Introduction

[Wilconqr]

Hello, my name is William. I am 6'3" and 40 years of age and live on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I promised myself after my last birthday, back in January, that I'd join a gym and do something about my out-of-shape body. I started slow at first but then progressed to my present regimen of 5 days a week. Since January 18th I've gone from 247 lbs to 224 lbs. My current goal is to get down to 195 lbs. and then switch from fat loss mode to muscle gain mode. Although I do both calisthenics and weight training now, I am in caloric deficit mode (i.e., fat loss mode) now and do not expect to see much, if any, considerable change in my muscle gain. Still, I'm somewhat nebular concerning the correct ingredients of the PWO shake that's right for me right now. Presently I am consuming (only on weight training days M-W-F) a PWO mix of 40 grams protein, and a 50/50 split of 60 grams Maltodextrin and Dextrose. From what I've read, after a weight training session one needs to get protein and glucose back into the muscles asap, thus the PWO shake. My question is this: Since I'm in fat loss mode, should or shouldn't I consume Maltodextrin/Dextrose? or just Protein? Most everything I read has Dextrose associated with weight GAIN; however, since I started taking this mix two weeks ago my rate of weight loss has been boosted. I went from losing an initial 7 lbs. in the first week to losing 1 1/2 to 2 lbs. every week for the next few weeks, to (when I began taking the above mix two weeks ago) losing 4+ lbs. per week. Can someone please advise me on this? Thanks. -William.

 

[Jacklinger]

You should be pleased to know that the body is much more stingy with muscle than previously thought. It's very good about recycling proteins that have broken off muscle cells, at least if you have plenty of fat reserves.

Most muscle loss seems to occur because by getting lighter, the body simply doesn't need to work as hard to move around, so it sacrifices some leg and back muscle regardless of our efforts to keep it. But that's natural and shouldn't be seen as atrophy, just "downsizing."

I myself have noticed muscle loss in my legs but not my chest or arms. I think it's because I lift weights regularly focusing mostly on my chest and arms, and relying on walking to keep my trunk in shape. But since I don't weigh as much as before, my legs and back are purging some muscle, yet I feel no weaker than before.

 

[dobner]

Are you William the Conqueror? I have heard of you in the history books.

Seriously, I appreciate how serious you are about losing weight and maintaining muscle. You weight loss goals are realistic and so is your plan. I believe having a drink like this after you workout is better if it has mostly protein and some other type of carb's. Note that I have no scientific basis behind this yet. I just feel that when depleting glucose in your blood, a boost may be in order.

As long as you are truly in calorie deficit everyday, all will be well. I have been in roughly the same situation. A loss of 1 to 2 pounds per day is preferable to 7 lbs because you need you skin cover to adjust from the weight loss at the same time.