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A quick lesson on Carbohydrates and Fat - Carbohydrates are the
body's preferred energy source during high intensity (anaerobic)
training (such as weight lifting). When carbohydrates are low, the
body not only reduces its ability to generate sufficient intensity
for high output activities i.e., weight training, but also reduces
useable energy. When you consume carbohydrates at adequate levels,
the body not only stores these carbohydrates in muscle tissue which,
along with the accompanying water, provide for a pumping effect
(thus bigger muscles), but also provides you with greater strength
during your training sessions. What does greater strength equal?
More overload, and subsequently, bigger muscles. Dietary fat, in
absence of carbohydrates, is used as an energy source, but never
with the efficiency or advantages of carbohydrate consumption. In
fact, in order to steer the body towards using dietary fat as a
primary energy source, you need to reduce carbohydrates to an
absolute minimum (under 30 grams per day), and thus the diet becomes
predominantly saturated in both fat and protein. No carbohydrate
loading in muscle tissue (and thus both strength and energy
reduction); no pumping of muscle tissue (smaller muscles), and a
GREATLY increased chance for physical ailments as you age (high fat
diets are lined with MANY diseases, the most viable of which is
heart attack). Believe me, high fat, low carbohydrate diets are not
only ineffective, but also extremely dangerous in the long run. It's
not a diet you'll maintain for more than several weeks, and believe
me, you'll start scanning the Internet and bodybuilding magazines
once again after experiencing frustration and weakness resulting
from carbohydrate deprivation. Remember, LOW INTENSITY = NO RESULTS!
A diet focused on proper carbohydrate/protein ratios (which differs
depending on the meal) provide the body with the perfect blend of
nutrients for consistent muscle growth, and maximum training
performance. Believe me, if your goal is to gain muscle, you will
experience disastrous gym performance and a reduction in both
strength and size by following the high fat diet routine. It's
unhealthy, and completely counterproductive. As you can see, my
opinion on this issue is strong. |