Forum | Thrive Personal Fitness » Fitness Fact or Fiction

1. 

   Maggie Van Den Berg
   Member

   Hey Pamela,
   Recently I was talking to some family members about reducing body fat % and my brother suggested I cut my carbohydrate intake to 10% and have the remaining 60% protein and 30% healthy fats. I feel as though this is a bit extreme, so I am looking for a second opinion. I'm currently at 135lbs, 5'7 and a body fat of 19%. I'd really like to increase my muscle mass while losing a small amount of fat. I realize 19% is relatively low, but I consume about 3700 calories a day which provides me with enough energy, but about 50% of this is carbohydrates. I run competitively, so my training schedule is intense and carbs are an easy way for me to get enough energy.
   I'd just like to know how to maximize my diet so I can build lean muscle without adding fat.
   Thanks!

   Posted 1 year ago #
2. 

   Pamela
   Administrator

   Great question! I agree that 10% is a little extreme, but it is common for body building and fitness competitors to cut back that far to lose fat. In your case, however, as a runner I would not recommend it. In my opinion 50% is good level of carb intake. To help you achieve your goals of losing fat and increasing muscle you might instead look at calorie cycling and look at the quality of calories you are eating. Thanks for the question!

   Posted 1 year ago #

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