D1srupta's Journal, 31 July 2016

What program are you following? 

I've tried a few different programs thus far, and all have included some type of calorie deficit. My current program I am trying is a carb and calorie cycling program. I eat at or just above maintenance on lifting days with a high carb, moderate protein, low fat intake. On rest days I eat about 1,000 calories below maintenance with a low carb, moderate protein, high fat intake. When I was on the low carb or "keto" diet, it was easier to see the trend as water weight fluctuations were reduced. It takes a lot longer on this diet for me to see a trend, especially since I am attempting "recomposition" , which is basically trying to build muscle while losing fat. I need to rely on measurements over longer periods to be sure if I'm losing fat and gaining muscle.  

Nice drop! Don't mean to be argumentative but glucose does not convert to fat in any appreciable amount in humans. Glucose is burned preferentially and fat gets stored in fat cells. 

I've read a lot about this particular process. From what I take from the data, which may or may not be correct, is that glucose can be converted into lipids and stored through a process called "De Novo Lipogenisis". It appears that this process can be "enhanced" with a high calorie diet. Whether or not the amount is "appreciable" would appear to be a matter of opinion. As any additional body fat being stored is not desirable in any shape or form, any additional body fat being stored would be an "appreciable" amount in my opinion. This is, at least, in my case. I also understand that in the presence of plentiful glucose, the body will generally first store any dietary fats consumed as body fat. This is part of the reason that fat intake is regulated to such a low level on higher carbohydrate intake days. 

I was only addressing the low carb myth that carbs turn to glucose which converts to fat. The study of carb overfeading was 5000 cals/day with 1000g of carbs. DNL didn't ramp up until day 5. Under more "normal" overfeading DNL may contribute to around 20-30g of fat production per day. I agree any aditional fat is bad. Sounds like you got a great handle on this. Great job doing your research. Good luck! 

I hope that didn't seem too argumentative. I like sharing information and comparing notes, and I do not assume that I am right. I am fairly certain I am wrong most of the time. One thing I'm definitely not sure about is if you're in a "low carb" state, will those carbs be rushed into glycogen stores in muscle and the liver? Is that why people eat a "small" amount of carbohydrates preceding a heavy carb feed day? When I am thinking of carbs turning into fat, what I'm really thinking is a large quantity of high glycemic index foods being eaten at once. Once insulin is spiked very high, I do not believe the body can readily, or at least as easily, access fat stores for fuel. I'd love more input. Always need more input. 

When you're in a low carb state any carbs you eat will tend to go to glycogen storage. Some will be burned immediately. There isn't any research showing it will be turned into fat. As far as high/low carb days you may be referring to carb cycling. Low carbs on off days and higher carbs on workout days. Insulin spikes do prevent fat from being accessed for fuel but once the insulin goes back down fat will be utilized. It's a matter of looking at things over a day or several days of eating. If you are undereating calories fat will be burned, if overeating it will be stored. Sounds so simple but there are literally hundreds of variables. Send me a message if you want specific details.