Thanks all. I just got back from Vegas and have not done my grocery shopping for the week. I'm mentally over this cut, so this might be as good as it gets. I'll see if I can refocus for another 3-4 weeks.
Yes - from lifting and the lifestyle in general. Mentally and physically I'm good, I just want to force myself to take a break longer than the 1-2 weekers I've taken over the past 2.5 years of the current stretch.
This is the year of no excuses for me, I don't want to look good for 43, I want to look good. I've lost about 8 lbs now, made some considerable diet changes, and been working out religiously. I haven't had decent abs since the 80's, and that's my main target right now, the gut has to go.
I'm 5'9" and 180 lbs, target is 175, with a considerable drop in body fat.
6 Month update:
I got down in weight to high 160's, and have never felt better, and I'm lifting quite a bit heavier than I was 6 months ago. I've got from a tight fitting 34" jeans to 32", and they're not exactly snug. The one major change I made was upping how much water I drink in a day, I've easily doubled and it has had some positive results. I used to have joint pain, specifically knees, and that has all but gone away, who woulda thunk. For my body, a regular amount of water kept me slightly dehydrated, and it affected joints. Diet hasn't changed much, I work out 4x a week religiously, and drink less beer now, as I ride the motorcycle every chance I get.
Good job so far! What are your short and long-term goals?
Realistically, I'd be happy to stay in my current shape. I'm 44, no interest in getting huge or anything, just working at not losing muscle mass or gaining fat that plague so many guys post 40.
