Carb Cycling Questions

[totalchaos]

I am currently on a cutting diet and have read a lot of information lately about carb cycling. Basically the idea is to alternate between low and high carb days. Right now I will have a 0 carb day, and I mean absolutely none isopure 0 carb protein and chicken and fish or any meat, only 1 or 2 days a week and that will be on my cardio only days. On a few weight training days, say 2 or so I'll have really low carbs mostly just after I work out maybe 50-100. Then I have one huge carb day and one cheat day every week to week and a half. My question is, on my 0 carb and low carb days, should I up the protein and fat or just the protein or just the fat or both? I've read many different suggestions on it, many contradicting each other so I am fairly confused I understand everyone is different but does anyone know in general a good rule of thumb for that. Also am I on the right track? I'm 6'2, about 225 with anywhere from 16-21% body fat it reads different on every machine so I know I'm probably somewhere in there, planning on getting down to the 10-11% range. Thanks.

[mesomorph]

There is a difference between low-high carb cycling and 0-low cycling. I must admit I have only heard of zero carb days in extreme circumstances for some natural bodybuilders. The body needs carbs for normal functioning ie homeostasis. On higher carb days the body's response to low days is to overcompensate for its depletion, the result of which is a hot metabolism therefore a greater and more efficient use of all energy sources. In other words more fat burning bang for your dieting buck. I don't believe that zero carbs ellicit the same responses ie there is a different chemical reaction that occurs because of the carb flatline which does not maximise fat loss. IMO go LOW not ZERO and take in both fat and protein on your LOW days. Another concern re zero is the quality and intensity of workouts would suffer. Bottomline: not efficient.

[.V.]

For cutting while maintaining muscle, I can just tell you what I've noticed in my own body and in the bodies of those I personally help with their diet and workouts that gives the best results. I'm sure it does not work for everyone but again, have not worked with anyone who it didn't...if they can survive the first 2-3 weeks.

It is just yet another carb cycling routine, nothing special, but does work.

M-F high fat, moderate protein, and low carbs (20-30g). S,S high carbs, dont worry about protein, and keep fat high.

This would mean to eat 60% fat, 35% protein, and 5% carbs...or less through the week then cheat like hell on weekends. Keep calories around 10 or a little more for cutting, bump them up to 20 or so for bulking. Preferably healthier cheats though. Pizza with whole wheat crust. Lazagna with whole grain pasta. Beer in moderation... you get the idea.

If you just want to get totally ripped, then do this to reach 10% or so. Then drop the cheat weekends and do it very strict for 10-12 weeks. Drink 1-1.5 gallons of water each day and NEVER forget your fiber supplement.

Good luck to ya.

[totalchaos]

Of that 20-25 grams of carbs a day, should it pretty much all come from fiber? Also I read a lot about green veggies not counting towards carbs but they do have carbs in them, even a little sugar so wouldn't they count?