Oddbean

I love the carnivore diet when I'm eating at a maintenance or bulking level, but what about in a 800-900 calorie deficit? I haven't found it sustainable after three months of cutting. I already introduced 50-60g carbs pre-workout, but I've had to add another 50-60g carbs post-workout. After accounting for my protein goals, there aren't enough calories remaining for fat to fuel me. Anyone else have experience with this?

Its tricky to “lean gain”. There’s many questions id have before giving too much advice but id cut the deficit my half and see how you feel. If you lose intensity in your workouts because you’re tired, you’re not doing yourself any favors.

I haven't lost any intensity. The weight on my exercises has been going up each session in tiny increments. I averaged a little over 21k steps for September. I feel like I'm pushing myself as hard as possible right now. I have a very good trainer monitoring my diet and exercise. I'm not worried. 😆

Agree. Are you implementing intermittent fasting? Having a shorter feeding period may help retain energy. Also I found a 3 day fast once a month gives a bot of a reset and I do t need as much sustenance. Im 5’9 and maintain 170-180 usually right around 175.

I also take issue with the preload carb comment. If you want your body to start using fat for energy, you need to coerce your body to do it. Very low carb (ketosis) for couple weeks on a deficit will do it. Then gently work minimal complex carbs back into your diet. Mark Sisson’s Primal blueprint book covers this topic well and works really well for most people in my experience. Hes done a bunch of podcasts if you want to learn a bit about him before diving into a book. 🍻🧡👊🏻🥩

You probably don't know this, but I've been on a keto diet since 2011. The past 5+ years have been strict carnivore (no cheat days). So using fat as fuel has been my way of life. I don't need to read any more books or listen to podcasts - I get it. 😂 Preloading carbs has been an improvement pre-workout while cutting. I didn't feel the need for carbs when I was maintaining. It's different now and I'm listening to my body. I'm not telling others what they should do, so no need to take issue with my comment. I'm sharing my experience.

Sorry —my comment came off wrong. It sounds like you know quite a bit on the topic and I assumed something based on the pre load carb comment is all. I disagree with that approach is all. I don’t know enough about your specific situation to weigh in. You said its not sustainable. How so? Whats making you think that?

My energy levels were at an all time low. I could barely push through a workout. So I adjusted. More carbs, less fat. My body likes it. I'd rather use fat as my primary source of fuel, but I'm going with this method for a few more months while cutting. I have to listen to my body here.

Wait so you are having a problem with getting too many calories when cutting? Imo eating carbs around a workout is completely normal and fine. That’s what carbs are needed for. They help performance. I’m low carb except around lifting days.

The problem is if I want to use fat as my primary fuel I will have to overeat. Otherwise I'm too tired on this deficit. So I've turned to carbs after 5+ years on carnivore diet. My body likes it. I'm more energetic using carbs as primary fuel, and I'm still in a 800-900 calorie deficit. I'm listening to my body (and my trainer).

Yea sounds good. I think carnivore is really good for peopee with health issues or that need to lose a lot of weight. But once that’s done then carbs can and prob should be reintroduced as long as you’re active 👍🏼