"Cutting"

nero120 · 19 Oct 2006 at 17:22

I just had a company BUPA health check, and found out my BF% is about 18.5% (electrode test). Its higher than I expected, but the guy did say recent exercise can affect the test, and I had just been for my run (but that would only increase it by a few percent at most). I have put on about a stone over the summer as I have been lifting to increase my muscle mass, but I guess my fat level also increased with all those protein shakes! I started cutting about 3 weeks ago which primarily consists of running 3 miles a day five times a week. I was kind of annoyed that my BF% was as high as it was, annoyingly it seems concentrated around my midriff, as the rest of me is pretty much pinch-free! So, it has made me determined to cut some of this dirty fat.

My diet is pretty good, 3 meals a day with fruit in between. However, I am still having a protein shake for brekkie every day. Now that IM trying to lose weight, should I kill the shakes and eat something else instead?

tom_e · 19 Oct 2006 at 17:39

Dont think those tests are the be all and end all they are very very inaccurate

Nazbit · 19 Oct 2006 at 17:54

To be honest I wouldnt take those tests to be to accurate, some are awful and while you might expect bupa to be reasonable, maybe get some calipers and check for yourself before doing anything drastic?

nero120 · 19 Oct 2006 at 18:39

Thanks guys. I can say that the only part of my body I am at all concerned about is I have a little bit of handle-action around my midriff (I can still see my abs when I tense them though), the rest of me is lean and mean! Whereas the test itself was not a major issue, I'd still like to shift this ring a little.

oddjob62 · 19 Oct 2006 at 23:47

If you can see your abs, i'd be very surprised if you are 18%

Mr.Stu · 20 Oct 2006 at 10:58

Protein shakes are still good when cutting as you still want a hefty chunk of your calorie intake to be from proteins.

Like oddjob says, if you CAN see your abs properly (ie not just the outside of where a sixpack would be) then you are not 18%.

I'm cutting myself at the moment until I can see my abs. Sucks cutting over winter

Making decent progress though on 1600-1700 cals per day, with 50mins cardio every night at 75% bpm.