will i lose muscle mass by cutting carbs?

[liftingfreak1983]

i'm actually planning on only complex for my first two or three meals of the day and apple juice, dextrose, and creatine after my lifts...will i lose muscle mass if i attempt to do this??

 

[liftingfreak1983]

bump karma for good responses!!!

 

[hardrock]

May not build as well, but I wouldn't think you lose unless you are over your genetic potential that is IMO.

 

[Dedicated247]

theres a couple factors, exactly how many carbs are you cutting to, and how much protein and fats do you plan on taking...and overall calories

 

[the guy on the couch]

keep the lifting to low weight, high rep and you won't cause serious muscle damage which usually requires a good energy source to repair (carbs). you won't have much to show for gains, but you won't lose much either.

 

[JoBu]

I've read that very low carb diets such as Atkins, CDK, South Beach Phase 1, actually help prevent muscle loss while restricting calories...compared to just restricting calories alone. If you are taking in enough calories you should not lose signifiacnt lean mass while on a low-carb diet...as long as you keep training. You probably won't gain lean mass very fast though...the right carbs at the right time can really halp put on muscle.

JoBu

 

[Stryc-9]

For me it depends on how low I actually drop my carb intake - going really low (say 30g daily) I definitely notice a "flatness" on account of glycogen and water loss. But yah, you won't necessarily lose any mass (depends on calorie intake really).

 

[JoBu]

Yeah...I'm definitely not as strong during workouts. I've actually been on the weak side for the last 6 weeks or so due to my diet.

For me it depends on how low I actually drop my carb intake - going really low (say 30g daily) I definitely notice a "flatness" on account of glycogen and water loss. But yah, you won't necessarily lose any mass (depends on calorie intake really).