Whats The deal with eating Protein Alone

[Babyfaced Assassin]

I was advised today not to eat protein or have a protein shake without carbs because the protein on its own would be converted to carbs anyway.
What's the deal with that? Is that a load of crap or is there any truth in that statement?

What if you have proteins and fat?

 

[Wolfie 45]

BUMPITY BUMP BUMP

 

[gonelifting]

I have no answer for you but I just got off a 3 month diet of protein and fat with ZERO carbs.

 

[Babyfaced Assassin]

how did it go for you?

oh and bump

 

[gonelifting]

Lost about 30 pounds. from 230 to 200 and cut my bodyfat more than half from 20`s % to 10+. I was on a CKD. I`m gradually coming off now and bulking again. reintroducing carbs every week slowly.

 

[MuscleDm]

That is somewhat true, HOWEVER, it greatly depends on the state your body is in. There are certain amino acids that can undergo a process of gluconeogenesis, which is where they are ultimately converted to glucose for energy. This will typically happen in a fasting state, or when your body is constantly fed non carb sources. The process is much more "metabolically costly" than breaking down a complex carb for example. That is one of the benefits of eating too much protein, yes it can be stored as fat, but the process will use much more energy before you get to that point.

Ryan

 

[YOURBODY2000]

Lowcarb Diets

I like the new Meal Replacement Shakes called Lean Mass Matrix. It has a nice breakdown of the Complex Carbs/ Protein/ Fats in a nice ratio of 40/40/20. Thats just one example of how I feel the diet should be comprised.

Don't fall for the low carb diets. The primary source of carbohydrates is to act as an energy source for the body. Carbohydrates are considered protein sparing, because when the diet is comprised of adequate complex carbs, most of the body's energy will be obtained from the carbs rather than from the protein. Hence, carbs help prevent the protein from being used as a source of fuel and therefore, is protein sparing. If your diet is too low in carbs, then the body must convert the amino acids from within the muscles into fuel, with the result being a loss of muscle. So, you see, going on a low carb diet will sabotage your muscular gains.

 

[YOURBODY2000]

Protein

The closer I get to bedtime the less I want the Carbs. I usually have a Labrada Lean Body Shake 42 grams protein 12 grams carbs or if its really close to bedtime I'll have a Pure Protein Shake with no carbs.

 

[Zingo]

If your diet is too low in carbs, then the body must convert the amino acids from within the muscles into fuel, with the result being a loss of muscle.

So are you saying that we don't use fat for fuel???

 

[YOURBODY2000]

Fats Versus Carbohydrates

In order to utilize protein correctly, your body also needs energy (calories). If your body doesn't get enough energy, it will use the protein in your system as energy, and less protein will be available to help your muscles recover.

When you reduce your carbohydrate calories, your body will start to use up glycogen stores. Low glycogen forces your body to switch to using more body fat for energy and begin converting amino acids from proteins to fuel. Using fats and amino acids this way is inefficient - it pulls amino acids away from proteins. This has additional negative effects and potentially weakens your immune defenses. Protein is necessary in muscular development (but not as a fuel source).

The amount of glycogen you store determines how long and at what level you can perform activities and continue to exercise. On a low carbohydrate diet your endurance is cut in half, compared to a high-carbohydrate diet. A high-carb diet will boost your glycogen stores and give you more power and more endurance. You can build up your glycogen by carbohydrate loading.
Carbohydrates efficiently replace the glycogen stores in the muscles and liver. Glycogen is necessary for muscle contraction. If you do not eat enough carbohydrate or get enough rest, the level of glycogen steadily declines, leaving you fatigued and unable to perform effectively. You can increase your stores of glycogen by carbohydrate loading. This will increase your energy for power and endurance.