Eating to Lose Weight

When dieting to lose weight, bodybuilders and weight lifters should realize the benefit of using a certain window of opportunity to eat a large amount of carbohydrates, periodically, to lose weight.

If you are typically eating 250 to 500 calories a day below what your body needs to maintain itself, there comes a point where your body may begin to stall it's weight loss progression.

According to your body, stalling is a GOOD thing.  Your body is only protecting you from starvation, so it tends to slow your metabolism down and extend your life.

But for someone who is trying to lose a healthy 1.5 to 2 pounds per week, a stalled metabolism can lead to frustration.

Enter the refeed; more specifically... the SKIPLOAD.

Now there are many different types of refeeds one can under take, but I'm going to talk specifically about Skiploading; using high carbs, medium protein and minimal fat to kick start your metabolism once per week.

When getting lean for the beach, a bodybuilding contest or to just look great, reducing your calories is a must.  Add to that a weight training routine and cardio and you are well on your way to losing weight.

For bodybuilders in general, the whole point is to get as lean as possible without losing too much muscle.  One way bodybuilders have dieted to lose weight for shows is to reduce the amount of carbohydrates (rice, pasta, breads, oats, sugar, etc.) during the dieting phase.

Once you determine how many calories you should be taking in on a daily basis to lose weight, fitting in your allowable carbohydrate intake is fairly straight forward.

Note: Before attempting any type of refeed, be sure to consult with your doctor.

Benefits of a Skipload

By the time you have reached the end of a week of dieting on lower carbs, your body should become a sponge.  If you use a certain window of opportunity to eat carbs once per week, you can basically eat a good amount of carbs without gaining fat.

This will do two things:

1. It will kick start your metabolism from the previous week's low carb dieting, and;

2. Your body will store the carbohydrates you eat during your Skipload as glycogen, instead of body fat.

And one of the best things about Skiploading, is the carbs you eat during this time SHOULD be simple carbs, or, sugary carbs.

Huh?

Yep.

Wouldn't it be nice to have a 6 to 12 hour window on a Saturday or Sunday to eat all the carbs you want and not get fat?  Not just any carbs, but TASTY ones.

Skipload Carb Suggestions

• Low fat pancakes with real maple syrup
• Sugary kids cereal with a protein shake poured over top
• Low fat cereal bars
• Low fat pop tarts
• Pasta with tomato sauce
• Teriyaki rice with lean beef
• Chicken breast with barbecue sauce
• Bagels with jam
• Honey on white toast

The above list are just a few ideas of what one can eat on a high carb Skipload.

But here's the thing; you will want to keep your fat intake as small as possible during your Skipload.  You can still eat your normal protein serving, but keeping fat to a minimum during the Skipload is essential.

How Long to Skipload?

Everyone is unique and has different carb intake requirements.  Some may only be able to get away with 4 hours of eating this way, others 6 to 9, 10 to 12 hours, and some can even Skipload longer.

For your first Skipload it is best to test your tolerance by starting with a small window of eating carbs.  Keep a log and track your weight before the Skipload, the day afterward, and, then each Skipload there after.  But your most important tool will be the mirror.  The mirror doesn't lie.

After doing Skiploads a few times you will be able to know which length of Skipload works best for you.  The Skipload itself should be done once per week on the same day of the week and preferably on a non workout day.

Getting Help With Your Skipload

Having a seasoned contest prep coach setup a weekly diet plan and design a customized Skipload is a good idea; especially for bodybuilders preparing for a show.

One of the industries best known contest prep gurus is Ken "Skip" Hill.  Skip has prepared a series of FREE online DVD presentations that is full of valuable information on training, cardio, dieting, supplements, Skiploads and much more.

To find out more about how to perform a Skipload properly be sure to check out Skip's Longevity DVD here.

If you are interested in working with Skip you can contact him through his website at http://www.intensemuscle.com.