Welcome back to our open thread. Let’s get moving.

Steve:

Hey Kap – absolutely love the site and it has become a staple in my daily internet routine. Quick question for ya – I just graduated college this past May and my friends and I were huge into working out and lifting weights. Besides classes and the partying, all of our free time was spent in the gym, so we all ended up getting pretty bulky. I am currently about 6’1 and 200lbs, but I want to slim down, lose some muscle, but still be toned. What type of workouts would you suggest? In college I would do chest/triceps Monday/Thursday, back/biceps Tuesday/Friday, and legs/shoulders on Wednesday. Since then, I only lift MWF, so I work those muscles once per week and then do full body/body weight cardio workouts Tuesday/Thursday, but haven’t really obtained the results that I’m looking for. Sorry for the long winded question here, but what type of workouts/workout plan would you suggest?

Steve,

Thanks for stopping by. I know you’re asking for a workout, but if what you want to do is slim down, lose some muscle and stay toned, I’d suggest making a dietary change instead. I’d bet all my marbles if you cut out processed, package products and eat solely animal flesh, veggies and fruit, you’ll achieve your desired results, pronto. This is no easy task, but you’ve got this. I believe in you.

Good luck,

Kap

RS:

A couple weeks ago Tim Grover wrote an article for SI.com and he talked about NBA players coming to him before the preseason about not being able to lose weight. He said he would put them on a no (or low) sugar plan: no fruit, no junk, no pasta, no alcohol, etc. So we’re talking meat, fish, non-starchy veggies, and nuts. Essentially paleo without the fruit. I gave it a shot post Thanksgiving to supplement a daily cardio routine and the weight loss has been alarmingly effective. I’m down 15 lbs in two weeks. I’m wondering if you have any thoughts on sugar avoidance.

Wow, RS, you must have read Steve’s question. I mused on the topic of sugar avoidance here. In short, replace everything processed in your home with foods from the earth. No packages, no preservatives. You’ll look and, more importantly, feel healthier.

Apples kill a sweet tooth.

Kap

Kat:

I’m a ICU nurse who works 3-11. Often I don’t have time for a break and I’m hungry when I get home after midnight. Since It’s so late I know I shouldn’t be eating heavy but I’m starving. Any suggestions on a healthy midnight snack?

Kat, I have suggestions, but I don’t know if you’ll like them. I’ve found that blueberries and purple cabbage do the trick for me anytime I have a craving of any kind, day or night. Why? Their collective nutritional density is off the chart. A handful of each and I’m satisfied and back on point.

Careful sleepwalking,

Kap

What’s on your mind?