I searched the forum and read through several threads, but I still have this question.
I’m going to start the Beginner Template shortly after a 3-4 month layoff from lifting. I read through the PDF this AM and have also looked at the spreadsheet. It’s clear to me that there’s a place to track macros/calories, but I’m still unclear as to what the philosophy of the Beginner Template is as it pertains to food.
Put differently, I’m aware of the need to either cut/bulk/maintain depending on goals and body composition, but I didn’t see much about any of this in the materials I downloaded. This is either because a) you’re supposed to find it elsewhere (see: To Be A Beast) or b) we’re more concerned about you just doing the lifts/GPP right now; just track what you’re eating now so we can “be a beast” later.
Thanks in advance.
Sbburris,
Thanks for the post and I hope you enjoy the Beginner Template.
There isn’t a nutrition philosophy associated with the template, as what a person should do depends on their individual situation, resources, and additional contextual factors.
Nevertheless, we link To Be a Beast in the FAQ section of the PDF to give people some background information. Ultimately, the direction for nutrition management will be based on individual characteristics.
-Jordan
Ok, thanks for the clarification. I reread TBAB last night and this morning. I don’t think I had read it since 2015 or so when I did a partial SSLP. You and I traded a few emails or messages on the SS boards back then. Been lurking and doing different things since then (Bigger Learner Stronger, Squat Everyday, 5/3/1, SSOC with Joyce, etc.). Recently had a layoff from the gym due to life events and going to use the Beginner Template to get back into the swing of things.
6’2", 190, and probably about 20% BF. Don’t really know where my lifts are at right now. When I last worked out, my 5RMs were around 115 overhead, 195 bench, 250 squat, and 300 dead. I wouldn’t be surprised if these have all fallen off by 10%.
Thinking I’ll start with the recomp recommendation for diet, as I hate starting lifting programs on a deficit, even though I’d like to be leaner.
Thanks for the counsel.
Brad
Nutrition is almost a separate axis from training. There are some templates not recommended for running over the same time period as a significant or prolonged deficit, I don’t think beginner template is one of them. So, anything goes… or, more accurately, you are able or responsible for setting your own goals and achieving them.
One thing you could do is count macros and just see what it’s like for you, in terms of what you are current doing. That could be useful data to look back on. For example, I found that I have a hard time with adherence to a plan under certain circumstances. There are plans for what to eat that might seem totally reasonable on paper but that might not work so well for you.