SOS from Iraq.

[Kohrdt]

I am currently deployed to Iraq in the U.S. Army infantry. I have never been a regular in the gym but am now trying. At 6'3, I used to weigh 310lbs. Before I joined the army I dropped 100 of that through hard work, eating right, and running... a lot. Now after a year and a half in the army and being deployed to Iraq, i've noticed no further change. I still have pudge around the middle, and tits. I watch what I eat over here, focus on keeping away from simple carbs, while keeping my calorie intake as low as I can while still being able to function in the extreme heat. I really just started making this renewed effort. When I first got here I just maintained where I was as I had been doing for the past year and a half. I just started hydoxycut to try to help me out some. I don't really agree with "diet pills" but the extra energy boost it gives helps me out a lot. I have about 3 to 4 days a week I can hit the gym, but my schedule is still irregular. I need to come up with some form of workout schedule/plan to finish getting my body to where it should be. Any suggestions on workouts, or ways to help slim down some more would be great. I feel like I can only drop so much more before I need to start building mass. My upper body is really weak in comparison to my lower body. I am open to any form of supplement at this point, for the next year I have nothing better to do.

[musclesntx]

Hey bud,

Thank you for your service from someone that has been there. I appreciate what you guys are doing even though half of this country refuses to provide you with the tools and the support you need to do your damn jobs.

Where are you at? I know a bit about most of the gyms in most of the places there. For now, I'm going to recommend staying off the Hydroxycut - why? You're in 130-140 degree temps. You're in a hummer? 180-200. Hydroxycut is a diuretic and you do not need anything that is going to push water out of your system. Your body is over 70% water, and the SLIGHTEST bit of dehydration will result in a lack of performance, slow down fat loss and muscle gain.

Go read my post in the Members Articles section at the bottom, and I make a comment about supps.

Good luck, and I'm looking forward to helping you.

Thanks again!
b

[Hawkwind]

Hello Kohrdt,
B knows his stuff. So there isn't anything any of us could add.

Just wanted to stop in and thank you for your service. My cousin is over in the sandbox again and one of my sons may return at the end of the year.

You folks are doing the best that you can and some of us back here know that.

Much respect.

~Hawkwind~

[HammerTech]

I can only agree to what Hawkwind has said...on both counts.

Much respect to you and thank you for your service.

[Renegade68]

Hey man - just got back from Iraq in March myself - so I feel ya on the irregular schedule.

Sounds like you are doing the best you can with the food intake, stay away from the free 31 flavors - its amazing how many people gain weight in Iraq rather than lose!

As for the gym, just do what you can. If you can make it 4 of 7 days, then you can hit your whole body once p/wk. There are alot of great routines posted on this site that'll cover it.

Add in some HIIT cardio - as you're probably pressed for time anyway, and you'll drop fat even quicker. I had never tried it til I was there, and it helped alot.

Keep your eyes open man - be very aware of your situations at all times. Keep your body armor with you and come back leaner and meaner.

[na_feu]

Thanks for your service to all of you ^^. Just out of curiosity, what do they feed you guys in Iraq?

[musclesntx]

Originally Posted by na_feu

Thanks for your service to all of you ^^. Just out of curiosity, what do they feed you guys in Iraq?

All kinds of sh!t when they're actually on a base/post. The desserts are unreal and are usually the one thing that's always worth eating. The other stuff is completely hit or miss. They don't f*ck breakfast up though, you can get all the egg whites, oats and fruit you want any day. Lunch and dinner, however, are usually like prison meals.

[Renegade68]

He's right. Bkfst was the bomb! I would get 2 egg white omelets, a bowl full of pineapple, kiwi, grapes, etc. They have all types of oatmeal, cereal, breads, etc.

Desserts are great all day, but I only had sweets on Sundays, kind of like a treat. Each meal had a couple variations of meat, and Fridays were Steak/Shrimp night. So I'd usually eat a couple steaks there, then take one back to the tent for later, or the next day.

The first 3 months we were there though - we had no DFAC, so we ate out of plastic tubs brought over from Camp Stryker. That sucked ballz......as we basically just got their leftovers.