[BFL] How do you know

[tonil]

if you aren't getting enough carbs? I am on my C2 of BFL and doing Atkins nutrition. I keep my carbs between 20 -30 with the majority of them coming from veggies, however recently have added low carb protein shakes and betagen. I tried a week of adding oatmeal and didn't notice any difference, however I did have a bowl of Fiber One cereal which was a disaster -- with many days of craving afterwards. I keep reading about all the negative things that happen if you don't get enough carbs. I would like to know what specifically will happen and how will I know it is happening? Any comments? Thanx for the info I hope I am about to receive!!! -- Toni :wave:

[Natrushka]

Toni, if you're getting too few carbs for your activity level you'll know. It's called 'bonking' - you'll feel sluggish, tired and worn out. You won't be able to lift as heavy, your cardio will feel like it's taking forever. You just feel 'blah'. If you're not feeling this way, don't sweat it :)

Nat

[tonil]

Thanx Natrushka, (beautiful name!)

Another question. . . do you eat before weightlifting workouts? I usually do my cardio in the am and weights in the pm. What do you think?

[judy130]

Don't use the word "bonking" if you are in the UK. It means having sex, so you have to be careful about the company you are in if you say it :D

Good to have that info, because I was wondering about it too. My carbs vary but at the moment are way too high for the exercise I am doing (not bonking LOL) (about 70g). Think I will cut down to about 30 and see how I feel. Thanks

Toni, I think Trainer Dan and others suggest doing a.m. workouts on an empty stomach for better effect, and/or two hours after a meal at any time.

Judy

[Natrushka]

Originally posted by tonil
Another question. . . do you eat before weightlifting workouts? I usually do my cardio in the am and weights in the pm. What do you think?

Toni, I didn't used to, but now I do. My thinking is this: Cardio on an empty stomach is to burn fat, so you want nothing that your body can use as fuel around. Weight training is done to build muscle - so you'd want it to have some resources available to it to do this. I typically have a hard boiled egg or half a protein shake half an hour before my lifting workout and then within 45 minutes I'll have some more protein and a few carbs.

I've found I'm stronger doing this and I seem to 'hurt' more after these workouts.

HTH
Nat