Losing the last bit of fat!

Q: Losing the last bit of fat!

I started out at 255lbs. I was extremely out of shape. In a 8 month span I dropped 97 pounds. I went about it all wrong. I was just on a low fat diet, consuming 20 grams of fat a day. Even after I lost all of the weight I still had a kindly high body fat percentage for a skinny person. I have put on almost 20 pounds since then in the gym. I am now at approximately 12 to 13 percent body fat. I am 27 and in probably the best shape of my life. I have never seen my abs and I am determined to get there. What can I do to drop the last couple of percent to make that happen. One minor problem right now at the moment is I am deployed and the chow hall is all I have for food choices. I take muscle pharm assault and recon. I am also taking a thermogenic called oxypro elite. Please help me! Thanks PFC Benson

A: First of congratulations on your progress—-what you’ve achieved is excellent. Also, thanks for serving in armed forces for our great country, we all owe you much gratitude for the sacrifice you and your brothers and sisters make to serve and defend our freedom.

Now, the problem you have losing “the last bit of fat”, is an issue everyone has. The reason is that it was likely the first bit of fat you started to gain. It’s called “first on, last off”, and we all have this problem to some degree. Since you state you have access and are using supplements, I would suggest that you spend som of that money on a high quality, hi protein meal replacement powder. If nothing like this is available then try to find a protein powder that is not all whey protein—look for milk protein concentrate high up on the list of ingredients.

So while you are limited by the food at the chow hall, a good protein supplement will help boost your metabolic rate and preserve lean muscle. It will also allow you to eat less processed carbs and other junk from the chow line. TO attack the last bit of fat you mention, I would strive to get 200-grams of protein per day, and up the volume of my weight training program (even if it is bodyweight exercises). The increase in protein will build and protect your metabolically active muscle, and an increase in training volume will threaten the stored energy in your muscles which are carbs, otherwise known as glycogen. This combo will force your bidy to use body fat as an alternate fuel source, and in time that last bit of fat will be gone too.

Best,

Vince

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. It is by no means intended as professional medical advice. Do not use any of the agents or freely available dietary supplements mentioned on this blog without further consultation with your medical practitioner.