For awhile, I was a big fan of UD2.0, probably because it was the first time I ever really got to see my abs (see photos). I hadn’t really gone through with a serious cut before this however. Truthfully, I started UD2.0 a little heavier than was recommended but I definitely saw results. It’s a pretty cool book to read I guess.
Not to diss Lyle, but in retrospect, I have come to the conclusion that ud2 wasn’t the most optimal way of cutting. The rest of this post will basically just be a rant off the top of my head…
The depletion workouts are honestly hell. I give some merit to lactate inducing type work but try two brutally difficult lactate producing workouts while running on 1500 calories with little to no carbohydrates- that’s just too low of a caloric intake for a 190 pound guy. Its recommended that whey protein/bcaa’s not be used peri/post workout or even a meal right afterwords to keep insulin levels low. Hell, even drinking water produces a small insulin spike. After a few weeks, you get used to becoming the walking face of catabolic death during this phase of the diet during which the only thing keeping you moving is the thoughts about how you’re going to devour Cookie Crisp Cereal until your stomach explodes, thereafter your asshole.
Speaking of the carb extravaganza, which comes once a week, this really does a pyschological number to you, and a physical number to your anus. However, thinking back to those carb coma’s puts a smile on my face for a second or two, followed by thoughts of disgust.
Another gripe about ud2 is that there is only 1 strength workout a week, although admittedly it was enough to prevent any noticeable LBM losses for myself. On the other hand, my training partner and friend claims that he lost considerable leg mass during ud2, and blames the depletion workouts.
Anyhow, I’m actually finishing up a very successful cut. I’ve been carb cycling, basically eating carbs on all workout days with low fat and low carb, mod fat on off days. I’ve been doing 5-3-1 with much success, 1-2 hiit days, 2-3 steady state cardio days, dynamic joint mobility and as much NEPA as possible. This has easily been the least hard cut I’ve ever done- the calories are high enough that I don’t feel like crap and am recovering, and workouts are progressing nicely- can’t wait to start clean bulking. I’m heavier and leaner than ever.
Now would I recommend ud2 to someone looking to get lean? Probably not. Would I tell them not to do it? No, but I’d tell them that its a difficult diet for many reasons and there could possibly be a more optimal alternative.