Metabolic Effects Of Low Carb Diets
Q: I feel that my energy is slightly down when I drop my carbs . I'm dieting for a photo shoot and don't want to lose too much muscle mass. If I can't lift heavy then I'll lose my size and I look flat. Can you recommend anything?
A: Your muscle glycogen(blood sugar) is going to be lower on a low carbohydrate diet but not to the point that most people think. Typically glycogen will lower by about 60% but it will be protected by the glycogen that your body naturally makes.
Your body's glucose is going to be supplied by a process called gluconeogensis where protein in converted to glucose. This doesn't necessarily mean it is going to get stored as fat like some would like you to believe. You train at a high level but unless you're a performance athlete who has to do skill work then you really shouldn't worry about excessive glycogen.
You have to remember that full adaptation to a low carb diet takes a number of weeks. While you can lose weight almost instantly, you likely won't be dieting for too long. Don't sweat it. Train heavy, take your BCAA's and good luck.
Metabolic Effects Of Low Carb Diets
Q: I feel that my energy is slightly down when I drop my carbs . I'm dieting for a photo shoot and don't want to lose too much muscle mass. If I can't lift heavy then I'll lose my size and I look flat. Can you recommend anything?
A: Your muscle glycogen(blood sugar) is going to be lower on a low carbohydrate diet but not to the point that most people think. Typically glycogen will lower by about 60% but it will be protected by the glycogen that your body naturally makes.
Your body's glucose is going to be supplied by a process called gluconeogensis where protein in converted to glucose. This doesn't necessarily mean it is going to get stored as fat like some would like you to believe. You train at a high level but unless you're a performance athlete who has to do skill work then you really shouldn't worry about excessive glycogen.
You have to remember that full adaptation to a low carb diet takes a number of weeks. While you can lose weight almost instantly, you likely won't be dieting for too long. Don't sweat it. Train heavy, take your BCAA's and good luck.