Two Weeks of no carbs: Should I carb up or keep going?

[dazraf26]

I know this question keeps getting asked, and I keep reading and still have no real answer. I have done low carb (under 25) for 2 weeks while still maintaining my normal workout routine.

My goal is to lose max. fat-loss with the obvious hope of preserving muscle. So should I continue to do low carbs or should I do a carb-up on Sunday? I am confident that I have been in ketosis (ketostix on and off). My primary goal is to lose fat. TIA

[IMAPACKERFAN]

If you don't feel like you need it, I wouldn't recommend it. I went about 11 or 12 weeks before doing my first one. I started to feel like I needed it about week 8 or 9. Different for everyone, but if you're not suffering in the gym I'd say no.

Now that I've been doing them regularly I feel like I need them every week. I think it's more that I just want to eat honey smack cereal and bread, but my mind makes me think they're necessary.

[-Aaron-]

Yes... Two-weeks is the supposed time frame for a carb up.

However, if you aren't lifting, you don't need to.

[dazraf26]

Yes... Two-weeks is the supposed time frame for a carb up.

However, if you aren't lifting, you don't need to.

Hey Aaron,

I am lifting, and trying to lift hard though I have already realized the slow recovy do to the lack of carbs. Sounds crazy but I felt stronger on the V-diet ;]. Anyhow, I am lifting 4 times a week (4 day split combined w/low intensity cardio). My goal is still max. fat loss but if one day of carb up is going to benifit me then thats what I need to know.

Again thanks for the info and sorry to ask a common question!

[aspengc8]

I haven't carbed up in a couple months, I usually have 1 cheat meal a week (usually a dessert). I would highly recommend adding a BCAA drink to your pre- & during workout. Since fatloss is your #1 priority, try that instead of carbing up.

[timmymayes]

Here is the guideline I would use. If your workouts are suffering noticiably then yes carb up. Remember that when you carb up thats 2-3 days out of ketosis and that means a little less fat loss.

Ultimately its you decision research and make the decision on your own accord don't do it cuz some guy on here told you yeah you need to or no you shouldn't

[dazraf26]

I haven't carbed up in a couple months, I usually have 1 cheat meal a week (usually a dessert). I would highly recommend adding a BCAA drink to your pre- & during workout. Since fatloss is your #1 priority, try that instead of carbing up.

Would a whey shake of about 35 g post workout constitute as my BCAA intake?

[midnight_maraud3r]

Would a whey shake of about 35 g post workout constitute as my BCAA intake?

i wouldn't say so. i noticed a considerable difference in my recovery time when i started sipping on 3 or 4 scoops of xtend during my workouts. that stuff is amazing.

[dazraf26]

i wouldn't say so. i noticed a considerable difference in my recovery time when i started sipping on 3 or 4 scoops of xtend during my workouts. that stuff is amazing.

Will have to look into that. I dragged ass today in the gym! My shoulders were on fire after the first round of sets. I don't mind the burn, but makes me fear like my muscle is burning away.

I think I will give it one more week and experiment with maybe adding 20g of carbo gain in my post workout shake. Of that seems to inhibit my goals I will try the xtend.

[midnight_maraud3r]

now carbo gain?

if so that's the same stuff i use. i put ~15g in my PWO shake along with 1 scoop of syntrax nectar.

[dazraf26]

now carbo gain?

if so that's the same stuff i use. i put ~15g in my PWO shake along with 1 scoop of syntrax nectar.

Ya I have a huge tub of it left over from my v-diet. I think i might be able to stay in ketosis even with say 25 grams of carbs post workout and no carb up during the week. But like others have said, everyone is different and I am going to have to experiment and see what works.

[-Aaron-]

now carbo gain?

if so that's the same stuff i use. i put ~15g in my PWO shake along with 1 scoop of syntrax nectar.

Why do you recommend Nectar? That's a garbage company and product!

[midnight_maraud3r]

Why do you recommend Nectar? That's a garbage company and product!

hold on buddy, i never recommended it...no where in there do i mention how awesome it is and how much he needs it.

i did a search on the forums after i ordered it to see what people thought of it. what they are doing (or tried to do?) is pretty ****ed up.

aside from syntrax's horrible sense of business ethics, you say the product is garbage? why? and what other product would you recommend that's similar? i.e. just protein with a huge amino acid blend.