Progress Photos!

[shanmonster]

It's been a while. Because of a non-workout-related muscle pull, I haven't been doing as much strength training lately. But I have been doing a decent amount of cardio, and started pumping iron again. My muscles didn't fall off in the interim.

Here's the proof.















Measurements:

Chest: 34.5
Waist: 27.5
Hips: 37
Right bicep: 10
Left bicep: 10
Neck: 12.5
Left thigh: 20
Right thigh: 20.5
Left calf: 13.5
Right calf: 13.5

I'm shrinking. I guess that's the increased cardio. I really need to eat more protein.

Comments

[verdant-hills.livejournal.com]

Nice pics! In terms of protein - do you have opinions on Whey as a protein supplement. Do you use it?

[shanmonster.livejournal.com]

Yes, I use whey. It's the only protein supplement I use. I've read nothing but good things about it, and best yet, it's the only type that I find tasty. I avoid soy protein because of the estrogens in it and because thyroid problems run in my family. Soy can make thyroids run amok. I've also tried brown rice protein, but I think it tastes terrible.

My favourite smoothie recipe is a scoop of whey protein, a banana, a big dollop of natural, unsweetened peanut butter, and a cup of milk. Ice is optional. I think this is pretty tasty, whether I use chocolate or vanilla whey, and it's also very filling.

[forestmaster.livejournal.com]

I've made a whey pudding of sorts by mixing apple sauce, peanut butter and a scoop of protein powder. Haven't had any protein powder in a while - have been trying to eat more meat, but I can't argue about the convenience of having the powder for meal supplementation.

Yeah, don't wear down your muscles with too much cardio without enough protein/strength training to keep them built up or to grow them...

Do you have a preferred whey protein? Most of the ones I tried had artificial something or others in them... I liked this stuff (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GIURM2/ref=lst_llp_sl-2) when I was supplementing, but I didn't consume it fast enough to justify buying it lately...

[shanmonster.livejournal.com]

The cardio I am doing is calculated to give me more explosive power in the legs: stuff like dragons and power jumping jacks and Hindu squats. My leg may not be getting bigger, but they're certainly getting stronger. Floor work is a cinch, now, and I can occasionally manage pistols, which I couldn't do before.

The protein pudding idea looks good. I'll have to give it a try.

I haven't found a favorite whey. I've been picking it up from the local drug store, getting whatever is on sale and not flavored with sucralose. I sure do hate the taste of sucralose. Ew!

[forestmaster.livejournal.com]

Sorry to not respond for so long... finally cleaning up my inbox... yay for occasional pistols and more explosive leg power. :)

Whey - the best that I tried was from Optimum Nutrition (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GIURM2/ref=lst_llp_sl-2) and had stevia. I also hate the taste of sucralose and was trying to avoid all artificial sweeteners... there's way too many wheys out there with way too much artificial/questionable other ingredients mixed in. :(

[kearby.livejournal.com]

you are solid!

[shanmonster.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I'm a work in progress.