Why do people opt for higher fat in their diets over carbs?

[AroW]

Hey, I just thought I would like to get some input on this subject from cyclists

This is in regards to good clean bulking, and is not addressing any body type in general. I have always wondered why bodybuilders opt for a much lower complex carb content proportionally in their diet than say, runners or cyclist? Ive notice that for those that are trying to maintain(not lose or gain) a good lean muscle build with low bodyfat percentage, they usually reccomend lowering the carb intake. If I keep protein intake at 30%, say, with Complex Carbs for 50% and fat at 20%, as opposed to more traditionally where there is a higher fat percentage of say 35%fat, 30% protein, 35% carb, what is the difference?

I know eating a diet too low in fat is not healthy and leaves you hungry as well, but I am not talking about any "low fat diet" here in the sense of losing weight. My question is why do people here seem to dislike carbs so much when they promote fat intake more. This is what I feel so far, but Ive only been here for a week or so. Why do bodybuliders fear carbs so much and does it really matter whether the rest of your calories come from carbs or fats as long as the protein level is adequate? This is just my main question so far.


Ive always preferred higher carb and higher protein in my diet and keeping fat around 20%. However, I use to do cardio frequently and still do but it is only every other day. Now I am trying to incorporate some weight training and am wondering why if I should change my diet at all. Again I'm not looking to lose weight, just looking to have maintain a good figure while getting enough nutrition.

Thanks!

[Enthalpic]

Insulin. During and shortly after exercise your muscles do not require insulin to absorb glucose from the blood stream as muscle contractions cause GLUT-4 receptors to move to the surface. Adipose tissue (fat), however, does require insulin to uptake glucose.

Bodybuilders, in an attempt to feed muscle and starve fat, try to limit insulin production by restricting carbohydrates, especially simple ones. Furthermore, higher fat diets tend to increase the natural production of anabolic hormones like testosterone.

[AnthonyG]

Natural fats are healthy and shouldn't be feared in ones diet. 30-35% of calories from fat is NORMAL to low. 20% of calories from fat is insanely LOW.

I expect I would be getting 45-50% of my calories from fat, principaly beef talow and coconut oil although I'm not counting.

Yes insulin is an important issue. See http://www.westonaprice.org/ as a general dietry reference. The Weston A Price Foundation supports traditionalist dietry research.

Regards, Anthony

[Machka]

Speaking from an endurance point of view, fat is a better fuel than carbs ... essentially, it burns longer. Carbs can give you a quick burst of energy, but if you've got to keep going for hours and hours and hours, you want a more steady, longer burning fuel.

Nevertheless, carbs should make up the largest percentage of your diet. I believe the recommendation is 50-60% carbs, 30% fat, and 10-15% protein ... give or take.

[sfrider]

This is in regards to good clean bulking, and is not addressing any body type in general. I have always wondered why bodybuilders opt for a much lower complex carb content proportionally in their diet than say, runners or cyclist?

Because they're not aerobically active, don't have particularly elevated energy needs, and don't need a steady supply of carbs. Body builders manage body fat by dieting, and a high-protein, moderate fat, low carb diet makes that easier since fat is satiating. When your daily calorie consumption starts approaching 4000 on average over a week, losing body fat is not a problem, eating enough is. (Especially eating enough while maintaining a diet that's not heavy in saturated fats and simple sugars.)