If I hear someone say “low carb” again-I am going to !@#?*ing break something!!!

Common sense and basic biology screams at the fitness oriented person to eat carbs, but I still hear it everyday from my active clients, bodybuilders, and other fitness minded people.  “What has the lowest carbs?” or “I don’t want any carbs.”  The fact is, lack of proper nutrition and carbs is exactly what limits your growth and strength, makes your cardio sessions feel like death, and keeps the fat deposited right where you wished it would go away. 

How is it that an active person or athlete can even think about “low carb”?  How about I tell you to to meet me in Vegasfor a weekend of golf, gambling,great food and I will pay for everything.   I also tell you that there are two rules - you must drive there and…you cannot stop for gas along the way!  That is the exact way your body feels when you try to have s great workout, yet eating low carb. The logic is undeniable, yet everyday I speak to bodybuilders, NFL athletes, and other active people who are trying to find the lowest carb protein supplement or telling me they don’t like a product because the carbs or the sugars are too high.  Are you kidding me?  You are worried about carbs in your pre and post workout supplement regiment?

Here is the deal, most every male I consult, I end up switching from low carb protein powders to meal replacements (supplements with carbs and vitamins).  Only then do I see my clients reach single digit body fat percentages, and have the energy not only for their workouts, by also, life, relationships, and their careers. 

So what about “normal” people?  Of course, the carbohydrate requirement is far less than my athletes and bodybuilders.  However, if you are working out in the gym a couple of days a week and doing even a little cardiovascular workout one or two other times per week, there is no need to worry about the 2 to 7 grams of carbs found in most protein supplements.  You can all stop the quest for the carb free, zero carb, sugar free, proteins and other products, unless you sleep for a living. 

In closing: 

Athletes:  Never drink just a protein shake again–meal replacements only!

Men:  Implement meal replacements at times you are not eating and think about eating more calories if your trying to get stronger, biggger or leaner.                     

Women:   If  you are missing meals consider a meal replacement, otherwise protein is probably a good idea.  I like my active female clients to increase their carbs by adding real fruit and/or some raw oatmeal to their smoothies.              

Everyone: Eat a better diet  – Drink more water  –  Take a daily multivitamin  –  Take a daily fat.

NOW, GET TO THE GYM!!!

Jim Riggs

Founder, Power 3 Fitness Coaching, Cincinnati, OH