Q:  Does limiting carbohydrates interfere with exercise?

A:  Yes! Carbohydrates, especially during the immediate post-exercise period, are essential for anyone who wants to build muscle tissue, increase their strength, and achieve maximum athletic performance. Carbs are responsible for an insulin-mediated increase in the transport of amino acids from our blood stream into our muscle tissue which stimulates protein synthesis, prevents protein breakdown, and creates a positive nitrogen balance.

Without adequate carbohydrate intake, we simply cannot increase our muscle mass and strength and prevent the muscle tissue breakdown associated with high-intensity resistance and aerobic training.
A nutritional program that promotes the intake of low-glycemic carbohydrates and encourages eating monounsaturated fats (olive oil, canola oil and nuts), along with the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, not only promotes good health and disease prevention, but also improves athletic performance, thereby allowing us to achieve maximum leanness and muscularity.

Don’t cut carbs if you want to avoid losing lean muscle mass as a consequence of your weight-loss program!