Carbs on a cut: Postworkout - why?

[Warrior10]

Presently I am cutting and my carb intake is restricted to ONLY my pre-workout and post-workout meals.

However, I am not sure as to why I should have carb at the post-workout.

I understand that the carb intake pre-workout is mainly for energy/fuel. But why is it good to have it after a workout on a cut (along with protein of course)? I have a few notions but I am 100% sure on them.

Forumites, please advise.

[Mr. D]

Read Get Built Issue 5. That might help answer your question.

[Warrior10]

I read it but not sure I'm satisfied. Can anyone inform me? THanks.

[Unreal]

Refill glycogen stores, and blunt cortisol.

[Built]

If you've had enough pre-workout, post isn't as important, although you do have preferential insulin sensitivity post workout.

You can have carbs in ALL your meals on a cut. I limit mine because they make me hungry and I prefer to spend my calories on protein and fat.

[Warrior10]

If you've had enough pre-workout, post isn't as important, although you do have preferential insulin sensitivity post workout.

You can have carbs in ALL your meals on a cut. I limit mine because they make me hungry and I prefer to spend my calories on protein and fat.

Ok I hear that...but what is the purpose of carb post-workout on a cut.

Or let me put it differently...what are the ramifications if I have only protein and fat AFTER lifting heavy on a caloric deficit (a cut)?

[Built]

If you've had sufficient protein and carb BEFORE your workout, and your workout wasn't horribly long - probably nothing. You'll have available amino acids and sufficient insulin to counter cortisol.

I did it for a long time this way myself. I did find the leaner I became, the more important post-workout carbs became.

[Lean-N-Mean]

When we talk post workout shake or meal , how long after the workout is absorption by the body optimal? ie. Should I take a shake to the gym with me , or is 15 minutes after my last rep when I am home okay.

[Built]

Take it with you.

[Warrior10]

I did find the leaner I became, the more important post-workout carbs became.

Why was this so?

Thanks for bearing with me Built.

[Quattro]

Take it with you.

Would aminos do the job of shuttling nutrients to muscles and lowering cortisol until you got home?

[Built]

Warrior, I don't know, but I *think* it was because my insulin sensitivity increased and I was more muscular. It MIGHT have been because I was spewing out more cortisol. I'm really not sure, but when I was quite fat, post workout carbs made me feel sick. Now they make me feel good.

Quattro - maybe. I just really, REALLY prefer food to BCAAs so I haven't looked into it.

[Warrior10]

If you've had sufficient protein and carb BEFORE your workout, and your workout wasn't horribly long - probably nothing. You'll have available amino acids and sufficient insulin to counter cortisol.

What is cortisol exactly, and what effect does it have on muscle (during a cutting phase) if I have NO post-workout carb and very little, if any, pre-workout carb?


What if I have VERY little or NO carb on a cut? Right now I'll have a meal like a chicken breast or salmon with broccoli for a post-workout meal. Bad call during a cut or not?

NB - I do ensure that I have sufficient protein daily.

[Dizzee]

I go the gym before I have ate anything, is that ok?

[Buzzsaw]

I go the gym before I have ate anything, is that ok?

Not really. You need fuel for an efficient workout.

[sCaRz*Of*PaiN]

I go the gym before I have ate anything, is that ok?Do you mean you skip breakfast or you don't have a meal for a while before working out?