19 y old requires YOUR expertise

[Kzar]

Hey guys. I am new. goal: to lose 20-30 lbs of fat and ultimately, attain a six-pack. I really hope to lose the fat in the next 3.5 months. Of course, I will continue with exercise and nutrition after that time has passed as well. This is second topic post (first one in the Weight/Fat Loss section). Ok, so I would really appreciate some help. I lose motivation fast and although I have found the motivation for exercising and working out, I can't seem to find it for nutrition. So before I fall into a dark, deep, abyss, I am making a post.

Here is a very general breakdown of what I eat:

Morning: 1 bowl cereal. Fruit. Maybe instead of the 1 bowl cereal, I have chicken and whole wheat bread.

Snack: Fruit.

Lunch: Rice w/ chicken. Fruit. Sometimes I have the chicken and whole wheat bread here instead of the rice w/. chicken.

Snack: Fruit. Perhaps a yogurt. When not in the morning, I have 1 bowl cereal here instead of yogurt.

Dinner: Pasta or more rice w/ chicken. Fruit.

This is so called 6 meals a day routine. mother just cooked this food (pasta, rice, chicken) and gave them to me as I have moved into own place for university. I cannot cook. I don't eat eggs as I do not have any right now. Nor do I have any veggies either. Gah, I shall go and buy some ASAP. So the veggies will go in the snack areas, I suppose. About the eggs, I don't know..it's not that I don't like them..I cringe at the thought of cooking them, even though not much effort is needed...if you guys/girls deem them to be really important for weight loss, then I shall get them.

swanso5 told me to cut the pasta, rice, cereal, and bread. I can understand the pasta but not the other three.

Additionally, should I count the amount of protein and carbs and fibre I am taking in everyday?

I will do (almost) anything you guys suggest!

Regards,
Kzar.

[JoeSixPack]

Swanso is absolutely right! Those high starch items are killing you and will not eliminate the layer of fat covering your six pack. Also, six pack's are not made in the gym they are made in the kitchen. If you continue to eat wrong your body will never adapt and reveal the coveted six pack you so desire. You say you will "DO ANYTHING" then I suggest you find a good 30/30/40 or 20/30/50 fat/protien/carb diet that will keep your busy life stimulated and reveal your six pack with perseverence and diligence. If you must have Pasta make it whole wheat, and Rice make it Brown, cut the bread back to one or two slices every other day and I suggest Flax seed or a multi-grain type over whole wheat. And be sure and toss that skin you been eating off of the chicken, get more vegetables into your meal plan and lets not forget the fish. If you are eating for workouts you can be more liberal with the amounts you eat especially if you are getting the required number of workouts in each week. I do not see a lot of fruit on your plate so you may want to increase these to an acceptable 3 - 5 servings a day. And supplements may be a way to go but I am not savvy enough to recommend any. Good luck in your quest, you do have one thing working in your favor, you are 19 and with a little effort, hard work and proper nutrition you should be able to get your body in the shape you seek! Good Luck!

[Kzar]

Thanks for replying, JoeSixPack and Lesplease!

Ok I shall cut the bread and pasta. Most likely the rice too then, unless it's brown and even then only on some occasions. I will buy eggs and lots of vegetables. And fish too I guess because I think I'll faint if I go only veggies and fruits with working out.

1) Chicken skin? Is the affect big if I toss it out? Just wondering...

2) Hey, what about cereal (I usually eat Nesquik and Reese Puffs) and 2% milk?

3) How about beans? If so, any specific in mind?

4) For the fish, should I avoid fish sticks or are they good?

So am I good* with these items: fish, vegetables, eggs, fruits, cereal, 2% milk, chicken, and sometimes brown rice?

Regards,
Kzar.

*Good meaning that with all the proper exercise and diet, I will be able to lose the fat (20-30 lbs) and gain some muscle within the next 3.5 months.

[Kzar]

Thanks, brentyboy and Lesplease.

Ok, rice and beans after the workout.

No more cereal unless it's high fibre/whole grain. But I think I may just go buy some oats. How is and how much is this whey protein stuff?

Cottage cheese ftw.

For fish, anything but fish sticks. So canned tuna, salmon, etc. are a-okay?

As for the chicken, I usually eat what mother buys. And that mainly consists of chicken legs. And she -bones, -skins it, I am sure. Is it necessary to get chicken breasts instead? Just curious...

As for the keggers, I do not drink.

So...vegetables, chicken, cottage cheese, oats, string cheese, nuts, avocados, fruits, and fish all during the day. Rice (brown) and beans only after workouts.
As for beverages, I have water..and a little more water.

Thanks for the links, brentyboy.

Regards,
Kzar.

[Kzar]

Brentyboy, once again thanks for the reply and the link. Now, do you believe it is absolutely imperative to buy this whey protein stuff? I understand it's very supplying in protein but you know..just wondering. Is this and water the sole items you drink?

Just re-posting some questions from the post before yours:

"So canned tuna, salmon, etc. are a-okay?

As for the chicken, I usually eat what mother buys. And that mainly consists of chicken legs. And she -bones, -skins it, I am sure. Is it necessary to get chicken breasts instead? Just curious...

...

So [ everyday diet will consist of]...vegetables, chicken, cottage cheese, oats, string cheese, nuts, avocados, fruits, and fish all during the day. Rice (brown) and beans only after workouts.
As for beverages, I have water..and a little more water."

Regards,
Kzar.