My Experience On the Anabolic Diet

Nutrition
2222

I started the AD 21 days ago.I stopped as of today.I was getting fatter by the day.I was taking in about 15-20gms of carbs a day,calories between 3300-3500,body weight 210lb,5’10".

I had previously been only taking in about 75-100gms of carbs a day,no processed food.I didnt feel the crash.I was leaner on day 12 before the carb up,but 48hrs later I looked bloated.Another 5 days of 15-20gms of carbs,smoother than previous Friday,48 hours later,looked and felt shit.
I had made great progress on the previous diet of high protein,medium fat,low carbs.

I also sustained an elbow/tricep injury and my joints feel sore in general,no problems before.
I know I should really stick it out 3-4 months,but I’m not sure I’ll have any pants that fit by then.
It’s great too see all you guys getting great results,but I got better reults myself following JB’s advice.Power to you all.
Cheers

Markos

2223

[quote]SashaG wrote:
On the carb manipulation point brought up by House . . . based on what’s been written on this thread and the literature produced by Dr. DiPasquale I would highly suggest not straying off the allocated 30 grams for the first 3-4 months. It gets better as you go along and it seems that although some make the transition to fat burning early in the program, it takes some up to 3-4 months to fully make the transition based on your history.
[/quote]

I would tend to agree that 30g should be a good starting point, but Dr.Mauro says (and I quote), “It usually takes 3-4 weeks on the phase shift part of the Metabolic Diet to see if we can survive and thrive on this low level of dietary carbs or if we need more carbs throughout or just at one time or another.”

I totally agree with Sasha that less is better. BUT, if you feel like crap for a month and your workouts are suffering, something isn’t right.

To those of you that just started this diet or want to, this isn’t suppose to be “suffering diet”. The first week or two can be bad, but that’s it.

After a month goes by and if you feel (another quote by Dr.Mauro)“good from Saturday to Wednesday and start to get tired and generally unwell by the time Thursday rolls around, then a Wednesday carb-spike day should do the trick. So on Wednesday you should increase your carbs to at least 100 grams and usually more.”

He recommends a mix of high/low glycemic carbs. So, maybe 1/2 cup of Surge (for you Surge-lovers) and 1/2 cup of oatmeal. Even though thats only around 50 grams, maybe see if that works for you at first. Your choice.

Also, “If you’re OK most of the time but just don’t have enough energy for your workouts, then you might try taking in around 50-100 grams of carbs after your training.”

Lastly, “One word of caution, don’t take any carbs prior to working out. That’s because carbs at that time will decrease GH and IGF-1 production and effect, increase insulin and decrease the use of bodyfat as a primary energy source during training.”

Just some words from the doctor.

But, you CAN NOT do this at the beginning. You need to go 3-4 weeks and then you can start playing around. If you feel fine for the 3-4 weeks, don’t mess around with carbs.

Don’t fix what isn’t broken.

2224

[quote]markos62 wrote:
I started the AD 21 days ago.I stopped as of today.I was getting fatter by the day.I was taking in about 15-20gms of carbs a day,calories between 3300-3500,body weight 210lb,5’10".

I had previously been only taking in about 75-100gms of carbs a day,no processed food.I didnt feel the crash.I was leaner on day 12 before the carb up,but 48hrs later I looked bloated.Another 5 days of 15-20gms of carbs,smoother than previous Friday,48 hours later,looked and felt shit.
I had made great progress on the previous diet of high protein,medium fat,low carbs.

I also sustained an elbow/tricep injury and my joints feel sore in general,no problems before.
I know I should really stick it out 3-4 months,but I’m not sure I’ll have any pants that fit by then.
It’s great too see all you guys getting great results,but I got better reults myself following JB’s advice.Power to you all.
Cheers

Markos[/quote]

I should let you know that 48 hours of carbing up is a bit much, IMO. Heck, I think 36 hours is too much. I believe one day of carbing up is all that is needed.

I, too, was in your shoes. I was actually getting pretty big in my stomach when I started back in January. Of course, before starting this diet, I had a shoulder problem and wasn’t working out as much as I should of.

So, after months of doing the high carb/high protein diet and crashing mid-day, I’m back on the AD.

I believe my mistake was from not eating enough good fats and not eating enough “food” protein. Most of my protein came from protein powder, which, IMO, is a no-no. Chicken, eggs, and steak are needed EVERYDAY.

I try to get most of my fats from flax seed, fish oil, and organic peanut butter. I went back on the diet about 16 days ago and I feel really good, actually. A lot better than my first time around.

Hopefully, we’ll see you back here soon :slight_smile:

2225

[quote]markos62 wrote:
I started the AD 21 days ago.I stopped as of today.I was getting fatter by the day.I was taking in about 15-20gms of carbs a day,calories between 3300-3500,body weight 210lb,5’10".

I had previously been only taking in about 75-100gms of carbs a day,no processed food.I didnt feel the crash.I was leaner on day 12 before the carb up,but 48hrs later I looked bloated.Another 5 days of 15-20gms of carbs,smoother than previous Friday,48 hours later,looked and felt shit.
I had made great progress on the previous diet of high protein,medium fat,low carbs.

I also sustained an elbow/tricep injury and my joints feel sore in general,no problems before.
I know I should really stick it out 3-4 months,but I’m not sure I’ll have any pants that fit by then.
It’s great too see all you guys getting great results,but I got better reults myself following JB’s advice.Power to you all.
Cheers

Markos[/quote]

Markos,
Not to “bring down the thread” …but I echo your sentiments.
I gained 10 lbs in 26 days on the AD -and not good lbs either. I too was doing much better with leaner protein and moderate amounts of low GI carbs. I would carb early -and then diminish to zero by midday -early afternoon.

And like you, my joints also began aching coinciding w/ the AD -had never been a problem before.
My previous lifestyle allowed me to lose 120 lbs over a three year period while maintaining a good amount of lean body mass.
I had been struggling with the last 10-15 lbs hiding my abs when I stumbled upon the AD.

I don’t regret giving it an honest go…and I’m really happy it works for those it does work for…it just isn’t good for me -for whatever reason.

If I had to make a guess, I’d say that without a moderate amount of low GI carbs on a daily basis, my body goes into stress mode --thinks it’s starving -goes cortisol-crazy and packs away as much energy as it can as body fat.

-just me though. Glad I’m in the minority.

Best to all!

2226

Marko and Pauli,

Shame to hear of your troubles with the AD . . . I was really hoping that it would have delivered great results for you.

A couple questions as to what may have brought on the weight gain . . .

Were you getting enough fats, EFAs etc.? How were your energy levels?

Were you feeling flat during the week? This is an indication of not enough calories I believe.

How varied were your water fluxuations? This may indicate that it may be taking longer for you to make the transition . . .

Were you guys supplementing the diet with vitamins and minerals?

Were there any other “symptoms” along the way aside from joint pain?

Just trying to trouble shoot is all and am wondering if there are any trends to correct.

Thanks.

Sasha

2227

Also . . . what was your training protocal for this diet? Cardio vs. weights?

Cheers.

Sasha

2228

[quote]SashaG wrote:
Marko and Pauli,

Shame to hear of your troubles with the AD . . . I was really hoping that it would have delivered great results for you.

A couple questions as to what may have brought on the weight gain . . .

Were you getting enough fats, EFAs etc.? How were your energy levels?

Were you feeling flat during the week? This is an indication of not enough calories I believe.

How varied were your water fluxuations? This may indicate that it may be taking longer for you to make the transition . . .

Were you guys supplementing the diet with vitamins and minerals?

Were there any other “symptoms” along the way aside from joint pain?

Just trying to trouble shoot is all and am wondering if there are any trends to correct.

Thanks.

Sasha
[/quote]
Hi Sasha,
I can’t speak for Marko, but it was sort of affirming to see someone else with the exact same experience.

As for the questions…I followed the diet very closely, kept a good tally on calories, fiber, nutrients, protein, carbs (like a hawk!), EFA’s, DHA’s, sat & unsat fats…all of it.
During the third week I tried modulating the calories…didn’t change a thing.

I kept clean carb-loads and enlisted the help of some of the AD vets (thanks DH, Derek and others!). I read and re-read both the book AND the thread looking for something I missed…
My energy never laxed although I did start to feel pretty dejected as the weeks went by and the fat kept sneaking into/onto/underneath its old haunts…THAT was tough to deal with.
My training went very well -and I continue to make progress. The AD didn’t help OR hurt in that regard.

As for the particulars…I train for asthetics, using a High Frequency system 5-6 days a week.
I’ve always done well with HF; I simply periodize and change up specifics.

And water? -I’m a big drinker…always have been -probably in the neihborhood of 2-2.5 gals daily (no kidding). One of my main problems with the AD was water retention. I looked and felt like a Water Buffalo 6 out of 7 days a week. I’d just get drained by about Friday afternoon or Sat morn…then it would start all over all again.

Truth be told…after the first three or four days on the AD, I never much liked the way I looked OR felt.
Things went downhill pretty quickly,
I was just to stubborn to throw in the towel. Besides…everyone else was doing so well! -ranting, raving and singing its praises! Who was I to doubt?

-sorry to be such a “wet-rag”
I’m really not trying to slam the AD. It seems to work so well for just about all that give it an honest go… I’ve simply learned that it’s not for me. And the fault could certainly lie with me…I don’t doubt that it does…but after a 10 lb fat gain in 26 days??? I’ve got no time to “tinker around.” I gotta get my body back in shape…and lucky for me, I know what works (at least for me).

-All the Best!
-paul

2229

[quote]…but after a 10 lb fat gain in 26 days??? …
[/quote]

Okay…THAT was unfair…I’m quite sure that the 10 lb gain was not ALL fat. I know I’m still holding water and I have probably added some lean tissue as well… But honestly? I haven’t looked this bad in about a year. I gained a notch on my belt, don’t fit (comfortably) into a few pairs of pants, and am simply ashamed to pull off my shirt out in the yard -let ALONE at the beach or jogging at the park!
I know that a little fat is gonna come with a lean tissue gain -and I’m okay with that…but I just plain ole’ don’t like the way I look OR feel.
That’s all.

2230

It’s good to hear the good and bad of this diet.

Thank you both for sharing :slight_smile:

2231

back on the low carb kick. steak/chicken/bacon for bfast, yum!

wat kind of sauce do u guys use? steak is getting kinda dry

2232

cook your steaks medium and season them before cooking… if you do it right, there should be no need for sauce… also you can try using some hickory smoking chips in the grill, (i assume you are cooking them on a grill)

2233

You can use ketchup, but don’t use much because it has a few carbs.

Geez, I’m starting to talk like a little high school girl. LOL!

2234

Pauli,

Thanks for sharing and detailing your experience. PM me and let me know how you get on with your next set of dieting protocols.

I guess it can’t be for everyone and I hope that I can continue to see good results from this lifestyle.

Cheers.

sasha

2235

Today marks the first day of AD for me… I figured I better not start it on the weekend let alone a holiday weekend.

Breakfast is/will be my largest meal and since I dont have a lot of time in the morning I made up a little shake.

2 scoops Metabolic Drive
1/2 cup Cottage Cheese
1/4 olive oil
some ice and water in the blender
I use this to swallow my 4 Flameouts

for about 850 cals…

I didnt care much for the shake’s texture so I think I need to blend it more and I may add a bit of natty PB for better flavor.

So far for the day I am at about 2000 cal and 15 g carbs.

I have two meals remaining my goal is to get in 3000-3500 cal/day. So I am tracking pretty well since I wont be working out tonight, formally, I want to stay on the low side.

Later! Snoop

2236

[quote]Snoop wrote:
Today marks the first day of AD for me… I figured I better not start it on the weekend let alone a holiday weekend.

Breakfast is/will be my largest meal and since I dont have a lot of time in the morning I made up a little shake.

2 scoops Metabolic Drive
1/2 cup Cottage Cheese
1/4 olive oil
some ice and water in the blender
I use this to swallow my 4 Flameouts

for about 850 cals…

I didnt care much for the shake’s texture so I think I need to blend it more and I may add a bit of natty PB for better flavor.

So far for the day I am at about 2000 cal and 15 g carbs.

I have two meals remaining my goal is to get in 3000-3500 cal/day. So I am tracking pretty well since I wont be working out tonight, formally, I want to stay on the low side.

Later! Snoop[/quote]

Snoop, that shake really doesn’t sound too good. oh, watch the carbs in the metabolic drive – they will sneak up on you. Dymantize makes a great 1g carb per serving whey iso protein. Dissolves easily in water with just a stir, too, which is nice on the run.

Good luck!

egc

2237

[quote]egcabanissiii wrote:
Snoop, that shake really doesn’t sound too good.
[/quote]

Looks fine to me, but the carbs are about 1/2 of what you need in a day.

2238

In relation to my training while on the AD.I never felt flat,I do NO cardio,never have.I set a PR in the clean & press,200lbs,I squatted 350lbs+ 4 times a week.I train every day,high sets-low reps mainly.I do no isolation work,just presses,squats,rows,deads,cleans and shrugs.
I feel the crash never came cause I was already eating low carbs,just veg and fruit(am only). My diet consisted of eggs, bacon, steak, sausages, chicken, tuna, cheese, olives, nuts, olive oil, cream. I took vitamin C, zinc, mag, Flameout, TRIBEX and HOT-ROX. Drank 2 litres of water a day. I never cheated on the diet, never missed a workout. I train at home, I have 2 Olympic bars, 500kg of plates, 20 pairs of DB…5lb to 100lb, squat rack, bench press, chin & dip bars, hyperextension etc.
I will keep my carbs under 100gms and have 1-2 high carb meals on friday and sat night.

Cheers

Markos

2239

I’ve got a question for you experts. I know the AD isn’t designed to be used with predominantly “clean” meats like chicken breasts, but I lucked out and scored a bunch of split breasts at $.99 a pound. Needless to say I have a freezer full. Now, I know there’s a different in mineral as well as some organic compounds between the species, but a major difference is the quantity of fat. The ratios are close, but there’s just alot less fat in chicken. Butter has a pretty similar fat compsition to beef (it comes from moo bossies, after all) and would provide some of the fats the chicken lacks, namely stearic acid and the n-18 MUFA.

So, if I’m going to be eating alot of chicken breast, what do you guys think about adding more butter to my cooking?

By more I don’t mean going nuts, maybe a tablespoon per 8-16 ounce breast.

2240

[quote]conorh wrote:
I’ve got a question for you experts. I know the AD isn’t designed to be used with predominantly “clean” meats like chicken breasts, but I lucked out and scored a bunch of split breasts at $.99 a pound. Needless to say I have a freezer full. Now, I know there’s a different in mineral as well as some organic compounds between the species, but a major difference is the quantity of fat. The ratios are close, but there’s just alot less fat in chicken. Butter has a pretty similar fat compsition to beef (it comes from moo bossies, after all) and would provide some of the fats the chicken lacks, namely stearic acid and the n-18 MUFA.

So, if I’m going to be eating alot of chicken breast, what do you guys think about adding more butter to my cooking?

By more I don’t mean going nuts, maybe a tablespoon per 8-16 ounce breast.[/quote]

I eat chicken and rarely eat any other meats. I personally don’t like bacon or sausage (like it, but don’t eat it) because of the way it makes me feel afterwards. I used to eat bacon a lot, but I believe that is why I gained a lot of fat. Maybe it was in my head, but who knows.

I now get most of my fats from olive oil, flax seed oil, and fish oils. Some oils (like flax seed and evening primose) are recommended by Dr. Mauro.

As for butter, maybe someone else will answer this. I don’t eat any butter on this diet. Sorry :frowning:

2241

Butter is fine. If you want, follow JB’s rule of 33%. Really, sat fat is not ALL bad, just keep it to a 1/3 of your total fat intake.