Body Fat and Diet Confusion

[manderson]

Hello all,

I decided a few weeks ago that it was time to finally get into shape. I was getting to old to continue to let myself go, and I started on a research journal that still continues today.

I have started a comprehensive weight lifting program 3 days a week and doing cardio on the T/TR. I have read everything I can find on the diet side of things, but have come to hard conclusion that I for the next few years will probably not have time to count every single calorie. I work two jobs and go to school full time. I'm doing well to do what I am doing now.

Which brings me to my question. My weight has been pretty stable my whole life. I have slowly gained weight, but nothing serious. I am at 5'10 and 155 pounds right now, which is where I have been for the past few years. Until recently my diet consisted of junk food, and fast food.

I have taken huge measures to change all that, and now I am only eating turkey, chicken, lots of fruit, and a moderate (I know I need more) veggies.

I did my body fat measurement today and it comes out to around 18% which is to high, way to high. However I got to thinking even if I am now on a strict "cutting" diet, if I am still eatting much better than I was eatting, and I am gaining muscle mass through working out my body fat % should fall right?

[guava]

There is no need to count calories.

The good news is, you're within the ideal weight range for your height.

So, starting a cardio program, beginning a strength training program, and swapping cleaner foods for junk foods is all you need to do.

I don't think you should follow a traditional "cutting" diet, because you're not overweight. I think if you do end up counting calories, you should try to eat very close to your Total Daily Energy Expenditure. You might end up having to ADD some foods to your diet (usually the best bets if that's the case are nuts and fish), because cleaner foods will likely fill you up more and could put you at too great of a caloric deficit for your increased activity levels.

[manderson]

Thank you. Your words are what I was thinking, but its nice to have confirmation from the people who know more about this than I do.