A new study in the Feb 2010 NSCA Strength & Conditioning Journal just published that a low-carb diet is more effective than a low-fat diet for burning fat and preserving lean body mass, when combined with a resistance training program.
This is not news to the fitness community, but it’s important to realize that with
diet alone, you will NOT be able to preserve your muscle mass. “In fact, about one-quarter of the weight loss achieved through typical low-fat diet approaches is from lean body mass.” Diet not only plays a HUGE role in the recovery process, but also in the hormone balance (specifically insulin) which contribute to regulating your metabolism.
What does this mean for you? If you are trying to lose weight and preserve your lean body mass, (muscle mass) then a low-carb diet may be a better approach than a low-fat diet. This DOES NOT mean to do jump on the Atkins diet, and this certainly does not give you permission to have a Big Mac without the bun!
Be conscious of what you are eating. Plan ahead, and make healthy and nutritious choices!
**Feb 2010, Strength & Conditioning Journal, “Low-Carbohydrate Diets Promote a More Favorable Body Composition Than Low-Fat Diets” Jeff S. Volek PhD, RD, Erin E Quann, PhD, RD, Cassandra E. Forsythe, PhD, RD.
