Hi all,

For several months I've been at a stand still at 20% BF and I'm
trying to problem solve why I'm not heading toward my goal of 13-
15%. I was down to 16% a couple of years ago, but gradually
increased while going through some tough times. That has past now
and I seem to be stuck.

I'm wondering if age and stress might have something to do with it.
I'm 46 and I'm an inner city middle school teacher that's pretty much
off the charts in stress this year. To counter this, I nap after
work for 3/4 hr and get on to exercise and some other fun activities.
I live in New England. It's cold and I spend much time in doors (not
much light). I supplement with vitamin D, MV's etc. to try to
counter the loss of light.

On the postive side, I exercise daily in what I think is in
accordance with Rob's exercise guidelines. I lift 3 times per week
and do interval aerobic exercises 3 times per week. My energy is
good and my lifting weights are on the slow but constant increase.

I think I am adhering correctly to the NHE eating plan. My down
cycle consists of 5 meals per day each containing 45 to 50 grams of
protein. Per day I take in either 2 tablespoons of flax oil or two
servings of dark fish like salmon or mackeral or sardines. I eat fat
burning vegetables with about 3 or 4 of the meals.

Wednesdays and Saturdays are my upcycle. I don't count but I eat my
fill of carbs in the last two meals of the day at 4 and 7:30 pm
They are generally low GI (oatmeal, grits, whole grain breads, Whole
grain pastas, sweet potatoes, apple, pear etc)

(I weight 165, BF 20%)

Any thoughts?

Should I restart for 10 days at 20g carbs? Should I decrease the
protein / fat / carbs. Could stress be the main problem here?


Thanks for your ideas.

Jim