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Healthy Living in Connecticut Blog

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Feb
11

Building Muscle But What About Body Fat Percentage?

I've been so much focused on weight lifting I haven't been thinking about my body fat percentage. I really haven't had it checked for a while but I know body fat is important in order to see 6 pack abs. Judging from all the advice I've seen online regarding ab definition, the body fat needs to be in the single digits. The last time I wrote about it, I believe my abs were at 10.38 percent.

I let the body fat talk subside as I wanted to focus on the strength. In order to build muscle, I needed to put on some weight. Once I start seeing more results with the muscle, I'm sure my focus will then go to the body fat percentage again.


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Dec
22

Shred It! Challenge Update... Vegan Bodybuilding In Progress!

When I started the Shred It! challenge, I thought it was supposed to go 13 weeks. However, I discovered that the journal I've been using for the challenge will last a few weeks after the 13 weeks. I think the reason for this is that the author planned for the users to write in it 7 days a week and I only kept track of the 5 days a week that I worked out. In any case, I'll keep going as I can't wait to see the results of the challenge.

I have been doing strength training, really focusing on my muscle, for the past 3 years or so in an effort to tighten my loose skin after weight loss. However, the Shred It! challenge marks the first time I've seen this kind of progress. It really amazes me that the results I'm getting are without animal products. I had turkey and eggs a few times a week before going completely vegan at the start of the challenge. I used to think those animal products were necessary for muscle building but it did not yield the kind of results that I'm getting now with plants only.


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Oct
10

Shred It Challenge... Week 6 Update 10 Pounds of Muscle!

Well maybe not 10 pounds, but I definitely have been gaining some weight. Checking the body fat analyzer, my body fat is around 14 (which means around 12 or so), so this would mean I gained muscle. I am over 200 pounds for the first time in over a year.

I never thought I'd be happy to gain weight but this weight is necessary to build muscle. As long as I didn't gain fat, I'm happy! I am focusing on muscle growth and lifting 5 days a week. It can be a grueling schedule but I think the hard work will pay off.


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Sep
26

Shred It Challenge... Week 4 Update Getting Results!

I am so happy I read the "Shred It" book by Robert Cheeke! I'm getting the kind of results I've been working so hard to get for a long time now. The workout examples he gives are awesome, and he explains the importance of getting enough food, healthy plant-based foods.

A lot of bodybuilders could benefit from this book. So many people overload their systems with protein powders and extra meat just to fill up with extra protein. It took me by surprise that the human body needs about 5-10 percent protein. The fact that he built muscle on this diet was enough proof for me.




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Dec
18

Push-Up Challenge Is Tough But Getting Results!

The push-up challenge I'm doing is helping me a lot. Not only have my push-ups improved, but I'm noticing how much stronger my triceps have become. This challenge has been a great opportunity to improve something that I was never able to do for years, the dreaded push-up.

I'm amazed when I think of how far I came since college. I never could do push-ups and I remember people laughing at me that I couldn't do them. I just had no strength in my arms back then.

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