Question for Will...

[MiamiAttorney]

I'm sure you've addressed this head-on, but I've searched your site and here and haven't found anything squarely on point...

First, thanks for the high quality of your work and advice. I don't trust too many people on teh ol' interwebz, but you've earned it with your consistently well-researched and well-thought-out pieces.

What are your thoughts on "The Art and Science of Low-Carbohydrate Living" (and "-of Low-Carbohydrate Performance"), particularly as they relate to athletes? I've heard praise for them from some decent sources. When I tried Atkins 10 years ago, I shredded pounds but was unable to maintain the diet for longer than about a year.

My first thought about these diets is simple: the level of consistent self-control required to make these diets work long-term would make plenty of other diets work, too.

As it relates to me: I've always had good cardiovascular health, but I began lifting seriously about three months ago and quickly hit some dumb self-inflicted joint injuries. Lack of warm-up, repetitive exercise, no progression in my routines. All of that is why I'll be hitting your books/programs after I heal up, and why I'm particularly interested in the nutrition side of strength and health.

While I could stand to lose 10 lbs or so, I'd also like to know some of your thoughts on the claims made about these low-carb diets other than weight loss, such as inflammation reduction, ability to train without high carb intake, etc.

Thanks again.

[WillBrink]

I'm sure you've addressed this head-on, but I've searched your site and here and haven't found anything squarely on point...

First, thanks for the high quality of your work and advice. I don't trust too many people on teh ol' interwebz, but you've earned it with your consistently well-researched and well-thought-out pieces.

Much appreciated, thanx.

What are your thoughts on "The Art and Science of Low-Carbohydrate Living" (and "-of Low-Carbohydrate Performance"), particularly as they relate to athletes?

I have not read them, but some version of that idea has been around forever. As for athletes, which athletes? Endurance? Ultra endurance? Strength? For the most part, strength athletes don't require a high % of their cals coming from carbs, but endurance athletes will to perform best with higher carb intakes.

I've heard praise for them from some decent sources. When I tried Atkins 10 years ago, I shredded pounds but was unable to maintain the diet for longer than about a year.

My first thought about these diets is simple: the level of consistent self-control required to make these diets work long-term would make plenty of other diets work, too.

Any diet you can't follow long term is of no value. Download a free copy The Big Picture of Permanent Weight Loss – A Practical Report. It covers what I see as the essential factors to long term success on weight loss:

It's free on Kobo and .99 on Amazon.

As it relates to me: I've always had good cardiovascular health, but I began lifting seriously about three months ago and quickly hit some dumb self-inflicted joint injuries. Lack of warm-up, repetitive exercise, no progression in my routines. All of that is why I'll be hitting your books/programs after I heal up, and why I'm particularly interested in the nutrition side of strength and health.

Good deal.

While I could stand to lose 10 lbs or so, I'd also like to know some of your thoughts on the claims made about these low-carb diets other than weight loss, such as inflammation reduction, ability to train without high carb intake, etc.

Thanks again.

Other than weight loss, I see no real value. I'm no fan of a high carb diet either, but it's mostly about calorie control, and adquate protein, moderate fat of the right types, and high fiber low GI carbs as the main carb source, is a nutritional plan that's healthy and one can stick to long term. 20% protein, 30% fat, 50% carbs, works well for most people most of the time, while some feel they do better on higher protein and less carbs, such as 30/30/40.

But that also depends on goals, activity levels, etc.

[MiamiAttorney]

I appreciate the help. Just read "The Big Picture". Good stuff.

[WillBrink]

I appreciate the help. Just read "The Big Picture". Good stuff.

Glad it helped. If you really apply what the "Big Picture" offers, it's hard to go wrong really. But, again, depends on the goals.

Elite endurance athlete or Tier one soldier has very different goals and recs than the person who say just wants to get into decent shape, lose a few lbs, and keep it off. So, it's important to avoid wide generalities I find.

"The Big Picture" report is intended for the latter group. I do find most people tend to over complicate things. For example, see the KISS Approach for Success.