When it comes to knowing how much to eat, in order to diet correctly... has anyone tested their metabolism before?

I was going to do an indirect calorimetry using a metabolic analyzer which measures both VO2 and VCO2. It supposedly tells me my exact RMR, and then I can factor in the appopriate activity level, in order to eat for a defecit.

Would like to know thoughts and opinions on this.

As advanced as that procedure is, it rates pretty low on measuring correct caloric intake. All in all, it is about as accurate as general math of involving calcultions of calories needed from bodyweight, bodyfat, and bodytype.

Genetics will tell you the most information. I know there are all kinds of scientific measurments, but NOTHING beats "feel" and experimentation to figure out what works for you the best..... I guess there is no quick answer, only personal experience and time!

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When it comes to knowing how much to eat, in order to diet correctly... has anyone tested their metabolism before?

For a newbie that has never measured, not a lifter, it may be more accurate. I'm on a heavy, low rep cycle and there's an estimate of how many calories it will take for one set, but there really isn't a way for an individual to know how much that one set can affect for a 24 hour period. It could vary greatly per individual.

I am more concerned about testosterone and nitrogen levels and that can be tested accurately as well as blood sugar and the impact of certain meals.

I have been lifting for a while... varying heavy/light, tempo, rest periods, etc. I just can't seem to get my diet down and I know that is key. I know it's trial and error... but I can't figure out what works for my body or how many calories is enough to still give me a deficit for fat loss. I was hoping the test would give me a scientific approach to my goals-- but I guess not. Does anyone know how to tell if you are "carb sensitive" or "fat intolerant". I have tried every macro on this board... and I can't seem to find anything that works which is why I think it's the number of calories. Thanks for the responses... guess I'll keep trying.

Are there any blood tests that might clue me in as to what's wrong with my body?

How about the timing of carbs? B complex? The use of fish oils? Taking 3 to 4 Energy Reserve at night?

I also would suggest implementing the white potato w/sea salt and GDA Protocol that has been the talk of the board.

And:

There's a good chance you've dieted far too long and need to go positive calories (more than 1000 over) for a few days. You may need to reset your metabolic set point and not with junk foods.

I don't believe there may be anything wrong with your body other than you may have been used to burning a lot of calories with your cardio and now you're not doing as much. On that note, I'm going to suggest a little more cardio, not so much the length of time but intensity.

How long are your workouts (weights only)? Maybe it is time to lift heavier, then cardio AFTER the lifting session?

Remember, too long of a workout in one session, especially with that intensity, you're burning muscle, not fat.

I eat carbs after my workouts. Before it's usually just BCAA's beforehand. Carbs are usually only eaten with Meal 1 and 3. Meals 2 and 4 are shakes. Meal 5 is also protein and green veggies. I don't eat a Meal 6. I use fish oils and super pak... but no B Complex or Energy Reserve. I also know I am Vitamin D deficient-- and am taking 1,000 UD of that right now.

Trying a positive energy balance would be a big change. I have been negative for at least two years now.

Increasing cardio intensity is no problem. What do you suggest? 85% or more of my Max HR?

The time of my weight workouts depend on the day... legs are always an hour... arms are 45 minutes. But I would say it ranges between 45-60 minutes.

I try to use periodization with lifting... i.e.-- 4 weeks of hypertrophy 8-12 reps... 4 weeks of strength 4-6 reps... 4 weeks of power 10-15 reps with lots of explosive exercises... and 4 weeks of endurance with 20-25 reps. I am currently on an endurance phase.

My workouts are verrrry long. Usually with weights/cardio/stretching... I am in there at least 2 hours.

And-- I know I am supposed to do Cardio after... but I do it before. My intensity is sooooo much better for both the cardio and the weights. I guess it gets my blood flowing. I always take BCAAs before the Cardio and during the weight workouts.

I know I am going to get slammed for that... but I tried Cardio after for about a month and a half... and I was totally drained. I didn't feel ready to jump into my weight workout... and I could never go above 75% MHR with the Cardio.

I like to do Cardio/Weight 6 days a week with one day of active rest. I have thought about trying to separate the weights/cardio... but need about 3 extra hours in the day for that

Ah...2 hours isn't long, so long as you're doing the feeding BCAAs and such. I say this because I've seen my son work for 12 hours in construction. Unloading several palattes of 4X8X.75" of plywood, sheetrock 2X4s, and carrying them 50 yards back and forth to feed several other workers. The boy is huge. He had a large amount of carbs, I'm not sure if he ate chicken, feathers and all!

I've always stated the body is a machine meant for work. As long as you feed it and fill up the tank, it will keep going, buildinng, repairing and pulling proper maintenance. On that note:

I believe you should make a change in the carbs by having a large portion of simple carbs in the meal prior to workouts. The body loves carbs for energy production. The carbs after should be some complex.

As for the cardio before, save a little for the after. Your body actually will benefit because the O2 and elevated blood flow will help rid the body of waste from the hard workout.

The next question would be changing food groups, not eating the same thing day in day out.

4 week workouts? Not bad, but give your body a little time to progress with it. Since you're on the endurance part, extend it to 8-10 week period and the same with the others in your periodization.

My strength phase will last about 16 weeks because I need time for tendons to build and thicken, then I will move into the hypertrophy phase and able to use heavier weight.

When I get to be Aram's age, I'll slow down. LOL

Great feedback... I'm gonna eat some carbs before, try new foods, and split up my cardio.

I'll also try extending my mesocycles in relation to my training goals.

I hope others can take some knowledge away from the post.

Thanks for everything!