Low carbs with Refeeds

[kyoun1e]

I'm not arguing against everyone. Clearly, I'm wrong. I just want the scientific explanation for how such a drastic drop in carbs will not put the body in a severely imbalanced state and lose more than fat.

Well, key to holding onto this muscle is lifting with intensity. If you diet low carb and don't lift with intensity you will lose muscle.

If you're lean and looking to get super lean you definitely need to be careful. I like the way Lyle created RFL and UD2 to minimize the risk:

* RFL -- most likely a Category 1 dieter so you're limited to 12 days of trace carbs before a huge refeed on days 13 and 14.

* UD2 -- 3.5 to 4 days of low carbs before a massive carbup and maintenance eating for a couple days.

The above schedules along with lifting intensity keep that muscle hanging around. You lose fat but then refill the muscle at the end of each cycle.

I think the above risks along with just the physical and emotional stress that comes from severe deficits and low carbs are reasons why many choose a more relaxed EOD type approach. If you're not in a hurry, you can just chip away at your fat and it hardly feels like you're dieting.

Unfortunately, it seems like most dieters are in a hurry. And I bet the hit the beach panic is already beginning.

KY