Question:
Anyone doing weight lifting and suddenly CRAVING CARBS?
Hey, I have been doing an extensive weight training program for about two weeks, and now my body wants carbs bad sometimes. Anyone else experienced this, if so, why? does this mean maybe I need more carbs? HEEELPPPP! Thanks, Donna in AL — Donna S. C. (posted on March 22, 2002)
March 21, 2002
Donna, in the past I have gotten into an extensive WT program and I was
always on a high protein, low carb diet when I was. I found that my energy
was lower and my body had a hard time increasing weights and endurance when
fed only protein. Now, don't get me wrong, I am a big fan of high protein
and limit my carbs (esp empty carbs) to this day (I'm 10 mos post op) but I
truly noticed a difference between how I felt just doing high protein diet,
and how I felt on HP diet once I added WT!!! I would say listen to your
body. I had to add some but I just made sure they were good ones! . .
.Those with a low glycemic index rather than a high one! Blessings,
— ChristiMNB
March 21, 2002
Donna~ I'm a certified fitness instructor and someone who works out 5-6
days week, doing both cardio and weights. (Did this as a pre-op,
too...been at it for almost ten years now.) <p>Prior to WLS, I ate a
balance of protein and carbs (more protein, but still a nice balance.)
AFTER WLS, I was eating ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY protein. I was feeling like
CRUD while working out and couldn't imagine why except that maybe it was
due to having gone back to the gym so soon after surgery (nine days.)
<p>At my one month check-up, I was STILL feeling tired and generally
lethargic so I talked with my nutritionist and...she told me I needed to
eat more carbs (after she reviewed my food log.) Of course I KNEW that the
body converts carbs to energy MUCH more easily than it converts protein to
energy, but I guess I was just in the "WLS MINDSET" of "all
protein, no carbs" and didn't pay attention to my knowledge. Once I
started to add some carbs to my diet, BOOM! I INSTANTLY felt better!
<p>Don't get me wrong, I still LIMIT my carbs, but I DO eat
them...mostly in the form of fruits and vegetables, but once/day I get in
some wheat crackers or some potato. I assume you are doing cardio work,
also...that may be why you are craving carbs! <p>A book I recommend
is "The Body Rx" by Dr. Scott Connelly. He talks a lot about
lifting and eating, and although of course WE can't eat the amounts that he
recommends, it's still a great "guide" and provides four
different six-week lifting workouts to build up muscular strength/endurance
and not allow the muscles to become "used to" a particular type
of workout. <p>Hope this was helpful! Good luck!
— Cristie L.
March 21, 2002
I just want to concur with both Cristi and Christi, yes, you do need to add
a few more carbs when you are worikng out. Same thing happened to me, and I
usually get about 65- 150 grams per day, as my body definately told me I
needed them once I started a heavy duty workout routine. Your body has a
way of telling you what it needs. I get my carbs from fruits and veggies,
and also add some lowfat wheat thins, or some Kashi GOLEAN cereal, some
Glenny's SOY CRISPS, or some carbs that will do my body good. It makes a
difference and will help your body metabolize better and fuel your energy,
thus making workouts more efficient. Keep up the great work!
— Vicki K.
March 22, 2002
Original poster here, Carbs throughout the day, or before or after the
workout? I know I need the protein immediately after the work out, so just
dispense the carbs through the day? Thx again, Donna in AL
— Donna S. C.
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