Need advice - posted in general forum as well

[timjoestan]

I posted this in the general forum, and someone said I might get a better response here.

I'm fairly new to the board, but I've used the forums for guidance on more than one occasion. I've come to a cross-roads of sorts, and I'm definitely in need of some advice.

Over the last 4 months, I've lost just under 50lbs on the diet. I'm still sticking to it, but obviously my weight loss has slowed over the last month to an average of 1-2 lbs per week (which is healthy). I'm about 30 lbs from my goal, and I've been working out nearly every day. I've recently gotten back into cycling, and the amount of cycling I am doing requires (at least according to most sources) a far greater amount of carbs than Atkins allows. I'm not talking about cycling around the block, I mean a 62 mile marathon type of event.

My question, I guess, is should I stay on Atkins until I hit my goal or modify my diet now for a "cycling" diet and hope that the amount of exercise I'm getting will offset any possible weight gain from extra carbs? I've read that Atkins is horrible for serious exercise and endurance because the body needs even more carbs to burn for fuel, and that it isn't meant for seriously active people. Any truth to any of this? I'll take any advice I can get. Thanks!

[ttdriver]

Hello Tim !!

I'm SO glad you asked this very controversial question: carbloading for exercise.

First, let me say you are doing a terrific job! Congratulations on your success thusfar!

Second, let me introduce myself. I am an Atkineer and an intense exerciser. I've been on Atkins since January 19, 2002 and in lifetime maintenance since December 2002, 6 years this coming December ! During that time, I have become a full-fledged marathon runner (at age 50), having completed two full 26.2 mile marathons thusfar and a boatload of half marathons, 15ks, 10ks, and 5ks. Since November 2003, I have run over 7,000 miles ... all while keeping my non-refined carbs to 50g per day or less. Now, I need to tell you I have NEVER been a hardcore athlete, but I do enjoy competing in races. I never ran a block until 2003 and now I run typically 30 miles every week; more when I'm training for an event.

I do NOT believe in carbloading. I do not consume additional carbs for running and even for my two marathons, I still didn't carbload. I finished strong in both marathons. Right now, I run a solid 9 minute mile, not bad for a woman of 52 !

My personal belief is, you can train your body to run/bike/whatever, on whatever fuel you consistently give it. In my case (and in the case of most Atkineers), that fuel of choice is FAT. I eat ALOT of saturated fat and have sensational bloodwork results that will negate any such claim that all that "fat will kill you". No, saturated fat is the athlete's fuel of choice. Here's an interesting read for you. Be sure and read all the parts (listed at the bottom of the link). I think you'll find it fascinating as I did.
The Correct Nutrition for Athletes - Second Opinions, UK

Happy biking trails !

Betty

[timjoestan]

So it sounds like carb loading could be potentially bad, but what about upping my carb intake to slightly higher levels? My worry is that Atkins is too low on the spectrum, but a carb loading diet is way to high. Should I find a healthy medium somewhere? I read that Lance Armstrong eats somewhere around 60 to 70% of his diet from carbs, and the rest protein. Granted, I'm no lance armstrong, but right now I'd say at OWL rung 3 i'm getting an average of 40-50 carbs a day. Just don't want to limit myself while cycling because I've trained my brain to be so carb conscious.

[ttdriver]

Originally Posted by timjoestan

So it sounds like carb loading could be potentially bad, but what about upping my carb intake to slightly higher levels? My worry is that Atkins is too low on the spectrum, but a carb loading diet is way to high. Should I find a healthy medium somewhere? I read that Lance Armstrong eats somewhere around 60 to 70% of his diet from carbs, and the rest protein. Granted, I'm no lance armstrong, but right now I'd say at OWL rung 3 i'm getting an average of 40-50 carbs a day. Just don't want to limit myself while cycling because I've trained my brain to be so carb conscious.

How long have you been in OWL ? Do you feel your exercise performance is suffering ? How much fat / protein are you consuming?

Once you are successfully burning fat for fuel, your performance shouldn't suffer at all. Initially, during induction while your body is adjusting to the ketogenic state, its normal to feel more exhausted than usual. That is very temporary. Personally, I can do GREAT on 50 grams a day, but that's because I supplement with extra fat and protein. Do what works for you, as long as you're not gaining weight and having no problems with hunger. I would still avoid refined carbs and sugar. There's no nutritional value there. If you feel you need extra complex carbs then load up on plenty of non-starchy veggies, some low-glycemic fruits and some full fat yogurt.

Betty

[timjoestan]

I'm definitely not going back to super sugary snacks like soda and candy. What I was thinking about was adding in some fruit (I miss fruit more than anything else) and possible whole grain bread(not white bread) occasionally. I'm just trying to find a happy medium. I've been on OWL 3 for about 3 weeks now.

As far as my performance goes, I'm not really sure if Atkins is seriously hindering it. Its kind of one of those things that you have go off the diet to find out if its helping or hindering. I just don't want to be holding myself back you know?

[ttdriver]

Fruit and a very occasional whole grain bread sound very reasonable to me.

Personally, I can't do grains at all any more .. after being on Atkins for 6.5 years, I've developed a serious intolerance for them. But fruit on the other hand .... YUM. I never got fat eating fruit.

Betty

[gmule]

Glad I was able to find this thread. I too am a cyclist and I had the same questions as the OP. Thanks for the links ttdriver. I will use them and see what develops.