How do you know when your lean enough and want to stop losing weight? I started the zone April 1st at 225.5, 41" waist. I'm down to +/- 205 with a 37" waist. I have visable ab's. I am doing Crossfit and I am getting stronger as I lose weight. I find this weird that I am getting stronger and am losing what appears to be muscle mass in my shoulders and chest. Maybe, I've been big (not really fat) for so long, I forgot what it looks and feels like to be lean. Again, how do I know when to stop losing. Also how do you stop? Add more blocks and monitor weight and waist? Thanks in advance for your advice.

Mark

Hi Mark! Congrats on your progress!

Dr. Sears writes that 12% body fat is ideal for a male. He explains that male fr female, you'll know you are below your ideal body fat % when you can see your ribs. You would then add extra monounsaturated fat to meals and shacks until your ribs disappear (to the naked eye, LOL!). Then drop back to the usual amount of monounsaturated fat, continuing to contol body fat in the same way, if your stored fat dips too low.

You shouldn't see your LBM decrease. If it is, then need to increase protein blocks.

Thanks Sue. I will slowly add blocks and will adjust as necessary.

Mark:)

You're welcome Mark. To clarify, if you increase by a protein block , it should be balanced with teh appropriate amount of fat and carb. Keep us updated!

Mark,

I wouldn't worry about the loss I'd mass of all. The only thing to be concerned about is performance. If your times are getting faster, your strength is increasing and you're still losing size, fear not. You'll find that the reason you're losing mass and gaining strength in simplistic terms is that your muscles are tightening up and becoming more efficient than say, those of a standard bodybuilding type lifter. Keep your block prescription as is (I'm assuming you're on a .7 multiplier) and only when you plateau and can't lift heavier, get faster or people start telling you you're too lean at the CrossFit facility you go to, double the fat blocks and check for improvement.

Are you doing a 3 day on 1 day off cycle?

I meant "wouldn't worry about the loss of mass at all". Typed that on my iPhone. Oops.