New to GOMAD, 5x5 and The Anabolic Diet

[Molyporph]

This is my first post here! (Just wrote it all, accidently hit "back" in the browser and deleted it all, so this is 2nd edition ... damn it.)

I've been doing different bodybuilding routines, compound exercises and bodyweight exercises for about 1½ year while eating properly. My "main exercise" has always been bench press. I've seen good results as I gained some weight and strenght while looking better. Lately though, I've been on a plateau with most exercises (except for squat).

I just recently stumbled upon this site and "this way" of thinking about strenght training - and I'm hooked! I've read the E-book and many of the forum posts and I love the information and the atmosphere. It gives me hope of seeing even more progress than I already have. I just need some advice...

My "stats" are:

Age: 23
Height: 170cm
Weight: 63kg
Bodyfat: 13%

I haven't really been doing deadlifts and overhead press so these lack behind a bit, but I won't have a hard time getting the technique right...

Squat: 5RM 90kg
Benchpress: 5RM 70kg
Deadlift: 5RM 60-70kg (A good estimate done with a bit of testing)

I feel quite strong compared to my weight, and I am thinking of doing 1-2 months of Stronglifts 5x5 and then move on to the advanced 5x5 program since I Squat for very close to 1.5x my own bodyweight and I'm used to squatting 3 times per week. I don't think I will be able to add weight each workout for very long. (Haven't been able to for a while.) I am also confident in my exercise technique. My lacking deadlift and overhead press weights should easily get even with squat and benchpress after a month or two of 5x5 before doing the advanced program.

Now, considering my low bodyweight compared to the "height in cm -100 = BW" I am too skinny. I don't really feel skinny at all, but I'd love to gain about 7 kg of bodyweight. I've been thinking of trying a month or two of GOMAD. If this works wonders as proclaimed, this is my best choice since I haven't gained much weight lately even while eating alot and working out consistently.

Also, I'm finding The Anabolic Diet very appealing. It is very close to what I already eat; lots of eggs, meat, fat meat, fat fish, nuts and so on. I seriously consider eating this way. I am not sure though, if the carb intake from GOMAD works with this diet, even though the milk covers a large deal of the protein/fat intake.

The point of my post is; I want to know people's opinion on this:

- Should I start the advanced program after a month or two of 5x5 since I squat very close to 1.5x my bodyweight with good technique?
- Should I do a month or two of GOMAD to gain 7kg of bodyweight to reach my goal of 70kg?
- Is the Anabolic Diet compatible with GOMAD? Should I start both right away, or just start The Anabolic Diet after my 7kg weight gain to keep it there?

I'm hoping for some great response.

[dylanamus]

The programming of your workouts should be a RESPONSE to your needs. Who knows, in two months of SL Beginner you might still be making solid progress or perhaps you will struggle to make gains after one month. Who knows. Friday I am up to a 2xBW squat workset and I have been on the beginner program since January.

Based on your height and weight, you would benefit from GOMAD. I personally think it's best done when pushing close to maximum effort, so if you plan on starting SL at lower weights, I'd probably hold off on it for a few weeks or a month.

Welcome to SL, by the way. You're going to love the deadlift

[Molyporph]

Aaah, did my first day of GOMAD yesterday. Had no trouble drinking a liter of milk with every big meal, but damn - I got a little behind towards the end of the day where I had to down 1 liter before bedtime and it totally fucked up my stomach. Well, I guess it was because I was stubborn and had two good meals with a liter of milk with each within a little over two hours. My entire abdominal region was swollen and hurt like hell - best thing is, there was no sympathy at all from my girlfriend, she was like "you drank it, you deal with it!"

I'm on it again today of course, but now with a little more focus on spreading the intake more over the whole day.

[joesterizer]

- Is the Anabolic Diet compatible with GOMAD? Should I start both right away, or just start The Anabolic Diet after my 7kg weight gain to keep it there?

I'm hoping for some great response.

Your intuition is correct. The carbs in milk put you waaaaay over the limit for the anabolic diet to work effectively. GOMAD first, and then go on the AD. I did the somewhat more restrained LOMAD and gained 10 pounds in a month, now I've cut the milk and switched to the AD.

Good luck with your goals!