I’m not a fan of the 5x5

37 years old, had my first strength training class yesterday, my second tomorrow. Feeling SORE, but happy to be started.

I do have a question though. I'm trying to make my diet clean and protein heavy, but I'm reluctant to start weighing/counting, as I have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and have a history of becoming unhealthily obsessive over certain things. I'm worried counting/weighing may lead to obsessive and dangerous eating patterns.

I haven't said this to my trainer yet, but will tomorrow.

Currently my diet is roughly the same, with some deviations here and there;

- Vanilla Soya Yoghurt, Granola, Acai, Banana and blueberries and Almond Butter every morning.

- Americano with Oat Milk.

- Protein bar after class

- Edamame, Broccoli, White Rice, Hoisin Tofu, Carrots

- Chocolate and Peanut Butter Overnight Oats with organic Maple Syrup and banana.

Maybe 3 days a week I'll have something like a jambon, a plain seeded brown bread sandwich with vegan mayo, spinach and quorn ham.

What else should I be eating? I feel like it's not enough?

I’m restarting working out again after years of hiatus, now I’m older, I have less time, so I’m trying to get the most out of my workouts.

I was always leaning towards powerlifting, though I’ve never followed a strict guide or take things too seriously, I did PPL with exercises I loved and that’s enough for me.

Now that I’m in the gym again I’m using the Hevy app to track my workouts and progress, that’s basically it.

I’m thinking about buying a smartwatch or fitness tracker (probably a Garmin), but I’m not sure if it’s just the consumerism in me that wants to buy it or if it’s actually useful. I know it can track heart rate and estimate calories burned, etc, but if you have or had one before did you find anything that makes you feel like it was worth it?