Hello Everyone,
I recently got myself back on the wagon and made the commitment to get fit. I've been reading your site nonstop for the past few days and thanks to the incredible wealth of information here, I think I have a handle on what I need to do to accomplish my goals. However, I do have a few questions :).

I'm a 29 y.o. male, 6'2" and currently 269 lbs (about 23% body fat). I'd love to get that weight to down around 230 for my 30th birthday in August - that works out to losing about 2 lbs per week. Using the calculations in the nutrition guide posted in the sticky's, I concluded 2400 calories/day is what I need to eat to lose 2 lbs per week. I've broken that down into 6 meals, each as close as possible to 400 calories of clean food. I've also been waking up early in order to get 30-45 mins cardio in each morning before my first meal, and I'm set to begin weight training again on Monday.

So, with that out of the way, here are my questions. How much is too much when it comes to protein bars? My job can be very hectic at times thus making it hard to find time to eat every 3 hours. I can use 2 protein bars to make a 380 calorie meal that I can easily eat while on the go. Is it ok to eat this once or occasionally twice a day, or would that be too much?
Next, how late can I eat my last meal? I've always been taught not to eat late at night but there is no way I can get 6 meals in without eating the last one after 9:00 pm, is that alright or is it too late?
Thats all for now, although I'm sure I'll have lots more as I progess.

Thanks in advance for any advice, all comments/idea/criticisms are welcome!!!

Hi and welcome :).

I'm a 29 y.o. male, 6'2" and currently 269 lbs (about 23% body fat). I'd love to get that weight to down around 230 for my 30th birthday in August - that works out to losing about 2 lbs per week. Using the calculations in the nutrition guide posted in the sticky's, I concluded 2400 calories/day is what I need to eat to lose 2 lbs per week. I've broken that down into 6 meals, each as close as possible to 400 calories of clean food. I've also been waking up early in order to get 30-45 mins cardio in each morning before my first meal, and I'm set to begin weight training again on Monday.

Sounds like a plan. At 6'2 and 269 lbs and with the amount of cardio and weight lifting you plan on doing you could probably start off higher than 2400 kcal/day and adjust from there. Why eat less if you can eat more and still lose? A good place to start is body weight x 11, which would put you at 2960 kcal/day.

So, with that out of the way, here are my questions. How much is too much when it comes to protein bars? My job can be very hectic at times thus making it hard to find time to eat every 3 hours. I can use 2 protein bars to make a 380 calorie meal that I can easily eat while on the go. Is it ok to eat this once or occasionally twice a day, or would that be too much?

The store bought protein bars are usually nothing more than glorified candy bars and I would say you shouldn't resort to those. You can make your own bars using protein powder (just search the recipe forum). The better alternative would be to bring some other kind of portable snack like beef jerky, nuts, tuna, salmon or chicken in pouches, etc.

Next, how late can I eat my last meal? I've always been taught not to eat late at night but there is no way I can get 6 meals in without eating the last one after 9:00 pm, is that alright or is it too late?
Thats all for now, although I'm sure I'll have lots more as I progess.


Eating late at night is not a problem. Have a slow digesting protein (casein) and fat meal for your last meal of the day unless you're training in the evening in which case you can have carbs PWO.

I hope you're successful accomplishing your goals :).

I don't want to seem unfair, but I seriously doubt you are at 23% BF at 270 lbs and 6'2". That would mean you are carrying a lot of lean muscle mass (about 208 lbs). It's possible if you played football in college or lifted (A LOT) during high school and college.

I suggest getting a caliper test, or invest in an Omron hand-helds tester (~$30), or use the navy body fat determination method (www.bblex.de/en/calc/navy.php (http://www.bblex.de/en/calc/navy.php)). Check it out to get a first read on where you are really starting from. It will let you more accurately track your progress as you continue on your path.