is low-carb really the way to go?

[danroyd]

who here believes in a low carb diet for cutting? and who thinks a balanced low calorie diet is better?

i came across this article and now its made me wonder

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/lowcarb.htm

[maccaz]

in my experience low carbs good because you notice a sudden drop in scale weight which can keep you motivated, but the lack of energy you get from it isnt worth it

[rapz]

lo carbing can be tough, physically and mentally. i do use this method while leaning out, usually when i come to a stall i usually lower my carbs every couple of weeks. i wouldnt recomend just flat out starting lo carbing, others might dis agree though, i milk dem carbs until i really have to drop them

[danroyd]

yea i tried a low calorie low carb diet recently to try shed my bottom roll but i don't think that was a good idea lol, i think il do a low calorie diet,

[dannyjay]

low carb is the only way

[weener lad]

Drop them out slowly if at all. The key to cutting is to listen to your body, if your full and not dropping cut a little out and vica versa.

There is no one diet fits all :wink:

[nate225]

There is no one diet fits all :wink:

THIS :nod:

[jimmybro1]

I prefer high protein and carbs low fat.

Low carbs isn't fun and I don't think it is worth it.

[Pseudonym]

I find I hold a lot of water with carbs, so cutting them out instantly makes me look harder and leaner.

On the other hand, I've recently been trying a diet with higher carbs, and I'm sure there's increased pump and vascularity.

Which do I prefer? Not sure yet. The experiment continues...

[Diab0lic]

Try it and see if it works for you. Some find it easy others hard. At the end of the day it;s calories in total that will matter (as long as your protein intake is sufficient and you are getting some fat in there).

Considered carb cycling? If you are going to go low carb make sure you incorporate refeeds

[danroyd]

chers guys for your comments . i guess il just have to do some experimenting and see what works for me .

[Gain results]

I've been successfully doing this diet on and off which consists of complete carb depletion on non training days,,,,,cardio no less than two times a day but generally three times,I only eat a small portion of complex carbs pre workout,post workout banana protein shake.....think the usual high protein low sat fat,and carb depletion resumes till next workouts,,,,,it's not easy i tell you but you get used to it over time.....when ya happy with ya weight loss,add a complex,carb for morning post workout meal.....and cardio 1 hour a day to maintain .......I've been doing this for many years and I think over time my body adjusts to the low cals high protein.

[jimmybro1]

I've been successfully doing this diet on and off which consists of complete carb depletion on non training days,,,,,cardio no less than two times a day but generally three times,I only eat a small portion of complex carbs pre workout,post workout banana protein shake.....think the usual high protein low sat fat,and carb depletion resumes till next workouts,,,,,it's not easy i tell you but you get used to it over time.....when ya happy with ya weight loss,add a complex,carb for morning post workout meal.....and cardio 1 hour a day to maintain .......I've been doing this for many years and I think over time my body adjusts to the low cals high protein.

Sounds like a good way to potentially damage your metabolism IMO.

[Cam0505]

in my experience low carbs good because you notice a sudden drop in scale weight which can keep you motivated

Guess what causes this weight loss?

Answer: Water =D which isn't a good thing, why? This stored water is held within the muscle or liver by glycogen for fast and effect metabolism of glycogen during intense exercise= low energy level =D

Another and the main reason why low carb is a bad idea is that your just utilizing excess protein for energy (via protein breakdown, producing carbs+nitrogen waste) and given the cost of protein in general it is just an expensive form of energy production.

Basic Nutrition:

1g of protein per pound (most sports scientists use 1.2g per pound of LBM, which is around 1g per pound for most people, unless very lean eg contest prep)

0.4-0.5g of fat per pound of LBM, ATLEAST. This is often a BIG MISTAKe of a lot of BBers, low fat WILL result in low hormone levels (which is NOT a path you EVER want to go down, TRUST ME!)

The rest of your calorie intake is up to you (Carbs, protein, fats), HOWEVER for the reason stated above and the fact that carbs=best source of energy for training i would suggest AT LEAST a carb bias (atleast 50% remaining total of dietary intake from carbs).

this being said there are genetic variations, some people need higher fat and fewer carbs.

Last point: VERY FEW natural BBers can go below 0.4/0.5g/lb LBM of fat without completely destroying hormone levels!!!!!!! <---- VERY IMPORTANT.