Thread: protein or carbs, what makes u big?

If you don't have carbs your body won't restore lost glycogen and it will become catabolic, thus causing you to lose muscle. God Bless America.

Originally Posted by nR_Kris

protein builds muscle, carbs gives u energy, then why u have to eat more carbs than protein to get bigger?...just eat lots of protein ull gain lean muscle, and moderate carbs to get energy.....so pure protein = hard muscle, lots of carbs makes u puffer........,im confused now

Very briefly:
Carbs basically function as an energy source - as do fats (well - fats do a lot in terms of cell membranes/signalling, hormones, body function etc etcl... and carbohydrates do a little regarding some of the neurotransmitters or chemicals in the brain, but, to put if basically, they function as energy).

These substances will preferentially be utilised as energy sources as they are both relatively easily burnt for fuel.

Protien basically functions as a 'building block'. Yes, it is what forms muscle - but it is also needed for the maintainence of all of the cells in the body - building muscles, cell enzymes, cell organelles (like mitochondria - things that create the energy in your cells), hormones and many other things.

But, protein will be used as an energy source IF your body is lacking in the more easily utilised energy sources (like your CARBS and your FATS)!

So, you eat nothing but protein - not only will you feel like utter dog-poop (and you will look it too) but you will also not benefit in terms of muscle growth. Your body can only 'build' a set amount of muscle at any one time (the amount is variable depending on many factors such as your hormones, the stimulus for growth, how much energy your cells have available, your glycogen stores etc etc)... So, once you 'saturate' your body with amino acids (which is well and truly achieved with amounts between 1g and 1.5g per pound lean mass), even if you eat more protein - you will not get any more growth.

Infact, you could hinder growth - as you would be increasing the effort your body would have to put into creating energy (as it would have to create it from protein rather than getting it relatively easily from carbs or fats).

Originally Posted by Emma-Leigh

Infact, you could hinder growth - as you would be increasing the effort your body would have to put into creating energy (as it would have to create it from protein rather than getting it relatively easily from carbs or fats).

Here we go...

Since I am so old skool, this is where I need help...

What are the latest percentages of CARB/PRO/FAT in which "MOST" people see positive gains?

And... By ratio or percentage in a given day, how are those generally "Recommended" to be consumed... (Chronologically)

Originally Posted by The Monkey Man

Here we go...

Since I am so old skool, this is where I need help...

What are the latest percentages of CARB/PRO/FAT in which "MOST" people see positive gains?

And... By ratio or percentage in a given day, how are those generally "Recommended" to be consumed... (Chronologically)

Dont use ratios, calculate by your bodyweight. Read the stickies, the numbers are in there.

MonkeyMan, try the 50/30/20 or 40/30/30 method. Just start somewhere around there and experiment until you find something that works.

cARBies

Originally Posted by shiznit2169

MonkeyMan, try the 50/30/20 or 40/30/30 method. Just start somewhere around there and experiment until you find something that works.

Yes, but I'm also looking for optimum times to consume these...

My Ooooold skool method is meat and potatoes in overkill, put on 25 lbs, then cut 15, to get lean....


I'm looking to find a more consistent diet, and periodize my WO's for the gains..


Excuse me... 40=p/30=c/30=f ?????????? = What are these Grams\%\????
I'm not trying to be stupid... I'm seriously at a loss here

they're %'s of your total caloric intake from which you derive your grams which you then multiply to get the number of calories

Originally Posted by The Monkey Man

Here we go...

Since I am so old skool, this is where I need help...

What are the latest percentages of CARB/PRO/FAT in which "MOST" people see positive gains?

And... By ratio or percentage in a given day, how are those generally "Recommended" to be consumed... (Chronologically)

As it was said. Don't go by %, go by lean mass.

Protein = ~1.5g x lean mass in pounds (anything between 1 and 1.5g is fine)
Fats = minimum of 0.3g per lean mass in pound (I like between 0.4 and 0.6g)
Carbs = what you need/desire

Rest of calories = fill with fats/carbs depending on activity goals.