Some time ago there was a thread about Atkins diet and exercise. I am wondering if anyone has some good advice about using this diet when you are an athlete. I work out every day, whether it's 4,000 yards in the pool, or 3-4 miles on the treadmill, or dryland training (weights). I went on Atkins a week ago to lose 10 pounds, so far I've lost 4 and feel terrific. Last Saturday I had a 5000-yard workout that was the best in ages. So much energy!
I'm just wondering if it's because I've added much-needed protein to my diet (I'm a carb junkie). A fellow athlete poo-poo's the Atkins plan and says it's a bunch of hogwash, that athletes HAVE to have some carbs and they won't kill you.
Anyone?
Parents
Former Member
I cannot see how Atkins could be anything other than bad for anyone training for sport. You need the carbs to supply Glycogen to fuel the muscles.
There is an excellent book: " The complete guide to sports nutrition" by Anita Bean, ISBN 0-7136-6741-9. This covers all you need to know.
In fact i would think that being on Atkins, would not allow you to exercise as much or as well. So you would lose weight faster and keep it off, if you are excercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet.
Most masters swimmers are pretty trim, and if you are doing enough training you actually need to increase your calorie intake to keep up with your bodies needs.
Good, fresh food well prepared; covering ALL of the food groups, is the best diet.
I cannot see how Atkins could be anything other than bad for anyone training for sport. You need the carbs to supply Glycogen to fuel the muscles.
There is an excellent book: " The complete guide to sports nutrition" by Anita Bean, ISBN 0-7136-6741-9. This covers all you need to know.
In fact i would think that being on Atkins, would not allow you to exercise as much or as well. So you would lose weight faster and keep it off, if you are excercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet.
Most masters swimmers are pretty trim, and if you are doing enough training you actually need to increase your calorie intake to keep up with your bodies needs.
Good, fresh food well prepared; covering ALL of the food groups, is the best diet.
