Lifting/weight update

After I gave up on my super intense weight loss diet, I started focusing on lifting and protein intake to maximize results.

I noticed a very big difference when I did that. I've put on a few pounds (weight is ranging between 308 to 312, weighing at random times), but have a visible muscle mass, strength and recovery difference. I've been lifting at least 1 or 2 times a week (really going for it, with maybe 1 or 2 additional light days - kettlebells, cardio, light lifting for muscles not worked in the previous lifting session). I've been downing a protein shake before bed (relatively low calorie, 180 to 250 calories, but with about 50g of protein), and find I feel much better in the morning after a hard workout the night before.

Two days ago I benched my new max, 210 lbs (2 unassisted reps, 1 more with a little help from spotter). Clean and jerking 135 without too much trouble (doing a few sets of 4 reps, then moving down in weight). Doing upright rows with 100 lbs (2 or 3 sets of 8 reps). Dumbbell bench pressing 160 regularly, have done 170. Trying to get to 200, mainly for the ego boost and bragging rights around my brother.

Still staying away from squats, as I don't feel the risk/reward ratio works out in my favor.

Making fast progress in BJJ, can hang with almost everyone in the class. Considering my size advantage, this isn't saying much, but it is a first step. Nothing worse than having the size advantage and still sucking. Albert (the guy who absolutely dominated me my first month) now seems to be rolling near 100% (or at least near 100% of normal practice speed/power) and we generally end in a stalemate, although he would still destroy me in points if this were a tournament. Last month, I submitted him (arm triangle) in one class, then he submitted me in the next class (arm-in guillotine), then we rolled until the 5 min time limit in the last class with no submissions.

Anyway, I'm at work and my hip feels like it's bleeding internally (probably from BJJ), so I'm going to go for now.