Reduce Carb Consumption To Drop Fat While Maintaining Your Strength

**chrispghmuscle** · 10-10-2007, 02:39 PM

Reduce Carb Consumption To Drop Fat While Maintaining Your Strength

Most people cut carbs because it's an expedient way to control insulin levels, lower calories and burn fat. One thing they fear, though, is losing strength in the process - however, recent research indicates that you can reduce fat and maintain your strength while eating low-carb.

If you're trying to get lean yet maintain muscle, don't drop protein to reduce calories; when calories are low, more amino acids are needed to protect muscle from being broken down for fuel. So, decrease fat and carb consumption to limit total calories, but maintain a high intake of protein.

Recent research performed at California State University (Fullerton) examined the effects of a low-carb plan on strength. The scientist studied a total of 16 male and female subjects who performed squats, leg presses and leg extensions. The researchers concluded that a
low-carb plan had no negative effects on strength.

Recommendations: If you want to drop fat, cut carbs - you'll most likely be able to maintain your strength for strength and cardio training. Reduce carb consumption by about 50% and increase protein consumption slightly.

Chris

musclemaniac uk · 10-10-2007, 03:10 PM

i always cut carbs pretty low when getting ready for a comp, but i cycle my carbs. i have 2 low carb days and 1 high carb day, i try to make my high carb day on heavy lifting days, when i do either squats on leg day or deads on back day. my low carb day is about 50-100g and my "high" carb day is roughly 200. closer to the comp you will with out a doubt lose strength due to 2months+ of dieting and excessive cardio. 2 weeks out i cut to 50g a day, depending on how i look and feel and how ripped i want to be. (just my 2 cents, good post chris!)