Overcoming Pocket Obesity
How I Shed Four Lbs of Bodyfat In 10 Days
As I took a day and a night off of work this past weekend and escaped to Canada, I noticed something. Everyone in Vancouver, B.C. seems to have them. They pop out in glorious splendor.
I’m talking about calves.
Other things “pop out” in glorious splendor as well in Vancouver, at least at night. Shall we say the “dress code is limited” — meaning the females are apparently (er…) not allowed to wear more than fill-in-the-blank inches of cloth per pound when out on the streets past midnight.
What a place. : )
Vancouver is one of the most stunning places I have ever seen. Very eclectic, too. You have a mix of metropolitan meets mountain biker heaven meets beach volleyball. The rent there reflects this package of diversity. The great calves are a product of walking the hills and beaches in Vancouver, I’m sure. Either that, or Nanaimo bars build great calves. How I wish that was the case.
(I had a great tour guide as well. Pete (my business partner and friend) is a native of Vancouver, so many thanks to him for making the trip such a blast.)
Partially due to Peter, and perhaps some sort of revenge from Canada as a whole for my continual dissing of Celine Dion, the now infamous Nanaimo Bar is my new favorite dessert. It is a product of Nanaimo, B.C., and probably created by someone who wanted to slay a man by the cunning use of pleasure and inducing a sugar coma.
Yes, I indulged a bit. Then again, we hiked and walked for miles and miles…and frankly I needed a full day off after two hard days of training and the first week of serious dieting for my upcoming photoshoot.
Yes…that’s Nanaimo bars and a photoshoot used in the same blog. How the….
Okay, ‘nuff about that. Let’s talk about pocket obesity.
Pocket obesity is a term that you will probably not find on Google, but one used to describe my particular condition by two separate doctors and one rather famous personal trainer. Who knows if it’s an actual condition. What I do know is that it is different from “stubborn fat” in subtle yet important ways.
Pocket obesity rears its really ugly head every time I go to peak. But this time I may have a way to overcome it without doing what has been suggested in the past: starving off 10 pounds of muscle for the sake of a three-hour photoshoot. No thanks.
I plan to be in the best shape of my career on or before my 44th birthday which is October 14. That’s roughly nine weeks. I have a great running start, as I am already in single-digits (or close), but this time I plan to get shredded.
Let me be honest. That is not an easy thing for me, nor for anyone to do. However, I have a few more challenges than most bodybuilders or athletes who try to get to 4-5% bodyfat due to pocket obesity, which is frankly a real drag. These are pockets of fat that are immune to dieting. They are small, but they can be the difference between an ideal midsection shot and a “you didn’t quite get there” midsection shot.
I’ve never quite been there.
Yes, the last few peaks were really good. I was very proud of my 40th. But I wasn’t there. Bodybuilders who compete can tell this from the pics, but most normal people cannot. By the way, that’s a compliment — we bodybuilders are not normal… : )
The fact is I know how to take a photo and hide the bad stuff. This time around there will be no hiding, or so I hope.
I chose not to go this route at 40 and 42 on purpose — I didn’t want to lose 10 pounds of muscle just for a few DAYS of being ultra-lean. Pocket obesity, unlike “stubborn fat”, will often require you to kill Peter to save Paul.
Few bodybuilders have pocket obesity. Some have very stubborn fat, which is close to the same thing but different in structure. It is resistant, but not “immune” to dieting.
I have been told by numerous people, including one friend who is a plastic surgeon that these few spots on my body are “hopeless”. For the record, I have never had plastic surgery…and if I ever did, I would post pics of it. Why hide anything?
Hopeless? Hell, to me, that means there is hope and they simply don’t know what they’re talking about. Heh.
Okay…they may be right, but this time I will find out FOR SURE one way or the other. Trust me folks, the work I am putting into this peak, which unfortunately rules out Nanaimo bars after the 4-week mark (joke), is all one can do to shed the pocket obesity without losing a ton of muscle.
If it can be done, I am going to do it. If it cannot, I will go for Plan B…or C…or D.
It’s silly perhaps, but it’s my personal Everest. Again, bodybuilders will get this. Consider yourself normal if you do not. : )
I’m about to tell you what I’m doing to shed bodyfat. It’s working like crazy. I dumped four pounds in the past 10 days with no sacrifice of muscle. That’s a best guess, as I do not have access to a hydrostatic tank at the moment. I am using pinch testing and the old “am I getting stronger” test. I would not expect to continue this level of fat loss, fyi, but it’s very cool to see my body respond so quickly.
First, let me say this: I am writing three books at once. That’s a challenge. Most of you have been awaiting my 7 Minute Muscle book for years…literally. Fear not, it’s in the works.
The first of my set of three comes out this week: The Every Other Day Diet will change the way people think about dieting — or so we hope. My co-author Janis Hauser, CPT and I put a ton of effort into creating and testing a dietary plan for the “busy” person. This is ideal for those of you who do not want to be shredded or eat like a Spartan, but just want to dump most of your excess weight.
In short, it’s a diet for the real world.
We assumed that most people could care less about “ripped abs”, so we created a System (this is actually ‘not’ a diet, despite the title, at least in the conventional sense of the word) that allows for your favorite foods every other day — and, at the same time, one that never demands you count calories or grams of anything. Pretty cool.
The third book in this trifecta is…well, I am not going to reveal the title yet. However, it details what I am about to cover briefly, and is ONLY for those of you who are wanting to get super-lean. It is for the bodybuilder, fitness athlete, or for those of you who have tried EVERYTHING else out there without success.
And, of course, for those of you with your own “pocket obesity” issues.
I have tested this before in the past with success, but never like this. The modifications I have made using my own body as a guinea pig have proved to be rather stunning.
I’m giving you this info today because I want to help you. If you buy the book later this year, great. It will contain a lot more info on the subject, obviously. If not, no biggie — just use this info and go for it.
Warning: this is not for anyone who has blood sugar problems, diabetes, or any other serious health ailment. It is also very challenging, yet very “easy” at the same time. No kidding.
Most people would not enjoy it. I love it.
Ready?
I fast from the time I get up (usually about 8:00-9:00am) until at least 3:00pm. After that, I consume the bulk of my nutrition around my workouts. I stop eating at around 11:00pm, so I give myself about 8 hours a day to eat. Within those 8 hours I eat in a very specific way. I consume mostly protein and fat with very little carbs. I do not count calories or grams. I just eat. I find myself eating every 1-2 hours, even after eating what has to be 1500 calories in my first meal! Kinda crazy.
On top of it all, I train in this fasted state. I usually wait until about 2:00 to hit the gym. Today it’s later as I slept in from a long night. I hit cardio, then the gym, then eat. Then cardio again. My cardio is in the form of hiking the hills of Washington.
You would think I would be losing muscle like crazy and that I would be incredibly weak in the gym. Nope — in fact I have never looked this good. I am ‘not’ as strong as I was at 215 (I am 196 currently) — at least from a strength/duration point of view. I can still get the same 8-rep weights I have used at a heavier body weight for one-two sets. After that I have to drop to a lighter weight for the remaining sets. When I use my 7 Minute Muscle protocols, which are mixed into my peaking workouts, my endurance within the sets is a bit less but weight are about the same.
In short, the fasting state takes a bit off the top, but I am not considerably weaker. And, at a lighter bodyweight, “anyone” will be weaker. Since I am technically able to lift the same weight for reps, I have concluded that I am gaining muscle from the anabolic effects of my diet and training while burning fat.
The benefits of fasting and training (I include a lot of supplement tricks to offset the catabolic effects) far outweigh the cons, in my opinion. These include rapid fat-burning, an anabolic ‘spike’ after the workout that is incredibly powerful, and a feeling of lightness in the gym. It is almost a euphoric feeling.
I will blog more about this diet and the techniques I am using as I progress further into it. If the past ten days is any indication, as well as my previous experience with this protocol (with myself and others), I may have the solution to pocket obesity and maximum muscle definition.
I will keep you posted. Stay tuned…
[jB]
Archived in 7 Minute Muscle, Every Other Day Diet, Fitness, Nutrition.
This entry is tagged: bodybuilding, bodyfat, Every Other Day Diet, fasting
Comments (24)
Kay said:
Seems really strange! Being 53 and new to all the technical side of dieting and working out within the past two years, all I have read is eat small meals 5-6 times a day, don’t skip breakfast and seems the idea of eating late at night was up in the air - yet here you are saying to NOT eat until 2:00 PM and eat up until 11:00! Makes is all seem indifferent - like all the reports on coffee - one day good for you the next week - really bad. Disappointing to read this - like everything I have tried to follow and believe in for the past 2 -3 years was not real - just an opinion. Maybe you meant this for just a short period of time and I just didn’t get that from your blog. I might have just misunderstood. Took me a long time to realize that 5-6 small, proportioned meals was the best for person and now we hear - don’t eat til 2:00 PM! Oh Lord - are people going to take that out of context!
Posted on Aug 06, 2007 10:04 PM
Jon Benson said:
Hi Kay;
I can understand your confusion, and I’m sure it’s shared by a lot of readers.
Yep…it is strange. Radical. Against convention. (Put your descriptive here.)
But guess what? It works. At least for now. I’ll pass final judgment in 8 weeks. But honestly, I can’t see this going anywhere but toward success at the moment. I promise to keep an open mind. : )
So, let’s get down to brass tax:
A. There are no correct answers that fit everyone;
B. There is nothing to be disappointed over except a lack of results;
C. This is in fact short-term, unless all health benefits show themselves in spades, and then I would modify it for long-term;
D. The stuff you’ve read — a lot of it was real, a lot was opinion, but that can be said of just about anything;
Now, here’s my opinion, for what it’s worth… : )
Six meals a day is a real drag. It never (repeat, NEVER) worked for me in two important areas: getting below 10% bodyfat (which very few people want to do) and digesting my food properly (which everyone should want to do.)
For people wanting to shed weight, this principle of brief fasting may not be the best place to start. If you have tried all other ways, then sure…check with your doctor, let him/her freak out, and then give it a shot if they approve (they won’t, but chances are great they are clueless when it comes to nutrition.)
That being said…
Most people who eat six meals a day, especially when they are carb/protein mixes, fart and burp all day long. That’s something you won’t hear very many guys or gals saying in a book, now is it? It’s true. Bodybuilders are gassy bastards. They overlook these symptoms of poor digestion in favor of the benefits that frequent eating offers. Yes, there are benefits to both styles of eating, but in my opinion MY style of eating offers far, far more benefits. Again, this assumes it works long-term. At least I’m adventurous!
Let’s start with digestion. I digest my food almost perfectly — no gas, no bloating, no discomfort. But this is true with periodic fasting or without as long as my carbs are very low (under 60 grams for several days, and then high carb on day 3 or 4.)
I tried this on all carbs just for grins — ugh. I felt like crap after a day. So fats and proteins are what works for me.
Other benefits:
— I don’t have to sacrifice having a freakin’ LIFE in order to eat for results. Eating six full meals a day is a total freakin’ bore and can wreck anyone’s social life. I prefer to have one.
— Almost every meal is anabolic. The shock effect is pretty pronounced. While eating tonight, for example, I felt waves of body heat. Still feel them. It’s really pretty cool.
— Every meal is ‘targeted’ toward a result, almost like a giant funnel. Since 80% of your calories are consumed within 2 hours or so of your workouts, most of the nutrients are used very efficiently by the body. That means very little waste.
— Time. Man oh man…I love, repeat LOVE the time this gives me. I can focus on nothing but a cup of coffee (or two…no more than three) and my work all morning and afternoon.
— Discipline. I enjoy things that discipline the mind. It takes considerable effort to avoid food during the day. For me, it is much more difficult at night, but it is still a Zen-like discipline dealy. : )
— Feeling light, euphoric, and “internally clean” all day. Hard to put that last bit into words. Ask any faster…and for the record, I do ‘not’ endorse long-term fasting. If it is religious, then go for it. But otherwise it offers more cons than pros.
— My water intake almost doubled. Perhaps this is a “lack” of discipline on my part, but whatever the case I drink a heck of a lot more water. Consequently, I shed body water and fat easier and faster.
— Frankly speaking, I enjoy eating at night, so this is again an ideal benefit.
— It feels cool. Again, it’s hard to put that into words. I feel much more focused on my objectives.
— Did I mention the results? ; )
— The fact I can carb up on pretty much whatever I wish has always been a huge benefit for the “anabolic” style of dieting.
A bit more about this: Anabolic dieting was not invented by Dr. Mario Di Pasquale, although I enjoyed his book on the subject. It was, in fact, done for decades by bodybuilders in the 50s, 60s and 70s. It was probably Vince Gironda, who brought this technique of very low carbs (or no carbs) for 3-5 days and higher carbs for 1-2 to the surface. Vince’s method is similar to my own: very low (as in almost none) carbs followed by one or two high-carb meals. Vince never said, but I assume his higher carb meals were…well, “yummy” carbs. I know Dan Duchaine’s was (may God rest his soul.) Dan called yummy carbs “satan sugars” just because it gave people the willies. He was…well, Dan Duchaine. A twisted but very bright fellow when it came to interesting nutrition ideas.
So, I carb up on rice (usually white) and some simple sugars. Perhaps a slice of bread or two. Nothing fancy. Certainly not “healthy” in the traditional sense of the term, but then again I’ve tossed that out of my vocabulary… ; )
This ends up being below the “moderate” carb threshold at the end of the week. Moderate carbs (40% or so) is quite popular with bodybuilders, although Vince called carbohydrates “pure s—t” when it comes to building muscle.
Hmmm….
Speaking of crap, I personally feel like utter crap on moderate carbs and frequent meals. But that’s me.
Gironda got me started on the high fat/protein kick years ago. What I didn’t know was that he only ate twice a day during his best shape period. Fat and protein keeps the blood sugar so stable it makes is unnecessary to eat all day long.
“Healthy” is one of the most overused words on earth when used before the word “diet”. There is flat-out no such thing — it completely varies from person to person. There are ‘concepts’ that are healthy, but there are just many ways to skin a cat. Some of the healthiest folks on earth eat fat and protein all day. Others eat rice and fish. It’s quite varied, which makes it necessary to “know thyself”.
Finally, these are my ideas (along with the ideas of some great thinkers before me.) They work for me, at least for the moment. I believe in telling it like it is, even if that means going against the grain a bit.
It’s good to stretch the mind. ; )
Oh, one last thing: if you eat regularly (i.e. frequently) I do believe breakfast is the most important meal of the day. For my purposes, which I really just skimmed over in this blog (to post the entire rationale would take a mini book), it is not important at all. In fact, skipping it (and lunch for that matter) makes the anabolic effect what it is.
However, without proper supplementation and training, this would indeed be a disaster.
I’ll post more in the future, but for now I urge you and everyone to eat in a way that you FEEL the best ‘and’ LOOK the best.
Don’t ignore one for the other!
Posted on Aug 06, 2007 10:38 PM
megan said:
Jon,
I had to laugh as i read your blog as that’s the way i ate for years. I worked nights, and never felt hungry when i first got up, so didn’t eat until i felt hungry. Some days, that meant i got to work before i felt hungry. Others, i ate something small before work, then ate during my break at work. I typically ate one large meal and one small meal a day.
I went to more sedentary day jobs after that, and found that eating the one large and one small meal wasn’t working for me. It’s hard to get in a lot of exercise when you’re working 10-hour days and commuting for 3 hours :0( That’s where i think my stubborn fat turned into pockets of obesity.
My doc did extensive blood work on me and said i was on the path for Syndrome X. To get off that path, he suggested that i eat a higher fat and protein diet, low carbs. He had me read the book The Schwarzbein Principle for a meal plan and to understand a bit about why he wanted me to change my high carb, low fat diet.
He wanted me to try the mini-meal thing, and figured the book would help me setting up such a plan. I tried for a year, but it’s hard for me to eat six times a day. I’m just usually not that hungry, or if i don’t eat enough at one meal, i feel hungry all the time.
What i’ve done since then is to compromise and eat four meals a day. My blood tests show that i’m off the Syndrome X path. My own test on myself has demonstrated time and again that eating lots of simple carbs makes me gain weight. So, for me, i need to eat more fats and protein and fewer carbs. When i do eat carbs, i need to skip the “satan sugars,” (love that term) and have other kinds.
Fasting makes my metabolism go lower, and it’s already on the low end of normal. I’m trying to do what i can to get it a little higher, so i think i’ll skip the fasting for now. btdt.
I’m not a body builder, so if my abs aren’t perfect, i’m really okay with that. ;-) I want to be in the best shape i can be for when my hockey season starts up again in the fall, and my trainer and i are still working on rehabbing my leg. I want 100% healing and am at 99% now. That last 1% is trying to elude me, but i’m not gonna let it.
What i’ve noticed over the years is that the way i ate in my 20’s isn’t necessarily the way that will serve me best now. I’m probably in as good a shape now as i was in my 20’s—my energy levels are close to what they were then, and i’m at least as strong if not stronger—although i have more weight (both fat and muscle weight) and the pockets of obesity.
As you say, we all are different.
If anyone’s interested in seeing what other cultures eat/have eaten for optimal health, Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon would be a good read. She incorporates much of the work of Dr. Weston A. Price (www.westonaprice.org).
Not trying to sell books here, just to offer resources that have helped me in some way.
Posted on Aug 07, 2007 08:22 AM
Jon Benson said:
Megan;
First, it’s refreshing to hear when a doc suggests a higher fat and protein diet. That means they can still think outside the rather restricted window of the pharmaceutical + USDA nonsense.
Again, to re-emphasize, this strategy of eating will not work without moderate to intense exercise. A variation of it may work, but I certainly would never recommend it as I would never recommend “not” exercising, unless you are beginning a diet for the first time. Even then, it is temporary, just until your body and your mind has enough energy and willpower to get you going.
That being said, I want to clarify a few things for our readers. I believe you meant the following, so do chime in if I’m mistaken:
1. Syndrome X is one of many disease states that can be ‘caused’ by a high carb diet. You could have been eating once a day or ten times a day and shifted your metabolism out of whack on a high-carb diet.
2. Intermittent fasting, as opposed to long duration fasting, will ‘not’ make your metabolism slow down if (huge IF) you are exiting the fast correctly and training with specific protocols. This is true for most people, but you are correct in saying we are all different. From your post, it seems you were exiting the temporary fast with carbs, which is metabolically (not digestively) a prescription for disaster if you have genetic tendencies toward Syndrome X.
3. I too recommend anything written by Dr. Price. Great stuff.
Again, for emphasis, this is not a diet for the masses! This is a diet for those who are willing to train and eat in a very specific way. Even then, it may not work for everyone due to metabolic differences.
My guess at this point — I will know more in six weeks when my other test subjects report in — is that folks with slower metabolisms will benefit more than people with normal to fast metabolisms. This is the opposite of what you indicated, but that is entirely due to how the fast is handled.
Taking what you were doing and adding in three key supplements (I wish I sold them…heh…) and a very specific feeding schedule (timed protein/fat after the workout and 1.5 hours later) along with intense exercise (weights and cardio) is what makes this all come together.
Take one of these out of the loop and it could become a house of cards. But, such is the case with any diet designed to maximize muscle and decrease bodyfat at the same time. That’s just downright hard to do no matter how you slice it.
Posted on Aug 07, 2007 10:45 AM
Kay said:
So Jon - I think you were responding to my comment when you addressed your comments back as “Hi Beth” when my name is Kay. Did I miss something? I didn’t see a comment from Beth. I have never commented on your blog so was just wondering - and wondering if your long response was directed at Kay or Beth! Anyway - I appreciate your response. To let you know, I never did have success with eating 5-6 meals per day. Could barely ever get 5 meals finished and still felt like I ate way too much. However, your M-Power is all based on 5-6 meals a day. I know - I signed up for it. Just wondering.
Posted on Aug 07, 2007 01:04 PM
Jon Benson said:
Kay;
Not sure how “Beth” got in there…very strange. I have corrected it.
Let me clarify some points:
1. M-Power is based on what works for ‘most’ people. 5-6 meals per day works for ‘most’ people who are willing to do it, so our trainers start there.
2. This is a new diet and one that is too radical for 99% of those on M-Power. Once I’ve put it to the test with myself (so far, so great) and others, then I will work it into M-Power.
3. You should contact your M-Power trainer with feedback. This is the only way he/she will know to adjust the plan.
Hope this helps! Keep me posted with your feedback with your M-Power trainer.
Posted on Aug 07, 2007 02:04 PM
Kay said:
Hey Jon - Thanks - perfectly clear now. Am up in the great state of WA as we speak so have enjoyed your writings on where you visited and what you did. Did miss your hiatus from this site though. Anyway, thanks for responding. Kay
Posted on Aug 07, 2007 04:27 PM
Kim Frazier said:
Jon:
On your “very little carb” days, are you eating veggies?
Posted on Aug 07, 2007 05:43 PM
Kim Frazier said:
Jon:
On your “very little carb” days, are you eating veggies?
Posted on Aug 07, 2007 05:43 PM
Jon Benson said:
Kim;
I will eat some veggies, yes. They are not my first choice (remember, this is short-term thinking) as I want a bit of a spike in blood sugar. But I enjoy veggies in eggs. ; )
Posted on Aug 07, 2007 06:51 PM
megan said:
Jon,
You hit the nail on the head. I think i did come out of the fast wrong, because, yep, i usually had carbs. I also didn’t have anyone helping me train, so i’m sure that although my intentions were good, i wasn’t always doing the right thing.
I didn’t realize i had a tendency towards Syndrome X until that bloodwork and talk with the doc. My personal take on it is that it’s so prevalent now because so many of us jumped on the low fat, high carbohydrate bandwagon and were faithful to it. :0( I can only speak for myself, but i know i was vigilant when i ate that way.
My doc is wonderful. When he had me change to a higher fat, higher protein diet, i told him how i was eating. He said that had we had the conversation several years earlier, he would likely have commended me for eating in a low fat, high carb way. Once he knew a better way to eat, he passed the info along to his patients.
Returnign to the subject at hand, please keep us apprised as to how this temporary fast works for you! And thanks for the motivation to help me keep keeping on!
Posted on Aug 08, 2007 06:34 AM
Alicia said:
Jon,
You speak to my inquisitive mind and investigative, research loving heart but I don’t know if I should admire your efforts or hit you over the head.
I hope this regimen of stressing your body with intense exercise while fasting, loading on protein -you forgot to mention it should be organic, grass-fed btw-, then purposely spiking your glucose levels with simple sugars and having very little veggies to help you clean out your system, all in the name of vanity (and science ;-) ) is worth it.
How long will you be on the crazy plan anyway?
Alicia
Posted on Aug 09, 2007 06:17 PM
Jon Benson said:
Alicia;
How I love your honesty!
A poster mentioned that I don’t like it when people disagree with me, which could not be farther from the truth. I enjoy the various opinions, as I believe there is no wrong answer.
A few comments…
1. Hit me over the head. I have a bit of a crick in my neck and it may help… : )
2. Ideally it is grass-fed beef, but for 10 weeks I can take beef as I find it. I offset the n3s with additional krill oil…but yes, grass-fed is the way to go.
3. The glucose spike after ‘training’ is very minimal and more anabolic than anything else. It is not an unhealthy spike.
4. I am altering the plan (as I discussed…I always tinker until I get it right) to dampen the post-workout meal and include more raw veggies at night.
Finally, this is not all in the name of vanity, although “vanity” is often confused with “excellence”. No one thinks Carl Lewis is vain (well, some folks do… : ) or someone who climbs Everest. It’s no different. This is a mountain to climb. I grow in deep and eternal ways through this process. It’s not something that I would expect others to readily understand, but it is the truth.
And, yes, nice abs are very cool, too. : )
Thanks Alicia.
Posted on Aug 10, 2007 11:38 AM
Alicia said:
Jon,
*Thwack* Feel better? I do. :D You have no idea how much I can relate.
My point is that you are excellent just as you are… always have been and always will be… flaws and all. It’s just a friendly reminder incase- somewhere between building and writing all kinds of cool stuff and eating rainbow bread- you may have forgotten. ;-)
True, there can be a fine line between striving for excellence and sheer vanity. From where I sit it’s not apparent and even if you gave me all of the details, really only you know (hopefully ;) which side of the line you currently stand on. Regardless, I have to admire your unrelenting drive to reach your own personal summit.
You know I can’t trust someone that doesn’t have flaws. What other body part will you write about once your abs are “excellent”? ;-)
Posted on Aug 10, 2007 02:01 PM
Jon Benson said:
Alicia;
You are very kind. : )
This is not about physical excellence per-se, although (frankly speaking) it is my job and helps to be in top shape.
This is a personal Everest of sorts.
I have PLENTY of flaws, and will well-after this peak is finished…trust me.
My abs have never even been ‘good’ by bodybuilding standards, as I was obese and do suffer from the pocket obesity issues. So, I’m out to prove something I suppose. Plus, with all the work I put into this, it would be nice not to have to hide most of my ab shots. : )
Most fitness pros are not quite this honest about things, so I hope that earns more trust than the appearence of perfection. Believe me, that perfection is illusion, and I strive only for progess.
I could write a book about the imperfections: lack of back thickness, calves being ‘good’ but not even, chest, etc…but that would get boring.
We all just do the best we can, eh?
Posted on Aug 10, 2007 02:57 PM
Alicia said:
Jon,
I was obese myself and have kept the fat off (60 pounds) for 4 years so I think I can understand where you are coming from. I have not done the extensive work that you have done on your physical body outwardly (I know you’ve worked inwardly too, I read your shtuff) in order to determine if what I have is “pocket obesity” (if there is such a thing… terrible term) or just stubborn fat but I can definitely relate.
Our experience with obesity has led us both on similar yet slightly different paths … yours is fitness… and a fitness expert you definitely are and much more. Your integrity leads you to walk the talk, as does mine regarding health.
I’m a Holistic Health Counselor, and NOT the crystal using, twig eating, spiritual channeling kind either… LOL… Not that there’s anything wrong with those things… whatever floats someone’s boat…preferably a healthy boat but if not, hey, its their journey. Anyway, now you know where I’m coming from. : )
Alicia
Posted on Aug 10, 2007 04:24 PM
Alicia said:
Oh! and I also have my “inner mule” (as AnnMarie Colbin would say) awakened when someone tells me I can’t do something or that something is not possible. :D
My sympathetic spirit cheers you on and well I also have selfish reasons to cheer you on. I’d rather you be the guinea pig than me. You know… since you’re already doing it and all. ;-)
Posted on Aug 10, 2007 07:56 PM
top weight loss site said:
I have to say these days and diet plans are very interesting and I will have to try it out. Thank for everything you are doing on this blog as it is incredible watching someone like you hands on.
Posted on Sep 23, 2007 11:35 AM
Ken said:
Dear Jon,
FYI,
I was reading your ” Overcoming Pocket Obesity” blurb and came across the statement where you say most people “could care less” about ripped abs when I’m quite certain you meant that you believe most people “couldn’t care any less” than they already do.
Saying I could care less about something implies that you currently care about the thing, when in effect you’re intention is to leave the reader with the impression that you already do not care about whatever it is you are referring to.
:>)
All the best,
Ken
http://incompetech.com/gallimaufry/care_less.html
“We assumed that most people could care less about “ripped abs”, so “we created a System (this is actually ‘not’ a diet, despite the title, “
Posted on Sep 26, 2007 06:18 PM
Deanna said:
Hey - Hello from OZ!!
Thank you so much for the daily email it really got me started again. I am not a weight lifter just a mum living on the east coast of Oz who (after training for many years) lost the plot a bit through alcohol and my love of cooking for my family. However thanks to your email I have started exercising following you guides and am reall noticing the difference especially exercising before eating breakfast and drinking tonnes of water.
Can I ask you - it was suggested I exercise in a wet suite to help me sweat (gross) it gets really hot in OZ and I am wondering how dangerous this could be. I am careful and try not to do it for more than 35 min with short weights workout afterwards.
I also wanted to say CONGRATULATONS on your engagement and upcoming wedding!!! In time to come I wish you the joy of fatherhood and teaching your children about health and nutrition and exercise.
With best wishes,
Deanna
Posted on Sep 28, 2007 06:51 PM
david foat said:
Hi Jon,
I just rediscovered your websight and wonderful blog writings..I purchased your Fit Over 40 when it first came out…..I am seriously focussed on getting into the 6-8% bodyfat range for the first time in my life….I have lifted weights for more than 30 years Of and on…I am in ok shape but you have inspired me to go for the veary lean look….
You are wonderfully creative and truly inovative…. I have been one of those who have been waiting for years for your 7-minute muscle book !!! ha ha ha. I am very curious about your new diet protocol…Wow, very exciting…..I want to use this approach to reach my fatloss goals….I WANT YOUR THIRD BOOK !!!…The expanded version of your blog writings….Please tell me it will be out before the years end…If not, could you write more about it in your post…….I think an example of your day with what you ate, when you ate it plus your intervals and weight worlout..would be spectacular…John thank you so much for your inspiration and inovative genius….where are the final photos of your final results…
peace and grace to you jon and your wife
David
Posted on Nov 16, 2007 12:56 AM
david foat said:
Hi Jon,
I just rediscovered your websight and wonderful blog writings..I purchased your Fit Over 40 when it first came out…..I am seriously focussed on getting into the 6-8% bodyfat range for the first time in my life….I have lifted weights for more than 30 years Of and on…I am in ok shape but you have inspired me to go for the veary lean look….
You are wonderfully creative and truly inovative…. I have been one of those who have been waiting for years for your 7-minute muscle book !!! ha ha ha. I am very curious about your new diet protocol…Wow, very exciting…..I want to use this approach to reach my fatloss goals….I WANT YOUR THIRD BOOK !!!…The expanded version of your blog writings….Please tell me it will be out before the years end…If not, could you write more about it in your post…….I think an example of your day with what you ate, when you ate it plus your intervals and weight worlout..would be spectacular…John thank you so much for your inspiration and inovative genius….where are the final photos of your final results…
peace and grace to you jon and your wife
David
Posted on Nov 16, 2007 12:56 AM
Jon Benson said:
Hi David;
Thank you so much for your kind words.
7 Minute Muscle is about to present a HUGE release, including the video series that held the project back for quite some time. I will announce a pre-release half-price offer for the product, which will hit the market the second week in January.
Oh, and David….I am not married, but thank you for you comment.
Jon
Posted on Nov 17, 2007 07:04 PM
greg said:
Hi Jon
Could you tell me is your book about “pocket obesity” which is I think you said the 3rd book coming out, Is It it out yet? I don’t know which one It Is when I look at the books on the left of your website. I got EODD which is great. But I don’t think that is the 3rd one is it? Anyway If you don’t care let me know If its out yet and If its not when it will be thanks.
Posted on Nov 18, 2007 03:59 PM