As I mentioned in a previous article, I have been working my own Experiment of One for a long time now. During that time I have learned what works well for my body and what does not. My only issue has been actually sticking to the plan. I spent some time reviewing my past performance and figured out where the pitfalls were. I am now going to execute a plan that not only addresses fat loss issues, but also addresses the ability to adhere to the program for long periods of time.
Now, like a workout routine, I have found that it is important to change up your nutritional strategy on a cyclical basis. I wrote out my plan and set a date to start it (this past Sunday). I then came into contact with the Lean Hybrid Muscle guys, Elliott Hulse and Mike Westerdal, via a video they had prepared for the launch of their new product, Lean Hybrid Muscle Reloaded (a review of that product will be forthcoming in the next few months). To say I was a little shocked is putting it mildly. Other than the fasting day they inserted, they are pretty must using the same nutritional program I had planned for myself.
After a discussion with Tom Venuto, I have adjusted my calories a little to accelerate fat loss, but here is the plan so far. I am going to cycle my carbs over a 7 day period. I will also be cycling my total caloric intake over that same 7 day period. Monday and Tuesday will be low carb, high fat and high protein days (55/15/30 protein/carbs/fat) with 2100 total calories. I will then fast from my final meal on Tuesday until 6 p.m. on Wednesday. This part might only be temporary as my original plan called for a 40/40/20 day on Wednesday, so we shall see. Thursday and Friday will see low carb, low fat and high protein (75/15/10 protein/carbs/fat) with 2300 calories. I will then have a refeed day every Saturday with a 40/50/10 (protein/carbs/fat) ratio and 2500 calories. Depending upon how “carbed up” I feel after Saturday, I will either do the same on Sunday or switch to a 40/40/20 ratio for Sunday.
The idea that I am keeping carbs very low for 5 days is daunting, but at the same time, the mini-cycles where the calories and the ratios change has me convinced that I will be able to stick to the program. That is going to be the key for me because I already workout like a beast. I believe that my body will react quite well with this system. It is sort of a modified Anabolic Diet program, modified to eliminate the ton of fat that program allows.
One final thing: I have started taking Shakeology from Beachbody. They claim it will help suppress cravings and give me energy. I will tell you that it tastes great. I've been on it for 2 days now. I will give a detailed description of my experience with Shakeology next week.
