Carbs,carbs…
Well I am taking this medication which is an anticonvulsant and have been gradually increasing the dose. A week ago, I go to the doc for a check on how I’m feeling and I said "TIRED!". Here I am blaming it on the meds of course..and then we discuss my diet. I don’t count calories or grams (except for protein)…and I am just too busy to keep track. So the doc says, " I believe you have low cholesterol" . The carbs I guess factor into this. But honestly, I have really been pushing my training harder than ever. And from my reading knowledge, I know that carbs are your energy, right? Yes..but if there are not enough to fuel the brain etc, the protein I take in, gets used for energy! Shame on me for not using my brain on this…maybe I can blame it on low carbs! I increased my protein intake to 150g and really ignore the carbs. I am just used to eating the same things every day. Oh , but there’s one lovely side effect from this med. It makes me crave carbs at night..YIKES! I know it messes with my hormones from reading the brochure and I think it’s the estrogen level. I hope I don’t have permanant cravings similar to the ones I get the week before my womanly friend visits all the time. I think I will go back to daily morning cardio sessions to surpress down that estrogen! The one thing I am trying to do is add the carbs in the morning and afternoon. I also know the carbs are needed to make muscle! I need to spare the incoming protein better!! The carb increase may also spark some more fat burning..as they are necessary to burn it. I am getting myself all fired up now..maybe I will go workout:)
April 20, 2008 at 10:06 pm
I’ve been dealing with the issue of carbs myself. I only have some complex in the morning after my shake and then post workout. That’s enough to fuel the body….at least for me it is. You definitely don’t want to go Atkins style and avoid carbs at all cost.
April 21, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Unless you’re training your body to burn fat instead, which is the point of Atkins. The problem with Atkins is that it’s marketed as long term, which it absolutely should not be! I’m in 4 weeks of "only naturally occurring carbs" from my broccoli, peanut butter, cow, eggs, protein shake and cottage cheese. Then it’s higher carbs for 4 weeks, then carb cycling for 4 weeks. See what works for you, but definitely get enough carbs!