An interesting article on T-nation with information on fasted state cardio and such - http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance_interviews/the_fasted_cardio_roundtable.

I've recently been trying to read more into it, and it seems the debate rages on, and there seems to be no easy answer on it. So...I'll try to change the question

I'm 23, about 5 foot 7, 170 lbs (not obese but nowhere near cut, or not around the belly anyways). I'm hoping to lose fat primarily, not looking to get huge, though I am looking to increase muscle mass a little (Brad Pitt from Fight Club, not Ronnie Coleman, to quote the T-nation article). I'm running each day for 30-40 minutes, bike as primary transportation, and lift 3 days a week. I'm watching my caloric intake to be around 2040 (losing around 1 1/2 lbs per week according to BMR calculations), and trying to aim for a 55-25-20 carb-prot-fat ratio.

I haven't figured out details though - I do LISS running in the mornings on a fasted state right now, but I've heard from medical students that it's not a great idea. I'm trying to eat sugar carbs (fruits) and protein shakes after lifting, but I haven't incorporated details like when high vs. low GI foods should be eaten (or even really the difference b/w high/low GI foods at all).

For other newbs who are wondering about the details - how much do they matter? For example, fasted vs non-fasted cardio, morning vs afternoon, specific eating times. How far would following a 6-meal calorie-counted plan, daily cardio (without regard for fasted/non-fasted states), lifting and protein post-workout get me in the matter of 6 months? Is this a matter of just 2-3% more body fat, or would it make my fat loss program significantly less effective?

Thanks for the help and advice so far already!

An interesting article on T-nation with information on fasted state cardio and such - http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance_interviews/the_fasted_cardio_roundtable.

I've recently been trying to read more into it, and it seems the debate rages on, and there seems to be no easy answer on it. So...I'll try to change the question

I'm 23, about 5 foot 7, 170 lbs (not obese but nowhere near cut, or not around the belly anyways). I'm hoping to lose fat primarily, not looking to get huge, though I am looking to increase muscle mass a little (Brad Pitt from Fight Club, not Ronnie Coleman, to quote the T-nation article). I'm running each day for 30-40 minutes, bike as primary transportation, and lift 3 days a week. I'm watching my caloric intake to be around 2040 (losing around 1 1/2 lbs per week according to BMR calculations), and trying to aim for a 55-25-20 carb-prot-fat ratio.

I haven't figured out details though - I do LISS running in the mornings on a fasted state right now, but I've heard from medical students that it's not a great idea. I'm trying to eat sugar carbs (fruits) and protein shakes after lifting, but I haven't incorporated details like when high vs. low GI foods should be eaten (or even really the difference b/w high/low GI foods at all).

For other newbs who are wondering about the details - how much do they matter? For example, fasted vs non-fasted cardio, morning vs afternoon, specific eating times. How far would following a 6-meal calorie-counted plan, daily cardio (without regard for fasted/non-fasted states), lifting and protein post-workout get me in the matter of 6 months? Is this a matter of just 2-3% more body fat, or would it make my fat loss program significantly less effective?

Thanks for the help and advice so far already!

I don't talk cardio.

try a 3 meal and 3 mini meal keep you full. with at 2040 calories might be a start as you lose weight lower calories. 5'7" says try to get to the 150-160 area. To see if you like yourself that way. The weight program is important next to diet. You played it down, what are you doing? Muscles are very important. Pitt was about 160 at 6' in fight cllub . Does that open your eyes a bit. :cool:

Yeah, I do realize the importance of weight lifting - I'm following Gravityhomer's fat loss guide, and it ranks diet first, weight lifting second =). I'm running mostly to keep in good health as well. I was originally wondering if details on cardio and mealtimes and such made a big difference for weight loss, but I don't think they do nowadays.