cutting carbs?

I cut carbs out of my diet a few weeks before Christmas last year, and was happy with how lean I became. I ate carbs again when Christmas was over, but during that time, I only weightlifted (no cardio). I would like to do this again, only for a few weeks, but I am a lot more active this time of year- I mountain bike, hike and swim frequently, along with weights. Would I lose muscle by cutting carbs and being that active?? I'm going on a trip and would really like to lean out before hand. Is there a way to preserve muscle when cutting carbs?? Besides upping protein? Does Glutamine work??

By cutting carbs do you mean cutting out whole grain products, fruits and vegetables or do you mean cutting out extra sugars?  There's a major difference.

I mean eating only protein, healthy fats, and veggies

so not much fiber?  no whole grains?

Personally I think its a bad idea...you'll have no energy!

I eat an atkins style low carb diet and I exercise a lot. Low carb doesn't mean losing muscle, I'd say that you lose less muscle eating low carb than you would eating a 'balanced' diet because of the ketosis. I've been eating low carb for about 3 months and I run/bike or swim 6 days a week with no issues.

Good luck

When you eat like that, how much fat should you consume???

You can get a lot of fiber from fruits and veggies.  I wouldn't worry about the occasional side of whole grains if they have appeal, but keep them down to one serving size rather than the 4 that most people tend to have.

I take psyllium for fiber also....What ratio of fat:protein is best??

I've ate like you mentioned when I was cutting for a show.  It works but will you be able to sustain it???  If so as long as you are eating enough I don't think there is anything inherently unhealthy about this but most people just can't make it a lifestyle.   Something that works for me is to keep to find a place in the middle.  I eat whole grains with 2-3 of my 5- meals usually early in the day but not always.  I rarely eat just meat and almost always try to eat a bunch of veggies.    As long as you are eating enough you should preserve muscle.  Your body will burn fat as long as there is fat to burn before it will burn muscle.  Make sure you eat pre and post workout so your body isn't forced into muscle burning mode.  I'm skeptical about glutamine.  I've taken it but more for muscle recovery. 

You still have carbs in there, you're just cutting out the refined carbs...so no sugar in your coffee, no white rice.  Keep the healthy fats like avocados, fish, nuts in there.

Trust me, your body does need carbs, ketosis is not a desirable state.  The carbs provided by fruits and vegetables will do a lovely job of fulfilling most needs.

I would go by the standard of one serving of protein, 3-5 servings of fruits and vegetables and one serving of a whole grain with each major meal and then snacks of fruits and veggies.

Hey there~ So I live a very low carb lifestyle which includes only non-starchy vegetables like spinach, spaghetti squash, leeks, asparagus, artichokes, etc... the only starchy carb in my diet is pumpkin puree which I eat at breakfast time just to give me a little more pep in my step when I go for my work out (I do this daily)... Let's just say... my muscles haven't faded by eating low carb and high protein... you just have to make sure you eat healthy protein with healthy fat... for instance this evening for dinner I had broiled scallops in olive oil with tuna belly, spaghetti squash, artichoke hearts & sauteed spinach...

You will be able to preserve your muscles on a low carb diet - protein is what keeps them there - And as for substituting with glutamine, etc... I'd honestly just eat protein to build muscle - why spend more on products that may or may not work for your body type.

You need at least SOME whole grains in your diet. Whether it be brown rice, sweet potatoes, whole wheat bread... something. But to maintain muscle while restricting carbs make sure to keep your protein intake high and continue to lift weights. The best protein powder I've ever tried is Optimum Nutrition's 100% Gold Standard Whey Protein. Check it out!

Thanks! I was only going to do that for a few weeks. How much fat should you have in your diet if you eat low carb??

If your carbs are low, your energy is going to be lower than normal. In order to give you some added energy, include some healthy fats into your diet such as almonds, walnuts, peanut butter, olive oil, etc. Just make sure to not limit your fat intake while you are cutting carbs.

Cool. Thanks. I have an odd addiction to natural peanut butter, so that won't be much of a problem...except for eating too much of it!!

Original Post by nikebowler:

You need at least SOME whole grains in your diet.

No you don't.

Yes, low carb should be high protein high fat.

Original Post by freshbakedpi:

Original Post by nikebowler:

You need at least SOME whole grains in your diet.

 

No you don't.

Yes, low carb should be high protein high fat.

Not to survive, technically. But to be healthy, yes...