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Tatyana · 02-03-2006, 08:52 PM

I think that most people will lose fat by adding regular exercise (resistance AND cardio) to their routine and by 'cleaning up' their diets. A 'clean' diet means that you've mastered all the nutritional basics like eating small frequent meals, controlling portion sizes, cutting down on saturated fats, avoiding sugar, drinking plenty of water and eating lean protein at every meal.

Moderate carbohydrate restriction will usually speed up fat loss, but a very low carbohydrate diet is not the ultimate answer to permanent fat loss. At it's worst it is unhealthy and causes muscle loss. At best it is a temporary tool that should only be used for short periods for specific fat loss goals (such as preparing for a bodybuilding comp).

The flaw in the very low carbohydrate approach is the assumption that EVERYONE is carbohydrate sensitive. Research has estimated that only 30-30% of the population is carbohydrate sensitive and only a fraction of this 20=30 % is SERIOUSLY carbohydrate sensitive.

The best way to look at a very low carbohydrate/moderate to high fat/high protein diet is as THE LAST RESORT for those with EXTREME difficulty losing fat the conventional way.

'The bodybuilder's diet' is usually a high carbohydrate. low fat moderate protein (ratio 60-30-10). However, I have found that if losing fat and achieving it in a healthy way, WITHOUT losing muscle or energy, then a diet of 50-55% carbohydrates, 30% protein and 15-20% fat is a good starting point.

I find that my ratios are often more 30-40 % carbs, 40-60 % protein, and less than 20 % fat. I am still experimenting at what works best for me, I think I have cut out too many whole grains, and my carbs have been mainly veg (including potatoes).

02-03-2006, 08:52 PM	#13 (permalink)
Tatyana My name is EARL Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: On my bloody bike doing cardio Posts: 3,477	Can we sort out the advice please! I think that most people will lose fat by adding regular exercise (resistance AND cardio) to their routine and by 'cleaning up' their diets. A 'clean' diet means that you've mastered all the nutritional basics like eating small frequent meals, controlling portion sizes, cutting down on saturated fats, avoiding sugar, drinking plenty of water and eating lean protein at every meal. Moderate carbohydrate restriction will usually speed up fat loss, but a very low carbohydrate diet is not the ultimate answer to permanent fat loss. At it's worst it is unhealthy and causes muscle loss. At best it is a temporary tool that should only be used for short periods for specific fat loss goals (such as preparing for a bodybuilding comp). The flaw in the very low carbohydrate approach is the assumption that EVERYONE is carbohydrate sensitive. Research has estimated that only 30-30% of the population is carbohydrate sensitive and only a fraction of this 20=30 % is SERIOUSLY carbohydrate sensitive. The best way to look at a very low carbohydrate/moderate to high fat/high protein diet is as THE LAST RESORT for those with EXTREME difficulty losing fat the conventional way. 'The bodybuilder's diet' is usually a high carbohydrate. low fat moderate protein (ratio 60-30-10). However, I have found that if losing fat and achieving it in a healthy way, WITHOUT losing muscle or energy, then a diet of 50-55% carbohydrates, 30% protein and 15-20% fat is a good starting point. I find that my ratios are often more 30-40 % carbs, 40-60 % protein, and less than 20 % fat. I am still experimenting at what works best for me, I think I have cut out too many whole grains, and my carbs have been mainly veg (including potatoes).