skinNbones

I think aiming for high protein intake does have merit. Mr Strong was eating lots of eggs long before myprotein.com got involved. I have already started with a protein drink post work put and amino acid boost the day after. However , I accept your point that for me the calorific surplus is probably more important .

Thanks again for the good advice guys. Im definitely doing better by ensuring there is always a protein source in each meal. Although, I had a brilliant 'greek inspired' muller today, pretty much zero protein !

Hi, This is my first 6 week challenge. I haven't quite set my goals yet, but wanted to get this post in to make sure I committed to it. I'll come back and edit this when I've got them set. Here is my intro post : http://rebellion.nerdfitness.com/index.php?/topic/65381-just-skinnbones/ Basically to sum up, my long term goal is to gain about 20 Kg over the next 18 months and actually increase my body fat %. Main Quest : Gain 20Kg (over 18 months) and be able to complete a full hour of cardio (hopefully sooner) Goals: Complete advanced bodyweight programme - at least 3 pull ups and chin ups (edited down from 10 - gotta be realistic ...). +3 STR, +3 STAFinish NHS Choices Couch to 5k Training program on Cardio Days. +3 DEXLife Goal: Tidy and complete laminate floor in the house (first step to getting some exercise space in the garage) +1 WISScoring :C=1, B=2, A=3, A+ = MorePass / FailPass / Fail1st edit: had a bit of a shock on first attempt of advanced bodyweight - can't even do 3 pull ups - challenge target updated accordingly!

Thanks for the advice. I've never really associated Protein with Yoghurt so I can definitely see myself stocking up on some large pots of greek yoghurt and some fish. I'm not vegetarian, and I've not been too scientific about my protein goal - just taken the myfitness pal recommendation when I told it my weight gain goals - around 120 g I think. Looking back on my diet, I'm having muesli/granola with oatmeal and a banana in the mornings, lunch varies. We had a pasta bake in the evening yesterday. Had two pork pies today 'as a snack' - but was surprised that they actually had more calories than protein. Today we went out and had sandwiches. I suppose, I just need to be making sure that all meals have a protein source, so should have had ham and/or cheese sandwiches instead.

Hi, I've only recently started trying to bulk up, having been chronically underweight my whole life. I'm using MyFitnessPal as it does seem a good way to get a handle on whether I'm eating enough, and have already seen some gains (500g according to FitBit Aria). However, every day, even if I hit my calorie goals (aiming at over 2300 calories - had to drink a pint of full fat milk this evening), my protein and potassium amounts are always well under the Protein and Potassium Targets. I've got some whey protein for post workout, but that's only like 20g every other day, and I would rather make up the difference in Diet. Am I going to just have to start buying steaks or does anyone have some more cost effective solutions? (I've also been eating a lot more peanut butter and so on - but still not getting over 117 g) Cheers

Just as well . I was 1000 calories under the target when i got home!

I've relented and got myfitness pal on mobile to track calories. Looks like kt has basic macro tracking too. So this should give me a better idea how much I need to be eating. Thanks for the advice.

Thanks for those suggestions. Pre-packaging lunches is defintely a good idea, as I can spend almost a tenner just on buying sandwiches around where I work. I'll try and stock up on some peanut butter. Didn't know cashew butter existed though, so looking forward to trying that. Not sure I'm motivated enough to actually calorie count though. My wife does that , and it does take up a bit of time, even with the myFitness Pal barcode scanning. What's macro tracking?

Hi, sounds like you have similar goals to me, although I was leaning more towards Rangers than scouts, as they are billed as 'strength and stamina'. I am aiming to do some running with my other half, but like the idea of using bodyweight training (and free weights) to increase my fitness, not just cardio. Just entered Adventurers for now - see how I feel at the end of the next 6 week challenge.

Hi, Just thought I'd post quickly on here to say hello. I've been incredibly thin my whole life. I have a pretty fast metabolism and due to an illness as a child, I don't think my body processes fats very well. According to the fitbit aria I have a body fat percentage of 6% despite not being all that fit or healthy to start. I'm a typical programmer, frequently missing lunch, if I'm just trying to solve a tricky bug, and then suffering later (I can sometimes be literally shaking by the end of the day). Anyway, I've decided now in my thirties to finally take this seriously and try and gain some weight and put on some muscle mass. Ideally I want to get my fitness levels back up to be able to play a full game of basketball again. I'm making an effort to eat more than normal, mixing in porridge with my muesli and stocking up on fruit and nut bars, but I can't really take the Paleo diet too seriously, as I need whatever calories I can get. So to start will be just be trying to get through the beginners bodyweight routine, and also work towards being able to jog for an hour (on alternate days). Hope this makes sense, happy to take critical advice.