Thanks fellas! I know this is a long road, so even though I would consider these 'moderate' results, I can feel the transformation internally. Underneath that last layer of fat, my muscles are harder, stronger, ready for great things in Phases 2 and 3. Biggest difference I feel is my stomach, middle and lower back, butt and upper legs -- essentially my core. I am pretty sure I was pure fat before and no muscle! Hehehe.

In terms of diet, I don't follow P90X, but having examined it closely it is extremely close to the diet I am in fact following. I use Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle by Tom Venuto. Using the formulas provided, it puts my maintenance around 3200 calories per day whereas P90X wants me on 3000. Not bad. What I do is eat 2-3 days at a ~15% caloric deficit(2600-2700), then 1 day at maintenance(3200).

In terms of foods, P90X is basically right on the mark. Everything I eat I can recognize as a real food, something no more than 1 step away from its natural state in the ground, on a tree or clucking on a farm. No refined flours, sugars, low sodium, etc. Lots of chicken, turket, very lean cuts of beef and pork, tons of vegetables, sweet potatoes, brown rice, lots of nuts and beans, stuff like that. I eat 5-6 times per day -- solid breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner and then a protein shake after my workout. If for whatever reason I have a simple carb thrown in there, I make sure to eat a handful of almonds to help slow the absorption of the sucrose to my blood and regulate my insulin response -- it works very well for me.

I also drink tons of water every day -- I have an 18oz bottle of water that I refill at least 6-8 times a day. I quite literally sip water all day long.

Once a week I have a cheat meal consisting of whatever I want, but stick to my daily calorie limit. Feels good and it helps me stay faithful the rest of the week. This is a change in lifestyle for me, not a diet. Know what I mean?

Good luck and BRING IT!

Rick

Honestly, I wouldn't call those moderate results for 30 days. Those are good results and I'm not blowing smoke.

Dude! Your back looks awesome! Great results!! Cant wait to see day 60!!!

pretty amazing rick! after 30 days great job buddy

Thanks everyone -- appreciate the support, it means alot ... honestly.

I have my 60-day photos coming in 1.5 weeks. Not sure I am going to see the massive changes I was 'dreaming' about but every little bit helps.

Regardless, the best thing that could have happened has happened: my wife has started P90X (lean) and seems to be sticking with it. Even my two daughters love joining me for some of the videos (kenpo, cardio x and yoga are their favorites). So even if I dont become the world's next 34 year old underwear model, my entire family is getting fitter and healthier and it feels like a lifestyle change, not some gimmick.

I am thrilled with THOSE results!

Rick

awesome! You look great!