Answer

Well, I think the previous answer is a bit different from that presented by my fabulous colleague. Both are similar; however, the previous posting, does provide you with a higher caloric intake. In your particular case, since you are working out, you likely need more than the traditional 1500-1800 calories. Now as for your body hitting a plateau, it's difficult to predict when or if that will happen. The best way is to implement measure that are less likely to suppress your metabolism. First of all, mix it up. Since you are a P90x person, similar to a Tony Horton phrase, metabolism confusion. Your body is a machine. When things are predictable, it's easier for your body to grow accustom to routine. Keep your diet full of variety. I recommend eating within a calorie range, rather than sticking with a set calorie number. Even if that range is only a difference of a couple hundred calories. Also, I recommend eating every three hours. Food is fuel. When you eat every three hours this is like fueling the fire (your metabolism) every three hours. As mentioned previously, mixing carbohydrates with a protein source offers some benefits. First of all, proteins are satisfying, so people tend to eat less carbohydrates. Also, combining carbohydrates with protein is said to improve the overall metabolism and utilization, so carbohydrates are less likely to be stored as fat. When I have patients or friends for that matter that have hit a plateau, I usually recommend eating higher calorie for a couple of days and then cutting back. This can help the metabolism rev up. Also, if you are hitting a plateau and not losing, you can try increasing your water intake. This can help. I hope this helps to answer your question. On a side note, I hope you really enjoy the P90x. I have enjoyed his videos since the beginning. Lisa I am going to edit this, I noticed you changed your response with a different question. I would recommend trying it for at least a week. As long as you work out, you won't gain weight. However, that reminds me---you are now building muscle. Muscle weighs more than fat. I would recommend taking your measurements too. Even if your scale number doesn't drop, you may see some inches lost. Lisa

Edited by Ms. Lisa on 10/28/2009 at 7:41 AM