Last week we took a look at the concept of low carb dieting and its affect on performance levels. What we discovered on our trip to the ‘ketone state’ was that, contrary to popular propaganda; we do not need a diet high in carbs in order to achieve a high level of performance. In fact, the body responds remarkably well to a low carb situation as long as fats and protein are kept at optimum levels. It is only the initial transition to such a diet that may cause a little discomfort as your body gets used to utilizing its new fuel source. However, there are times when ‘a little icing is necessary on the cake’ and this is during an off-season building phase. So, this week we are going to take a look at those times when a little extra carbohydrate can be your friend rather than your foe…

OFF SEASON CARBS..

In the off-season, when you are trying to gain extra muscle mass, carbohydrates are needed to fuel intense workouts. Too little carbs in this case could compromise your endurance levels and your ability to perform at maximum intensity. Carbs are also important when it comes to recovering from intense training sessions as they spare the protein and fats you consume for the process of repair and growth.

The trick here is to give your body enough fats and protein to build muscle and then just add enough carbs to fuel this process. Products such as CARBOLYZE from Species Nutrition(www.speciesnutrition.com)  can help you to eliminate the guesswork when it comes to pre and post workout carb intake. CARBOLYZE was formulated to address the needs of bodybuilders who were tired of traditional carbohydrate sources leaving them feeling bloated or with incapacitating stomach cramps. The waxy maize starch in CARBOLYZE, due to its high molecular weight, rapidly passes through the stomach without causing indigestion or stomach discomfort. In order to get the maximum results from your workout it is highly recommended to take 40 grams of CARBOLYZE mixed with 50g Whey Protein Isolate before your workout and then after your workout take another 40 grams CARBOLYZE and 50g Whey Protein Isolate. These ratios have been used by many top athletes and have been found highly effective when it comes to gaining quality muscle mass in the off-season.

PRE CONTEST CARB CONTROL

The key to successfully using carbs is to control your carbs and not to let them control you! This is especially important when it comes to using carbs during your pre contest phase. During this time your carb intake will be significantly lower and, as a result of this, your insulin levels will fall. Last time we addressed the importance of a once weekly ‘cheat meal’ to increase insulin levels enough to regulate levels of thyroid hormone. This once weekly ‘re-feed’ should not be treated as if it was your last day on earth, with you consuming so many carbs that moving out of your armchair becomes as hard as benching an overloaded barbell. Remember, the cheat meal is ONE meal and it is an exercise in scientific nutrition not advanced gluttony!

OFF SEASON CARBS

When it comes to building mass a basic guideline would be to consume 1-1.5 grams of carbohydrate per pound of bodyweight. The rest of your diet should be based around 1.5g protein and 0.75g fat per pound. Taking most of your carbs earlier in the day is also a good idea if you tend to gain weight easily.

REMOVING THE MYSTIQUE

Once you understand the concept of using carbs as an agent to spare protein and fats for the process of building muscle it becomes almost instinctual as to how to use them and not abuse them in your diet. Healthy protein and fats should never be overshadowed by carbohydrate in your diet and anyone who suggests that you cannot build muscle without large amounts of carbs in your diet should be treated like the Joker in a pack of cards!

When it comes to the manipulation of macronutrients it is all about successful synergy. Learning to choreograph your carbs to dance smoothly with your protein, rather than treading on their toes and stopping them performing their number one task – repairing and building muscle!

Leigh Penman began her writing career in 1980 when she started her own weekly music column in a Scottish newspaper. From there she went on to writing for all the major music publications in the UK at that time, including ‘Record Mirror’, ‘Sounds’, ‘New Musical Express’ and ‘Number One’. Her work included interview such celebrities as Madonna, Cher, Tina Turner and David Bowie.

The late 80’s saw her moving into writing for nutrition companies and eventually bodybuilding magazines. She rapidly gained a reputation as being one of the top female writers on the bodybuilding scene and was a contributing editor on ‘Muscle & Co’, ‘Bodybuilding Monthly’, ‘Strength Athlete’, ‘Health & Fitness’ and ‘Fit Body’. She was also a major contributor to the Arnold endorsed magazine ‘Bodypower’ –where she went on to establish the position of ‘Show business Editor’. In addition to this she held the position of Ladies Editor for ‘Physiques International’

In between all this she has written for Personal Development magazines and organizations –including Tony Robbins UK division. Has collaborated on book projects with Leslie Kenton –the original Raw Food and female empowerment guru – and written for computer magazines…..and now she is with Natural Bodybuilding and Fitness magazine, Bodybuilding.com, RX muscle.com, Species Nutrition and of course musclesportmag.com!

She is a certified personal trainer, hypnotherapist and has been working out since the age of 15.

Species nutrition are proud to announce the arrival of AQUALYZE, a scientifically researched diuretic that leaves you not only ‘cut and dried’ but actually produces significant benefits when it comes to boosting your overall health.

With AQUALYZE you will experience:

• Relief from temporary water retention
• Subsequent weight loss of 8-15lbs in as little as 12-15 hours
• Improved kidney function
• Tightening of loose skin
• A healthy balance of electrolytes (crucial to neural and metabolic function)

With the introduction of AQUALYZE we have bridged the gap between cosmetic and functional. The result is a product, which not only makes you look great, but also feel great and function at a much higher level. So what is in this new formula?

Read on and realize for yourself, the potential of this exciting new product…

AQUALYZE…THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE SUCCESS

In AQUALYZE you will find the following key ingredients in amounts specifically designed to give you maximum results in the minimum of time.

UVA URSI EXTRACT (Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi). Standardized to provide a minimum 20% Arbutin.

Also known as Bearberry, Uva-Ursi has a long history of medical use as a diuretic. It promotes a rapid expulsion of body fluid through the urinary tract, thus relieving temporary water retention swiftly and without putting undue stress on the kidneys.

Glycoside Arbutin, the main active constituent in Uva-Ursi, is hydrolyzed in gastric fluid to hydroquinone. When introduced to alkaline urine, hydroquinone is mildly astringent and displays potent antimicrobial qualities in addition to its noted diuretic effects. This makes it very useful in the case of urinary tract infections, kidney infections, bladder infections and prostate inflammation. So, as you can see, with Uva-Ursi you are not only getting a safe and powerful alternative to prescription medications, you are also receiving significant health benefits and protecting yourself from succumbing to many compromising infections.

DANDELION (Taraxacum Officianale)

Dandelion is an extremely effective diuretic, which does not cause the side effects of mineral depletion, which are prevalent with the use of diuretic drugs. In addition to its diuretic properties it also offers significant health benefits. Dandelion contains bitter compounds that enhance the efficiency of the body’s eliminative and detoxifying functions. It also strengthens the liver, stimulates bile secretion and stimulates the digestive process. In fact, the use of Dandelion supplements actually assist in the removal of toxins created by the over consumption of meats, fatty fried foods, coffee and pharmaceutical medications.

As a good source of potassium, Dandelion also helps lower sodium levels and combats the imbalance of electrolytes, which often accompany the use of any diuretic. By reducing excess fluids and lowering sodium, Dandelion may also offer protection from high blood pressure.

As if all this wasn’t enough, this valuable herb is one of the best blood builders/purifiers available. Its high vitamin and mineral content (especially calcium) also assists in building stamina and endurance.

As a diuretic, Dandelion has been used with great success to treat water retention whilst providing many additional health benefits and is a valuable addition to any supplement program.

POTASSIUM (Potassium Chloride)

Potassium, in conjunction with sodium, is essential to the regulation of the body’s water balance and to nerve and muscle function. It is also of primary importance when it comes to generating the electrical charges involved in muscle contraction and nerve transmission. The maintenance of a regular heart rhythm is also dependant on the amount of potassium circulating in the body. Diuretics (prescriptive or OTT) are notorious for depleting the body of this vital mineral and the addition of potassium to this formula is evidence that we care not just about helping you loose that excess water, but also making sure that your heart is still beating inside those chiseled pecs!

Vitamin B6 (from Pyridoxine HCL)

Vitamin B6 is involved in more bodily functions than almost any other single nutrient. It affects physical and mental health, is necessary for the production of hydrochloric acid and the absorption of fats and protein. It also plays an important role in the maintenance of a healthy sodium/potassium balance. As if all this wasn’t impressive enough, vitamin B6 is also involved in the synthesis of RNA and DNA – which contain genetic instructions for the replication of all cells and normal cellular growth. It is also known as an ‘enzyme activator’, aiding in the absorption of vitamin B12, immune function and antibody production.

Recent research into various B6 derivatives have also shown promise in regard to improving insulin secretion, glycemic control and beta-cell regeneration.

B6 may also enhance the effects of certain compounds taken to preserve kidney function e.g. CoQ10, silymarin, dandelion root.

So, as you can see, AQUALYZE is not only one of the most effective diuretics available without a prescription. It is also a very valuable supplement when it comes to enhancing your overall health. All these things considered it should come as no surprise that it is available exclusively from SPECIES…THE HOME OF EVOLUTIONARY NUTRITION!

Leigh Penman, in addition to be a staff writer at MuscleSport Mag, has been writing for bodybuilding magazines, websites and nutritional supplement companies since 1985. Whilst residing in the UK, she earned the reputation of being one of the top female writers in bodybuilding-related media. Her credits included being a contributing editor on all the magazines in production as well as filling the shoes of Ladies Editor and Showbiz Editor on two publications (the later being on Arnold’s sanctioned magazine, ‘Bodypower’). During this time she also competed successfully on four occasions (placing in the top four in all contests).