Diet in Jan '10 I'm down from 235 to 190. I still can't see my abs and I've got a pretty good layer of fat over them, but I don't have the portruding gut I used to and my chest looks more like a set of pecs than man-boobs. I love training, probably too much as I'm always jumping programs and am a lot weaker than I should be. I'm a geek at heart and love reading about training and nutrition.

My current goals are to get as strong and lean as possible. Specifically to finish Cressey's Show & Go. It's 16 weeks, and that will have been the longest I've stuck with any program. I'm in the second week of phase 1 and loving it. I've looked ahead and there's a lot of stuff I'd like to add or change about it, but I won't. I'm doing it as is, 110%. ]]> Fri, 01 Apr 2011 22:26:00 GMT http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4334850 http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4375102 Sun, 27 Mar 2011 23:45:00 GMT http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4375102 http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4320902
Welcome to the Velocity Life semi-private forum!

If you'd like to be a member, just drop me a PM or post in this thread: http://velocity.T-Nation.com/...vate_forum_more

Who's this forum for? It's for:

* Those on the V-Diet or V-Diet vets.

* Those striving to eat clean 100% of the time and wanting to learn how to cook 100% clean meals that taste 100% decadent.

* Those who love the challenge of a good workout.

* Those who enjoy the psychological side of the training and nutrition game.

* Those who care about not just muscles and abs, but good health and longevity.

* Sexy people. Like me. [winking smiley face and all that]

Note: All the regular Velocity forums can still be found under the V-Diet tab in the FORUMS section. They're open to everyone.





]]> Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:28:00 GMT http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4320902 http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4381299
Anyways this time i've decided to mix things up a little to see how it effects the diet and how it effects my body.

After my first outings i know how my body reacts, what my energy levels will be like and how my body changes.

i've noticed that approaching the 28th day most people are sick of the shaked and can't wait to get back on daily HSM's.

I also have done a 4 week bout of the V-Diet lite, this dropped around 15lbs which was impressive compared to other diets but wasn't quite fast enough for me.

As i said earlier this is my 3rd V-Diet and i'm shaking it up a little bit.

My first week was completely strict and i did the V-Diet as prescribed.

For the rest of the diet instead of having HSM's once a week, i'm dropping them in ever 5 or so days, normally when i get a craving for a HSM like i said ever 5 or so days.

After 4 weeks of this, my transition will be a HSM every other day for 4 weeks.

Obviously i've shook things up a lot but i'd liek to experiment and if im going to do it, i thought i'd share it with you guys.

I'm currently on day 12 of the regime and after the whole 8 weeks is complete i'll let you know my finding. Pics, measurements and weight.

I'm also logging this in the diet log section.

Cliff Notes

1. First week full V-Diet
2. After this Hsm's every 5 or so days
3. After 4 weeks, 4 weeks of transition with HSM every other day.

Cheers guys,

Feel free to let me know what you guys think!

]]> Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:05:00 GMT http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4381299 http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4323400
However, once we lose the fat, it is time for many of us to build some muscle. Whether itâ??s because the V-Diet gave you the gym-obsession or you did the V-Diet after years of training, many of us still want to get â??hyoogeâ?? in the good way.

So, let this be a thread where we can share clean bulking techniques, recipes, and stories.
]]> Thu, 24 Feb 2011 19:29:00 GMT http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4323400 http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4325328
I'll kick us off with a steak, grilled zucchini, rutabaga fries, and Chris's Italian Parmesan tomatoes. ]]> Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:44:00 GMT http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4325328 http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4351360
I really miss opening my browser and starting my day by reading Shug's motivating and inspirational LiveSpills every day. I haven't found them back here on T-Nation, so is that just taking form as Shug's Hammer posts? ]]> Sat, 12 Feb 2011 13:58:00 GMT http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=4351360