I can get cut as the best of them, but overall strength decreases dramatically, immune system crashes, and joint injuries increase. If I go to the other extreme and bulk up to the max I can out lift just about anyone, but cardio healthy goes down, blood pressure is up, immune system crashes, and joint problems increase. Hmmm…seems like going to the extreme on either side is not doing me any favors. So I had to come up with a healthy medium that allowed me to remain strong but at the same time didn’t let excess body fat get out of hand.

For most of the last decade I have been using a low carb and high carb cycle to keep me in the right groove. Since I do compete in both bodybuilding and powerlifting I have to vary the carb cyle accordingly. When I am prepping to compete for a powerlifting completion I boost carb calories significantly on the days I am doing my heavy lifting. As much as 1,000 calories extra if it is a squat or a deadlift training day. If I am swinging into full bodybuilding mode for a competition or photo shoot then the carb cycling is handled differently. Monday through Friday the carbs are low, 50 -75 grams max, but on the weekends I boost it up o 200 grams or more with healthy carbs. This helps me to keep my sanity and prevents the body from putting the brakes on the fat burning process. It also keeps the body from wanting to catabolizing your muscles. As a whole muscles are the biggest calorie users of your body, and if you are technically starving it makes no sense for your body to maintain such a big calorie drain . However, those are extreme diets to do an extreme thing. Neither is how most people could live there entire life, nor do I particular want to live out the rest of my life in such a manner.

So, what do I do when I am not in zone? Monday through Friday I eat healthy with all of my carbs coming from veggies and fruits. I also try to get all of my proteins from chicken, fish or beef, and healthy fats form flax or fish oils. On the weekends to include some Friday evenings I live normal and enjoy not only the food but the company of family and friends. I may not gorge myself, but I am most definitely going to be all inclusive myself. Not only does this help me to regulate the diet and keep myself from going into starvation mode, but it allows me to keep my sanity and those around me. If someone takes the time to make something the biggest reward they ever receive is when others enjoy the results of well planned meal or special entree or dessert. For thousands of years chefs and culinary chemist have labored with a menagerie of spices, meats and sugars to create dishes with flavors that go beyond the taste buds and into several pleasure centers throughout the brain. I am not about to forego the labor of love from such masters nor my own mother’s handiwork because of the small blip of calories added to what is an overwhelming healthy diet. The joy of community with a family or friends gathered together, conversations flowing and appreciation for the few hours labored in the kitchen is well worth it. Not to speak of my own pleasure of enjoying the plethora of wondrous flavors I so rarely imbibe.

Enjoy yourself, family and friends. These moments are not cheat days or failings. They should be part of a well balanced life, which is essential for long term fitness success. So make a plan, and enjoy a wonderful meal with your family or friends every weekend. With Thanksgiving coming in a few short days plan accordingly and make a meal fit for a king or queen. Then enjoy the feast as it should be. Of course only eat as much as you feel like, no need to gorge because the next weekend arrives soon enough for the next gourmet meal and experience. Make time to live accordingly, and come Monday morning you will be ready and prepped for your normal healthy diet. Just as it should be!