I’m currently eating and training to build muscle, but I’m noticing more fat gain than I’m comfortable with. My food sources are all clean, and I’m at about 2600 kcal/day (5’9", 170lb, ~140 lb LBM), which I feel is a little low for trying to gain muscle, actually. I’m on a weight lifting cycle of 2 days on, one day off (chest/back, legs, off, shoulders/arms, powerlifting, off, repeat).
I recently re-read Shugart’s FFB Handbook (I would consider myself a near FFB), and he mentioned that it’s a good idea when building muscle to consume maintenance calories for a week in order to lessen excess fat gain.
Does anyone think there would be a benefit to taking that week one step further and eating below maintenance while keeping everything else the same (except cutting workout carbs out as well)? Could this be too detrimental in building muscle (I know that I wouldn’t be building muscle during this week, but I’m willing to lose out on a week of muscle for possibly less fat)? Or, would this week of low carbs and calories pretty much be a waste of time? Thanks for any responses.
I’ve contemplated the maintenance week myself (before hearing about the CS article).
I haven’t done it yet, but I think in theory it could be a good idea from time to time.
Cutting calories though for one week won’t accomplish much of anything for fat loss. I’d say keep truckin.
I understand. I’m in the same boat. I’d just limit your carbs/time them more wisely as you gain (keep the calories up by eating more fats and/or protein. You might loose a little (a pound or two), but that’s it.
[quote]Trenchant wrote:
I understand. I’m in the same boat. I’d just limit your carbs/time them more wisely as you gain (keep the calories up by eating more fats and/or protein. You might loose a little (a pound or two), but that’s it.[/quote]
I actually only consume my non-vegetable carbs around my workout (1/2 serving of Surge followed by oats, blueberries, and Metabolic Drive/Whey afterwards). I’m going to start doing HIIT on one of my off days to try to keep the fat down. I’d do it on both days, but I need a complete day off. Maybe a walk a few nights a week will help, too.
I’ll see how the next week goes with the HIIT added in. Thanks for the replies, and any additional are appreciated.