Trying Out Carb Backloading

[Polar Gook]

Hey guys, just looking for some input on this strategy. The theory as I understand it is to be little to no carb prior to training, mostly focusing on eating just protein and fats. Then after lifting, your muscle cells are primed for glycogen absorption, and any carbs you eat are going towards muscle not fat cells. I've tried it for the last week and as someone who historically has always ate carbs in the am and eliminated them before bed I feel much better with this change I still have plenty of energy to work, and then lift heavy after work. I plateaued with fat loss a couple weeks back however this week I've noticed a difference in definition.

I'm interested to see if anybody else follows this school of thought, and also if anyone feels that the logic is completely flawed and I'm wasting my time. If anyone is interested in researching carb backloading, Dr. John Keifer has a good deal of material worth reading.

 

[DrHouse]

Keifer, from my understanding, is the one who put backloading on the map. You can actually find his book online as a PDF. I have personally read it cover to cover (well electronically) and I find his theories very appealing and intellectual. To me, it makes sense. However, it isn't for every one. That type of life style is one I myself followed (somewhat) before even reading the book but backloading does not suite me well. Considering my training times varies from early morning to late at night, it is not optimal for me. However, like Keifer said, if you train in the afternoon (4-6pm if I recall) daily, then it would be more idea for you.

With that said, I tried it with my variation of schedule and I would eat ice cream and pizza and things like that just to see if it would work, and it did. I didn't gain fat over the few weeks I did it. I didn't eat like that every night obviously, but way more than I normally would.. However, I wouldn't recommend eating that type of food. It was more of an experiment with me.

I would say, if you are patient, looking for fat loss with minimal muscle wasting and are around 12% or less body fat, I could see backloading working for you. I do NOT think its for someone looking to build muscle, burn excessive amounts of fat, or someone who is out of control when they're able to eat a little more freely (I'm the last of those definitely!).

Anyways, if you're really wanting to do backloading, read his book. It has example diets and timing for those individuals who the program isn't ideal for and all the science behind it.

 

[Polar Gook]

Thanks doc, ya I've really liked the results I've seen. I've been lifting for about 5 years now but only recently have I started to take it very seriously. Im doing a NPC show for bodybuilding in April. Right now I'm 23, 6', 195lbs, bf is 9% on calipers, I have unflexed abs and obliques so I'm somewhat confident on the accuracy of those. Although I haven't read his book just by following the basic principle of no carbs till post w/o and keeping the foods clean still I've been liking the results. I usually get in some whey isolate followed by a carb blend immediately after, then I try and eat a meal high in protein and high glycemic carbs. I know it's all in my head but i get like a rush when I feel the insulin hit after not eating carbs all day, it's actually very relaxing after working all day then lifting for a couple hours.
I guess now I'd like to know if this is a feasible diet strategy to run up until my pre contest or even up until the show if I can hold a very low bf% with it then water deplete. Also I should mention I've been on LGD-4033 @ 10mg a day and I love it however I'm thinking about starting a cycle on new years of maybe test p @ 800mg, tren @ 250-400, possibly with an Anadrol front load. I've done two cycles already 1st was test e @ 600 a week with 20 days of anadrol to start I had a short PCT then like a dipshit jumped right back in with test @ 800 and deca @ 600. Went up to 225lb bodyweight but at present time I can lift more with 30lb less bodyweight. After I PCT'd and went back to natty I slowly recomped and held 185 natural with about the same strength as on cycle. Now that I have much more experience and an actual reason to be doing gear, as well as low bf and a good base, I think I'm ready for the big dog tren. I'd like to get up to 215 while staying as lean as I am, but I can't get too big as I need to be under 195 after water depletion so I don't have to compete with guys that are 220+. So to summarize my long winded-ness; is this diet feasible for the muscle gain I'm looking for on gear or should I be shoving clean food down my throat at any opportunity? haha

 

[DrHouse]

I don't think carb back loading is optimal for growth. That's not saying cram down food all day long. I believe in meal timing, as some do not. For me, changing when I eat certain meals of the day can alter my weight gain or loss.

I'm not here to talk you out of something you want to do, but before you cycle you should have someone (or multiple) critique your cycle and see if there are any flaws that may be detrimental to your health.

For your goals, I think its very feasible to obtain lean mass while maintaining your current body fat but I think a natural route would be a better suite for your goals. I think if you could naturally obtain your goal, you would be better off. I'm not sure your bone structure and other variables that would define when I think you should cycle, but at 6' I would say obtaining a physique that is about 215 lbs and 10% body fat is very achievable for you. The time frame may be more of an obstacle but I truly think building your foundation would be better time spent then cycling to obtain something you can do naturally.

 

[Polar Gook]

Interesting I was thinking I could probably make better gains by eating throughout the day as opposed to this when on gear. I feel like I could probably achieve 210-215 at around 10% natural however in knowing my body and what it takes to grow I know I'll more than likely gain fat as well if I bulk to that without gear, not to mention I won't be ready by late spring (not the end of the world, but this is something I'm committing a great deal of time to). I know my reasons probably aren't justifiable to many, but I personally know a good deal of my competitors and many are and have been on cycle for a while here and I know I can beat them if I cycle and continue burning fat like I have been.

I'll throw some pics up later tonight and maybe you could give me your opinion on when you think would be optimal for me to cycle and I'll consider waiting until then, the big thing is my lifting partner just qualified for mens physique nationally so we're going to seattle for nationals the week after the april show and if I can place top 5 at NPC state show I can compete too. However I saw this summer that when I'm dialed in naturally I can still build muscle fairly well so if you think it would be beneficial to build more natural foundation I may hold off until I get up there. Thanks again!

 

[DrHouse]

Always here to help. I'll try to keep an eye on the thread if you ever want my opinion. I'm definitely not the most intelligent person nor do I have ample amounts of experience but I do a lot of reading and studying. Plus, I work pretty hard myself in and outside of the weight room.

 

[kratoos]

Hey dr please check my thread on cbl and please comment . Sorry op for asking here