Yeah that is a valid point. I think we can do a lot of damage to our metabolisms if we eat too low. Isn't that the point of the refeed, to give a metabolic boost?

I completely agree that the body is more complicated than what a chemist calculates what amount of energy needs. Protein for example, is incredibly inefficient as an energy source. Whereas fat and carb are readily used as fuel.

I think we took this thread into a much different focus and starts to go into territory that I certainly couldn't understand. I for one will continue to use post workout carbs and those who prefer not to, can hopefully be successful that way.

Again, you're a boy, and like a LOT of boys, you find that this works. Preference has nothing to do with it - it's just a matter of efficacy. Believe me, I would LOVE to be able to take in post workout carbs - the theory is all there, they taste good, and still, fat spillover. Dammit.

I don't care WHAT genius came up with your diet - if it's not working for YOU, well, ya gotta change it. I don't do philosophies - I just do what works.

Or on the flip side, if something is working, stick with it until it stops working.

I think some women could probably do fine on carb refeeds, some maybe not. Some guys might not tolerate the refeeds either. It is probably an individual response and people will all perform better on what works for them.

Oh, TOTALLY. It seems to be very individual. Too bad there's no way to tell ahead of time. And virtually every trainer I've ever known has told me to do this, so I know it really does work well for (probably most) men, and I'm sure SOME women. Diet can be so TRICKY!

Built,
I've been a little obsessive about understanding the biochemistry here.... so forgive the question: what TYPE of carb were you refeeding with during the weight gain? I was reading up on ye ole liver, and once liver is full of glycogen, incoming fructose will be converted into triglycerides (at a lowish rate, but still).

On a slightly related note, this helps explain why high fructose corn syrup ties into the obesity epidemic. Fill up liver glycogen very quickly = turn on fat storing mode.

I was trying dextrose, in a whey shake. I also tried slower carbs at one point. I tried a BUNCH of ways. I tried to avoid fruit, though.

And yes, good old high-fructose corn syrup...AMAZING the harm that stuff has done...

And no problem on the question. I don't know WHY it's such a problem for so many women - I just know that it IS.