Anabolic Diet

[War Wizard]

thanks for these links, I found them to be useful.

No Problem. I'd also suggest looking out for Atkins recipes, especially the "induction friendly" ones because Atkins's induction phase is similar to the 5 days a week you go low carb on this diet.

Edit: forgot to add, pick up some psyllium husk at GNC or elsewhere to supplement your fiber intake. 40g a day will get you going good without breaking the carb bank because you count net carbs (Carbs - fiber = net carbs), not just total carbs.

[honesty]

Well, I started this today, so thought I'd give you a bit of a running commentary.

First off, my numbers. I'm 31, 234lbs, and 25.4% BF. BF has been measured using electronic scales, I will be keeping the scales at the same settings to give consistent reading.

I am going to be taking around 3500 calories, this is about 700 calories less than I should be at my body weight, but I want to drop some weight as well as loose body fat.

I am currently testing out Hot Rox Extreme, and have 10 days left on these (ok, but not fantastic, I've lost 4 lbs on them. Would probably do another cycle with them when I am less fat, as I can see their benefit when you want to loose those last few %)

[Asriel]

I did this same diet from April 1st until July 1st. I was abso-fkin miserable.

Went from 182 to 154. As soon as I quit I went up to 170 and have stayed around there (but for the past few months, have been getting more and more lean).

All I have to say is: Good luck not getting fed up when you grapple, if you do. I felt so weak I was getting tapped by people that shouldn't tap me in a million years. As soon as I started eating normally, I was significantly better.

QFT!

This is EXACTLY what happened to me. I was not only gassing but running out of energy to the point where I could hardly move.

[Jack Rusher]

This is EXACTLY what happened to me. I was not only gassing but running out of energy to the point where I could hardly move.

Again, Paleo Diet for Athletes has the benefits of the pseudo-Atkins plan without these problems. If I find some time this week I'll write a longer post about the differences.

[Asriel]

Cheers Jack, that would be an interesting read.

I've managed to get the desired effect by having the majority of the day's carbs before midday.

[War Wizard]

QFT!

This is EXACTLY what happened to me. I was not only gassing but running out of energy to the point where I could hardly move.

Since you didn't make it past the first two weeks I'm not surprised. Have you ever done a low carb diet before? If not, you'll probably have a harder time of than if you've done one at some point. The thing is you have to tough it out those first few weeks (anywhere from 4 to eight depending on the person) before you get "fat adapted" and can keep it rocking on low carbs and lots of fat and protein. I lucked out in that I take to low carb diets real easily. Hell I didn't even crash during the twelve day induction like most people do. Then again some people just really can't do a straight low carb diet. Dr. DiPasquale actually talked about to a mini-mid-week carb-up for people who were struggling with going just straight low carb during the week.

[Asriel]

Since you didn't make it past the first two weeks I'm not surprised. Have you ever done a low carb diet before? If not, you'll probably have a harder time of than if you've done one at some point. The thing is you have to tough it out those first few weeks (anywhere from 4 to eight depending on the person) before you get "fat adapted" and can keep it rocking on low carbs and lots of fat and protein. I lucked out in that I take to low carb diets real easily. Hell I didn't even crash during the twelve day induction like most people do. Then again some people just really can't do a straight low carb diet. Dr. DiPasquale actually talked about to a mini-mid-week carb-up for people who were struggling with going just straight low carb during the week.

Nope, I'd never done it before and I'll never do it again. My performance in the gym went down the toilet. I now have fewer carbs than I used to and early in the day and i'm getting the desired effect without eliminating them altogether.

[Happy Panda]

Got my body fat measured yesterday, added it to the OP. Obviously those tests aren't necessarily very accurate, but as long as I get it measured the same way in a couple months, I'll be able to see if there has been any improvement.

[War Wizard]

On a side note, I managed to fit into a pair of 36 inch pants today for the first time in months. My "muscle" measurements (arms, thighs, neck, chest) are growing too, so all in all good progress.

[Asriel]

Hey congrats dude, I also had that experience recently :)

[Liffguard]

Hmmm, this actually looks pretty interesting. For the last five months or so I've been generally feeling quite tired/sluggish/apathetic. I've also been eating lots of carbs (I do mean lots) mainly due to convenience. It's the easiest thing in the world to whip up a quick bowl of oatmeal or snack on an apple or banana. I'm also interested in losing weight without losing too much strength. After this weekend I think I'll give this diet a tryout for a month or so and see if it makes a difference.

[Asriel]

Personally, I wouldn't cut Oats, Apples or Bananas out of my diet. Just any refined carbs; White Bread, White Pasta etc

[honesty]

Well I've been trying this since Monday, and the biggest issue I have so far is just physically trying to eat the amount I'm meant to be eating. I feel full all the time, I dont want to eat, and I am having to literally make my self eat when I'm meant to. As someone who really loves food this has been actually rather hard!

[Liffguard]

Personally, I wouldn't cut Oats, Apples or Bananas out of my diet. Just any refined carbs; White Bread, White Pasta etc

I'm definitely not going to try cutting them out completely, just try the whole "protein/fat on weekdays, carbs on weekends" thing. I'm just kind of curious about this diet, it looks interesting. And frankly, if the claims of increased energy levels in the long-term are true then that would be a godsend.

[Happy Panda]

Well I've been trying this since Monday, and the biggest issue I have so far is just physically trying to eat the amount I'm meant to be eating. I feel full all the time, I dont want to eat, and I am having to literally make my self eat when I'm meant to. As someone who really loves food this has been actually rather hard!

This is a problem for me too, and it doesn't help that I have very little time to cook and eat between classes on some days. Just maintaining my weight feels almost like bulking.