Carbs and leaness

[Greg Roseman]

Tim,

over the past five months I've reduced my bodyfat from about 22% to about 10% give or take a point or two. My bodyweight has dropped from 220 to about 190. I'm 6'1" and I've developed some pretty good size and strength over years, but am now concentrating more on leaness. I've basically just reduced calories from about 3000 a day to about 1800 over the past six months and am consuming about %50 carbs, 25% protein and 25% fat type diet. My abs are becoming visible, however, I have not reach a ripped level as of yet. I'm wondering would a lower carb approach with the same calorie level be any different. I guess my question revolves around the law of thermodynamics - Energy can neither be created nor destroyed just transferred. A calorie is a calorie and bodyfat losses are based on the premise that you must consume less than you burn off. The basic premise of the low carb diet is insulin levels are reduced which allows the body to to more actively access stored bodyfat. Any thoughts?

Greg

[Tim Wescott]

Hi Greg,congratulations on your progress. You may have to lower your calories to 1500 per day. After some time reducing bodyfat, and reaching a certain bodyfat % , the body becomes very stubborn, and resists burning off those last "hard to reach " spots.What works for me is carb cycling.I have an article on www.dolfzine.com about this dieting tactic, as well as a thread here on this board.Let me know just how many grams of carbs you are taking in per day, and I will outline this plan for you.The basic premise is, 3 low-carb days, followed by 2 slightly higher carb days.This is "tweaked" to suit your needs,and repeated, until the desired result is achieved. Also doing cardio after training will deplete glycogen anfd glucose levels, allowing the body to tap into fat stores for fuel. You could also add more cardio and eat the majority of your carbs at your post-workout meal ,and early in the day.Can you tell me just what your approximate macronutrient intake is for the day? If so,I would be better able to help you in this matter. Also a typical day`s eating posted,would help out a lot.

[Tim Wescott]

Greg,The post is in the "Diet & Nutrition" section and is titled "Zig-Zag Your Carbs To Get Lean". I hope this helps.